Legalization rules changed in Poland: how Ukrainians can get a CUKR card from 2026
17 December 08:48
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a law that significantly changes the rules for obtaining residence permits for foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens with PESEL UKR status. The document was adopted on November 21, 2025 and will come into force in 2026. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to InPoland.
The key innovations are the complete digitalization of the document submission procedure and the introduction of a new type of residence permit for Ukrainians – the CUKR card.
Electronic filing of documents: what will change
Starting from 2026, all applications for a residence permit in Poland – temporary, permanent or EU resident card – can be submitted exclusively online.
The application will be submitted through a special state platform MOS (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) – the case management module.
What it means in practice:
- paper applications are canceled;
- there is no need to stand in lines;
- you can submit documents at any time of the day;
- electronic filing will be free of charge.
The Polish authorities explain these changes by the desire to relieve the workload of voivodeship offices and speed up the consideration of cases.
What is a CUKR card and why was it introduced?
A new document, the CUKR card, is now available for Ukrainians who are under temporary protection in Poland.
This is a special residence permit designed specifically for Ukrainian citizens with PESEL UKR status.
Main characteristics of the CUKR card:
- validity period – 3 years;
- issued in an electronic administrative procedure;
- confirms legal residence and status in Poland;
- replaces temporary decisions related to military protection.
Who is eligible for a CUKR card
The law clearly defines the requirements for applicants. Ukrainians who simultaneously meet the following conditions will be able to obtain a CUKR card
- had the status of UKR as of June 4, 2025;
- have the status of UKR at the time of application;
- have held the status of UKR continuously for at least 365 days prior to the date of application;
- have a valid foreign passport;
- minors apply through their parents or legal guardians;
- a child born in Poland can receive a CUKR if the mother arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022, has refugee status, and has already received her own CUKR card.
When the application may be rejected
The MOS system will automatically check the applicant’s data. The application may not be accepted or rejected if the PESEL UKR register contains missing or incomplete information.
Critical information is:
- first and last name
- date of birth
- gender and citizenship;
- passport details (series, number, validity period);
- fingerprints (or an official note on the impossibility of their removal);
- signature sample (required for persons over 12 years of age).
Experts advise to check your data in PESEL in advance to avoid problems with the application.
What does it mean for Ukrainians in Poland
The introduction of the CUKR card and the full digitalization of procedures mean
- more stable legal status
- reduction of bureaucracy;
- clear and unified rules of legalization;
- gradual transition from the “temporary protection” regime to long-term solutions.
