Residence card — basics
What is a residence card and what does it give you?
A residence card is a residence document confirming a foreigner's identity and their right to stay legally in Poland. It is issued after obtaining a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident permit. A residence card in Poland entitles you, among other things, to cross the border multiple times without a visa and to travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), and — together with the appropriate permit — to work legally. What a residence card gives you therefore depends on the type of permit on the basis of which it was issued.
How to obtain a residence card in Poland?
Legalisation of stay in Poland takes place in several steps: choosing the right type of permit (temporary residence, permanent residence, EU long-term resident), gathering the documents, submitting the application electronically via the MOS system, giving fingerprints at the voivodeship office, and — after a positive decision — collecting the residence card. We help with legalisation of stay at every stage — from case assessment to card collection.
Does a residence card entitle you to work?
Not always. The residence card itself confirms legal stay — the right to work depends on the type of permit. A temporary residence and work permit (the so-called single permit) legalises both stay and work for the indicated employer. A card with the annotation "access to the labour market" allows you to work without a separate work permit. Before taking up employment, it is always worth checking the scope of your permit.
What documents are needed for a residence card?
The basic documents for a residence card are: a valid passport, a photograph, proof of payment of the stamp duty and documents confirming the purpose of stay — for temporary residence and work, among others, Annex no. 1 from the employer, a contract, health insurance and a place of residence. The list of documents for temporary residence differs depending on the purpose (work, studies, family, business). We prepare an individual list of documents for each case.
How much does a residence card cost? What is the fee?
The residence card fee consists of several parts: the stamp duty for the permit (for temporary residence and work — PLN 440, for permanent residence and EU resident — PLN 640), the fee for amending a temporary residence and work permit, e.g. when changing employer (PLN 220), and the fee for issuing the card itself (PLN 100). Rates may change — we confirm the current amounts before submitting the application. With a positive decision, the stamp duty is non-refundable; in case of refusal, you may apply for a refund.
Can I get a refund of the stamp duty and when?
Yes — the stamp duty is refundable if, despite its payment, the permit was not issued (Stamp Duty Act). The refund is due, among others, when: you received a refusal decision, the application was left without examination (e.g. due to formal deficiencies), the proceedings were discontinued, you withdrew the application before a decision was issued, and also when, after the case was transferred to another voivodeship office, the fee was paid again — then the first payment can be recovered. The refund is made only upon a request submitted to the competent city/municipality office (tax authority), and the right to a refund expires 5 years from the end of the year in which the payment was made. The fee for issuing the residence card (PLN 100) is refundable if the card was not issued. Note: with a positive decision no refund is due. We prepare stamp duty refund applications for our clients.
Residence card application and procedure
How to submit a residence card application?
From 27 April 2026, applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and EU long-term resident status are submitted exclusively electronically via the MOS system (Case Handling Module). After sending the application, you will receive a summons to appear in person at the voivodeship office to give fingerprints. We submit applications together with our clients — without errors or formal deficiencies.
Can I still file a paper residence-card application?
No. From 27 April 2026, applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and EU long-term resident status are filed exclusively online via the MOS system. A paper application will be left unexamined. There are exceptions (e.g. certain family matters and ICT) — we'll check whether they apply to your situation.
I don't speak Polish. How do I complete the MOS application?
The MOS form is available in Polish only. That's exactly why we offer the "Error-free application" package — we complete and file the application together with you, speaking in your language (English, Spanish, Portuguese).
What does the stamp in the passport mean for a residence card?
The stamp in the passport (now also an electronic confirmation in the MOS system) is proof that the residence card application was submitted on time and without formal deficiencies. It legalises your stay in Poland until the day the decision becomes final. Note: the stamp does not entitle you to travel within the Schengen area or — as a rule — to return to Poland without a visa.
Can I stay in Poland legally while my application is being processed?
As a rule, yes — once the application is effectively filed, you receive a certificate that legalises your stay until the decision. The condition is filing on time, during a legal stay. Every situation requires individual assessment.
How long do you wait for a residence card?
The waiting time for a residence card varies depending on the voivodeship office and the type of case — from several months upwards. The statutory deadline for issuing a decision is often exceeded in practice. A correctly submitted application without formal deficiencies is the most effective way to shorten the wait; in case of excessive length of proceedings, you can file a reminder (ponaglenie).
How to check the status of a residence card case?
