Are you planning to come to Poland for longer than a few months – for work, studies, to join family, or perhaps to start your own business? If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, your key to a legal stay will most likely be a temporary residence permit. This is the most commonly issued type of permit for foreigners starting their life in Poland. Who exactly is it intended for, and what are the basic conditions that must be met to obtain it?
Introduction: planning to stay in Poland longer than 3 months? Get to know temporary residence!
Poland attracts many foreigners with its professional and educational opportunities, as well as quality of life. If your plans involve staying longer than the validity period of your visa or the allowed visa-free travel time (usually 90 days), it becomes necessary to legalize your stay by obtaining the appropriate permit. In most cases, the first step on this path is the temporary residence permit.
What is a temporary residence permit?
A temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy) is an administrative decision issued by the Voivode, which entitles a foreigner to legally reside in the territory of Poland for a specified period, up to a maximum of 3 years. The document confirming possession of this permit is the Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Importantly, this permit is always issued in connection with a specific purpose of stay, which the foreigner must declare and document.
Who most often applies for temporary residence? Main groups and purposes
The temporary residence permit is intended for a wide range of foreigners. The most common reasons (purposes) for applying for this type of permit are:
- Work: Individuals who have found employment in Poland (often in the form of the so-called single permit for temporary residence and work). This is definitely one of the most popular grounds.
- Studies: Students admitted to full-time first-cycle (Bachelor’s), second-cycle (Master’s), long-cycle Master’s degree programs, or doctoral schools at Polish universities.
- Business Activity: Entrepreneurs who run (or intend to run) a company in Poland and meet specific economic conditions.
- Family Reunification: Spouses and minor children of foreigners legally residing in Poland (on specific types of permits) or spouses of Polish citizens.
- Other Circumstances: This category includes, among others, interns, volunteers, researchers, individuals undergoing medical treatment in Poland, as well as situations requiring a short-term stay not covered by a visa, or specific life circumstances.
Basic requirements – What must you meet to obtain the permit?
Although the detailed list of documents depends on the specific purpose of stay, there are several key requirements common to most applications for a temporary residence permit:
Demonstrated Purpose of Stay
- You must prove that the purpose of your stay in Poland (e.g., work, studies) is genuine and justifies a stay longer than 3 months. This is the foundation of the application, supported by specific documents (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter).
Stable Source of Income / Sufficient Funds
- You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to cover your living costs in Poland and any potential return travel costs, without needing social assistance. The required amount is specified by law and depends, among other things, on the number of people in the household. Proof can include, e.g., an employment contract with an appropriate salary, or a bank account statement.
Health Insurance
- You must have health insurance covering treatment costs in Poland. This can be public insurance (ZUS – e.g., if you work) or a private insurance policy that meets statutory requirements.
Secured Accommodation
- You must document that you have secured accommodation in Poland for the planned duration of your stay (e.g., through a rental agreement, property deed, or a statement from the property owner providing accommodation).
Legal Stay and Valid Passport
- You must submit the permit application during your legal stay in Poland (on a valid visa, within visa-free travel days, on a previous permit).
- You must possess a valid travel document (passport).
Of course, you must also not pose a threat to state security or public order.
Temporary residence is not permanent residence – Key differences
It’s worth remembering that a temporary residence permit, as the name suggests, is time-limited. After it expires, if you want to stay in Poland, you must apply for another permit. Only after meeting the conditions regarding length of stay, language proficiency (for EU LTR), or family ties (for permanent residence), can one apply for a status granting indefinite residence, which offers much greater stability and broader rights (e.g., free access to the labor market).
How to apply? A few words about the process
The process of applying for a temporary residence permit begins with submitting a complete application along with the required attachments (dependent on the purpose of stay) to the Voivode competent for your place of residence. You submit the application in person, during your legal stay. After submission, you receive a stamp in your passport legalizing your stay while waiting. You then wait for the office’s decision, responding in the meantime to any requests. After a positive decision, you pay for and collect your Residence Card (TRC).
Summary: temporary residence as the first step to a longer life in Poland
The temporary residence permit is the basic and most common tool for legalizing the stay of foreigners planning to spend more than a few months in Poland. It is a flexible solution tied to the specific reason for your arrival. Remember that the key to success is careful preparation of the application, meeting the basic requirements regarding purpose, finances, insurance, and accommodation, and submitting documents on time.
Do you have questions about temporary residence? Not sure what documents will be needed in your specific situation (work, study, family)? We will help you determine the requirements and prepare a complete application! Contact our law firm.
