Poland Overhauls Rules for Ukrainians: New CUKR Permit and Higher Compensation Rates Take Effect April 1, 2026.

Poland Introduces Major Legal Changes for Ukrainians Starting April 1, 2026

According to Novyny.live: Starting April 1, 2026, Poland will implement new regulations affecting Ukrainians. The existing PESEL UKR status will be replaced by a new residence permit called CUKR, while workplace accident compensation amounts will also increase.

Under the updated framework, the PESEL UKR designation will be phased out in favor of the CUKR permit, which grants a separate residency right valid for up to three years. Ukrainians must meet several conditions to qualify for the CUKR:

• Hold continuous UKR status for at least 365 days,
• Maintain that status as of June 4, 2025,
• Submit their application no earlier than 30 days after entering Poland.

Applications for the CUKR permit must be submitted electronically via the website of the Ministry of Education and Science (MOS). The application fee is 340 PLN (approximately 4,000 UAH), and the issuance of the residence card costs an additional 100 PLN (about 1,200 UAH).

Workplace Accident Compensation to Rise Nearly 9%

In addition to the permit changes, Poland will increase workplace accident compensation by almost 9% as of April 1, 2026. The updated payout amounts are as follows:

• 1,781 PLN (21,100 UAH) for each percentage point of permanent health impairment,
• 31,162 PLN (370,000 UAH) for total incapacity to work,
• 160,264 PLN (1.9 million UAH) for the family of a deceased person,
• 80,132 PLN (950,000 UAH) for each individual family member of the deceased.

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy reserves the right to review these compensation rates periodically.

Furthermore, Poland plans to extend temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania. These regulatory and financial adjustments create a new landscape for Ukrainians who are either planning to move to Poland or already residing there.

The introduction of the CUKR permit and the boost in accident compensation reflect the Polish government's efforts to align with the needs of Ukrainian migrants, who continue to play a vital role in the country's labor force.

These measures are expected to enhance social protections for immigrants, a significant step given current labor market challenges. At the same time, the extended border checks signal Poland's intention to manage migration flows and maintain security along its frontiers.