Residence Card For Family Reunification VS Special Residence Card For UKR Status Holders
In view of the upcoming amendment to the Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the Armed Conflict on the Territory of Ukraine, introducing eligibility for a residence card for family members with UKR status, we have compiled a summary of two types of residence cards: for family members and special residence cards for persons with UKR status.
The main difference between the cards is that the “special UKR card”
First of all, it should be noted that the main difference between the cards is that the “special UKR card” can be applied for by all citizens of Ukraine who meet the requirements imposed by the law.
Residence card for family members is addressed exclusively to persons residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland with a family member who holds a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, long-term EU resident permit.
However, the new type of residence card has some limitations
In the first instance, the opportunity to apply for it will be opened only when the government’s ICT system is set up and a communication is issued by the Minister of the Interior. We therefore anticipate that this entitlement will not be granted until several months after the amendment comes into effect.
The second restriction is the need to have uninterrupted UKR status for at least 365 days.
In addition, only those who held UKR status on March 4, 2024 will be eligible.
There are also restrictions on the possession of the card, i.e. the need to pick up the card within 60 days of the release of information about its issuance, or a restriction on leaving Poland for more than 6 months.
Given the above, a faster and more convenient form of residence card is the family reunion card, which you can read about here ( https://migrationmatters.pl/as-from-july-1-2024-there-is-possibility-to-obtain-residence-cards-for-family-members-with-ukr-status/ ). The main argument for choosing a permit for family reunification is the introduction of the possibility to apply as early as July 1, 2024.
Below is a summary of the residency cards discussed in the article above. The summary includes the most important requirements and benefits, associated with obtaining the cards.
Our office offers a comprehensive consulting service for selecting the right permit for a foreigner’s legal situation and support in obtaining the appropriate residence card.
Residence card vs Residence card for status UKR
| Residence card for family members | Residence card for citizens of Ukraine with temporary protection | |
| Effective date | July 1, 2024. | with the issuance of a communiqué by the Minister responsible for internal affairs, the expected waiting time is several months after the amendment comes into force |
| In what form will applications be submitted? | Correspondence | Online |
| Is a visit to the office required? | Not | Not |
| For what period is a residence card issued? | For the duration of the temporary residence permit of the “main” applicant family member | 3 years |
| What requirements must be met? | Reside on the territory of the Republic of Poland with a family member who holds a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, long-term EU resident permit | On March 4, 2024, have UKR status;have UKR status on the date of application for a residence card;Have uninterrupted UKR status for at least 365 days. |
| Does the residence card entitle the holder to do business in the territory of the Republic of Poland? | yes | yes |
| Does the residence card entitle to work in the territory of the Republic of Poland? | yes | yes |
| Is it possible to leave the territory of Poland during the validity period of the card? | yes | Yes, but for a maximum of 6 months |