Poland: how to move from temporary protection to the CUKR card and an EU long-term resident permit in 2026

From 4 May 2026, Ukrainian citizens with active PESEL UKR status can voluntarily move from temporary protection to a full residence permit — the so-called CUKR residence card (karta pobytu z adnotacją „Poprzednio posiadacz ochrony czasowej"). This is a new legalisation mechanism that offers more stability than temporary protection and brings the EU long-term resident status closer.

What the CUKR card is and why you need it

The CUKR card is a temporary residence permit valid for 3 years, issued without a voivode's decision under a simplified procedure. It is intended specifically for Ukrainians currently in Poland under temporary protection status (PESEL UKR) and allows a move to a more stable legal footing.

The CUKR card provides:

• full access to the labour market without the need for a separate work permit;
• the right to run a business on the same terms as Polish citizens;
• the ability to travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days within any 180 days);
• most importantly — time held under the CUKR card counts toward the period required to obtain an EU long-term resident permit.

Who can apply for the CUKR card

Two groups of people with active PESEL UKR are entitled to the CUKR card:

• Ukrainian citizens and certain members of their families (in particular spouses, minor children) who arrived in Poland after 23 February 2022 in connection with the war;
• children born in Poland after 23 February 2022, if their mother receives a CUKR card.

All four conditions regarding PESEL UKR status must be met at the same time:

1. active PESEL UKR on the day the application is filed;
2. active PESEL UKR as of 4 June 2025;
3. active PESEL UKR at the moment the card is issued by the voivode;
4. at least 365 days of continuous UKR status (this period does not have to immediately precede the application).

How and when to apply

Applications are accepted from 4 May 2026 until 4 March 2027 inclusive. Documents can be filed exclusively electronically through the MOS portal (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) — paper applications are not accepted.

The procedure:

1. create an account in the MOS system;
2. log in via login.gov.pl;
3. fill in the electronic application, attach a digital photo and proof of payment;
4. sign the application with an electronic signature (trusted profile, qualified or personal signature).

Two fees are provided for: 340 zlotys — stamp duty (opłata skarbowa) for granting the temporary residence permit, and 100 zlotys — for producing the card. According to official information, the card should be issued within 180 days of the day the application is filed. The ready card must be collected within 60 days of notification by the voivodeship office, otherwise the residence permit lapses and the card is cancelled.

Important: the same requirements apply to document photos for the CUKR card as for other Polish residence permits — a biometric photo in the specified format. An error with the photo can delay processing of the application.

The next step: an EU long-term resident permit

The CUKR card is not the end point but a stepping stone. Time spent in Poland under the CUKR card (as well as previously under temporary protection where the relevant conditions are met) counts toward the 5 years of continuous legal residence required for an EU long-term resident permit (zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego UE).

Under Article 211 of the Act on Foreigners of 12 December 2013, this permit requires simultaneously meeting the following conditions:

• at least 5 years of legal and continuous residence immediately before the application (breaks may not exceed 6 consecutive months and 10 months in total over the 5-year period);
• a stable and regular source of income sufficient to support oneself and dependent family members;
• health insurance;
• confirmed knowledge of Polish at a level no lower than B1 (this requirement does not apply to children under 16).

The EU resident permit is issued for an indefinite period and gives significantly broader rights than temporary statuses.

What about temporary protection status

The move to the CUKR card is voluntary. The temporary protection status itself (PESEL UKR) remains valid until 4 March 2027: the right to legally reside, work and study in Poland is retained. At the same time, since 4 March 2026 the legal basis for the status has been the Act on granting protection to foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Poland (instead of the previous special law), and those who registered only on the basis of a declaration, without a travel document, must obtain a valid travel document by 31 August 2026.

If you plan to stay in Poland for the long term, the CUKR card is the simplest way to move to a more stable footing and start counting toward an EU resident permit now, without waiting for temporary protection to end.