UKR status and temporary protection of Ukrainian citizens remain in force until 4 March 2027. Those who wish to stay in Poland longer may apply for a temporary residence permit confirmed by a residence card marked “CUKR”. The application is filed exclusively via MOS.
Legal basis
- Act of 23 January 2026 on phasing out the solutions under the Act on assistance to citizens of Ukraine (Journal of Laws 2026, item 203), in force since 5 March 2026.
- Act of 12 March 2022 on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that state (to the extent still in force).
- Act on Foreigners – in matters not otherwise regulated.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4 June 2025 | Date on which UKR status was required |
| 5 March 2026 | Entry into force of the act phasing out the special act |
| 4 May 2026 | MOS starts accepting CUKR applications |
| 31 August 2026 | Deadline for confirming identity by persons who obtained PESEL UKR without a passport |
| 4 March 2027 | End of temporary protection and UKR status; last day to apply |
Who can apply
An application may be filed by a citizen of Ukraine who:
- had UKR status on 4 June 2025 and has it on the date of filing and on the date the card is issued,
- has held UKR status continuously for at least 365 days,
- holds a valid travel document.
These conditions must be met jointly. Leaving Poland for more than 30 days results in the loss of UKR status and may therefore exclude the possibility of obtaining CUKR.
Procedure and fees
The application is filed electronically in MOS and signed with a trusted profile, a qualified electronic signature or a personal signature. The stamp duty is PLN 340 and the residence card fee is PLN 100. The voivode summons the applicant to appear in person to have fingerprints taken. The card must be collected within 60 days.
What the CUKR card gives you
- a temporary residence permit valid for 3 years,
- full access to the labour market without additional permits,
- the right to run a business on the same terms as Polish citizens,
- travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period,
- the period of stay on the basis of CUKR counts towards the period required for an EU long-term resident permit.
According to the position of the Office for Foreigners, a period of stay based solely on UKR status is not counted towards the period required for an EU long-term resident permit (Art. 211 of the Act on Foreigners). This issue may be disputed and practice should be monitored.
Risks – what to consider before applying
Obtaining CUKR means leaving the temporary protection system. This involves losing rights linked to UKR status (e.g. certain benefits). Before applying, it is worth checking whether another basis of stay would be more favourable in your situation, e.g. a temporary residence and work permit, an EU long-term resident permit or a permanent residence permit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a paper application at the office? No. CUKR applications are accepted only via MOS.
What if my passport has expired? A valid travel document is one of the conditions. Renewing the passport before applying is usually necessary.
Do children also need CUKR? Every person, including a minor, needs their own residence title; the application for a child is filed by the statutory representative.
What if I do not apply by 4 March 2027? After temporary protection ends, your stay will require another legal basis. Plan your legalisation in advance.
This article is for general information purposes only and reflects the law as at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any individual case. Before applying for CUKR we recommend a consultation – we will help you assess which legalisation path is the most favourable for you.