Residence Permit (Karta pobytu) in Poland

Who can get a Resident Card?

There are quite a few reasons to get a card. Here are the most common:

• Work – if you are officially employed in Poland (on a permanent or seasonal basis)
• Blue Card – for specialists with higher education and good qualifications
• Own business – if you have opened a company or work as an entrepreneur
• Family – if your husband or wife has Polish citizenship or a residence permit
• Study – if you are a student at a Polish university
• Graduation from a Polish university
• Scientific or research activities
• Internship or volunteering
• Humanitarian visa for Belarusians – for them a simplified procedure
• Other circumstances – for example, religious activity or simply the need to stay in Poland longer than 3 months

What does the Residence Card give you:

• The right to live and work legally in Poland
• The ability to enter and leave the country freely
• You can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within half a year
• This is a document that confirms that you have legal grounds to be in Poland

If you plan to work, sometimes you also need a work permit, depending on the profession. You can check this on Polish government websites. https://www.gov.pl

What does a Residence Card give Ukrainians?

Ukrainians who want to stay in Poland for more than three months can apply for a temporary residence permit. It is issued for a maximum of 3 years. But if, say, you have a work contract for only 1 year, the permit will be issued only for this period.

The Residence Card cannot be extended, so when the term ends, you need to submit a new application.

Main documents you need:

• 2 copies of the application for a Residence Card (the form is available on the voivodeship websites)
• 4 color photos (size 35×45 mm, not older than 6 months, clear image of the face)
• Passport (original + 2 copies of the pages with entries)
• Receipt of payment of the administrative fee (the amount depends on the type of card)

 

Additional documents depending on the reason for stay

For employment:

• Employment contract or other document confirming employment.
• Work permit (if required).
• Application form from the employer (Zalącznik 1).

For studies:

• Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution.
• Document of payment of tuition fees.

For family reunification:

• Marriage certificate or other documents confirming family ties.
• Copy of the Residence Card or passport of a family member residing in Poland.

For business:

• Company registration documents.
• Confirmation of activity.

 

Other possible documents

• Health insurance (sometimes required).
• Proof of housing in Poland (lease agreement or proof of ownership).
• Additional documents that may be required by the province.

If something is missing, you will be told what needs to be brought.

The current list of documents, changes, and forms can be downloaded from this website: https://www.gov.pl

What else do you need?

It depends on why you are in Poland:

• If you are working, you will also need an employment contract, a work permit and a special form filled out by your employer.
• If you are studying, you will need a certificate from the university confirming your enrollment and confirmation that you have paid for your studies.

Electronic permit for Ukrainians in Poland (Diia.pl)

For Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022, an electronic document Diia.pl is valid, confirming legal stay. This digital permit acts as a Residence Card and allows you to travel to EU countries.

How to get Diia.pl?

• Get a PESEL tax number and UKR status from the Office.
• Register on the online portal https://pz.gov.pl/pz/index to access a trusted profile (profil zaufany) – this is an electronic signature
• Install the mObywatel application, log in to it through the profile and receive an electronic permit. https://info.mobywatel.gov.pl/dokumenty/diia

The document is valid for one year with a possible extension, depending on the situation in Ukraine.

Як дізнатися, чи готова Карта побиту?

Не потрібно їхати в управління, щоб перевірити статус. Просто зайдіть на сайт воєводства і введіть номер справи (його ви отримали при подачі документів). Там буде інформація про дату видачі Карти, приблизно через 3 тижні після рішення. Також вам можуть надіслати SMS.

Якщо вам відмовили, лист з відмовою прийде поштою. Ви можете подати апеляцію протягом 14 днів, написавши заяву і до

How to find out if your Residence Card is ready?

You don’t need to go to the office to check the status. Just go to the voivodeship website and enter the case number (which you received when submitting the documents). There you will find information about the date of issue of the Card, approximately 3 weeks after the decision. You may also receive an SMS.

If you are refused, a letter of refusal will come by mail. You can file an appeal within 14 days by writing a statement and attaching documents, if necessary.давши документи, якщо потрібно.

Can I leave Poland while I am getting a Residence Card?

A valid visa or Residence Card is required to enter Poland.

You can leave if you have a valid visa or an old Card. If you do not have one and have not received a new one yet, you can stay in Poland, but you cannot leave.