Poland will fully transition its foreigner residency legalization process to the MOS online system on April 27, 2026, impacting both applicants and employers.
New System for Foreigner Residency Legalization
Starting April 27, 2026, the legalization of foreigner residency in Poland will be entirely managed through the MOS (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) system, requiring all applications to be submitted online. This change extends to employers, who will be required to actively participate in the process and provide electronic signatures.
The new regulations apply not only to foreign nationals but also to the employers who hire and support them through administrative procedures.
MOS 2026: Electronic Applications for Residency
From April 27, 2026, the MOS teleinformation system will be fully operational. All applications will be submitted exclusively through the MOS portal.
Organizational Changes and Preparation
This significant organizational change aims to simplify procedures but requires preparation, particularly for companies employing foreign nationals.
Exceptions to the Electronic System
Despite the shift to a fully digital system, some exceptions will remain. These include specific categories of temporary residence, particularly those related to intra-corporate mobility, certain family matters, and cases where the foreigner is outside of Poland. Paper-based procedures will still apply in these situations.
In-Person Requirements Remain
Although the process formally begins online, administrative proceedings are not entirely remote. Foreigners may still be required to appear in person at a voivodeship office, particularly for fingerprinting, signing documents, and presenting original documentation.
Deadline for Paper Applications
A key element of the reform is a clear deadline for paper applications. Applications in traditional form will be accepted until April 26, 2026, but physical receipt by the office is crucial; the date of submission is irrelevant.
Paper applications submitted after April 26, 2026, will not be processed and will be rejected. This is particularly important for individuals whose legal residency expires around this time.
Employer’s New Role in the Legalization Process
A key change impacting the labor market is the expanded role of employers. They will be required to electronically sign certain attachments, such as employment confirmations, working conditions, and organizational information, and submit them through the MOS system.
The MOS system generates a unique link sent to the employer’s email address. The application process cannot proceed until the employer signs the document. Delays on the employer’s side can impact the entire legalization process.
Planning and Continuity of Legalization
The system change necessitates earlier planning for employee residency legalization. Individuals whose residency expires around the end of April and beginning of May 2026 should submit their applications in paper form before the MOS system takes over.
CUKR Card Applications Begin May 4, 2026
Starting May 4, 2026, applications for a residence card with the annotation “Previously holder of temporary protection” – the CUKR card – will be accepted.
This applies to individuals who previously benefited from temporary protection and are transitioning to a new path for legalizing their residency.