Foreign persons moving to Poland for a period longer than three months are legally required to apply for a temporary residence permit which grants them the right to live here. The temporary residence permit in Poland can be issued for a variety of reasons, which can be related to employment in this country, studies, research, starting a business, and others; you can find out more information on the reasons for which one can obtain temporary residency in 2025 from our immigration lawyer in Poland.
We can also help you apply for a Poland permanent residence.
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Kinds of residency in Poland
Permanent and temporary residency permits in Poland are two common types of permits that allow foreign nationals to legally reside in the country. Here’s an overview of both:
- Temporary residence permit (TRP)
- Purpose: A temporary residence permit (TRP) is issued to foreign nationals who intend to stay in Poland for a specific period, usually for work, study, family reunification, or other purposes.
- Duration: The duration of a TRP varies depending on the specific grounds for the permit but is typically granted for a fixed period, such as for one year or three years. It can be renewed if the circumstances that led to its issuance remain valid. Our immigration lawyers can help if you are seeking assistance to renew your temporary residence permit in Poland.
- Eligibility: Eligibility criteria for a TRP depend on the type of permit being applied for (e.g., work, study, family reunification). Generally, applicants need to provide evidence of their purpose for staying in Poland, financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
- Application: Foreign nationals must apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland at the relevant local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) or a Polish embassy in their home country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residency requirements for EU/EEA citizens (if any) | EU citizens only to register with the local authorities upon arrival. |
|
Temporary residency requirements for non-EU/EEA citizens (YES/NO) |
Yes, provided they plan to stay in Poland for more than 3 months. |
|
Issuance grounds |
– employment, – family reunification, – studentship. |
| Minimum validity period of a temporary residence card | The minimum validity period is correlated to the duration and reason for the stay. |
| Maximum validity period of a temporary residence permit |
The maximum validity of a temporary residence permit is 3 years. |
| Renewal/extension possibility (YES/NO) |
No, temporary residence permits cannot be renewed, they need to be reapplied for. |
| Authority in charge of issuing temporary residence cards |
Local voivodeship offices (department for foreigners section). |
| Documents |
– valid passport, – 4 recent photos, – valid health insurance, – application form, – proof of the reason for immigration, – proof of payment of the application fee. |
| Requirement to file for the permit in person (YES/NO) |
Yes. |
| Time frame to obtain a temporary residence card | Maximum 60 days. |
| Access to appeal procedures in case of residency denial (YES/NO) |
Yes, appeals can be submitted with the voivodeship. |
| Issuance of an appeal decision |
14 days. |
| Possibility to exit the country with a temporary residence card |
Yes, in EU and Schengen countries. |
| Access to permanent residency (YES/NO) |
Yes, after 5 years of temporary residency. |
| Support in applying for temporary residency (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Poland for support in filing for residency. |
2. Permanent residence permit (PRP)
A permanent residence permit (PRP) allows foreign nationals to live and work in Poland indefinitely. It is typically granted to individuals who have legally resided in the country temporarily for a specified number of years. PRPs have no fixed expiration date, and they do not need to be renewed. However, a PRP may be revoked if certain conditions are no longer met.
It’s important to note that the eligibility requirements and application procedures for both permanent and temporary residence permits may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and changes in Polish immigration laws and policies. Therefore, individuals interested in obtaining either type of permit should consult with our legal experts in Poland to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information for their specific situation.
Our lawyers with expertise in immigration and residency matters are well-versed in the intricacies of Polish TRC applications and can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. They can navigate the legal complexities, and represent your interests throughout the application process, making it smoother and less stressful for you. Furthermore, in this guide, our immigration lawyer in Poland has explained the details of a temporary residence permit.
When should a foreigner apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland?
As mentioned above, a foreigner must apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland if the duration of the stay is longer than 90 days. If the person will stay less than 90 days in this country, he or she is not required to complete any legal actions.
However, in the case in which the foreigner will live here for more than 90 days, the person should apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland no later than the last day of his or her legal stay in this country. As a general rule, the applicant must complete the application in person, but other options are available as well (by post).
You should note that the permanent residence permit in Poland comes with other requirements.
Our lawyers are at your service if you are interested in Polish citizenship by naturalization. Please bear in mind that you have lived here for at least 3 years based on a permanent residence permit to qualify for a passport. Consult us for details on the other information you need to know for a correct application.
Documents required for the issuance of a temporary residence permit in Poland in 2025
The documents necessary for obtaining a temporary residence permit in this country will vary based on the reasons for which the person makes the application (family reunification programs, employment purposes, or studies). A set of documents will be common for all applications regardless of the reasons for which the person is moving to Poland, such as:
- provide a complete application form and two copies of the application (a standard form that is used for the issuance of the temporary residence permit in Poland);
- four photos, with a size of 35 mm x 45 mm which must respect specific standards as per the Poland immigration law;
- a valid travel document (identity document or passport); a document that attests to the person’s residential address in Poland;
- proof of the fact that the person has sufficient financial resources to live in Poland;
- stamp duty fee payment required, approximately €11;
- acquisition of health insurance in Poland is necessary if not already possessed;
- submission of a university acceptance letter is mandatory for the student’s national visa;
- work visa applicants must provide a work permit issued by a Polish employer;
- documentation proving the relationship with the Polish citizen is necessary for the family reunification visa.
