Migration questions Poland

Temporary Residence Permit 

 

Required Documents

- Completed application form: The form can be found on the website of the Polish immigration services.

- Passport: Copy of all filled-in pages.

- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos.

- Health insurance: A policy valid in Poland.

- Documents confirming the purpose of stay: Employment contract, housing rental agreement, study invitation, etc.

- Proof of residence: Rental agreement or a letter from the property owner confirming that you reside at the given address.

- Proof of financial stability: Documents confirming sufficient funds for living in Poland (bank statements, income statements, etc.).

- Proof of payment of the administrative fee: Receipt for payment of the application fee.

 

Translation of documents: All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator.

 

 

Processing times: The process for reviewing a temporary residence permit application can take up to 3 months, but in some cases, this period can be extended.

 

Permanent Residence Permit 

 

Required Documents

- Completed application form.

- Passport.

- Photographs.

- Health insurance.

- Documents proving continuous residence in Poland for the last 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit.

- Proof of residence: Rental agreement or a letter from the property owner confirming that you reside at the given address.

- Proof of financial stability.

- Proof of payment of the administrative fee: Receipt for payment of the application fee.

 

Translation of documents: All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator.

 

Processing times: The process for reviewing a permanent residence permit application can take from 3 to 6 months. During this period, additional documents or clarifications may be requested.

Application Submission

Personal presence: The application must be submitted in person at the Voivodeship Office for the place of your residence. This is mandatory for everyone, except children under 6 years old.

Fingerprinting: During the application submission process, your fingerprints will be taken.

 

Useful Links

For more detailed information and access to application forms, you can visit the following websites:

Ministry of Interior and Administration of Poland (https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc). 

Information portal for foreigners (https://cudzoziemiec.bydgoszcz.pl).

Entry and Short-term Stay

Right of entry: EU/EEA citizens can enter Poland without a visa using a valid passport or national ID card.

Stay up to 3 months: EU/EEA citizens can stay in Poland for up to three months without the need for registration. During this period, it is enough to have a valid identity and citizenship document.

 

Stay Longer than 3 months

Registration of residence: If an EU/EEA citizen plans to reside in Poland for more than three months, they must register their stay at the local Voivodeship Office. This rule also applies to their family members who are not EU citizens.

Conditions for residence longer than 3 months:

Employment: A work contract or proof of employment must be provided.

Self-employment: Proof of registration in the National Court or the Central Register and Information on Business.

Study: A certificate of enrollment from an educational institution and the presence of health insurance.

Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds for living to avoid becoming a burden on Poland's social system.

Health Insurance: A policy covering all medical expenses.

 

Permanent Residence

Right to permanent residence: EU/EEA citizens and their families can obtain the right to permanent residence after continuous legal residence in Poland for five years. For spouses of Polish citizens, this period is reduced to three years.

 

Employment

Working without a permit: EU/EEA citizens can work in Poland without the need to obtain a work permit.

Registration of employment activity: The employer is obliged to register the employment activity of the foreign worker with the relevant authorities.

 

Social and medical rights: EU/EEA citizens have access to social and medical services on the same terms as Polish citizens, provided they have appropriate insurance.

Entry, residence permit: Citizens of non-EU countries must obtain a visa to enter Poland. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit, whether it be work, study, or family reunification. After entering the country, a temporary residence permit must be arranged.

Work permit: To work in Poland, it is necessary to obtain a work permit, which is arranged by the employer before the start of work. This requirement does not apply to certain categories, such as highly qualified specialists with an EU Blue Card.

Working without a permit: Some categories of foreign citizens can work without a permit, including holders of permanent residence permits, persons married to Polish citizens, and students of Polish universities working under conditions provided by law.

Extension of a temporary residence permit

 

Application deadline: Submit your application before your current permit expires. If you apply on time, you will be able to legally remain in Poland while your application is being processed.

 

Required documents:

   - Application form: Fill in and submit the appropriate application form (available at the Voivodeship Office or online).

   - Photographs: Four recent passport-sized photographs (35 mm x 45 mm).

   - Passport: A valid international passport.

   - Proof of residence: A document confirming your address in Poland (e.g., rental agreement).

   - Financial resources: Proof of sufficient funds for living (e.g., bank statements, employment contract).

   - Health insurance: Proof of valid health insurance.

   - Payment of the fee: Payment of the application fee.

 

Submission of the application: Submit the application to the relevant Voivodeship Office according to your place of residence. Ensure that all documents are translated into Polish and legalized.

 

Tips for a successful process

Inform about changes: Notify authorities of any changes in work, address, or personal status during the application process.

 

It is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer in Poland who can provide personalized advice and assist with the application process.

State health insurance: Regulated by the National Health Fund (NFZ). All official residents of Poland are required to have health insurance. Employers automatically register their employees with NFZ and deduct insurance contributions from their salaries. Self-employed individuals must make contributions to the NFZ themselves.

