Ukrainians who are in Poland and have already submitted documents for temporary residence can simultaneously apply for a CUKR residence card. However, after applying for CUKR, the previous temporary residence permit procedure will be suspended. This was reported by InPoland.
The CUKR card is intended for Ukrainians transitioning from the temporary protection status PESEL UKR to temporary residence in Poland under special conditions. The document will be issued for three years.
«The CUKR residence card is a document that confirms the granting of temporary residence under special conditions,» officials from the Lubusz Voivodeship Office explained.
The CUKR card in Poland in 2026: who among Ukrainians can receive it
To obtain the card, the applicant must meet several requirements simultaneously. A Ukrainian must hold PESEL UKR status as of June 4, 2025, maintain it at the time of application, and continuously use it for at least 365 days.
The information in the PESEL register must be up to date, particularly concerning the foreign passport and fingerprints. The person must also confirm their identity in advance at the commune office.
Applications can be submitted electronically via the MOS system. According to the source, applications will be accepted until March 4, 2027.
For the application, a digital photograph taken no earlier than six months before submission, an electronic signature, and proof of payment for the necessary fees will be required.
The total cost is 440 zlotys:
-
340 zlotys - administrative fee;
-
100 zlotys - production of the plastic card.
For minors, the cost of producing the plastic card is 50 zlotys.
What the CUKR card provides Ukrainians in Poland and what benefits may be lost
After receiving CUKR, a Ukrainian ceases to benefit from temporary protection under the UKR status. Instead, the card allows legal employment without additional permits and conducting business activities under the conditions set for its holders.
It is also possible to stay outside of Poland for up to six months without losing CUKR. If this period is exceeded, the card may be canceled.
At the same time, the transition from PESEL UKR means losing part of the assistance related specifically to temporary protection. This includes, in particular, the right to free accommodation and food in collective centers, certain social programs for refugees, and some medical benefits.
A child born in Poland can also receive the CUKR card under the conditions set by law. Specifically, the mother must have UKR status, and at the time of applying for the child, she must have already received a positive decision regarding her own card.
After the voivodeship office notifies about the readiness of the document, it must be collected within 60 days. Otherwise, the card will be canceled, but the PESEL UKR status, according to the source, will remain valid.
It is worth noting that abroad, Ukrainian men have been facilitated in receiving services at consulates.