-- main -- ### title Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu Czasowego) ### summary [💸](440 PLN+50|Fees) [⏱️](4–6 months|Processing) ### description A temporary residence permit lets you stay in Poland long-term for a specific purpose. Examples: work, study, family, or business. The card confirms your legal stay and usually covers the exact period of your contract or studies (up to 3 years). With the card you can cross Schengen borders for short trips and sign legal contracts in Poland. 💡 **Important:** Apply before your current legal stay ends. If you apply on time and correctly, you can stay during processing. > Bring originals and copies. Use certified translations for non‑Polish documents. ### helper ### benefits **Legal residence** Stay in Poland for your purpose (work, study, family, business) --- **Right to work** Work authorization depending on your permit type and conditions --- **Access to services** Healthcare, banking, and social services access --- **Schengen travel** Travel within Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period --- **Path to permanent residence** Time counts toward 5-year requirement for permanent residence --- **Foundation for citizenship** Continuous legal stay is required for future citizenship applications ### Eligibility and grounds **Work-based permits:** - Full-time employment contract with Polish employer - Self-employment registration (CEIDG) - Intra-corporate transfer - Business establishment - EU Blue Card (highly qualified workers) **Study permits:** - Enrollment at Polish university or higher education institution - Doctoral student status - Confirmation of admission and tuition payment **Family reunification:** - Marriage to Polish citizen or permanent resident - Family relationships (parent, child, spouse) - Reunification with family members already in Poland **Business activities:** - Opening and operating a business in Poland - Starting an enterprise (registered in CEIDG or KRS) - Investment activities **Other grounds:** - Scientific research - Volunteering - Humanitarian protection - Other justified reasons ### General requirements **Mandatory for all applicants:** 1. **Valid travel document** - Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended) - Other valid identity documents for EEA citizens 2. **Proof of financial means** - Bank statements showing sufficient funds (minimum 3 months) - Income from employment or business - Minimum income: 1,010 PLN net per month (single person) or 823 PLN per person (family) - For students: proof of funds for tuition and living costs 3. **Proof of accommodation** - Rental agreement with landlord's written consent - Property ownership deed - Written declaration from property owner permitting residence - Must cover entire stay period 4. **Health insurance** - Valid coverage in Poland (NFZ or private insurance) - Private insurance must cover minimum EUR 30,000 - Must be active on the date of decision - Cannot be accident-only insurance 5. **No criminal record** - Police clearance certificate from country of origin (if required) - Declaration of no serious criminal convictions 6. **Legal entry to Poland** - Visa stamp or entry confirmation - Proof of legal border crossing ### Required documents **Basic documents (all applicants):** 1. **Application form** - Official "Wniosek" (application for residence permit) - Available online via government portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) - Must be completed in Polish - Two printed copies required 2. **Photographs** - 4 biometric photographs - Size: 35mm × 45mm (3.5cm × 4.5cm) - White background - Taken within last 6 months - Recent appearance 3. **Passport/travel document** - Original for inspection - Photocopies of all filled pages - Copy of passport ID page (2 copies) 4. **Proof of legal entry** - Visa stamp in passport, OR - Entry stamp confirming legal border crossing - For visa-free entry: confirmation of visa-free travel eligibility 5. **Accommodation proof** - Original rental contract (lease agreement), AND - Landlord's written consent to residence, OR - Property ownership documents with copies - Proof must show full address and validity period 6. **Financial documents** - Bank statements (minimum last 3 months) - Proof of stable income - Employment contract (if employed) - Tax returns (if self-employed) - Business registration documents (if business owner) 7. **Health insurance documentation** - NFZ (National Health Fund) contract, OR - Private insurance policy (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage) - Proof of current contributions/payments - Insurance must cover medical treatment in Poland 8. **PESEL number documentation** - PESEL registration confirmation (if already obtained), OR - Documentation for PESEL application 9. **Stamp duty payment confirmation** - Receipt showing payment of required fee - Payment reference number **Employment-specific documents:** - Employment contract (signed by employer and employee) - Employer declaration (Annex No. 1) - Social insurance (ZUS) registration confirmation - Proof of contribution payments - Labour office opinion (for certain professions) - Work permit (if required) **Study-specific documents:** - University admission letter - Proof of enrollment at accredited institution - Academic calendar or course schedule - Tuition payment proof (if applicable) - Proof of funds for living costs (minimum 1,010 PLN monthly) **Business-specific documents:** - CEIDG (Central Registration and Information on Business) registration certificate, OR - KRS (National Court Register) documentation - Tax registration (NIP) documentation - Business plan - Proof of premises for business - Tax returns and financial statements **Family reunification