Poland: 77,460 CUKR card applications filed instead of forecast 800,000

As of November 2026, the number of applications filed for the three-year residence permit in Poland under the CUKR programme is significantly lower than previous government expectations. According to data from the Office for Foreigners, obtained by OKO.press, the total number of applications submitted was 77,460.

Actual figures versus forecasts

This figure represents less than 10% of the initial forecast, which anticipated around 800,000 applications. Currently, 24,397 individuals have officially obtained CUKR status. Additionally, 75 cases of refusal to issue the permit have been recorded. Document intake began on 4 May 2026.

Oleksandr Pestrykov, an expert at the Ukrainian House foundation, explains the situation. In his words, one of the reasons for the low number of applications may be insufficient public awareness of the new mechanism. However, the specialist notes that the initial forecast of 800,000 did not imply an obligation for all Ukrainians with temporary protection to switch to the new status.

Advantages and risks of switching to CUKR

The CUKR card grants the right to legal stay in Poland for three years. It reduces dependence on the annual renewal of temporary protection. The document holder can work and run a business freely without additional permits.

At the same time, changing status from PESEL UKR to CUKR has negative consequences. An individual loses the right to certain types of social support directly linked to the temporary protection regime, including specific forms of free accommodation and food.

An important detail is the impact on family benefits. Switching to CUKR itself does not annul parents' right to receive the 800+ child benefit; however, meeting current requirements is necessary to receive it. According to information from the Ukrainian House foundation, CUKR holders may face difficulties when registering as unemployed at employment centres, which potentially complicates retaining the right to the 800+ benefit in case of job loss.

Application procedure and cost

Applications for the CUKR card can be submitted exclusively online via the state MOS portal. The document intake period will continue until 4 March 2027, inclusive.

The cost of processing is 440 zloty. The amount includes a state fee of 340 zloty and a fee for the production of the document itself — 100 zloty.

Not all PESEL UKR holders can obtain the permit. To do so, the candidate must meet specific requirements regarding the duration of stay and the continuity of their status.