Polish Residence Permit: Requirements and Application Steps

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

A residence permit, locally known as Karta Pobytu, is a document granting permission to foreign nationals to stay in Poland legally beyond the duration of their visa or visa-free stay. Holders of this permit can also open a bank account in Poland.

Who needs it?

Non-European Union citizens who plan to reside, work or study in Poland for a duration exceeding 90 days in a 180-day period need a residence permit.

Procedure

  1. Gather all the required documents for application.
  2. Submit the application to the Voivode competent for the place of your stay.
  3. Upon receiving your submission, the Voivode will invite you to complete the application.
  4. After submitting the application, you will receive a stamp in your passport as a proof that you’re in the process of obtaining the permit.
  5. Lastly, the Voivode’s office will make the decision within a few weeks’ time.

Required Documents

A comprehensive list of required documents can be found on the official website of Poland’s Office for Foreigners (https://udsc.gov.pl/) . Commonly required documents are:

  • The completed application form
  • 4 recent photographs
  • A valid travel document (photocopies of all marked pages)
  • Proof of payment of stamp duty (340 PLN)
  • Documents confirming the purpose of your stay (e.g., employment contract, business activity, studies)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of sufficient means to cover the costs of living
  • Documents confirming a legally obtained accommodation

Providers that can do it for you

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Additional details

If you possess a valid Karta Pobytu, you can travel without a visa through the Schengen area. If you apply for a Polish bank account, having a Karta Pobytu will make the process more straightforward. Keep in mind that getting a Karta Pobytu is a time-consuming process. Therefore, plan your application accordingly.

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