Checking the status of a residence card case is possible in the MOS system and on the information portals of some voivodeship offices (by case number). If the case is handled by a representative, they receive the correspondence — but you always have the right to know the stage of your own proceedings. We monitor our clients' cases on an ongoing basis.
What if I am missing documents for the residence card?
Missing documents for a residence card do not always ruin the case. Formal deficiencies can be completed within the deadline set by the office (usually 7–14 days from the summons). Some documents can be recreated or replaced with other evidence. The most dangerous thing is to ignore the summons — the application will then be left without examination. We will assess free of charge what is missing and how to complete it.
What to do when I have not received a letter from the office?
A summons from the office (e.g. to complete formal deficiencies of the application) goes to the representative — if the case is handled by an employer or agency, correspondence goes to them, and the deadline runs regardless of whether it was passed on to you. Uncompleted formal deficiencies mean the application is left without examination, which can even lead to the loss of legal stay. If you suspect you have missed a summons — act immediately: establish who the representative in the case is, ask for the correspondence, and if necessary revoke the power of attorney. We will analyse the documents you have free of charge and advise on the next steps.
Legalisation of work — a foreigner's work in Poland
What is a work permit and who needs it?
A work permit is a document legalising a foreigner's work in Poland — it is obtained by the employer for a specific position and terms of employment. Legal work of foreigners requires both legal stay (visa, residence card, visa-free travel) and a work entitlement (work permit, declaration on entrusting work, or single permit). We help with legalisation of work for both foreigners and employers.
When can you work without a work permit?
Those who can work without a work permit include: holders of a permanent residence permit and an EU long-term resident permit, spouses of Polish citizens with the appropriate residence permit, full-time students and graduates of full-time programmes at Polish universities, persons with international protection, and holders of a residence card with the annotation "access to the labour market". The catalogue of exemptions is broad — we will check whether it covers your situation.
What does a temporary residence and work permit (single permit) give you?
A temporary residence and work permit is the most popular form of legalising stay and work in Poland in a single procedure — with one application you legalise your stay and employment with the indicated employer. It is issued for a maximum of 3 years. Changing employer or working conditions requires, as a rule, an amendment of the permit or a new application.
How much does a work permit for a foreigner cost the employer?
The employer (the entity entrusting the work) applies for the work permit, not the foreigner — the application is filed with the voivode competent for the employer's registered office or the place of work. The fee for filing the application is (Regulation of the MRPiPS of 20 November 2025, Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1622, in force since 1 December 2025):
- 200 zł — when the work is to be entrusted for a period not exceeding 3 months,
- 400 zł — for a period exceeding 3 months,
- 800 zł — when the employer posts the foreigner to the territory of Poland,
- 100 zł — seasonal work permit (type S, issued by the starosta or the district labour office).
The fee is paid by the entity entrusting the work, to the account of the competent office; if it acts through a proxy, a stamp duty of 17 zł for the power of attorney is added. This is not the full cost of employment — the employer also bears the remuneration (not lower than for comparable positions and not lower than the minimum wage), ZUS contributions, medical examinations and health and safety training.
Remember: a work permit does not replace a visa or a residence title — to travel to Poland you usually need a national type-D visa from a Polish consulate. The permit is tied to a specific employer, position and working conditions — it cannot be transferred to another company.
Important for citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia: since 22 August 2026 (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 1072) citizens of these countries may not perform work on the basis of a work permit while staying in Poland under visa-free travel — a national type-D visa or another residence title is required. We will check free of charge which route is right in your case.
Where can I look for job offers in Poland as a foreigner?
Before the employer applies for a permit, you need a concrete job offer. Safe sources of offers are:
- Central Job Offers Database (oferty.praca.gov.pl) — the official database of the public employment services,
- EURES — the European job mobility portal with offers from employers in Poland,
- employment agencies entered in the KRAZ register — you can verify the entry in the public register at praca.gov.pl,
- employers' own websites in sectors that actually hire foreigners: manufacturing, logistics, construction, care, transport, IT,
- nationwide job listing portals with job offers.
Beware of fraud: nobody should demand payment from you for “arranging” a work permit — the procedure is conducted by the authority and the official fee is paid by the employer. Check the company in KRS or CEIDG and the intermediary in the KRAZ register, and insist on written working conditions before you travel. Do not send original documents or advance payments to people whose identity you cannot verify.
