How does CUKR differ from UKR status?

How CUKR differs from UKR status

UKR status is linked to temporary protection. It confirms that a Ukrainian citizen’s stay in Poland is legal under special conditions.

CUKR is already a residence card (karta pobytu) — a document confirming a temporary residence permit in Poland.

The main difference is simple: UKR is temporary protection; CUKR is a temporary residence card issued under special conditions to people who previously held temporary protection.

Once the CUKR card is issued, UKR status is cancelled. That is why, before applying, it is important to understand which rights are preserved and which may change.

Who can obtain a CUKR card

A CUKR residence card can be obtained by Ukrainian citizens and certain members of their families, provided they meet the established requirements.

Key conditions:

• On the day the application is submitted, the person must have a valid PESEL UKR.
• As of 4 June 2025, the person must also have had a valid PESEL UKR.
• On the day the CUKR card is issued, the PESEL UKR status must still be valid.
• UKR status must have been maintained continuously for at least 365 days.

If even one of these conditions is not met, the CUKR card may not be issued.

Before applying, it is worth checking whether there are any errors in the PESEL data, whether the passport is valid, and whether there was any break in UKR status.

Can a child obtain a CUKR card

Yes, a child can also obtain a CUKR residence card, but only if separate conditions are met.

For example, this may apply to a child born in Poland after 23 February 2022. The child must have a valid PESEL UKR both at the time of application and at the time the card is issued. It is also important that the child’s mother came to Poland after 23 February 2022 because of the war and already holds a CUKR card.

For a minor child, the application is submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

What the CUKR card gives you

The CUKR card gives a Ukrainian citizen the right to stay in Poland legally for 3 years. It is a more stable document than temporary protection, especially for those planning to live and work in Poland for a longer period.

The CUKR card provides:

• legal residence in Poland;
• the right to work without a separate work permit;
• access to the labour market;
• the possibility of running a business;
• the right to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, together with a valid passport;
• the possibility of counting the period of residence on CUKR towards further legalisation, for example when applying for EU long-term resident status.

For people who see their near future in Poland, CUKR can be a logical step after UKR status.

What changes after receiving CUKR

Once the CUKR card is issued, UKR status automatically ends. This is an important point, because some rights and benefits were tied specifically to temporary protection.

For example, certain types of assistance or special conditions available to people with UKR status may cease to apply. At the same time, the person acquires the rights of a foreigner holding a temporary residence permit.

Before applying, it is worth assessing your own situation: your job, income, housing, whether you have children, social benefits, and your plans for staying in Poland.

How to apply for a CUKR card

The application for a CUKR residence card is submitted online through the MOS system — Moduł Obsługi Spraw.

The application can be submitted in electronic form only. There is no need to book an appointment at the voivodeship office to submit a paper application.

The general procedure:

1. Create an account in the MOS system.
2. Log in via login.gov.pl.
3. Select the CUKR card application.
4. Fill in the electronic form.
5. Attach the required documents.
6. Sign the application electronically.
7. Submit the application through the system.

If the application is completed correctly, all further communication with the office also takes place within the procedure established for the CUKR card.

What to prepare before applying

Before filling in the application, it is better to prepare the documents and check your data in advance.

You will need:

• a valid passport;
• a valid PESEL UKR;
• access to a trusted profile (profil zaufany), a qualified electronic signature, or another method of electronic identification;
• a current digital photograph;
• confirmation of payment of the stamp duty;
• confirmation of payment for issuing the card;
• for a child — documents confirming the parent’s or guardian’s right to submit the application.

Errors in the data may delay the procedure or lead to a refusal.

How much the CUKR card costs

Obtaining a CUKR card involves two main payments:

• PLN 340 — stamp duty (opłata skarbowa);
• PLN 100 — fee for issuing the residence card.

The standard total cost is PLN 440.

Before paying, check the current bank details on the website of your voivodeship office, as the accounts may differ depending on the region.

The deadline for applying

The CUKR card application must be submitted within the set deadline. According to current information, the final date for submitting an application is 4 March 2027.

It is not worth waiting until the last few weeks. Before applying, you may need time to update your passport details, correct an error in your PESEL, prepare a photo, or set up access to an electronic signature.

When CUKR may be refused

A refusal is possible if the applicant does not meet the conditions of the procedure or if there are problems with the data.

Common reasons:

• no valid PESEL UKR;
• UKR status was interrupted;
• PESEL UKR was not valid on the required date;
• data in the PESEL register is incomplete or incorrect;
• the required fees have not been paid;
• the application was filled in incorrectly;
• there are grounds relating to security or a ban on entry/stay.

To reduce the risk of refusal, check your documents before applying and make sure all the data matches.

CUKR and work in Poland

The CUKR card gives the right to work in Poland without a separate work permit. This matters for Ukrainians who are already employed or are still looking for a job.

For an employer, such a document is also convenient, because it confirms the employee’s legal stay and their access to the Polish labour market.

CUKR and further legalisation

CUKR can be a useful step for those considering long-term residence in Poland in the future.

The period of stay under UKR temporary protection is not counted in further legalisation procedures. A stay based on a CUKR card, however, may be counted when applying for EU long-term resident status, provided the person meets the remaining requirements.

This makes CUKR particularly interesting for those who want to move from temporary protection to a more stable legal status.

Who should consider CUKR

The CUKR card may suit Ukrainian citizens who:

• have a PESEL UKR;
• have been living in Poland for a long time;
• work or plan to work officially;
• want a document valid for 3 years;
• plan to stay in Poland after temporary protection ends;
• are thinking about further legalisation of their stay.

However, the decision to move from UKR status to CUKR is best made after analysing your own situation. This is especially important for people who receive social benefits or use forms of assistance tied specifically to temporary protection status.

Frequently asked questions about CUKR status

Can I get CUKR without a PESEL UKR? No. A valid PESEL UKR is one of the key conditions for obtaining a CUKR card.

How long is the CUKR card issued for? The CUKR card is issued for 3 years.

Do I need a work permit after receiving CUKR? No. The CUKR card gives access to the labour market without a separate work permit.

Can I submit a paper application? No. The application is submitted online only, through the MOS system.

How much does obtaining a CUKR card cost? The standard cost is PLN 440: PLN 340 stamp duty and PLN 100 for issuing the card.

Can I travel with a CUKR card? Yes. With a CUKR card and a valid passport, you can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Will I lose UKR status after receiving CUKR? Yes. Once the CUKR card is issued, UKR status ends.

Summary

CUKR status is an opportunity for Ukrainian citizens with a PESEL UKR to move from temporary protection to a temporary residence card in Poland. The card is issued for 3 years, gives the right to live and work in the country legally, and may also help with further legalisation.

Before applying, it is important to check your PESEL UKR, your passport, the continuity of your UKR status, the data in the register, and whether all your documents are ready.

If you are looking for legal work in Poland and want to sort out the documents needed for employment, Profi Personal helps foreigners find jobs, complete the basic formalities, and start working in Poland safely.

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