Short answer
There is no general obligation for every Ukrainian to obtain a CUKR card by 4 March 2027. CUKR is a voluntary route from temporary protection to temporary residence for eligible applicants. However, 4 March 2027 has a legal meaning: Article 42x links filing by that date to a special rule protecting lawful stay during the procedure. Extending temporary protection until 4 March 2028 does not itself amend that date in Polish legislation.
This guide covers applicants throughout Poland. Checked on 9 November 2026 against the special act, Journal of Laws 2026 item 1293, Articles 42c–42x and official Office for Foreigners guidance.
Two dates with different meanings
| Date | Meaning | What it does not mean |
|---|---|---|
| 4 March 2027 | Filing date in the special Article 42x rule on lawful stay during the CUKR procedure | Every Ukrainian must receive a card by that day |
| 4 March 2028 | End of the extended temporary protection period | All national CUKR deadlines have automatically moved by a year |
The extension is confirmed in the Office for Foreigners notice dated 6 August 2026. It concerns people covered by protection, subject to the conditions for obtaining and retaining it. Do not apply this date automatically to Ukrainian citizenship alone, a visa or an ordinary residence permit.
Article 42x provides for lawful stay until collection of the card or its cancellation for non-collection, or until a refusal or discontinuance decision becomes final. Eligibility and proper electronic submission are required; a draft alone is insufficient.
What is a CUKR residence card?
It is a special temporary residence card, normally valid for three years. Collecting it changes temporary protection into a residence permit; certain children's cards follow their mother's validity period. CUKR does not extend UKR protection for another three years. Official procedure.
Consider both eligibility and the consequences of changing status. Our guide to legalising residence in Poland explains the broader starting point.
Who can apply for CUKR?
For the main applicant category, the conditions must be met together:
- UKR status on 4 June 2025;
- current UKR when applying and when the card is issued;
- at least 365 days of uninterrupted UKR status.
Separate conditions apply to children born in Poland. A PESEL number without active UKR does not establish eligibility. Office for Foreigners, questions 6–7.
Before submitting through MOS
- Review your status history, including trips and possible interruptions. Prepare a private timeline; do not publish PESEL or passport details.
- Check your state-register information and valid passport. Missing data can prevent submission.
- Open the current CUKR procedure in MOS and follow its checklist. Electronic applications have been available since 4 May 2026.
- Sign using an accepted method and retain submission confirmation. A prepared file or unfinished draft is not a submitted application.
- Monitor notifications and the invitation to collect the card. Submission is not proof that a residence permit has been granted.
See the official data and submission requirements, questions 8 and 21–22. Our article about documents and MOS for ordinary residence does not replace the specific CUKR procedure.
Applying in Gdańsk and elsewhere in Poland
Residents of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot fall within the Pomeranian region; elsewhere, check the relevant voivodeship office. Article 42o determines jurisdiction by the applicant's place of stay when filing. Electronic submission does not create separate CUKR rules for each city.
Check your own office's card-collection notices. Do not reuse another region's addresses, payment accounts or expected processing times. In Gdańsk, consult the official Department for Foreigners portal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I simply wait until March 2028?
The protection extension is not an individual verification of your status. If choosing CUKR, consider the Article 42x date and current filing conditions separately. A headline about extended protection is not enough to decide to delay.
What if an ordinary temporary residence application is already pending?
Check before submitting: Article 42i provides for discontinuing unfinished temporary residence proceedings when a CUKR application is filed. If you do not qualify, do not assume the earlier case will automatically continue. Special act, Article 42i.
Must I pay an intermediary to access MOS?
No. Access is free and applicants may apply independently. Government charges and optional paid assistance are separate costs. Office for Foreigners, question 21.
Help choosing a residence route
A Pobyto consultation can cover your status, dates and next steps. Mention CUKR, your city and your main question in the enquiry. The competent authority decides the application; a positive outcome or a fixed decision date cannot be promised.
Checked: 9 November 2026. General information does not replace an assessment of an individual case.
