Big news is on the horizon for Ukrainian citizens living in Poland! It looks like next year, a major change is coming in the form of a brand-new residence permit. This isn't just a minor update; it's a significant step towards more stability, offering a card valid for three years. The law that makes this all possible has already passed through Parliament and is just waiting for the President's signature to become official.
Key Highlights
- ✓ A new 3-year residence permit, the Karta pobytu CUKR, is coming for Ukrainians.
- ✓ Applications will be submitted 100% online through a dedicated portal called MOS.
- ✓ Eligibility requires having PESEL UKR status on June 4, 2025, and for 365 continuous days.
- ✓ The card grants full access to the Polish labor market and business activities.
- ✓ Receiving the CUKR card will automatically cancel your existing UKR status and its related benefits.
So, What's the Deal with the CUKR Card?
Alright, let's break it down. This new card is being called the Karta pobytu CUKR. The main takeaway is that it’s a temporary residence permit that will be valid for a full three years. This is a game-changer for many who have been living under the rules of temporary protection. The entire process to get this card is moving online, which is fantastic news for anyone who dreads long queues and paperwork.
The application will be handled through a special online portal known as the Moduł Obsługi Spraw (MOS). Officials have promised to give everyone a heads-up well in advance about when the system will go live. One thing they've made crystal clear is that it won't be on January 1, 2026, so we'll need to keep an eye out for the official announcement.
Are You Eligible? Let's Check the Requirements
The big question, of course, is who can actually apply for this new card. The criteria are very specific, and you have to meet every single one of them. First off, you must be a citizen of Ukraine or a family member (like a spouse). Your current stay in Poland needs to be considered legal because you're under temporary protection.
Here's where it gets really specific with dates. You must have had UKR status on June 4, 2025, and you must still have it on the day you submit your application. On top of that, your UKR status needs to have been uninterrupted for at least 365 days. It's a clear move to provide a path for those who have established a more long-term presence in Poland.
What About Children?
The rules also cover children, which is incredibly important. A minor child who came with you from Ukraine can also get a card, as long as they meet all the same conditions mentioned above. Naturally, a parent or legal guardian will be the one to submit the application on their behalf.
There’s also a provision for children born right here in Poland. Your child can get a CUKR card if their mother arrived legally from Ukraine after February 24, 2022, due to the war. For this to happen, the child must have legal residence under temporary protection, have UKR status when the application is filed, and the mother must have her own Karta pobytu CUKR.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Data is Key
This part is absolutely crucial. Before you even think about applying, you need to make sure your data in the PESEL UKR register is complete and up-to-date. The system is designed to automatically reject applications if any key information is missing. Think of it as a digital gatekeeper—if your file isn't complete, you won't get through.
So, what do they need? The list includes your full name, date of birth, gender, citizenship, and the details of a valid travel document (series, number, and expiration date). They also need your fingerprints on file (or a note if it's physically impossible to take them) and a digital copy of your handwritten signature for anyone over 12 who can sign. Double-checking this beforehand will save you a massive headache later.
The All-Digital Application Process
Here's the really good news: you can say goodbye to queuing up at the voivodeship office. The entire application for the CUKR card will be done online through the MOS portal. You can do it from the comfort of your home, at any time that works for you. You can even start the application, save your progress, and come back to it later.
To start, you'll need to create a new user account in the new MOS system—even if you have one in the current system, you'll need a fresh one. You'll log in personally using login.gov.pl, fill out the form, and sign it electronically. This means you’ll need a trusted profile (profil zaufany), a qualified electronic signature, or a personal signature to finalize it.
You’ll also have to upload a current digital photo and proof of payment for the fees. The costs are broken down into two parts: a 340 zÅ‚ stamp duty for the residence permit itself, and a 100 zÅ‚ fee for issuing the physical card. The system is free to use, so you don't have to pay any intermediaries. Once you submit everything correctly, the only time you'll need to visit the office is to pick up your brand-new card.
The Benefits vs. The Fine Print
Getting the Karta pobytu CUKR comes with some pretty solid advantages. Once you have it, your legal stay transforms into a three-year temporary residence permit. This gives you full access to the labor market, meaning you won't need an extra work permit. You can also run a business on the same terms as Polish citizens, which opens up a lot of opportunities.
The card, along with your passport, allows you to travel throughout the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Even better, the time you spend in Poland with this card will count towards the period required if you decide to apply for an EU long-term resident permit down the road.
But, and this is a big but, there are things you absolutely must remember. As mentioned, getting the CUKR card cancels your UKR status. You will lose the specific benefits tied to that status, though you might still qualify for others like 800+ if you meet their general criteria. You'll also be required to inform the voivode of any change of address within 15 working days.
Finally, two critical deadlines to be aware of. If you leave Poland for a period of more than 6 months, your residence permit will be revoked. And when you're notified that your card is ready, you have 60 days to pick it up. If you miss that window, the permit won't be granted, and the card will be invalidated. It's a serious commitment with new responsibilities.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the upcoming Karta pobytu CUKR represents a major shift, offering a clear path to a more stable, three-year residency for many Ukrainians in Poland. The move to an all-digital application process is a welcome modernization that should make things much simpler. However, it's essential to understand the trade-offs, like the cancellation of the UKR status and the new obligations that come with the card. We'll be waiting for the President's signature and the official launch date, but it's definitely time to start getting prepared.
