Ukrainians residing in Poland under the PESEL UKR status can now apply for a new three-year residence permit, transitioning from temporary protection to long-term legal residency. This process is exclusively conducted online, as reported by RMF FM.
The Polish Office for Foreigners has announced the launch of applications for the CUKR residence card for Ukrainian citizens and their family members currently under temporary protection. Eligible applicants must meet several criteria:
- Legally residing in Poland under temporary protection,
- Having Ukrainian citizenship as of June 4, 2025,
- Maintaining this status at the time of application and having held it continuously for at least 365 days.
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Management Affairs Module portal. After submission, applicants will receive an invitation to the voivodeship office to complete the residence card process.
The application fee is set at 340 PLN, with an additional 100 PLN charge for the card itself. Upon receiving the CUKR residence card, the temporary protection status will cease, and the permit will be valid for three years. This permit grants full access to the labor market without the need for additional permissions and allows individuals to operate businesses in Poland on par with Polish citizens.
Furthermore, cardholders can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they possess a valid travel document. Time spent under this permit will also count towards the duration required for obtaining long-term EU residency.
Transitioning to this new status results in the loss of benefits associated with temporary protection, including free accommodation and meals in collective centers.
How to Apply for the CUKR Permit
Applications for the CUKR residence permit can be submitted from May 4, 2026, to March 4, 2027, exclusively in electronic form via the MOS portal. There is no need to book an appointment or wait in line. Applicants can pause the application process, save their entered data, and edit it later.
“Access to the MOS system is free. The only costs incurred will be the stamp duty for the temporary residence permit (340 PLN) and the fee for the issuance of the residence permit (100 PLN),” states the government website.
Steps to Apply for the CUKR Permit:
1. Create a user account in the new MOS system. If an account exists in the previous version of the system, a new registration is required.
2. Log in to the MOS system via login.gov.pl (clicking “zaloguj” on the MOS page will redirect you) and complete the residence permit application form for Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection.
3. Attach the required documents:
- A current digital photograph;
- Proof of payment (a scanned document or electronic confirmation of the transfer): 100 PLN for the residence permit and 340 PLN for the stamp duty;
- Sign the application electronically—this requires a trusted profile, qualified electronic signature, or personal signature.
Once the application is correctly signed and submitted, applicants can save it in PDF and XML formats and receive official acknowledgment of receipt (UPO). The voivode will provide notification of its receipt.
Ukrainians in Poland under temporary protection can apply for a three-year residence permit online, transitioning to long-term residency. This new status offers work rights but ends access to certain temporary benefits.