I lost my job — what about my residence card?
Losing your job does not automatically take away your residence card, but it triggers short deadlines: you must notify the voivode of the loss of work, as a rule, within 15 working days. After the notification, you have time to find a new employer and amend the permit. Ignoring this obligation may end in the withdrawal of the permit. Contact us immediately after losing your job — we will help you keep your legal stay.
Permanent residence and EU long-term resident
When can I obtain a permanent residence permit?
A permanent residence permit is issued for an indefinite period, among others, to persons of Polish origin, holders of the Pole's Card intending to settle in Poland, spouses of Polish citizens (after 3 years of marriage and the required period of stay), and in other cases specified in the act. The permanent residence application is submitted via the MOS system. The residence card is replaced every 10 years — the permit itself does not expire.
What is EU long-term resident status?
The EU long-term resident permit is an indefinite permit for foreigners who have stayed in Poland legally and continuously for at least 5 years, have a stable source of income, health insurance and confirmed knowledge of Polish (at least B1). It gives full access to the labour market and makes it easier to settle in other EU countries. The card is replaced every 5 years.
Replacement, extension, appeal
When is a residence card replacement necessary?
A residence card replacement is required, among others, when the data on the card changes (surname, citizenship), when your appearance changes in a way that hinders identification, in case of damage or loss of the card, and after the expiry of its validity for indefinite permits (permanent residence — every 10 years, EU resident — every 5 years). The replacement application is submitted to the voivode; the fee for issuing a new card is PLN 100 (a duplicate after loss through the holder's fault may cost more).
How to extend a residence card?
A temporary residence card is not extended — before the permit expires, you must submit a new temporary residence application (via MOS), at the latest on the last day of legal stay. Submitting the application on time legalises your stay for the duration of the procedure. Do not wait until the last moment: gathering the documents takes time, and a late application means illegal stay.
Refusal — what does an appeal against a residence card decision look like?
An appeal against a refusal decision of the voivode lies to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of delivery of the decision. After a negative second-instance decision, you can file a complaint with the voivodeship administrative court (30 days). An appeal against a residence card decision should be based on specific objections — we analyse refusal decisions and handle appeal cases.
What does “effective help or a refund” mean?
In packages with representation we undertake to refund our fee if you do not obtain a residence card. The detailed terms, including exclusions (e.g. providing false information), are set out in the Terms and Conditions available on the website.
Employer, agency or independent lawyer
My employer or agency submitted my residence card application and won't give me the documents. What should I do?
It is still your case — even if someone else submitted the application. You have the right to know the stage of the proceedings and to receive copies of the documents, and you can revoke the power of attorney at any time and take over the case or hand it to an independent representative. Important when changing jobs: without promptly notifying the office, the application may be discontinued or left without examination.
See the comparison and your rights →Who should handle a residence card case — the employer or an independent lawyer?
An application for temporary residence and work may be prepared by a representative — this can be the employer, an agency or an independent lawyer for the foreigner. The difference is fundamental: an independent representative acts solely in your interest, and all residence card documents and access to the case remain with you — also when changing jobs.
See the full comparison →Can an employer handle a residence card application for a foreigner?
Yes — the law allows it, if you grant a power of attorney. Remember, however, that it is still your case: legalisation of a foreigner's stay is the obligation and right of the foreigner themselves. When changing employer, short deadlines apply (as a rule, 15 working days to notify the voivode of the loss of work and 30 days to update the case) — if only the company has the documents, it is easy to miss them.
Check your rights →Taking over and continuing a case (transfer from another representative)
Can you take over a case that another representative or agency has already started?
Yes. We take over the case from the previous representative at any stage of the proceedings — from where the case currently stands through to the decision. You do not have to start over.
Will you first review what has already been filed and what is missing?
Yes. We start by reviewing the status of the case and the documents held by the office (urząd): we identify formal deficiencies, assess the chances of a positive decision and issue a written legal opinion with recommendations. This is the scope of the REVIEW package (615 PLN, one-off), with a phone consultation of up to 30 minutes.
Can you change the representative currently listed in the case?
Yes. Registering the change of representative with the office is included in the STANDARD and ALL INCLUSIVE packages. Once registered, we receive the correspondence and run the case.
Do you respond to all requests from the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) and file the necessary documents?
