Poland to End Paper Permits in 2026: What It Means for Ukrainians Under Temporary Protection

Poland's Digital Shift for Foreign Nationals

According to ХВИЛЯ: As part of a major digital overhaul of its immigration system, Poland will stop accepting paper applications for residence permits and EU long-term resident status from April 27, 2026. The Office for Foreign Affairs will transition entirely to the updated MOS 2.0 online portal. This move aligns Poland with broader European trends toward digitizing public administration.

From that date, all applications must be submitted electronically. Any documents sent by post after April 26, 2026, will be considered as not submitted. To apply online, a foreign national must have an activated PESEL number and a digital identity via login.gov.pl. However, an in-person visit to a provincial office will still be required to provide fingerprints, a signature, and to present a passport.

New Tools for Employers and a Special Path for Ukrainians

Employers will also see changes, receiving a unique link via email to complete Annex 1 (Załącznik nr 1). They will have 30 days to complete this form, which must be signed digitally using a trusted profile or a qualified electronic signature.

A separate legalization pathway will open on May 4, 2026, for Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection. They will be eligible for a new three-year residence card marked CUKR. The criteria for obtaining the CUKR card are:

• Continuous retention of UKR status for at least 365 days;
• Possession of an active UKR status on the exact date the electronic application is submitted.

These reforms aim to streamline the legalization process and meet modern digital standards.

The shift to an electronic system for legalizing foreigners in Poland is a significant step for a traditional system, bringing it in line with contemporary digital requirements.

The new process is expected to simplify procedures for applicants while reducing the administrative burden on government agencies. The introduction of the special CUKR card for Ukrainians further demonstrates Poland's effort to address the specific needs of refugees and migrants, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As Poland prepares for this significant transition, it's essential for working Ukrainians to stay informed about the upcoming changes in the legalization process. Starting from April 27, these adjustments will directly impact their residency status and rights. To gain deeper insight into how these reforms will specifically affect Ukrainians, read more about the changes for working Ukrainians in Poland.