How to get a permanent residence card or EU residence card in Poland
We help to obtain a permanent residence card in Poland
SIIAMI law and accounting firm specialises in assisting foreigners in the legalisation process, helping them to obtain a permanent residence permit in Poland. We know how complicated official procedures can be and how easy it is to make a mistake that will delay the process of obtaining documents for a long time. That is why we offer you to use our experience and expertise to increase your chances of obtaining a residence permit, as well as save your time.
Why you should apply for a permanent residence card with us
The process of obtaining a permanent residence permit is time-consuming and requires numerous different documents. Our lawyers are professionally engaged in legalisation of foreigners in Poland and assist you at every stage of obtaining a residence card.
Extensive experience
The SIIAMI team consists of specialists with many years of experience in migration law. Thanks to our knowledge of the law and hands-on skills, we have an excellent understanding of the needs of foreigners and efficiently solve even the most complex cases. By co-operating with us you can be sure that your case is in the hands of professionals.
Collecting and checking the document package
Our lawyers fully control the process of collecting and completing the necessary documents, which allows you to avoid formal errors during the application process and receive your residence card as quickly as possible. Our specialists’ attention to detail ensures that the submitted package of documents complies with the requirements of Polish law.
A personal manager monitors the progress of your application
We assign each client a specialist to monitor your case and provide additional documents promptly upon the inspector’s request. This ensures that every step of the process is under control and that you have legal support in case of questions or problems.
We have received more than 1,100 favourable decisions
The effectiveness of our work is confirmed by figures: we have already received more than 1100 positive decisions for our clients. This proves that the work and support of our lawyers brings the desired results, increasing the chances of a successful conclusion of the case.
Process for obtaining a permanent residence card
You need to choose the basis that entitles you to a residence permit. You must have a basis that entitles you to a permanent residence permit (find out what basis is available).
It is necessary to prepare documents confirming your purpose of obtaining a residence permit. It is very important to put together a complete package to submit to the authorities (learn more).
You can submit your application and documents only if you are legally staying in Poland. There are several ways to deliver the application to the Office for Foreigners in your place of residence: in person, through the registry office or by post.
If you submit your documents in person you will need to submit your biometric data – fingerprints. If you submit your application at the authorities or by post, you will have to wait until you are called by the authorities to submit your fingerprints.
You have to wait for the decision on granting a residence card. If necessary, the inspector who is in control of your case will request additional documents – you will need to submit them promptly to the Department for Foreigners.
If the decision is positive, you will receive your residence permit and after some time you will be able to pick up your residence card.
Price
Personal application support in Gdansk and Warsaw
A comprehensive service where we advise you on the best way to submit your application, help you fill in the documents and check that they are correct. Then we personally assist you when you visit the authority and constantly monitor the progress of your application, being in contact with you at all stages until the decision is handed down, and you receive your it.
The service includes:
Specialist consultations
Checking the documents before applying and completing the application
Personal accompaniment of the client to the submission of documents to the state authority
Communication with representatives of the department of foreigners
Monitoring the progress of the application
1000PLN nett + VAT 23%
Full online application support throughout Poland
A comprehensive service in which we consult remotely on the best choice of basis and method of application, assist in completing and verifying all documents. Once the application is submitted, we monitor the progress of the case and provide information support throughout the legalisation process.
The service includes:
Specialist consultations
Checking the documents before applying and completing the application
Advice on the best way to apply
Communication with representatives of the department of foreigners
Monitoring the progress of the application
1700PLN nett + VAT 23%
Specialist consultation
During the consultation,our legalisation specialist will answer your questions on obtaining a temporary residence permit, individually analyse your case and check the accuracy of your documents.
The service includes:
one hour specialist consultation
Important information :
If you purchase a consultation and then decide to use the full package online or offline, the cost of the consultation will be reduced from the cost of the selected package.
300PLN nett + VAT 23%
Bringing the application to a decision
A package of services dedicated to foreigners who have already applied for a residence permit but need legal support to successfully complete the case.
The service includes:
one-hour primary consultation
verification of submitted documents
communication with the authorities
case monitoring
from 600PLN nett + VAT 23%
Basis on what you can obtain pobyt stały
(permanent residence permit with a connection to Poland)
Pole card
Foreigners who have a Polish card can apply for a residence permit. To do so, you need to live in the country permanently, work or run a business here (open a sole proprietorship, register a company). There is no need to take exams, pass interviews or prove knowledge of the Polish language. In fact, it is the easiest and fastest way to exchange your Polish card for a permanent residence permit. In this case you can also receive financial aid from the government. One year after you have been issued a Polish card, you can apply for citizenship.