Yes — in the STANDARD and ALL INCLUSIVE packages. We supplement formal deficiencies, prepare submissions and respond to official requests within the set deadlines, and we represent you in the proceedings as your authorised representative (pełnomocnik).
Do you follow the case through to the final decision?
Yes. In the STANDARD and ALL INCLUSIVE packages we run the case to the decision and monitor its status at the office throughout the proceedings.
And if there is a problem, a delay or a negative decision — will you file the appeal?
Yes. Running the case to the decision also covers the appeal (STANDARD and ALL INCLUSIVE). Where the proceedings are unduly delayed, separate remedies apply — a reminder (ponaglenie) followed by a complaint about administrative inactivity — which we also prepare.
How much does taking over my case cost?
For cases already under way, three “Case continuation” packages apply: REVIEW — 615 PLN one-off (review of the case status and documents, identification of deficiencies, a written legal opinion, a consultation of up to 30 min); STANDARD — 1650 PLN in 2 instalments (everything in Review plus change of representative, supplementing deficiencies, responses to official requests, representation and running the case to the decision including the appeal); ALL INCLUSIVE — 2200 PLN in 3 instalments (everything in Standard plus consultations on changing employer and on permanent residence/citizenship, handling of selected benefit applications and 12 months of support after the decision). We select the exact package after a free review of the file. In the packages with representation a fee-refund rule applies in the event of a negative decision — on the terms set out in the Terms of Service (Regulamin).
Are there any additional costs besides your fee? Which documents should I send for the free review?
The package prices do not include official fees (administrative fee — opłata skarbowa — of 440 / 100 / 17 PLN depending on the action) or third-party costs such as sworn translations, notarial fees or consular fees. For the free review, please send: proof of filing and the case reference number, all correspondence received from the office so far (requests, letters), your passport, your previous residence card or decision (if any) and any documents from your employer that you have. We will get back to you within 24 hours, in your language.
I understand the 2200 PLN for the All Inclusive package. Where do the 440 PLN come from — is it a penalty for non-payment?
No, it is not a penalty. The 440 PLN is the administrative fee (opłata skarbowa) — a mandatory state fee for granting the temporary residence and work permit, paid to the office’s account, not to us. Every applicant pays it and it is separate from our fee. Other actions have lower fees: 100 PLN for issuing the residence card itself and 17 PLN for the power of attorney. These are the only mandatory official fees — our package fee is separate.
I don’t know what documents the previous representative submitted or what is missing — is that a problem?
No. That is exactly what the first review is for. Just send us the case reference number — we will check the status of the file, establish what has already been submitted and what is missing, and prepare the list of deficiencies. You don’t need to know this in advance; we determine it for you.
Family reunification — bringing children and a spouse
I want to bring my children from abroad to Poland — is it possible and on what basis?
Yes. This is what the temporary residence permit for family reunification is for (art. 159 of the Act on Foreigners). It covers, among others, the minor children of a foreigner residing in Poland. The condition is that you meet the requirements on your side — the right residence title, income, health insurance and a place to live. We will check them free of charge and run the case.
Who can bring their family to Poland — what residence do I need?
The right to family reunification belongs to a foreigner residing in Poland, among others, on the basis of a permanent residence permit, an EU long-term resident’s permit, refugee status or subsidiary protection, as well as after at least 2 years of uninterrupted residence on successive temporary residence permits (the last one issued for a period of no less than 1 year), and on permits for highly qualified workers, ICT mobility and researchers (art. 159(1)). We will assess whether your residence title already allows it.
Which children can I bring under family reunification?
Minor children — your own, your spouse’s and adopted children — who are dependent on you and under your parental authority (art. 159(3)). Age is assessed as at the date the application is filed: the child must be a minor on that day (art. 159(3a)). Reaching adulthood after the application is filed does not defeat the case.
The children are abroad — do they apply from there, or do I apply in Poland?
The family-reunification permit is designed also for children who are only now joining you from abroad. The channel for filing the application and the procedure depend on where the child is and on your residence title — we will establish the right route and run the case for you.
What conditions must I meet to bring my children?
Three conditions on your side: health insurance, a stable and regular income sufficient to support yourself and your family, and a secured place of residence in Poland (art. 159(1)(2)–(3)). For families of persons with refugee status or subsidiary protection some of these requirements are relaxed if the application is filed within the statutory deadline.
What documents will be needed to bring the children?
