Polish daily Rzeczpospolita published a detailed explainer on 4 May 2026 outlining how the MOS e-filing mandate changes day-to-day practice for companies that employ Ukrainian nationals. From now until 4 March 2027, Ukrainian staff with PESEL-UKR numbers can convert to the three-year CUKR residence card only through the MOS portal—paper submissions or e-mails are no longer accepted. The article emphasises that the move affects HR departments as much as individual workers: employers must help staff create MOS accounts, gather digital attachments and budget for the PLN 440 in state fees. Because the CUKR card automatically grants open labour-market access, it also eliminates the separate labour-market test and work-permit process for this cohort, potentially shortening on-boarding times once the initial digital hurdles are cleared. For firms running large manufacturing sites or shared-service centres in Poland’s south-east, the mandatory digital path could initially slow recruitment because only about 30 % of Ukrainian employees currently hold a trusted e-signature, according to industry estimates cited by the newspaper. Early adopters are therefore advised to set up in-house ‘MOS clinics’ or contract external providers to shepherd groups of employees through account creation. The newspaper also notes that status-UKR validity is currently set to expire on 4 March 2027, adding time pressure for those still evaluating whether to transition to a standard residence-permit track. Missing the MOS window could leave valuable staff without legal basis to stay after that date.
Source: Rzeczpospolita (rp.pl)
