Ukrainian refugees in Poland are entering a new phase of document processing, as the Polish legalization system gradually transitions from paper-based procedures to electronic submission of applications. For people living in the country under temporary protection, holding a PESEL UKR and planning to stay in Poland for a longer period, these changes will affect the way they submit documents, access to services and issue a special CUKR card.
Applications for a residence permit via the electronic portal
As reported by BBC News Ukraine, from April 27, 2026, the Office for Foreigners in Poland launched an updated version of the MOS 2.0 portal, through which foreigners submit applications for a residence permit. The new procedure applies to all applicants, including Ukrainians who have been in Poland since the start of the full-scale war.
After the launch of the updated portal, the submission of documents will be transferred to an electronic format, so the application must be made via the MOS system. To access the procedure, a person must have a trusted profile, a qualified electronic signature or an electronic ID card.
Since electronic submission requires confirmation of identity in Polish digital services, the applicant must have a PESEL – an identification number that allows using such tools. For Ukrainian refugees, PESEL with the UKR mark is of particular importance, as it confirms their stay in Poland under temporary protection.
This approach means that a person who already has digital identification in the Polish system will be able to submit an application. Without this, access to the electronic procedure will be limited, so Ukrainians should check in advance whether their profile is active and whether their personal data is entered correctly.
The updated system allows filling out the application at a convenient time, without being tied to a specific place of submission. The questionnaire can be saved while filling it out, and then returned to if the applicant needs to clarify data or prepare documents.
The Polish Office for Foreigners notes that the MOS portal is prepared for independent use. According to the idea of the department, the applicant can go through the procedure without intermediaries, since the system should guide the person through the main stages of registration.
A special opportunity for Ukrainians with temporary protection
From May 4, 2026, a special option for Ukrainians who are in Poland due to the war and enjoy temporary protection should appear on the portal. It will apply to people with PESEL UKR who plan to apply for a CUKR card.
The CUKR card is intended for Ukrainian citizens who received protection in Poland after the Russian invasion. Such a document will be a special temporary residence permit and will be issued for a period of three years.
Applications for a CUKR card will be accepted until March 4, 2027. This date is associated with the end of the current period of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland.
For Ukrainian refugees who want to stay in the country for a longer period, the new electronic procedure will become an important part of the legalization of stay. Because of this, it is worth preparing PESEL UKR in advance, checking access to the trusted profile, and monitoring the appearance of the corresponding section on the MOS 2.0 portal.
