Polish Senate Approves CUKR Card Legislation
The Polish Senate has passed a new law establishing a long-term residency status for Ukrainian refugees, known as the CUKR card. This three-year document is available to holders of the PESEL UKR status and can be obtained through a dedicated digital portal. Applications for the card will be accepted until March 4, 2027.
Key Requirements for the CUKR Card
Under the new regulations, Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status can apply for the temporary residence card (CUKR). The entire application process will be digitized, streamlining it for applicants. The system will automatically verify if requirements are met, including:
- submission of fingerprints,
- a copy of a travel document,
- and confirmation the applicant is not listed in security databases such as SIS.
The decision to issue the card will be made by a provincial governor (voivode). If security services raise no objections within 30 days, the card will be granted. Importantly, paper decisions will not be issued. This move comes as Poland continues to host one of the largest populations of Ukrainian refugees since the 2022 invasion.
Over 827,000 Ukrainian citizens are eligible for the CUKR card. The law allows 90 days for application processing, though provincial offices currently have a backlog of over 700,000 cases. An applicant's stay in Poland will be considered legal until a final decision is made, even if the application is submitted near the deadline.
Launch of the Digital Application Portal
A special online portal featuring an electronic application form for PESEL UKR holders will be launched in Poland in the coming months, as announced by Tomasz Cytrynowicz. The Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration will announce the system's technical readiness in a press release planned for one month before the portal's launch. In the future, this special procedure is planned to be integrated into the general MOS (Case Service Module) system.
The adoption of the CUKR card law is a significant step toward simplifying the legalization process for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. It will allow many who fled the war to obtain proper status and rights, which can, in turn, facilitate their integration into Polish society. The introduction of a digital portal also reflects the Polish government's aim to modernize administrative processes and make them more accessible for citizens.