Complete document checklist for MOS 2.0: what to prepare before you submit

Since 27 April 2026, every karta pobytu application in Poland — including the new CUKR card for Ukrainians — runs through MOS 2.0 at mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. Paper applications submitted to the voivode after that date are rejected without consideration. This checklist is the “before you sit down at the form” list. Tick every box first and the application itself takes about 30 minutes.

Step 1 — digital identity (do this first)

• PESEL number. For Ukrainians, that means PESEL UKR obtained at your local gmina. Required before anything else.
• Profil Zaufany activated. Set up via your Polish bank or at a verification point. This is how you sign the application electronically.
• e-Doręczenia (electronic delivery) registered. Mandatory for MOS 2.0 — register at edoreczenia.gov.pl using Profil Zaufany.
• New MOS account created at mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. All accounts on the legacy MOS were deleted at launch — register from scratch.

Step 2 — biometric photo

The photo is the document that fails most often. It must meet the MOS 2.0 specification exactly:

• Taken within the last 6 months.
• JPG format only — no HEIC, PNG, or WEBP.
• Minimum 684 × 883 pixels, matching the 35 × 45 mm biometric ratio.
• Maximum 2.5 MB file size.
• Face covers 70–80% of the frame.
• Plain, light, even background — no shadows.
• Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses.

Step 3 — passport

• Colour scan or high-quality photo of every page of your passport — including blank pages and the cover. MOS 2.0 specifically requires all pages, not just the data page.
• Each page must be readable, in focus, and uncropped.

Step 4 — payment confirmation

• Stamp duty (opłata skarbowa): PLN 340. Paid by bank transfer to your local urząd miasta.
• Card production fee: PLN 100. Paid by bank transfer to the voivode.
• Both confirmations attached as PDF or image inside the MOS application before submission.

Step 5 — documents specific to CUKR

If you are applying for the CUKR card, also include:

• Confirmation that PESEL UKR was active on 4 June 2025. A printout from your gmina or from the public register works.
• Proof of continuous UKR status for at least 365 days. Usually the same gmina printout shows the activation date.

Step 6 — documents by permit type

Work-based temporary residence

• Employer declaration. When you submit the application, MOS automatically emails your employer with a request to confirm the employment terms. The employer must respond within 14 days or the application is discontinued — warn your employer in advance.
• Work contract or umowa zlecenie attached as PDF.
• ZUS DRA confirmation showing employer registration (often handled by the employer’s accountant).

Studies

• Acceptance letter or active enrolment certificate.
• Proof of tuition payment (where applicable).

Family reunification

• Marriage certificate or birth certificate, with sworn translation.
• Proof of the sponsor’s legal residence in Poland.

Step 7 — supporting documents (almost always required)

• Health insurance. NFZ confirmation, ZUS RCA, or a private policy meeting the schengen-equivalent coverage threshold.
• Proof of accommodation in Poland. Lease agreement, notarised statement from a hosting family, or property ownership document.
• Proof of financial means. Bank statements, employer salary confirmation, or a sworn declaration depending on permit type.

The hidden 50 MB cap

Every MOS 2.0 application has a combined attachment limit of 50 MB. The photo alone is capped at 2.5 MB; the rest of your budget covers passport scans, fee receipts, contracts, and accommodation proof. Compress large PDFs and scan at 200 DPI rather than 600 DPI — readability matters, raw size does not.

Important warnings before you submit

• Paper applications are rejected. Anything submitted to the voivode in paper form after 26 April 2026 is rejected without consideration. The postmark date does not count.
• Once signed, you cannot edit. A submitted MOS application cannot be modified or withdrawn. Review every field and attachment before signing.
• Some categories still go on paper. Family reunification from abroad and a few specific temporary residence categories are excluded from MOS. If you are unsure, the official page at mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en lists which permit types are covered.

Pre-submission final pass

1. Profil Zaufany still active and not expired.
2. e-Doręczenia receiving messages (test by sending yourself one).
3. Photo opens in a browser and is under 2.5 MB.
4. All passport pages legible.
5. Both fee receipts attached and dated.
6. Total attachments under 50 MB.
7. Every form field reviewed for typos.