What is the difference between the UKR status and the CUKR card for Ukrainians in Poland

From May 4, Ukrainians in Poland will be able to apply for a new CUKR residence card, which changes the rules of residence and work. It differs from the current UKR status, which is currently in effect for refugees. This is reported by inPoland.

UKR Status: What rights do Ukrainians have now

The UKR status is granted to Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022, due to the war. It is a form of temporary protection.

Main conditions:

• allows legal stay in Poland until March 4, 2027

• gives the right to work without permits

• the employer is obliged to report employment

• is canceled if you leave Poland for more than 30 days.

This status is not a residence permit, but only a temporary solution during the war.

CUKR Card: What will change for Ukrainians

The CUKR card - this is already a permit for temporary residence, which is issued for 3 years. It actually transfers a person from temporary protection to a more stable status.

Main advantages:

• the right to work without permits and without notification from the employer

• the ability to travel in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

• the time of residence counts towards obtaining long-term EU status.

At the same time, there are also restrictions:

• the card is canceled if you leave Poland for 6 months

• after obtaining CUKR, the UKR status is automatically revoked.

Who can obtain the CUKR card

You can only apply online through the MOS portal and only until March 4, 2027.

Necessary conditions:

• availability of PESEL UKR at the time of application

• availability of PESEL UKR as of June 4, 2025

• continuous UKR status for at least 365 days

• valid PESEL UKR at the time of card issuance.

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the issuance will be denied.

Separately, there is a possibility to obtain a card for children born in Poland after February 23, 2022, if they have a PESEL UKR and their mother has already obtained CUKR.

Thus, the CUKR card is a more stable and long-term format of residence, while the UKR status remains temporary protection with stricter limitations.