Published: 31.07.2026
Ukrainian citizens with valid UKR status may obtain a three-year CUKR residence card if they have held temporary protection for at least 365 days and retain UKR status when applying and when the card is issued. The card replaces temporary protection, provides full access to the Polish labour market and allows business activity under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
For Ukrainians, this creates a transition from temporary protection to a separate three-year residence status. According to the source, CUKR holders lose access to temporary-protection benefits but gain unrestricted labour-market access, the right to run a business on the same terms as Polish citizens, and credit toward future permanent-residence requirements. Applications are submitted online through MOS, so applicants need to retain valid UKR PESEL status and meet the 365-day condition. The change is particularly important for Ukrainians planning to remain in Poland beyond the temporary-protection framework and willing to give up its specific benefits.