Poland Residence Permit

Poland Residence Permit (2025) – Complete Guide for Temporary & Permanent Stay

If you’re planning to live, work, or study in Poland, you’ll need a valid residence permit. Poland offers temporary (czasowe) and permanent (stałe) residence permits for non-EU nationals, as well as EU registration certificates for EU/EEA citizens.

This 2025 guide covers the types of Polish residence permits, application process, required documents, and key legal updates.

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🪪 What Is a Poland Residence Permit?

A Polish residence permit allows non-Polish nationals to stay in Poland beyond 90 days. It comes in the form of a plastic biometric residence card (Karta pobytu) and grants:

• Legal residence in Poland
• Access to work, education, and healthcare (depending on type)
• Schengen Area travel without additional visas

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📌 Types of Residence Permits in Poland

1. Temporary Residence Permit (Karta pobytu czasowego)

• Valid up to 3 years
• Issued for:
  • Work or business
  • University studies
  • Family reunification
  • Scientific research
  • Internships or language courses

2. Permanent Residence Permit (Karta pobytu stałego)

• Valid indefinitely (card issued for 10 years)
• Granted to:
  • People of Polish origin
  • Long-term spouses of Polish citizens
  • Long-term EU residents
  • Refugees or those granted asylum

3. EU Long-Term Resident Permit

• Similar to permanent but issued under EU law
• Requires 5 years of continuous stay and proof of integration

4. Residence for EU Citizens (Registration Certificate)

• For EU/EEA citizens staying over 90 days
• Registration required after 3 months in Poland

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📝 How to Apply for a Polish Residence Permit (2025)

🏢 Where to Apply:

• At the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in your place of residence
• Book appointments via regional online portals or call centers

📄 Required Documents:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Biometric photo
• Proof of legal stay (e.g. visa or current residence permit)
• PESEL number (recommended but not always required)
• Proof of:
  • Work: employment contract
  • Study: university enrollment
  • Funds: bank statement or sponsor
  • Accommodation: rental agreement
• Health insurance (public or private)
• Application fee payment confirmation

📸 Fingerprints will be collected during your visit.

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💶 Fees (2025)

Permit Type	Fee (PLN)
Temporary residence	440 PLN
Permanent residence	640 PLN
Card issuance (all types)	100–150 PLN
Lost/stolen card replacement	100 PLN
EU citizen registration	Free

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📅 Processing Time

• Average: 30–90 days
• May take up to 6 months in busy regions
• Legal stay is maintained while your application is pending, if submitted before your visa or permit expires

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📇 Karta Pobytu (Residence Card)

• Plastic biometric card issued after approval
• Includes: full name, PESEL (if applicable), validity period, photo, permit type
• Allows Schengen travel up to 90 days in 180 days
• Required for opening bank accounts, signing leases, accessing services

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🔄 Renewal and Extension

• Apply at least 30 days before expiry
• Renewal is possible if conditions still apply
• Change of employer, address, or marital status must be reported

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🛂 Can You Travel on a Polish Residence Permit?

✅ Yes – You can travel freely:

• Within Poland and the Schengen Area (short stays outside Poland)
• With a valid passport + residence card

❌ The residence card is not a substitute for a passport – you need both to re-enter Poland.

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