To obtain state health insurance, you will need to:

Obtain a PESEL number: Personal identification number, which is mandatory for all residents of Poland.

Fill out an application: The application can be submitted at the nearest NFZ branch.

Obtain a health card: After the application is approved, you and your dependents will be issued an official health card, giving you the right to free medical services in Poland.

 

Private health insurance: Offers the ability to choose a treating doctor and medical facilities, receive medical services outside of Poland; shorter waiting times; may cover services not included in state insurance, such as dentistry, psychotherapy, and alternative treatments.

Obtaining Polish citizenship is a process that depends on several factors, including your origin, marital status, the duration of your stay in Poland, and others. The main paths to obtaining Polish citizenship:

 

Citizenship by Descent

Polish citizenship law is based on the principle of "right of blood." This means that if you have Polish ancestors, you can claim Polish citizenship. To do this, you need to confirm your ancestry and the Polish citizenship of your ancestors.

 

Naturalization

Permanent residence: Living in Poland for at least 3 years with a permanent residence permit or 2 years if married to a Polish citizen.

Stable income: Proof of a stable income.

Polish language proficiency: Positive result in the Polish language proficiency test.

Social integration: Evidence of social and cultural integration into Polish society.

 

Citizenship through Marriage

If you are married to a Polish citizen, you can apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and 2 years of continuous residence in Poland on a temporary residence permit.

 

Citizenship through Investment

Poland does not offer a direct path to citizenship through investment. However, you can obtain a residence permit by investing in Poland’s economy and, after living for a specific time, apply for citizenship.

 

The process of obtaining Polish citizenship can be complex and lengthy, so it is recommended to seek assistance from immigration lawyers who can provide advice and help prepare all necessary documents.

Yes, with a temporary residence permit in Poland, you can leave and return to the country, and also travel to other Schengen zone countries. However, there are some important points to consider.

 

Traveling within the Schengen Zone

Holders of a temporary residence permit in Poland can freely move around Schengen zone countries without needing a visa for up to 90 days within each 180-day period. This allows you to travel across Europe without applying for visas at consulates of other Schengen Agreement countries.

 

Traveling outside the Schengen Zone

If you plan to travel outside the Schengen zone, ensure you have a valid visa or other documents required for entry into that country. Also note that upon return to Poland, you may need to present documents again confirming your right to enter.

 

Returning to Poland

When returning to Poland, you must have your temporary residence card and a valid passport. The temporary residence card confirms your right to stay in Poland and replaces a visa for entry into the country.

 

Important Recommendations

Notify the authorities: For long trips or changes of residence, it is recommended to notify local authorities or Voivodeship offices to keep your information updated.

Consult with a lawyer: For additional information, contact an immigration lawyer, who can help understand the nuances and provide professional recommendations.

Analysis of Denial Reasons

First of all, it is important to understand the reasons for the denial. The most common reasons include:

- Incomplete or improperly filled documents.

- Lack of sufficient grounds for living in Poland.

- Illegal stay in the country at the time of the application.

- Inability to confirm your address of residence.

 

You have the right to appeal a negative decision. To do this, you need to:

Prepare an appeal: Gather all necessary documents and information that may support your appeal. This may include corrected and supplemented documents, proof of financial solvency, evidence of residency, etc.

Submit an appeal: The appeal is submitted through the Voivode who issued the original decision, within 14 days of receiving the denial. The Voivode may review their decision within 7 days. If the decision does not change, the documents will be forwarded to the Head of the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw, who will review your case again.

 

Appeal to the Court

If the appeal was not satisfied, you may file a complaint with the administrative court within 30 days of receiving the final decision. Note that filing a complaint in court does not legalize your stay in Poland, so it is important to have a valid document permitting your stay during this period.

 

Correction of Errors and Re-application

If the refusal was due to errors in the documents or insufficient evidence, correct all deficiencies and submit a new application.

 

Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

Consider consulting an immigration lawyer. Professional help can significantly increase your chances of success, as a lawyer will help you properly prepare all documents and compile a persuasive appeal.

To submit documents for temporary or permanent residency in Poland, all documents must be translated into Polish. This requirement applies to all official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, income statements, and other documents required for immigration procedures. Translations must be performed by a certified translator and properly certified.

 

How to find a translator?

Translator Associations: The most reliable way to find a qualified translator is to contact professional organizations such as the Association of Polish Translators or the American Translators Association for those seeking translators from abroad.

Registry of Certified Translators: In Poland, the list of certified translators can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Translation Bureaus: Contacting a professional translation bureau will save time and ensure the official translation of immigration documents.

Search by Recommendations: You can also ask for recommendations from immigration lawyers or other foreigners who have gone through the process of submitting documents in Poland.