Planning a longer stay in Poland? Are you working, studying, or perhaps joining family? If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you will likely need a document confirming your right to legally reside – the Residence Card (Karta Pobytu). What exactly is it, what are the main types of permits it represents, and what does the general process of obtaining one look like? This guide will introduce you to the basics.
Introduction: the residence card – Your key to legal life in Poland
For many foreigners, the Residence Card is the most important document during their stay in Poland. It serves not only as proof of identity but primarily confirms that you are residing in the country legally based on a granted residence permit. Holding a valid Residence Card is crucial for a peaceful life, work, study, and exercising many rights in Poland.
What exactly is a residence card?
A Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) is a physical document in the form of a plastic card with a photograph, issued to foreigners who have been granted in Poland:
- A temporary residence permit,
- A permanent residence permit, OR
- An EU long-term resident permit.
Therefore, the Residence Card itself is not the goal, but rather proof of holding one of the above permits.
Functions of the Residence Card:
- Confirms the foreigner’s identity during their stay in Poland.
- Certifies the possession of a specific type of residence permit.
- Along with a valid passport, entitles the holder to cross the Polish border multiple times without needing a visa.
- Allows travel to other Schengen Area countries for tourism purposes (usually up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
Main types of residence permits (and cards)
The type of Residence Card you hold depends on the type of permit granted. Here are the three main types:
Temporary Residence Permit (TRC – Temporary Residence Card)
- Nature: Permit issued for a definite period, maximum of 3 years.
- Purpose: Always linked to a specific, documented purpose of stay (e.g., work for a particular employer, studies at a specific university, stay with a family member).
- Card: The Temporary Residence Card (often called TRC) is valid for the period for which the permit was granted.
- For whom: The most common type of permit for individuals starting a longer stay in Poland (employees, students, family members, etc.). Requires renewal if one wishes to stay longer.
Permanent Residence Permit
- Nature: Permit issued for an indefinite period.
- Purpose: Granted based on specific grounds strictly defined in the Act, most often related to Polish descent or strong family/residence ties in Poland (e.g., for holders of a Pole’s Card after one year of residence, spouses of Polish citizens after meeting time requirements, children of Polish citizens).
- Card: The Permanent Residence Card is valid for 10 years (the document itself is replaced every 10 years, but the status remains indefinite).
- Rights: Grants broad rights, including full access to the labor market without needing a work permit.
EU Long-Term Resident Permit
- Nature: Permit issued for an indefinite period, based on EU law.
- Purpose: Confirms the foreigner’s strong and long-term integration with Poland. Key requirements include 5 years of legal and continuous residence in Poland, stable income, health insurance, and confirmed knowledge of the Polish language at the B1 level.
- Card: The EU Long-Term Resident Residence Card is valid for 5 years (the document itself is replaced every 5 years, the status is indefinite).
- Rights: Similar to permanent residence (indefinite stay, labor market access), plus potential advantages for settling in other EU countries.
How to obtain a residence card? General process outline
Although details vary depending on the type of permit and purpose of stay, the general process is as follows:
Step 1: Determine Purpose and Legal Basis
Identify the main reason for your stay in Poland and which type of permit (temporary, permanent, EU resident) corresponds to your situation and the conditions you meet.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents: basic ones (application form, photos, passport, fee) and those specific to the permit type and purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, marriage certificate, language certificate, proof of 5-year stay, etc.).
Step 3: Apply On Time at the Voivodeship Office
Submit the complete application in person at the competent Voivodeship Office (based on your place of residence) during your legal stay in Poland. You will receive a stamp in your passport confirming the submission.
Step 4: Wait for the Decision and Collect the Card
Be patient – the waiting time for a decision can be long. Respond to any requests from the office. After receiving a positive decision, pay the fee for the card issuance and collect the finished TRC document.
Key differences between the permits
- Temporary: Time-limited, purpose-bound, requires renewal.
- Permanent/EU Resident: Indefinite, provide greater stability and broader rights (e.g., work without permit), but have higher entry requirements (descent, family ties, long residence, language for EU resident).
From temporariness to stability – The residence path
For many foreigners, the path to stability in Poland leads through successive temporary residence permits. Only after meeting the relevant conditions (e.g., several years of residence, marriage, passing a language exam) does the possibility of obtaining permanent or EU long-term resident status open up, which is often the culmination of the adaptation process and provides a sense of being fully rooted in Poland.
Summary: choose the right card for you
The Residence Card is an indispensable document for legally residing non-EU foreigners in Poland. Understanding the differences between temporary, permanent, and EU long-term resident permits is crucial for choosing the right path for legalizing your stay, corresponding to your plans and the conditions you meet.
Need help determining which type of residence permit you can apply for? Require assistance in preparing and submitting your Residence Card application? You are welcome to contact our law firm. We will advise and assist you at every stage of the process.
