CUKR Card in Poland: Who Can Apply and What Is Required?
The CUKR Card in Poland has become a long-awaited solution for Ukrainians. Now everyone who plans to extend their stay in Poland has the opportunity to apply for the CUKR Card in Poland and change their legal status.
But how does the CUKR Card in Poland differ from a regular residence card? What advantages and limitations does it have? And what should be done to obtain it without unnecessary stress? We explain all of this in this article.
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What is the CUKR Card in Poland?
Also referred to as the “CUKR residence card.” It is an official document granting a temporary residence permit in Poland for a period of 3 years.
The CUKR Card in Poland was created for Ukrainians who wish to transition from temporary protection status (PESEL UKR) to a temporary residence permit.
Who can apply for the CUKR Card in Poland?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our clients and followers.
The CUKR Card in Poland is a good option for Ukrainians who are currently staying in Poland under PESEL UKR status:
- Citizens of Ukraine and their family members who arrived in Poland after the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine and plan to remain here.
- Children born in Poland whose mothers arrived in Poland after the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine and have already received the CUKR Card.
What is required to obtain the CUKR Card in Poland?
Like most bureaucratic processes, applying for the CUKR Card in Poland may seem complicated and confusing. However, if the process is divided into stages, it becomes significantly simpler.
If you would like to save your time and nerves — you can always contact us. We support clients at every stage and help complete the entire process calmly and without mistakes.
So, to obtain the CUKR Card in Poland, you must:
- Have a valid PESEL UKR at the time of application submission.
- Your PESEL UKR must be active as of June 4, 2025.
- You must have continuously held UKR status for at least 365 days.
If it concerns a child born in Poland after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the following conditions must be met:
- At the time of application, the child must have a valid PESEL UKR.
- On the date of issuance of the CUKR residence card, the child must also have a valid PESEL UKR.
- The child’s mother arrived in Poland after February 23, 2022, and already holds the CUKR Card.
Until when can the application be submitted?
It is important not to miss the deadline: an application for the CUKR Card can be submitted until March 4, 2027.
Documents required to obtain the CUKR Card in Poland
After creating an account in the MOS system, you will need to upload several documents.
Photo
You will need a recent digital photo.
The photo must be:
- color, clear, and undamaged;
- 35×45 mm in size;
- taken no earlier than 6 months before submitting the application;
- on a light, uniform background;
- taken in a frontal position;
- with open eyes;
- without hair covering the face;
- with a neutral facial expression and closed mouth.
It is also important that:
- the face occupies approximately 70–80% of the photo;
- the eyes and pupils are clearly visible;
- the eye line is parallel to the upper edge of the photo.
The photo file must have a minimum size of 684×883 pixels, and its file size must not exceed 2.5 MB.
Payments
You must also upload payment confirmations:
- 100 PLN — for issuing the residence card;
- 340 PLN — stamp duty for granting the temporary residence permit.
Both a scanned document and an electronic transfer confirmation are acceptable.
Electronic signature
- Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile);
- Qualified electronic signature;
- or personal electronic signature.
After properly signing and submitting the application, you will be able to download the documents in PDF and XML formats and will receive official confirmation of submission — UPO.
Important update: the entire process is online
One of the key updates is that almost the entire application process takes place online.
All communication with the office, submission of documents, and correspondence will be conducted through the e-Doręczenia system. Therefore, if you have not yet created a mailbox there — now is the time to do so.
An important note: paper documents are no longer sent. Everything takes place exclusively in electronic format.
What happens after receiving the CUKR Card?
After receiving the card, your UKR status will automatically change to CUKR status.
At the same time, it is important to understand: you will lose the right to benefits that were available specifically under UKR status.
However, you will still be able to use other types of assistance provided by Polish law, for example the 800+ program, if you meet its conditions.
Are there travel restrictions?
Yes, there are several important points to be aware of.
After receiving the CUKR Card, you will be required to notify the voivode of a change of residence within 15 working days.
Additionally, if you plan a long-term trip, remember: if you leave Poland for more than 6 months, your temporary residence permit may be revoked.
What happens if you do not collect the card on time?
If you do not collect your residence card within 60 days from the date of notification from the office about its availability, the card will be annulled and the temporary residence permit will be canceled.
After that, you will only be able to apply again under general rules.
Rights granted by the CUKR Card in Poland
- full access to the Polish labor market without an additional permit;
- the possibility to conduct business activity under the same conditions as Polish citizens;
- travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The CUKR Card is an important step toward stabilizing your status and transitioning from temporary protection to a full temporary residence permit.
If you still have questions or doubts regarding the CUKR Card — leave a request or write to us in private messages. Our team of lawyers will gladly provide you with all necessary information, help you understand the process, and support you at every stage of the application.
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