Ukrainians in Poland 2026: Work, PESEL UKR and CUKR Card
Work rules for Ukrainian citizens in Poland in 2026: the 7-day notification, PESEL UKR status, the new CUKR residence card and key deadlines after March 2026.
In 2026 most Ukrainian citizens in Poland can still work without a work permit: the employer submits a free notification (powiadomienie) on praca.gov.pl within 7 days of the start of work. The special act for Ukrainians is being phased out, so it is important to watch your PESEL UKR status, deadlines and the option of the new CUKR residence card.
Key takeaways
- The law of 26 January 2026 that phases out the special act took effect on 5 March 2026.
- EU temporary protection was extended to 4 March 2028.
- Work on a notification: free, submitted by the employer within 7 days.
- PESEL UKR: newcomers must apply within 30 days of entry.
- CUKR card: applications since 4 May 2026, only online in MOS, valid 3 years.
- Ukrainians with temporary protection cannot work on a declaration or work permit – only on a notification.
Work on a notification (powiadomienie)
The notification is the simplest way for Ukrainians to work legally.
- The employer submits it on praca.gov.pl.
- Deadline: 7 days from the day you start working.
- It is free.
- A new notification is needed when the contract type or position changes, or when working hours or pay are reduced.
Not submitting a notification can lead to a fine for the employer, so ask for a copy or confirmation.
Who can use the notification?
| Your situation | Can work on notification? | Until when |
|---|---|---|
| PESEL UKR status (temporary protection) | Yes | While protection lasts (check current date on gov.pl) |
| Ukrainian citizen without temporary protection, staying legally | Yes, transition period | 4 March 2029 |
| CUKR card holder | No need – full labour market access | Card validity |
Officials in early 2026 gave 4 March 2027 as the end date for notifications by PESEL UKR holders. After the EU extended protection, this will probably move to 4 March 2028, but please confirm on official websites before you rely on it.
PESEL UKR status
PESEL UKR is the identification number with a special status that confirms temporary protection.
- Newcomers must apply within 30 days of entry.
- People who got PESEL UKR without a passport had to show a travel document by 31 August 2026. Otherwise, the status was lost from 1 September 2026.
- You lose the status, among others, if you leave Poland for more than 30 days or receive a residence card (including CUKR).
- New arrivals can get protection only if they have fulfilled military obligations under Ukrainian law.
Since 5 March 2026, a person without PESEL UKR (or another residence title) cannot register a new sole-proprietor business in Poland.
CUKR residence card
CUKR is a residence card created for Ukrainians who have been living in Poland under protection.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | UKR status on 4 June 2025, held for at least 365 days without a break, and still held on the application day |
| Where | Only online in MOS (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) |
| Applications since | 4 May 2026 |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Work | Full access to the labour market, no permits needed |
| Decision | Within 180 days |
| Issued | Only once |
| Loss | Leaving Poland for more than 6 months |
According to the government helpline Zielona Linia, the deadline to apply is 4 March 2027. Because protection was extended to 2028, fees and the deadline may be updated – check the official MOS FAQ on CUKR before applying.
Important: submitting a CUKR application means losing some rights connected with UKR status. Read the conditions carefully.
Other residence documents
National extensions of visas and residence cards for Ukrainian citizens still end on 4 March 2027, unless lawmakers change this. If you do not qualify for CUKR, you may apply for a standard temporary residence and work permit through MOS.
Practical checklist for 2026
- Check that your PESEL UKR status is active (and that your passport details are registered).
- Make sure your employer submitted the notification within 7 days.
- Avoid trips outside Poland longer than 30 days if you want to keep UKR status.
- Decide whether CUKR suits you and apply before the deadline.
- Keep copies of your contract, notification and passport.
New to Poland’s ID number? Read our PESEL guide. Looking for a job? See the most in-demand jobs in Poland.
Official sources
- praca.gov.pl – notifications
- Zielona Linia – CUKR
- MOS
Find legal work
Agencies working with JobPartner hire Ukrainian citizens legally, with notifications filed on time. Register for free or see our legalization overview. We never charge candidates and do not promise jobs we cannot guarantee.
FAQ
Do Ukrainians need a work permit in Poland in 2026?
Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status do not. The employer submits a free notification on praca.gov.pl within 7 days of the start of work. Ukrainians without temporary protection who stay legally can also work on a notification during a transition period until 4 March 2029.
What is the CUKR card?
CUKR is a special residence card for Ukrainians who had UKR status on 4 June 2025 and kept it for at least 365 days without a break. It is valid for 3 years and gives full access to the labour market. Applications are filed only in MOS.
How long does temporary protection last?
The EU extended temporary protection until 4 March 2028. Polish law links protection to EU decisions, but confirm the details in official MSWiA or UdSC announcements.
When can I lose PESEL UKR status?
For example if you leave Poland for more than 30 days, if you obtain a residence card (including CUKR), or if you got the status without a passport and did not show a travel document by 31 August 2026.
This article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change – check the current rules on gov.pl or ask our recruiter.