Poland has opened the possibility of applying for a CUKR residence card: what Ukrainians should know about a three-year residence permit
The temporary protection system, introduced after the outbreak of the full-scale war, is gradually transforming into longer and more defined forms of legal stay, which allows European countries to adapt migration policies to the long-term nature of the movement of Ukrainians. Poland is moving to a model that provides not only for the preservation of basic rights, but also for the creation of conditions for stable residence with a clearly defined legal framework.
New CUKR permit: who is affected by the decision
As reported by the Office for Foreigners, Poland has introduced a new mechanism for legalizing stay for Ukrainians with temporary protection, which allows them to move from the PESEL UKR status to a three-year residence permit.
From May 4, Ukrainians in Poland can apply for a special CUKR residence card, which replaces temporary protection with a temporary residence permit for a period of three years. This option is provided for persons who have a PESEL UKR, as of June 4, 2025, used temporary protection, continuously maintained this status for at least 365 days and have it at the time of application.
Unlike the previous rules, the applicant no longer needs to prove a separate reason for obtaining a permit related to work, business, family reunification or the status of a family member of a Polish citizen. For many Ukrainians, this simplifies the transition to a longer legal stay, since the CUKR status is tied to the fact of a long stay under temporary protection.
What does a three-year residence card give
After receiving a CUKR card, a Ukrainian will be able to legally live in Poland for three years and work without applying for additional permits. The new document also allows you to conduct business under the conditions provided for Polish citizens, as well as travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Such a permit will be taken into account when determining the period of stay required to subsequently obtain the status of a long-term EU resident. For those who plan to stay in Poland for a long time, this can be an important step in legalizing their future status.
What benefits does the applicant lose
Switching to a CUKR card means the termination of the UKR status, and with it the loss of some of the benefits that were associated with temporary protection. In particular, after issuing the card, a person will no longer be able to use the right to free accommodation and meals in accommodation centers.
Therefore, before submitting an application, Ukrainians need to consider that the new status gives a more stable right to residence and work, but changes the amount of social support that was available within the framework of temporary protection.
How to apply and how much does it cost
Applications for the CUKR card are accepted only online through the Case Management Module portal. The application fee is PLN 340, and an additional PLN 100 is required for the card to be produced.
Officially, a decision on the application should be made within 60 days, but in practice, the consideration of cases in Poland often drags on for months. Standard procedures for issuing a temporary residence permit for foreigners in different cities can take much longer, so the speed of the new CUKR mechanism remains an important practical issue for applicants.
Why Poland is changing the rules for the stay of Ukrainians
The launch of the CUKR card comes against the backdrop of a gradual revision of the policies of European countries towards Ukrainians who left due to the war. Temporary protection in the EU is valid until March 2027, but some states are already looking for models that would allow some Ukrainians to be transferred to other legal residence regimes.
For Poland, the new mechanism means an attempt to regularize the status of those Ukrainians who have integrated into the local labor market, have lived in the country for a long time and need a clear document for several years. For Ukrainians, the CUKR card opens the way to more stable residence, but requires the abandonment of benefits associated with the previous status.
