Ukrainians in Poland can apply for a CUKR permit: what will change
Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status who are in Poland under temporary protection can obtain a special CUKR residence permit. This document grants the right to legally reside in the country for three years.
Applications for the permit can only be submitted online via the MOS portal. However, upon receiving the CUKR, the person loses some of the benefits provided by temporary protection status.
CUKR is a temporary residence permit issued under special conditions for individuals who are under temporary protection and have decided to switch to a different type of legal residence status. Upon receiving the document, the UKR status in the PESEL registry is changed to CUKR.
Who Can Obtain a CUKR
Ukrainians who meet the established conditions regarding their stay in Poland and the continuity of their UKR status are eligible to apply for the permit. However, obtaining a CUKR is not automatic. The individual must submit an application independently and complete the permit application process. Applications are being accepted until March 4, 2027.
What the new permit offers
The main advantage of the CUKR is the ability to legally reside in Poland for three years based on a temporary residence permit. CUKR holders receive full rights to work in Poland and may engage in entrepreneurial activities. They may also travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Time spent residing in Poland under the CUKR also counts toward eligibility for a permanent residence permit as a long-term EU resident.
What Rights Might Be Lost
The transition to CUKR means the termination of temporary protection. Therefore, the individual will no longer enjoy certain rights and benefits directly associated with UKR status. In particular, after changing status, it is important to note that CUKR is no longer temporary protection but rather a standard temporary residence permit granted under special conditions. At the same time, the right to work and engage in entrepreneurial activities remains in effect.
It is also important to note that after obtaining CUKR, different rules regarding stays abroad will apply. If the permit holder leaves Poland for more than six months, they may lose their temporary residence permit. In addition, you must notify the voivode who issued the permit of any change of residence within 15 business days.
What Will Happen to UKR Status
Upon receiving the CUKR, the UKR status in the PESEL registry changes to CUKR. However, if a person does not receive the permit itself within 60 days after being notified by the provincial office of the possibility of obtaining it, the document will be canceled, and the UKR status will remain unchanged.
Thus, the CUKR provides Ukrainians in Poland with a more stable basis for residence for three years, but at the same time signifies an exit from the temporary protection regime. Therefore, before submitting an application, it is important to consider not only the benefits of the permit but also the rights that were specifically associated with the UKR status.
This information comes from the Polish Office for Foreigners.
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