Extension of temporary protection in Poland and the CUKR residence card: conditions and who will not be able to use it?
Starting from 2025, Ukrainians with PESEL UKR in Poland will be able to obtain a CUKR residence card, but not everyone will meet the requirements. Find out who will be able to use the new legalization mechanism and what conditions must be met to obtain the document
On May 15, the Polish Sejm approved amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainian refugees. The new rules provide for the extension of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until September 30, 2025. However, in order to exercise this right, Ukrainians must meet a number of criteria. How to extend temporary protection in Poland under the new rules is described below.
Read more about other changes in the special law in this article.
The requirements for Ukrainian doctors in Poland will change here.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
Who will be able to extend temporary protection in Poland by obtaining a new status?
The new law, among other things, provides for the extension of the legal stay of Ukrainians who have been assigned a PESEL UKR number until September 30, 2025.
At the same time, according to the draft law, starting next year, Ukrainians will be able to change their residence status from the current temporary protection to a temporary residence permit for a period of 3 years. However, this change will be possible only if the following requirements are met:
– completing and updating all the necessary data in the PESEL UKR database at the commune office;
– submission of an electronic application to the voivode;
– having an active UKR status as of March 4, 2024 and at the time of submitting the application;
– no objections from the security services to the change of residence status;
– having at least 365 days of continuous UKR status in Poland.
In case of successful completion of the procedure, the Ukrainian citizen will receive a residence card marked "Poprzednio posiadał ochronę czasową" (previously had temporary protection).
At the same time, PESEL will receive a new status - instead of UKR, it will be marked in the relevant databases as PESEL CUKR. This rule will also apply to children of foreigners with UKR status who were born in Poland.
Who will not be able to obtain the CUKR card?
The new law provides for strict requirements for the continuity of the UKR status. Ukrainians who have lost and regained this status will not be able to apply for a CUKR card. This applies to thousands of citizens who enjoy temporary protection in Poland but cannot fulfill the requirement of 365-day continuity of status.
How to apply for a CUKR card?
The Office for Foreigners in Poland informs that the process of applying for a CUKR card in 2025 will be carried out exclusively online via an electronic form. Although the exact procedures have not yet been determined, it is known that the new service will be launched simultaneously with the start of application.
What else should Ukrainians consider with PESEL UKR?
Changing the legalization format from PESEL UKR to the CUKR card may result in the loss of certain benefits and privileges provided by temporary protection. This includes the possible loss of access to certain benefits and free medical services. To restore them, you will have to take out additional health insurance and confirm other legally significant aspects of your stay.
The new rules for Ukrainians in Poland have a number of nuances that can be quite difficult to understand. For detailed information on the adopted amendments to the special law, the terms of legal stay in Poland, the necessary steps to update data and obtain permits, please contact Visit Ukraine lawyers. You can order a consultation with a specialist in migration law by following this link.
We remind you! Citizens of Ukraine who arrived in Poland after the start of the full-scale invasion must apply for PESEL UKR status. However, more and more Ukrainians are facing the revocation of this status. Read more about who can lose the PESEL UKR status and for what reasons in our previous article.
Photo: chorzowianin.pl
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine
In order to organize a trip, ensure a safe move and successful employment in a new country, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.
Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Häufig
gestellte Fragen
Wie erhält man vorübergehenden Schutz in Polen 2024?
Wie lange kann ich von Polen aus reisen, ohne meinen UKR-Status zu verlieren?
Wie lange kann ich mich ohne vorübergehenden Schutz und ohne Visum in Polen aufhalten?
Wann läuft der vorübergehende Schutz in Polen ab?
Recommended articles
2 min
KriegOn 17 July 2024, all the changes to the new mobilisation law finally came into force, removing the category of ‘limitedly fit’, excluding some men from those who had previously been granted a deferment and introducing some other changes to the mobilisation process. Find out more about who will be granted a deferment and on what grounds, and how to get an electronic deferment through the Reserve+ app
11 Nov. 2024
More details2 min
FinanceUkrainians can receive financial assistance for renting housing in Poland: how to apply
Ukrainian citizens can receive financial assistance for renting housing in Poland through the "Step Home" program implemented by the Habitat for Humanity Poland charitable foundation. If you are looking for financial assistance for renting an apartment in Poland, the first step is to fill out the program's application form. Find out what you need to do
14 Mai. 2024
More details2 min
Für FlüchtlingeWhen Ukrainian citizens can be deported from the EU: current rules and conditions
Ukrainian citizens can be deported from the European Union for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is violation of immigration laws. In addition, Ukrainian citizens can be deported for violating residence rules. Learn more about what you should know about deportation from the EU
15 Mai. 2024
More details2 min
KriegWho needs to update their military registration data in the TSC and how to do it?
The President of Ukraine has signed a new law that provides for a number of changes in mobilization processes. From now on, persons liable for military service will be able to update their data both during personal visits and online. Find out more about who needs to update their data in the CMC and how to do it after the new law comes into force
16 Jul. 2024
More details