Usually: the child’s birth certificate and a document confirming parental authority, your residence title in Poland, proof of stable income, health insurance, confirmation of a place of residence, and the child’s passport and photos. Foreign documents usually require a sworn translation, and some require legalisation or an apostille. We will prepare the exact list for your situation individually.
How much does bringing the children cost — what are the official fees?
The administrative fee (opłata skarbowa) for the temporary residence permit for family reunification is 340 PLN, and the fee for issuing the residence card for a child under 16 is 50 PLN (100 PLN for older children). These are separate official fees, independent of our fee; the costs of foreign documents (sworn translations, legalisation) are also separate. You will find our case-handling packages in the price list.
What do the children get after a positive decision, and will they be able to attend school?
After a positive decision the child receives a residence card for the period of the permit — a document confirming legal stay. The right to education is independent of the residence title: children of foreigners attend Polish public schools on the same terms as Polish citizens and are covered by compulsory schooling.
Can I also bring my spouse in the same procedure?
Yes. A family member in this procedure also includes a spouse in a marriage recognised by Polish law (art. 159(3)(1)). A family-reunification application may cover the spouse and minor children; the income, insurance and residence conditions are assessed jointly for the whole family.
Residence card in Poland — FAQ in English
How to get a residence card in Poland?
To get a residence card (karta pobytu) you apply for a temporary residence permit, permanent residence or EU long-term residence permit. Since 27 April 2026 applications are filed only electronically via the MOS system — in Polish. After filing, you give fingerprints at the voivodeship office and, once the decision is positive, collect your residence card. We prepare and file the application with you, communicating in English.
What is a temporary residence permit in Poland?
A temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy) legalizes your stay in Poland for up to 3 years. The most common type is the combined residence and work permit, which covers both legal stay and employment with a specific employer. Permanent residence in Poland (pobyt stały) and the EU long-term residence permit are granted for an unlimited period after meeting statutory conditions.
Do I need a work permit in Poland?
Legal work in Poland requires both a legal stay and a work authorization: a work permit obtained by your employer, a declaration of entrusting work, or a combined residence and work permit. Some foreigners are exempt — including holders of permanent residence, full-time students and graduates of Polish universities. We handle the full legalization of work in Poland for employees and employers.
How long does legalization of stay in Poland take?
Legalization of stay in Poland usually takes from a few months upwards, depending on the voivodeship office. After correctly filing your application you stay legally in Poland while the case is pending. A complete, error-free application is the best way to shorten the waiting time — this is exactly what we guarantee in our service packages.
Tarjeta de residencia en Polonia — preguntas frecuentes en español
¿Cómo obtener la tarjeta de residencia en Polonia?
Para obtener la tarjeta de residencia (karta pobytu) hay que solicitar un permiso de residencia temporal, residencia permanente o residencia de larga duración UE. Desde el 27 de abril de 2026 la solicitud se presenta únicamente por vía electrónica en el sistema MOS, solo en polaco. Después se toman las huellas dactilares en la oficina del voivoda y, con la decisión positiva, se recoge la tarjeta. Preparamos y presentamos la solicitud contigo, hablando en español.
¿Qué es el permiso de residencia temporal en Polonia?
El permiso de residencia temporal en Polonia legaliza la estancia hasta 3 años. El tipo más común es el permiso único de residencia y trabajo, que legaliza a la vez la estancia y el empleo con un empleador concreto. La residencia permanente y la residencia de larga duración UE se conceden por tiempo indefinido tras cumplir los requisitos legales.
¿Necesito un permiso de trabajo en Polonia?
Para trabajar legalmente en Polonia necesitas una estancia legal y una autorización de trabajo: permiso de trabajo gestionado por el empleador, declaración de encargo de trabajo o permiso único de residencia y trabajo. Algunos extranjeros están exentos, por ejemplo los titulares de residencia permanente o los estudiantes a tiempo completo. Nos ocupamos de la legalización completa del trabajo.
¿Cómo funciona la legalización de estancia en Polonia?
La legalización de estancia en Polonia suele durar desde varios meses, según la oficina del voivoda. Tras presentar correctamente la solicitud, permaneces legalmente en Polonia mientras dura el procedimiento. Una solicitud completa y sin errores es la mejor manera de acortar la espera — y es justo lo que garantizamos en nuestros paquetes de servicios.