Permanent Residence Card in Poland — Conditions and How to Obtain It

The permanent residence card (permit for permanent residence) is a document issued by the Voivodeship Office. It entitles a foreigner to an unlimited stay in Poland and — as a rule — to work without the need to obtain a separate work permit.

The card is issued for 10 years, but the right of residence is indefinite — after 10 years only the physical document needs to be renewed.

After 5 years of legal residence in Poland

Foreigners who have legally resided in Poland for at least 5 years, including the last 3 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit (with certain exceptions), may apply.

Spouses of Polish citizens

Foreigners remaining in a recognised marriage with a Polish citizen for at least 3 years, having legally resided in Poland for the last 2 years.

Holders of the Karta Polaka

Persons holding a Karta Polaka (Polish Card) and intending to settle permanently in Poland may apply without the requirement of prior long-term residence.

Minors born in Poland

Children born on the territory of Poland, one of whose parents holds a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident card.

Other categories

Victims of human trafficking, persons of Polish descent, widows/widowers of Polish citizens and persons with other special legal titles defined by the Act.

• Completed application for a permit for permanent residence
• Recent photographs in digital format
• Valid passport (original + copies of all pages)
• Documents confirming fulfilment of conditions (e.g. registration history, history of residence cards, marriage certificate, Karta Polaka)
• Documents confirming sources of income and financial stability
• Health insurance
• Proof of payment of stamp duty — PLN 640

1. 1Gathering complete documentation — this is the key stage, requiring particular care.
2. 2Submission of application at the Voivodeship Office competent for the place of residence (in person).
3. 3Fingerprinting at the time of application submission.
4. 4Waiting for the decision — processing time ranges from 3 to even 12 months.
5. 5Issue of decision and card production — after a positive decision, the card is ready within a few weeks.
6. 6Personal collection of the residence card at the office.

• Stamp duty for the decision: PLN 640
• Residence card fee: PLN 100
• Total: PLN 740 — fees are non-refundable

Everlegal.pl will guide you through the entire process — from verifying the conditions, through gathering documents, to representation at the office and case monitoring.