CUKR Card: How to switch from temporary protection to temporary residence in Poland?
Changes to the regulations governing the residence of Ukrainian citizens in Poland have introduced a completely new solution – a residence card with special CUKR status. This special procedure allows for legalization of stay for up to three years. However, not everyone will be able to use it. We explain who is eligible for the CUKR card and why new arrivals in 2026 must seek alternative solutions.
What is the CUCRAIN card?
The CUKR card is a document entitling you to temporary residence for three years . It was created for people who fled the war in Ukraine and want to plan their future in Poland with stability, transitioning from temporary protection (UKR status) to standard, long-term migration procedures.
The holder of the CUKR card gains the right to legally live in Poland, work freely and travel within the Schengen area.
Who WON'T get a CUKR card? Important warning
Many myths have arisen around the new regulations. The most important one concerns the arrival date. The regulations were designed to reward those with the longest experience in Poland.
People who arrived in Poland and obtained UKR status only in 2026 cannot apply for CUKR. Strict criteria require that the applicant have active UKR status at a specific point in the past – specifically, on June 4, 2025. If you were not registered in the system on that date, this path is closed to you.
Conditions that must be met (Criteria 2026/2027)
For your CUKR card application to be approved, you must meet all of the following conditions:
One-year experience: You must have held UKR status for at least 365 consecutive days .
Historical continuity: You must have had active UKR status on 4 June 2025 .
Current status: The UKR status must be active both on the day of submitting the application and at the time of issuing the decision by the voivode.
Regulated documents: Your PESEL data must be fully updated based on a valid biometric passport.
How and by when to submit an application?
The application process is entirely electronic. Applications must be submitted through the government's online system.
There is not much time left to complete the formalities – the deadline for sending the electronic form is March 4, 2027.
After submitting all the necessary documents, the waiting time for the decision to be issued and the card to be produced by the provincial office is approximately 180 days .
An alternative for newcomers
What should people who have recently begun their stay in Poland and do not meet the requirements for a CUKR card do? While UKR status itself still guarantees them legal residence and the right to work, after a certain period of time they will need to use standard procedures. Ukrainian citizens can apply for a "regular" temporary residence card under general rules – for example, based on stable employment, running their own business, or for the purpose of reuniting with family already living in Poland permanently.
