Stay of an EU Citizen

Freedom of Movement vs. Obligation to Register

As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you have the right to stay in Poland for up to 3 months without any additional conditions or formalities, simply by holding a valid travel document (passport or national ID card).

However, if your stay in Poland exceeds 3 months, and its purpose is, for example, work, study, self-employment, or simply longer residence (provided you have sufficient funds and insurance), you are obliged to register your stay. This obligation also applies to your family members who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens residing with you in Poland.

When Must You Register Your Stay?

The obligation to register arises when your stay lasts longer than 3 months and:

• You are an employee or self-employed person in Poland.
• You are studying or participating in vocational training.
• You have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family members (so as not to become a burden on social assistance) and appropriate health insurance.

How Does the Registration of an EU Citizen’s Stay Work? The Procedure

The registration of residence is an administrative procedure carried out by the relevant Voivodeship Office.

1. Authority: You submit the application for registration of residence to the Voivode competent for your place of residence in Poland.
2. Deadline: The application should be submitted no later than the day following the expiration of the 3-month period from the date of entry into Poland.
3. Required Documents (Examples):
   • Completed application form for registration of residence.
   • Valid travel document (ID card or passport) – original for inspection.
   • Document confirming the purpose of stay, e.g.:
     • Employment contract or written declaration from the employer about the intention to employ.
     • Document confirming self-employment or running a business in Poland (e.g., excerpt from CEIDG/KRS).
     • Certificate from a Polish university confirming admission to studies or training.
     • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank account statement) AND proof of health insurance (e.g., EHIC card, private policy).
4. Outcome: After positive consideration of the application, the Voivode issues a Certificate of registration of residence of a European Union citizen (Zaświadczenie o zarejestrowaniu pobytu obywatela Unii Europejskiej). This document confirms your right of residence in Poland.

Right of Permanent Residence After 5 Years

After 5 years of continuous, legal residence in Poland, as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you acquire the right of permanent residence. You can then (it’s not obligatory, but recommended) apply to the Voivode for a Document confirming the right of permanent residence (Dokument potwierdzający prawo stałego pobytu), and subsequently for an EU citizen’s residence card (Karta pobytu obywatela UE), which is valid for 10 years.

Why Use the Assistance of Our Law Firm?

Although the registration of an EU citizen’s stay is a simplified procedure, our support can be helpful to:

• Ensure the correctness and completeness of the submitted application and attachments.
• Avoid potential delays resulting from formal shortcomings.
• Obtain clear explanations regarding specific situations (e.g., documenting financial means).
• Facilitate communication with the Voivodeship Office and monitor the case status.
• Receive support in the process of applying for the permanent residence document after 5 years.