Digital reform: the new MOS II portal and the CUKR residence card are becoming a reality
The Office for Foreigners has published two key pieces of information regarding the imminent overhaul of residence legalisation. These include the implementation of a new version of the MOS portal and a special procedure for Ukrainian citizens: the CUKR residence card. According to information shared by provincial administration offices, the MOS II system is scheduled to launch on 13 April 2026.
The main objective of these changes is to transfer most processes relating to temporary residence, permanent residence and long-term EU residence applications online. The Ministry of the Interior and Administration will announce the exact launch date 14 days in advance, but the technical and procedural details are already known.
The new MOS portal introduces a digital interaction mechanism whereby the system will generate and send a unique link to the applicant’s employer so they can electronically sign Annex 1. Implementing the portal means that those involved in the decision-making process will need to have e-signature tools.
Key aspects of the digitalisation:
- Once the new MOS portal is launched, applications submitted in the traditional way (in person or by post) will not be processed.
- Every application must be signed using a Trusted Profile, a qualified digital signature or an e-ID.
- Instead of a stamp in their passport, foreign nationals will receive a digital confirmation of their application submission with a QR code that they can print out themselves.
- The CUKR residence card will allow individuals with UKR status to switch to a three-year temporary residence permit under special conditions after a minimum of 365 days’ residence.
Despite extensive digitisation, a closed list of cases has been established that will continue to be processed exclusively in paper form under the existing rules. It will not be possible to submit applications for temporary residence via the MOS portal:
- For intra-corporate transfers (ICT) and the long-term mobility of managers, specialists and trainees under this scheme;
- For family reunification if the foreign national is currently outside Poland;
- For family members of Polish, EU or UK citizens (covered by the Withdrawal Agreement) residing outside Poland;
- For individuals sharing family life with Polish, EU or UK citizens within the meaning of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, residing outside Poland.
The Office for Foreigners recommends that individuals whose legal residence permit expires in March or April should submit their applications in paper form as soon as possible rather than wait for the new system to launch, to avoid the risk associated with learning how to use the new interface at the last minute.