Poland is completely changing the procedure for submitting documents for a residence card: parliament has approved amendments that move the process to a digital format. Now applications for temporary or permanent residence, as well as for the status of long-term EU resident, will only be submitted online through the MOS platform. This is reported by In Poland.
How the new system will work
The main tool will be the MOS platform, which will replace the traditional submission of documents at voivodeship offices. It will be responsible for registering applications, accepting submissions, and informing about the status of the case. The decision was made due to the constant queues and delays that occurred during personal visits. The transition online is expected to reduce the burden on the offices and speed up the processing.
After the first automatic data verification, the applicant will receive an invitation to visit the institution. Personal presence will still be necessary - identity must be confirmed, fingerprints and signature provided. Only after this will the case proceed to the final review stage.
When will the changes take effect and how will it affect Ukrainians
The launch of the new procedure is planned for January 2026. Polish experts call the reform the largest in the field of legalization of foreigners in recent years. For Ukrainian citizens, who make up a significant portion of applicants, digitization will mean faster document processing and fewer delays.
Submitting an application through MOS
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Uploading documents online
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Automatic data verification
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Receiving an invitation to the office
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Identity and fingerprint confirmation
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Final decision after the visit.
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Employment expert Vitaliy Belenets believes that the new system will positively impact the employment of Ukrainians in Poland:
«Optimization of the document submission process will reduce the breaks between contracts, give people more stability, and allow employers to hire workers more quickly. The less bureaucracy, the fewer delays in the labor market».