For many foreigners living in Poland for years on temporary permits, seeking a more stable residence status becomes a natural step. One attractive option is obtaining the EU long-term resident permit. It grants not only the right to reside indefinitely in Poland but also certain advantages for moving and settling in other EU countries. But who is eligible to apply for this prestigious status?
Introduction: stable residence in Poland and EU rights – Get to know the long-term resident status
The EU long-term resident permit is a specific type of indefinite residence permit, regulated by both Polish law and stemming from an EU directive. It signifies a foreigner’s strong integration with the host country (in this case, Poland) and opens certain doors to intra-EU mobility. It differs slightly from the national permanent residence permit, having its own specific requirements.
What is the EU long-term resident permit?
It is an administrative decision confirming the right of a third-country national (non-EU citizen) to settle and reside indefinitely in Poland. A person holding this status receives a residence card annotated “EU long-term resident” (rezydent długoterminowy UE). This status is recognized in other EU countries, which can make it easier (under specific conditions) to take up work or studies in another member state.
Who can become an EU long-term resident in Poland? key conditions
For a foreigner to obtain EU long-term resident status in Poland, they must meet several important conditions jointly:
Required Period of Stay: 5 Years Legally and Continuously
- The foreigner must have resided within the territory of Poland legally and continuously for at least 5 years immediately prior to submitting the application.
- Legal residence: Means residence based on a valid visa (specific types) or temporary residence permit.
- Note: Periods spent, among others, for study (post-secondary school, university – study periods typically count as half), on humanitarian visas (in some cases), as posted workers, trainees, or during asylum procedures do not count towards the 5-year period.
- Continuous residence: Means that breaks in residing in Poland could not exceed a total of 10 months during the required 5 years, and no single break could be longer than 6 months. Exceptions to this rule may apply to specific personal or professional situations (e.g., work assignments).
Stable and Regular Source of Income
- The foreigner must prove they have a stable and regular source of income sufficient to cover the living costs for themselves and any dependent family members, without relying on social assistance. This income must have been earned for a specific period before applying (typically, proof of income for the last 3 years is required).
Health Insurance
- Possession of current health insurance as defined by Polish public health care regulations, or confirmation from an insurer covering treatment costs in Poland.
Confirmed Knowledge of the Polish Language (B1)
- This is a relatively new and very important requirement. The foreigner must confirm knowledge of the Polish language at least at the B1 proficiency level. Confirmation can be:
- A Polish language certificate issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language.
- A diploma from graduating a school in Poland (primary, secondary, art school) or a university with Polish as the language of instruction.
- A diploma from graduating a school abroad with Polish as the language of instruction.
- There are certain exemptions from this requirement, e.g., for minors (under 16 on the application date).
Who CANNOT apply for this status?
The law excludes the possibility of obtaining EU LTR status for foreigners who, among others:
- Are staying in Poland for the purpose of studies or vocational training (during the course of this stay).
- Hold a residence permit for humanitarian reasons, tolerated stay, or benefit from temporary protection.
- Are applying for refugee status or asylum.
- Are workers posted by a foreign service provider.
- Are staying based on short-term visas or visa-free travel.
Main benefits of the EU long-term resident status
- Right to reside indefinitely in Poland.
- Access to the Polish labor market without needing a work permit.
- Potential for easier settlement and employment in another EU country (according to that country’s rules for EU LTR holders from other member states).
- A greater sense of stability and legal security.
What does the application process look like (briefly)?
The application for an EU long-term resident permit is submitted to the Voivode appropriate for the foreigner’s place of residence. A complete set of documents confirming fulfillment of all conditions must be attached: including the filled application form, photos, valid passport, documents proving 5 years of legal and continuous stay, proof of stable income, health insurance, Polish language certificate (or exemption document), proof of accommodation, and the application fee.
Liubov’s story: from temporary residence to EU resident status
Liubov, an engineer from Ukraine, had been working in Poland for 6 years. Every 2-3 years, she had to renew her temporary residence and work permit. In the meantime, she diligently studied Polish. After passing the B1 state exam and ensuring her stay was continuous and legal for the required 5 years with stable income, she decided to apply for EU long-term resident status. She wanted more certainty and stability for herself and her family. The process took several months, but the positive decision brought her immense satisfaction and a sense of security for the future.
Summary: EU long-term resident – For whom and what for?
The EU long-term resident status is intended for non-EU/EEA/Swiss foreigners who demonstrate their long-term and stable integration with Poland through legal, continuous residence, stable income, and knowledge of the Polish language. It is an attractive form of legalizing indefinite stay, granting broad rights in Poland and certain opportunities in other EU countries.
Wondering if you meet the conditions for obtaining EU long-term resident status? Need help compiling documents or calculating the residence period? Contact our law firm. We will help you assess your chances and navigate the application process.
