CUKR card: how the new residence card helps Ukrainians get a mortgage
Since May 2026, Ukrainian citizens with PESEL UKR status can apply for the 3-year CUKR card. For mortgages it is a game changer – here's why.
Kready · 2026-09-25
For a long time, Ukrainian citizens living in Poland under the temporary protection (PESEL UKR) had a problem: most banks did not treat the special status as a stable residence title.
What is the CUKR card?
Since 4 May 2026, Ukrainian citizens holding the PESEL UKR status can apply for a CUKR residence card valid for 3 years. It is a regular residence card – a physical document confirming legal stay in Poland.
Why it matters for a mortgage
- Most banks treat CUKR like a temporary residence card. That means far more offers than with PESEL UKR alone.
- 3 years of validity easily meets the common requirement of "at least 12 months remaining".
- You keep your PESEL number, so your credit history in Poland stays with you.
What does not change
Banks still check your income in złoty, your employment length and your own contribution. The card opens the door – your finances decide the amount.
Practical tip
If you are planning to buy within the next year, apply for the CUKR card now. In our calculator you can compare how many banks accept you with PESEL UKR and with the CUKR card – the difference is usually significant.