Marriage to a Polish citizen
If your spouse has Polish citizenship, you have been married for at least 3 years and you have been legally staying in Poland for at least 2 years under a residence permit issued on the basis of residence with a Polish citizen you can apply for a stalego pobytu (permanent residence card).
Polish origin
You can obtain a pobyt staly (permanent residence card) on the basis of your roots if you have a document proving your Polish ancestry and if you live, work or do business in Poland. But it is important that the document was issued before 1991 and that the nationality of your parents or grandparents is stated as ‘Pole/Polish’. If the documents with a record of Polish origin were issued after 1991, it is necessary to obtain a Polish card first.
The difference between temporary and permanent residence permits and the EU residence card
| Temporary residence card and Blue card | Permanent residence card | EU residence card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis for issuing | Issued for a specific purpose (for work, study, business or family unity). Each permit requires certain conditions to be met. For example: an employment contract. | It can be obtained if the foreigner has Polish roots, has been married to a Polish citizen for at least three years and has been legally residing in the country for a certain period, or has international or additional protection or a Polish card. | You need to have 5 years of full-time residence in Poland, be out of the country for no more than 10 months in total and no more than 6 months at a time, have three years of continuous income in Poland and know Polish (at least B1). |
| Rights and opportunities | A residence permit on some bases gives limited rights: additional work permits are required, there is no possibility to register a sole proprietorship, etc. | It is possible to choose an employer without limits, register a sole proprietorship and after a few years apply for citizenship | Free access to the labour market, opportunities to open a sole proprietorship, after three years you can apply for Polish citizenship. |
| How to prolong the card | Upon expiry of the permit, it is necessary to submit a new package of documents and go through the procedure of obtaining a residence permit again. | Valid indefinitely, but you will have to renew the plastic card every 10 years. | It is issued indefinitely, but the card itself must be renewed every five years. |
| Validity period | The permit is issued for a minimum of three months and a maximum of three years. | You can stay in Poland for an unlimited period of time. | It is possible to live in Poland for an unlimited period of time. |
What documents are required to obtain permanent residence card
In order to obtain a residence permit, a foreigner will be required to submit an application to authority and collect the necessary documents. Their number varies depending on the purpose of stay, but there is a set of documents that will be required for any reason.
The completed form can be obtained from a government office or downloaded from the website. The application is submitted in person, through a representative or by post (depending on the voivodship) to the relevant regional office.
In addition to the original document, you must submit copies of each page of the document that contains personal data, stamps and visas. The passport or travel document of the foreigner will have to be presented at the time of personal application and fingerprinting.
Photos must be current (no older than 6 months), 35×45 mm in size and meet passport requirements (light-coloured background, no headgear or dark glasses).
The amount of the state fee depends on the basis for filing and proof of payment must be attached to the application. For persons who have a Polish card, payment of the fee is not required.
Their list depends on the basis you have chosen to apply for a residence permit. Such documents can be a labour contract, a tenancy agreement, a marriage certificate, proof of obtaining a PESEL number, etc.
Frequently asked questions
How to get a permanent residence permit in Poland?
The very first step is to find out whether you have a basis (Polish card, your spouse has a Polish passport, Polish roots, etc.). If there is such a basis, you need to submit an application to the voivodeship council in your place of residence and provide documents confirming your intentions of permanent residence in the country.
What does a permanent residence permit in Poland provide?
This residence permit is issued for an indefinite period, but the plastic card will have to be replaced periodically with a new one.
The residence permit allows you to:
- Reside permanently in Poland;
- Have access to the labour market;
- Open and run a business;
- Enrol in educational institutions;
- Travel to Schengen countries without a visa;
- Benefit from free medical care;
- Obtain loans and mortgages from Polish banks;
- Buy and rent movable and immovable property and land plots;
- Enjoy almost all other rights of Polish citizens (except for electoral rights).
A few years after obtaining a residence permit, foreigners have the opportunity to apply for a Polish passport.
Can a permanent residence permit in Poland be cancelled?
Obtaining a decision does not mean that it is granted forever – there are a number of reasons why residence permits and residence permits in Poland can be cancelled or revoked.The two most common reasons are:
- If the foreigner has left Poland for more than six years;
- if the foreigner has divorced a Polish citizen within two years after the granting of the residence permit (if the permit was granted on this basis).
How does SIIAMI help in obtaining a residence permit?
Our lawyers consult and help to prepare a complete package of documents for any reason. The client is only required to submit the initial documents and visit the office several times personally.We take care of everything else:
- advising in detail on the procedure;
- coordinate the collection and submission of documents;
- follow up on the status of the application, receive all correspondence and, if necessary, prepare other necessary documents for the authorities.