Poland reclassifies Ukrainians as economic migrants under the CUKR route

What changed under Poland's CUKR route

Poland moved most rules governing Ukrainian residents into the general foreigner framework on March 5, 2026, replacing the wartime special-law setup. EU temporary protection still runs through March 4, 2027 and certificates issued by the Office for Foreigners remain valid until that date with no replacement document required.

A parallel CUKR residence card opened for electronic applications through the MOS portal on May 4, 2026. It grants a three-year temporary residence permit and sits separately from temporary protection itself. Polish media have reported that some municipalities are scrutinizing files more closely and reclassifying applicants as economic migrants, though that practice isn't confirmed in any nationwide government notice.

Who feels the shift

Ukrainians holding PESEL UKR status are the core group affected. To qualify for CUKR, an applicant must have held PESEL UKR on June 4, 2025, still hold it at the time of filing and have kept continuous status for at least 365 days. Holders of another EU protection status or permanent residence are excluded.

UNHCR has warned that switching to CUKR can strip rights tied to PESEL UKR, including access to collective accommodation, certain healthcare benefits and some social assistance. PESEL UKR holders who registered only on a declaration basis face a separate Aug. 31, 2026 deadline to appear in person with a valid travel document or risk losing status.

Nomads and expats from other countries aren't the target group, though those acting as employers, landlords or family members to Ukrainian residents may need to adjust paperwork accordingly.

Filing steps and fees

CUKR applications run entirely through the MOS portal and require a qualified electronic signature or trusted profile. The filing involves two payments:

• 100 zloty for the residence card
• 340 zloty for the temporary residence permit fee

Cardholders must report address changes within 15 working days. Leaving Poland for more than six months can trigger loss of the permit. UNHCR recommends weighing the trade-off carefully before abandoning UKR-linked benefits.

Read our full Poland guide for the complete picture and check our latest visa updates for related changes across the region.