documents:** - Marriage certificate (certified copy) - Birth certificates for children - Proof of family relationships - Sponsor's residence documents - Bank statements of family members ### Application process **Step 1: Prepare all documents** - Collect all required documents according to your grounds - Ensure non-Polish documents are translated by sworn translator - Make copies of all documents - Organize documents in order **Step 2: Register online (recommended)** - Visit official portal: mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl - Create user account - Fill out application form online - Note access code provided for tracking - Include email address for notifications **Step 3: Pay stamp duty fee** - Pay applicable fee: 440 PLN for most applications (340 PLN for family reunification, 170 PLN for students) + 50 PLN card production - Payment options: - Bank transfer to voivodeship office account - Post office payment - Office payment window - Keep payment confirmation receipt **Step 4: Submit application** **Option A: In-person submission (if possible)** - Visit Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in your region - Book appointment through online system or by phone - Bring original documents and copies - Register fingerprints during appointment - Estimated wait: 1-2 weeks for appointment, varies by location **Option B: Postal submission (if in-person unavailable)** - Use registered mail (Poczta Polska - list polecony z potwierdzeniem odbioru) - Keep postal receipt as proof of submission - Send to voivodeship office address - Submit by last day of legal stay - Include only essential documents by post: - Application forms (2 copies) - Passport copies (2) - Photographs (4) - Payment receipt - Proof of legal entry - Submit remaining documents at fingerprinting appointment (scheduled 5-6 months later) **Step 5: Biometric registration** - Attend fingerprinting appointment - Provide fingerprints and additional biometric data - Receive appointment notice by post - Typically 7 days notice given - Must attend within specified deadline or application may be rejected **Step 6: Await decision** - Processing time varies by voivodeship (4-6 months average) - Track application online using access code - May receive requests for additional documents during review - Respond to requests within specified deadline **Step 7: Receive decision** - Written decision sent by mail - Contains approval, conditional approval, or refusal - Decision details residence permit validity period - If approved, instructions provided for card collection **Step 8: Collect residence card** - Visit voivodeship office to collect plastic card - Usually issued within 1 month of positive decision - Present identification - Residence card valid immediately upon issuance ### While pending: travel and work **Legal stay during processing:** - The stamp/legal-stay certificate keeps your stay legal in Poland but does not allow Schengen travel - If you leave Poland, you may need a new visa to return - Your right to work during processing depends on your basis and decision content - If your current permit or exemption still covers your employment (same employer/position as in annex), you can usually continue - When in doubt, ask the office in writing **Travel restrictions:** - Do not leave Poland during processing unless necessary - If you must travel, check with voivodeship office before leaving - Get written confirmation that you can return - Keep appointment invitation if scheduled - Return for biometric appointment (crucial) ### Changing employer or job **Employer-specific permits:** - If your permit is employer-specific, notify the office within 15 days - File the correct annex from the new employer - A material change (employer, position, hours, location) without notification can lead to refusal **Open labour market access:** - For open labour market access (noted in your decision), changes may not require annexes - You must still report major changes when asked **EU Blue Card holders:** - Blue Card has separate rules (salary threshold, qualifications, job change notifications) - If you consider switching, check eligibility and file the appropriate application in time ### Purpose change **Important limitation:** - You cannot typically change the purpose of stay within the same application (e.g., study → work, work → family) - Submit a new application on the correct grounds as soon as circumstances change - Apply before your current permit expires ### Terms and costs **Where to apply:** - Your Voivodeship Office (Department for Foreigners) - Apply in the voivodeship where you live **Fees:** - Stamp duty: 440 PLN for most applications - 340 PLN for family reunification - 170 PLN for students - 50 PLN for card production - Always bring payment confirmation **Processing time:** - Average: 4-6 months - Fastest regions: Lesser Poland (Kraków): 145-189 days, Warmian-Masurian: 176 days - Longest regions: Opole Province: 578 days, Kuyavian-Pomeranian: 517 days - The clock starts after you deliver all required documents - Delays occur if verification abroad is needed **Collection:** - Usually in person at the same office - Bring passport and pick-up notice **Rights:** - Check your decision—some cards limit work to a specific employer - Update the office within 15 days if you change jobs - Card validity: 1-3 years (renewable) **Stamp in passport:** - After submitting, ask for a stamp confirming legal stay - It does not allow travel in Schengen but keeps your stay legal in Poland ### Income requirements **Updated 2025 income thresholds:** **Single person living alone:** - Minimum: 1,010 PLN net per month **Persons living with family:** - Minimum: 823 PLN net per month per person **Examples:** - Single person: 