What You Need to Know About CUKR – the New Residence Card for Ukrainians in Poland

On 1 July 2024, amendments to the special act came into force in Poland. One of the key changes is the possibility for Ukrainians holding a PESEL UKR number to obtain a special residence card called CUKR.

How and why should Ukrainians apply for CUKR?

In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about the CUKR residence card.

What is CUKR and how does it differ from a standard residence card?

CUKR is a special residence card for Ukrainians, issued for three years. It grants Ukrainian citizens the same rights as a regular residence card for other foreigners, including access to the labour market.

However, CUKR differs from a standard residence card. Most importantly, it can only be obtained by Ukrainian citizens who hold a PESEL UKR number.

What are the conditions for obtaining the CUKR card?

Are you eligible for this residence card?

The special CUKR residence card can be obtained by Ukrainian citizens who:

▸ held UKR status as of 4 March 2024; ▸ hold UKR status on the date of submitting the CUKR application; ▸ have held UKR status continuously for at least 365 days prior to the date of application; ▸ hold a valid Ukrainian foreign passport.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the CUKR card?

Among the advantages of this card, we highlight the following.

1. The right to legally reside in Poland for three years.
2. The ability to work in Poland without additional work permits.
3. Your employer is not required to notify the labour inspectorate of your employment.
4. You may leave Poland for up to six months without losing your CUKR card (as a reminder, with PESEL UKR you can only leave for 30 days without losing your status).

However, there are also disadvantages.

1. Once you obtain the CUKR residence card, you will lose the rights associated with the special temporary protection status – in particular, free medical services under the National Health Fund (NFZ). However, if you find employment, you can continue using NFZ through health insurance paid from your salary.
2. It is also important to update your details with the local administration in a timely manner – for example, reporting a change of surname or obtaining a new foreign passport.

When can Ukrainians in Poland apply for the CUKR card?

The amendments to the special act came into force on 1 July 2024, but it is expected that Ukrainians will be able to submit applications for the special CUKR residence card only from 2025 or towards the end of that year. Applications will be accepted once a dedicated electronic service – the online system of the Office for Foreigners – is launched.

The government still needs time to implement this system and to organise the process of submitting and processing electronic applications.

What else is worth knowing about the CUKR card?

A few additional points regarding the CUKR residence card.

1. The CUKR card confirms that its holder was under temporary protection (held PESEL UKR status).
2. CUKR cardholders will have the same rights as foreigners with a standard residence card. The exception is the ability to leave Poland for no more than 6 months without losing the card.
3. The card does not contain information about the place of residence or registered address. At the same time, CUKR cardholders must notify the voivode of any change of residential address within 15 days.
4. There is no obligation to notify the labour office about taking up employment.

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