LEGAL STAY IN POLAND
You must apply for a residence permit if you are a non-citizen of the EU/EEA and want to remain, study, or work in Poland. You will only need to register your stay if you are an EU citizen. The Poland residency permit is used as evidence of the justification for your presence. Residency permits available in Poland:
- Temporary residence permit which is valid for one to three years.
- Permanent residence permit which is valid for ten years.
- Poland Eu Blue Card residence permit for professional workers.
Both permits offer different opportunities when it comes to residing in Poland.
File your forms
In order to obtain a residence card, you will need to file appropriate forms in the relevant Voivodeship Office in person. Depending on the type of reasons behind your application, different documents need to be filed, but some of them remain the same:
- Application form for a temporary residence permit- 4 copies
- Valid travel document - 3 copies
- Current color photographs - 4 copies
- Written consent of individuals exercising parental authority over a minor applying for a permit.
Please bear in mind that it is possible to obtain other important permits along with your temporary residence card.
To be more specific, if you are applying on the grounds of starting your work in Poland, you are able to get a temporary residence card and work permit at the same time.
WHEN CAN A FOREIGNER OBTAIN A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT?
A foreigner planning to stay in Poland for more than 3 months may apply for a temporary residence permit. A temporary residence permit is issued for the maximum of 3 years. The period of validity of the permit may be shorter, however, if the basis for applying for this permit indicates that a shorter stay is justified.
Note! A temporary residence permit shall not be extended (the act does not provide for a procedure of the extension of a temporary residence permit). If a foreigner wants to stay in Poland, they must apply for a new permit.
Note! A foreigner should leave Poland before the expiry of the temporary residence permit, unless they have obtained another, valid document allowing them to legally stay in Poland (e.g., another temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or long-term EU resident's residence permit).
Conditions of the Poland Temporary Residence Permit
Here are the conditions for the temporary residence permit for Poland:
| Duration: | Max. 3 years. Can not be extended, but you can re-apply for the permit before your expiration date. |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | You must have a “reason” to be in Poland, such as a family member, a work permit from a Polish employer, or an acceptance letter from a Polish university. |
| Benefits: | You can live and work in Poland. You can also visit all the other countries in the EU without a visa for the duration of your residence permit. |
When Can I Apply for Polish Permanent Residency?
After a minimum of five years of residing in Poland with a temporary resident visa, you may apply for permanent residency. You may be able to submit your application sooner in particular circumstances (such as marriage to a Polish citizen). Your temporary residency permit must be renewed before you may submit an application for a permanent one. The application may be sent personally or by the mail.
We guarantee a professional approach, full commitment and protection of your rights in the process of legalizing your stay in Poland. It is our priority to ensure that the outcome is best for you.