1,010 PLN minimum - Couple: 1,646 PLN (823 × 2) minimum - Family of 3: 2,469 PLN (823 × 3) minimum - Family of 4: 3,292 PLN (823 × 4) minimum **What counts as income:** - Employment income (monthly salary from employment contract) - Business income (net profit from self-employment) - Investment income (dividends, rental income) - Family support (money from family members supporting applicant) - Social benefits (state benefits or pensions) **Required documentation:** - Bank statements (minimum 3 months) - Employment contracts - Payroll slips (last 3 months) - Tax returns (last 1-2 years) - Social security contributions proof (ZUS records) ### Health insurance requirements **Mandatory for all applicants:** Health insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining temporary residence permit. Without valid insurance, application cannot be approved. **Types of health insurance:** **1. Public Health Insurance (NFZ - National Health Fund)** - Through employer (automatic if employed) - Through ZUS (Social Insurance Institute) if self-employed - Through university (if student) - Cost: 9% of monthly income (usually deducted from salary) - Documentation: NFZ contract/agreement, proof of current contribution payments **2. Private Health Insurance** - Must cover medical care in Poland - Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000 (approximately PLN 120,000) - Must include emergency care and hospitalization - Must be valid during entire stay - Accident-only insurance is NOT sufficient - Cost: 50-200 PLN monthly (varies by provider) **3. Voluntary Health Insurance (Dobrowolne Ubezpieczenie Zdrowotne NFZ)** - Voluntary enrollment through NFZ - Available to those not otherwise covered - Cost: Approximately 9% of declared income ### Special rules for different categories **EU/EEA citizens:** - Simplified requirements - No visa required for entry - Must register residence at Voivodeship Office within 3 months of arrival - No fee for residence registration - Can work without work permit **Ukrainian refugees (PESEL UKR status):** - Temporary protection extension: Until March 4, 2026 - Special requirements: PESEL number with UKR designation, valid Ukrainian passport - Processing priority: Generally faster than standard applications - New option (2025): CUKR Card - special simplified residence permit for Ukrainians - Requirements: Continuous UKR status since at least March 4, 2024 - Valid for 3 years **Students:** - Application grounds: Study permit (based on educational enrollment) - Special requirements: University admission letter, proof of enrollment, health insurance - Residence permit duration: 1 year (renewable annually) - Work rights: Limited hours (typically 20 hours/week during semester), unlimited during breaks - Minimum income: 1,010 PLN monthly for single students **Highly qualified workers (EU Blue Card holders):** - Minimum salary requirements (approximately 2x average national salary) - Tertiary education or 3+ years relevant experience - Faster processing (2-3 months in some regions) - Extended card validity - Family member rights **Investors and business owners:** - Business registered in CEIDG or KRS required - Tax identification number (NIP) required - Business plan and proof of business premises required - Financial viability demonstration required - Processing may be longer due to business verification ### Appeals and refusal procedures **Common reasons for refusal:** 1. Insufficient income (income below minimum requirements) 2. Invalid health insurance (expired or insufficient coverage) 3. Incomplete documentation (missing or invalid documents) 4. Criminal record (serious convictions noted) 5. False information (misrepresentation on application) 6. Public order threat (security concerns) 7. Accommodation issues (invalid or insufficient proof) 8. Employment issues (job from restricted professions list) **Appeal process:** **Timeline for appeal:** - 14 calendar days from receipt of refusal decision - Must be submitted within this period or decision becomes final - Date of receipt is counted from postal delivery date **Submitting the appeal:** 1. Prepare appeal letter (written in Polish language) 2. Address to: Head of Office for Foreigners (Szef Urzędu ds. Cudzoziemców) 3. Include: Application reference number, specific reasons why refusal was unjustified, counterarguments, legal references, contact information 4. Gather supporting documents (new/updated documentation package) 5. Submit in person or via post (registered letter) **Appeal decision authority:** - Reviewed by Head of Office for Foreigners (based in Warsaw) - Not reviewed by same office that made first decision - Typical duration: 3-6 months - Legal stay extends while appeal is pending **Possible appeal outcomes:** - Appeal upheld (original decision confirmed) - decision is final - Appeal granted (decision overturned) - residence permit approved - Case remanded for reconsideration - sent back to first-instance authority **Rights during appeal process:** - Legal residence status protected while appeal pending - Can continue working (if employment-based) - Can remain in Poland without restriction - Cannot be forced to leave pending decision ### common mistakes **Applying late** Submit before your legal stay ends --- **Wrong office** Apply in the Voivodeship where you live --- **Missing documents** Use the office checklist for your basis --- **No translations** Provide certified Polish translations when needed --- **Ignoring letters** Read and respond to all office messages on time --- **Not informing about job change** Send a new employer annex within 15 days or risk refusal --- **Forgetting insurance continuity** Keep NFZ/ZUS contributions active during the entire process --- **Insufficient