Foreign nationals need a residence permit to stay in Poland. Find out more about the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit

A foreigner who is not an EU citizen and plans to stay in Poland for more than 90 days must issue a residence permit. This permit is the basis for a legal stay in the country. The permit is issued depending on the purpose of the expat's stay - study, work, etc.

EU citizens do not need to issue a residence permit in Poland, it is enough to register their stay.

The procedure for issuing a permit and its features are in our material.

Types of residence permits in Poland

The procedure for issuing two types of residence permits is approved in the Polish migration legislation:

• Temporary residence permit (valid from one to three years).
• Permanent residence permit (valid for ten years).

Also, highly qualified workers have the right to obtain an EU Blue Card.

Temporary residence permit in Poland (temporary residence card)

A temporary residence permit in Poland is the first document issued by a foreigner when moving to Poland.

A temporary residence permit in Poland is valid from one to three years. It cannot be extended, but you can re-apply for a permit before it expires. After five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

In order to obtain a temporary residence permit, a foreigner must have the following reasons: an invitation to work from a Polish employer, documents on admission to a Polish university, a close relative living in Poland, etc.

On the basis of this permit, a foreigner has the right to live and work in Poland, as well as visit other EU countries without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days.

The procedure for issuing a permit for temporary stay in Poland

1. Apply for a Polish long-term visa at the Polish embassy in the country of residence and arrive in Poland on its basis.

2. Register at the nearest Voivodeship office - department for foreigners. Look for the address by following the link.

3. Prepare the necessary list of documents:

• Application for temporary residence (two copies).
• Four photographs that meet visa requirements
• Valid passport (original and copy)
• Payment of the state fee.
• Medical Insurance.
• Letter of admission to the university - for obtaining a student visa.
• Job invitation from a Polish employer - for obtaining a work visa.
• A document that will confirm family ties with a Polish citizen - for obtaining a family reunification visa.

4. Have all necessary documents translated into Polish.

5. Submit the documents to the nearest voivodeship, pay the duty and wait for a response.

Depending on the circumstances, management employees may ask to provide additional documents.

The procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Poland (permanent residence card)

An application for a permanent residence permit in Poland can be submitted after at least 5 years of residence on the basis of a temporary document. The decision to grant a permanent residence permit (permanent residence card) is issued for an indefinite period. The card itself is valid for 10 years, that is, every 10 years the card must be changed as part of the card reissuance procedure. At the same time, there is no need to re-submit an application for a permit and go through the procedure for obtaining it.

On the basis of a permanent residence permit in Poland, a foreigner has the right to live and work in the country, as well as to travel within EU countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Who can issue a permanent residence permit in Poland

• A foreigner who has a source of stable income in Poland and has lived in the country for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit.
• Children of Polish citizens or persons residing in the country on the basis of a permanent residence permit.
• He is of Polish origin and plans to settle in Poland on a permanent basis.
• Has been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years before submitting an application for a permanent residence permit.
• Victims of human trafficking.
• Foreigners who have lived in Poland as a refugee for at least 5 years.
• Persons who received asylum in Poland.

The procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Poland

Applications for the issuance of a permanent residence card are also considered by the Voivodeship Office at the place of residence of the foreigner.

Approximate list of documents:

• Application for a permanent residence permit.
• Original passport and two photocopies.
• 4 photos that meet visa requirements.
• Documents confirming the existence of circumstances for issuing a permanent residence permit.
• Payment of state duty.

The maximum application review period is 3 months.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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How can foreigners find legal employment in Poland in 2023? Read here.

Work permit in Poland: a detailed guide.