Legalize your stay in Poland

Residence Card in Poland is a document confirming a foreigner’s identity and legal stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland. The basis for obtaining a Residence Card is taking up employment, running a business, studying at a higher education institution, entering into marriage with a Polish citizen or other reasons.

An application for a residence card should be submitted before the end of the period of legal stay in Poland.

– PLN 440 for applicants on the basis of employment, business activity or Blue Card.

– PLN 340 for applicants on the basis of higher education, status of a university graduate, marriage to a Polish citizen or family reunification.

– PLN 640 for applicants on the basis of Polish ancestry, status of long-term EU resident.

– 0 PLN for applicants on the basis of “Karta Polaka” for permanent residence.

Additional fees:

– 50 PLN for making a plastic card.

– PLN 25 for students for issuing a plastic card.

– PLN 17 for granting a power of attorney.

There are several steps you can take to speed up the processing of your application at the office:

• Ensure that all required documents have been submitted and completed correctly. This will help avoid delays caused by incorrect data.
• Provide information in a timely manner: Respond to requests from the inspector or the office promptly by providing the required information or additional documents as soon as possible.
• Consulting professionals: If necessary, seek advice from a professional or lawyer to ensure that the application and documents have been submitted correctly.

In order to avoid a negative decision, you should stay in contact with the Office to keep up to date with the progress of your case. If you change your address, it is important to inform the Office so that you receive updated notifications. If you are asked to provide additional documents, you must respond in good time or complete the information in the letter, or bring the documents to the Office in person.

Documents:

• Photocopy of all pages of your foreign passport
• Four colour photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Completed application for a residence permit in Poland (2 copies)
• Documents confirming the grounds for issuance of a residence card (e.g. Annex No. 1, school certificate, etc.);
• Documents confirming the place of residence (lease agreement or notarised property deed).
• Health insurance for a minimum amount of PLN 30,000 or ZUS ZUA insurance;
• Information on financial situation or regular income (certificate from work, bank statement, etc.).
• More detailed information can be found on the office’s website.

The waiting time for a Residence Card in Poland varies depending on the purpose of the stay. According to the regulations, it can take up to three months to process an application for a residence permit. However, in practice, the process can take between two and nine months from the submission of the application. This period is an average and may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

While waiting for a temporary residence permit, a foreigner can change the place of work by submitting new documents from a new employer. If the foreigner already has a Residence Card and changes jobs, a new application with the necessary documents must be submitted to the Governor.

The refusal of a residence permit for foreigners is an unpleasant situation, but everyone has the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving notification of the refusal.

To avoid a refusal, it is important to take into account several reasons:

1. Accuracy and completeness of the information: It is important to complete the questionnaire without errors or inaccuracies.
2. Required documents: Make sure you have all the required documents for the appointment card.
3. Appearance at the Office: It is important to appear for fingerprinting at the appointed time.
4. Purpose of stay: The stated purpose must be consistent with the foreigner’s actual plans.
5. False data: Submission of authentic documents and information is mandatory.
6. Status in the Schengen Information System: Make sure that your name does not appear in the SIS system during your stay in Poland.
7. Payment of the application: Make sure that the costs of issuing the residence card have been covered.
8. Taxes: Do not have tax arrears.
9. Salary: It is important that your salary is not less than the minimum wage set at national level.
10. Insurance: It is essential to have up-to-date insurance.

The employer cannot cancel the residence card as he is not the one who issues it. He/she can only notify the Authority of the termination of the employment contract.

If you do not apply for a change of employer within one month, the Office may change the decision on the residence permit.