income documentation** Provide bank statements showing minimum 3 months of stable income --- **Invalid health insurance** Ensure insurance covers minimum EUR 30,000 and is valid for entire stay --- **Poor accommodation proof** Provide rental contract AND landlord's written consent --- **Missing biometric appointment** Attend fingerprinting appointment when invited or application rejected --- **Leaving Poland during processing** Do not travel during application unless absolutely necessary --- **Incomplete application form** Fill all fields clearly in Polish, sign everywhere needed --- **Not tracking application** Check application status regularly online using access code ### checklist **Identify your purpose of stay** (work/study/family/business) --- **Check eligibility and gather documents** According to your specific grounds --- **Register online (recommended)** Create account on mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl --- **Fill and sign the application form** Complete in Polish, two copies --- **Prepare passport copies** All filled pages, 2 copies of ID page --- **Prepare 4 biometric photos** 35mm × 45mm, white background, recent --- **Gather proof of purpose** Employment contract, study admission, family documents, business registration --- **Arrange certified translations** For all non-Polish documents --- **Prepare accommodation proof** Rental contract and landlord's written consent --- **Prepare financial documents** Bank statements (minimum 3 months), employment contracts, tax returns --- **Arrange health insurance** NFZ or private insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage) --- **Obtain PESEL number** Or prepare documentation for PESEL application --- **Pay stamp duty** 440 PLN (340 PLN family, 170 PLN students) + keep receipt --- **Submit application** In person or by post, with all documents --- **Attend biometric registration** When invited, provide fingerprints --- **Provide any extra documents** Requested by the office, within deadline --- **Track application status** Check online regularly using access code --- **Collect decision** And residence card when approved --- **Update employer/bank** With new residence permit status ### addresses [Voivodeship Office — Department for Foreigners](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Wydzia%C5%82%20Spraw%20Cudzoziemc%C3%B3w%2C%20Poland) ### links [gov.pl — Office for Foreigners](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc) [gov.pl](https://www.gov.pl) [mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl — Online application system](https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) -- end main -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Warsaw -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki w Warszawie](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XsiZaTwrBMHs6JpA6) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Katowice -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Katowice](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Katowice) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Rzeszow -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Rzeszów](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Rzesz%C3%B3w) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Poznan -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Poznań](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Pozna%C5%84) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Olsztyn -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Olsztyn](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Olsztyn) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Gdansk -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Gdańsk](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Gda%C5%84sk) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Lodz -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Łódź](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20%C5%81%C3%B3d%C5%BA) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Lublin -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Lublin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Lublin) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Bydgoszcz -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Bydgoszcz](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Bydgoszcz) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Szczecin -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Szczecin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Szczecin) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Bialystok -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Białystok](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Bia%C5%82ystok) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Gorzow Wielkopolski -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Gorzów Wielkopolski](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Gorz%C3%B3w%20Wielkopolski) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Opole -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Opole](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Opole) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Kielce -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Kielce](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Kielce) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Wroclaw -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Wrocław](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Wroc%C5%82aw) -- end specific -- -- specific -- -- conditions -- cities: - Krakow -- end conditions -- ### addresses [Urząd Wojewódzki in Kraków](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Urz%C4%85d%20Wojew%C3%B3dzki%2C%20Krak%C3%B3w) -- end specific --