For years the symbol of "waiting for a residence card" was the red stamp in the passport. With the switch to electronic applications through MOS the stamp is becoming history — its role is taken over by the certificate of application submission issued in electronic form. We explain what it gives you in practice.
1. Where the certificate comes from
After successfully submitting the application in MOS you first receive the UPO (official confirmation of receipt) — proof that the application was filed on a specific date. If the application was filed on time and has no formal defects (or the defects were remedied on time), the authority issues a certificate confirming that your stay is legal while the proceedings are pending — until the day the decision becomes final.
2. What the certificate gives you — and what it does not
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it make my stay in Poland legal? | Yes — if the application was filed on time and without defects, the stay is legal until the proceedings end. |
| Does it allow me to work? | It depends. The certificate alone does not grant the right to work. Work during the proceedings is legal only if you have a separate basis (e.g. an existing work permit, a declaration, an exemption from the permit requirement) or a specific provision allows it. |
| Does it allow me to travel within the Schengen area? | No. The certificate is valid in Poland only. |
| Does it allow me to return to Poland after leaving? | No. Leaving while the proceedings are pending without a valid visa or another basis for return means a risk of being refused entry. If you have to travel — consult it beforehand. |
| Does it replace the residence card? | No. It is a temporary document for the duration of the proceedings. |
3. How to present the certificate to an employer or during an inspection
The certificate is in electronic form — you can keep it on your phone and print it out. The employer should attach it to the documentation proving the legality of employment (together with the document confirming the right to work). During a Border Guard inspection you present your passport and the certificate.
4. What if the authority has not issued the certificate?
- Check in MOS whether the application has formal defects — this is the most common reason.
- Verify that the application was filed during a legal stay — after the deadline the certificate is not granted.
- If everything is formally in order, file a request for the certificate through MOS or in writing; if the authority fails to act, you may lodge a ponaglenie (a formal reminder urging the authority to act).
Leaving the country? Changing jobs while your case is pending?
These are the two situations in which it is easiest to lose your legal status. We will check your situation before you take the risk.
Book a free consultationLegal note: this article is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Legal status: July 2026. Rights during the proceedings depend on your individual basis of stay and work — before travelling or changing employer, consult a lawyer. Data controller: Dariusz Włodarczyk Kancelaria TRC.
Related articles: MOS step by step · Errors and formal defects