New Developments in Immigration Law: MOS 2.0, the CUKR Residence Card, and the Amendment to the Act on Foreigners

Further solutions are being introduced into Polish immigration law that have a significant impact on the legalization of stay of foreign nationals. The government has adopted an amendment to the Act on Foreigners, one of the key elements of which is the further digitalization of administrative proceedings and the introduction of new legal instruments, including the CUKR residence card for Ukrainian nationals.

Digital Processing of Residence Matters – MOS 2.0

One of the most important solutions envisaged in the amendment is the further development of the Case Handling Module (MOS 2.0). This system is intended to enable the electronic submission of applications related to the legalization of stay of foreign nationals.

As of 2026, all types of residence permits– temporary residence permits, permanent residence permits, and EU long-term resident permits– are to be submitted exclusively online via the new MOS II platform. This represents a significant facilitation for foreign nationals and employers, who have so far faced long queues and inadequately adapted application forms.

The CUKR Residence Card for Ukrainian Nationals

The amendment to the regulations also provides for the introduction of the CUKR residence card, intended for Ukrainian nationals covered by temporary protection and holding a PESEL number with the UKR designation.

The CUKR card is intended to:

• confirm the legality of stay in the territory of Poland;
• be issued for a period of three years;
• be available exclusively through an electronic procedure, via the MOS 2.0 system.

Practical Significance of the Changes

The introduction of MOS 2.0 and new residence documents, such as the CUKR residence card, may have significant practical implications for both foreign nationals and entities involved in the processes of legalizing stay, including employers.

The digitalization of procedures is intended to shorten the duration of administrative proceedings and to increase their predictability, while maintaining the existing substantive requirements arising from the applicable legal provisions.

Do You Have Questions Regarding the Legalization of Stay or New Procedures?

Please contact us to discuss how the new regulations may affect your specific situation and to consider the possible next steps in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.