In short
Since 4 May 2026 Ukrainian citizens with UKR status can apply for a CUKR card, a temporary residence permit valid for 3 years. For a mortgage this matters, because UKR status is time-limited and many banks are cautious about it. With a CUKR card banks assess you under their rules for temporary residence cards. You also need a PESEL number, income in złoty from work in Poland and a down payment.
What changed in 2026
The special act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens expired in March 2026. The legal stay of people with temporary protection (UKR status) was extended, and according to current information UKR status is valid until 4 March 2027. Since 4 May 2026 people with UKR status can apply for a CUKR card: a temporary residence permit on special terms, issued for 3 years, with full access to the labour market.
You can apply online through the MOS portal of the Office for Foreigners until 4 March 2027. Conditions include a valid PESEL UKR on 4 June 2025 and at the time of the application, and UKR status held without a break for at least 365 days. Fees are 340 zł for the permit and 100 zł for the card. Once you receive the card, UKR status ends.
What it means for a mortgage
A mortgage runs for 20–30 years, so banks look at how long your right to stay in Poland is confirmed. With UKR status alone, which is time-limited, many banks are cautious. A CUKR card is a temporary residence permit, so banks assess it under their rules for temporary residence cards: how long the card is valid, how long you have lived and worked in Poland and your type of contract. Bank policies change often, so we check the current rules of each bank before you apply.
What you need
- passport and the CUKR card, or confirmation of UKR status,
- PESEL number,
- income in złoty from work in Poland, paid into a Polish bank account,
- a down payment of at least 10–20% of the price, plus buying costs,
- a clean history in the Polish credit bureau BIK.
Income in hryvnia is generally not accepted by Polish banks.
Buying a flat or a house
You can buy a flat without a permit. For a house with land you usually need a permit from the Ministry of the Interior, as described in buying property as a foreigner.
A full version of this guide is available in Ukrainian.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage with UKR status?
It is possible in some banks, but UKR status is time-limited, so many banks are cautious. With a CUKR card your chances are usually better.
What is the CUKR card?
A temporary residence permit for people with UKR status, valid for 3 years. Applications are accepted online from 4 May 2026 to 4 March 2027.
Can I get a mortgage based on income in hryvnia?
Generally no. Polish banks expect income in złoty, usually from work in Poland.
Sources
- Office for Foreigners: CUKR residence card procedure (Polish)
- Office for Foreigners: residence cards for Ukrainian citizens with PESEL UKR (Polish)
This guide describes general rules and typical bank practice as of October 2026. It is not legal or tax advice and not a bank offer. Each bank sets its own criteria, and the lending decision is always made by the bank.