Please note that foreign nationals entering the border under the auspices of some documents are exempt from the legal obligation to demonstrate adequate financial resources or evidence of their capacity to access such funds. For instance; visa granted for the purpose of facilitating a temporary residence permit to reunify with family members.
Provided that the 2025 temporary residence permit in Poland is requested for employment purposes, the application should contain papers attesting to the qualification of the applicant for a specific type of work. Additional papers may be requested and our immigration lawyer in Poland can offer in-depth legal assistance on this matter.
If you want to apply for permanent residency in Poland, we are at your disposal. The most secure method is naturalization, however, this involves lengthy waiting periods. Get in touch with us for personalized advice and support in moving here permanently alone or with your family if you wish to obtain a residence permit.
We can also advise on how you can obtain Polish citizenship.
How long does it take to get TRC after applying?
Upon the receipt and submission of your TRC in Poland application to the designated government inspector, you will be required to undergo fingerprinting at the immigration office. This step will be followed by an interview aimed at verifying the authenticity and accuracy of the information provided. Our immigration lawyers in Poland are committed to providing you with comprehensive assistance throughout these essential steps in the process. Typically, the appointments for fingerprinting and the interview are scheduled to occur within a period of 1 to 3 months following the submission of your application. Subsequently, the government will thoroughly review your application, along with all accompanying documents and any supplementary information. Processing times may vary but usually range from 1 to 6 months. On average, individuals receive their Polish temporary residence card (TRC) between 4 to 8 months from the initial application submission, encompassing the time spent waiting for the fingerprinting appointment.
It is worth noting that immigration procedures and specific requirements are subject to change, and our immigration lawyers in Poland are dedicated to serving as your trusted source for the latest information and tailored guidance. Upon the approval of your Polish temporary residence card (TRC) application, you will be issued a notification outlining the details for collecting your TRC card. This notification will specify the designated collection location and the timeframe within which you should proceed with the retrieval. Additionally, please note that a supplementary fee of 50 PLN for the plastic card will be levied by the government during this process.
Our Polish immigration lawyers can provide valuable assistance in obtaining a temporary residence card (TRC) by offering their seasoned services and support. They will help you prepare a complete and accurate Polish TRC application, ensuring that all required documents, such as proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation, are in order. If you need any help regarding acquiring a temporary residence permit in Poland, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal.
Reasons for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Poland in 2025
As we presented above, the Poland immigration law provides a wide range of reasons for which foreigners can apply for a temporary residence permit. Currently, the Polish legislation allows foreigners to apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland in 2025 based on the legal grounds mentioned in the list below:
- starting a work contract in Poland or working as a highly-skilled employee;
- opening a business in Poland as a foreign investor or working here as a representative of a foreign company;
- enrolling in tertiary studies in Poland or participating in academic research;
- moving to Poland for a short period to visit family members;
- being a refugee or being a minor child of a foreigner living in Poland.
Number of issued temporary residence permits in Poland?
The number of persons who have obtained a temporary residence permit in Poland has been increasing over the years, as the country became an attractive destination for foreigners seeking employment. Although the country has received applications from citizens living in Russia, China, India, Moldova, and others, the largest share is represented by applications from Ukrainian citizens. The data on temporary residence permits shows the following:
- in 2023, Poland recorded over 490,000 valid temporary residence permits held by Ukrainian citizens;
- the number of temporary residence permits granted in Poland surged from nearly 35,000 decisions in 2010 to surpassing 371,000 by 2023;
- in 2020, the largest number of foreigners who have obtained a temporary residence permit in Poland lives in the Mazovia Region (64,251 temporary residence permits);
- the 2nd most important region is the Voivode of Lesser Poland (accounting for 33,230 temporary residence permits).
Poland is one of the cheapest nations in the EU. Living there could therefore be among the best advantages. The market pricing is still less expensive than what you would find in most European nations whether you choose to rent or buy real estate. Moving to Poland will not provide any housing issues. Even in large cities like Warsaw, you can find affordable housing. Foreigners who wish to dwell in Poland permanently must either have held a long-stay visa (for job, study, or family reunification) for at least 5 years, or they must have been married to a Polish national for at least 3 years.
You can rely on the legal assistance provided by our lawyer, who can present other aspects referring to the Poland migration law that can be of interest to persons relocating here on a short-term or long-term basis.
Foreign workers in Poland
According to recent statistics, the percentage of foreign workers in the Polish labor market accounted for 6.5%, at the end of January 2024. They came from more than 150 countries. In numbers:
- there were approximately 1 million foreign workers in Poland at the end of January 2024;
- 386,000 of them were employed under mandate and other similar contracts;
- the majority of the working immigrant population was made up of men – 59.4%.
At the end of January 2024, there were also 68,700 Ukrainian citizens working in Poland, making them the largest group of foreign workers.
Get in touch with us if you’re interested in Polish citizenship. We are available to provide you with specialized guidance on how to efficiently obtain a passport for Poland. Please keep in mind that to be eligible for a passport, you must have resided here for at least three years based on a permanent residence permit. For more information on what else you need to know to submit a valid application, get in touch with us.
We invite persons moving to Poland to contact our lawyer for more details on the issuance of the temporary residence permit.
