Information on temporary and permanent residence in Poland

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

An alien may be granted permission to reside in Poland for a specified period of time (temporary residence) or a permission to settle (permanent residence). Permission for temporary residence may be granted, if the alien demonstrates that his/her residence on the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period longer than 3 months is justified, because of obtaining permission for employment, conduct of economic activity, studies, a marriage to a Polish citizen, etc.
 
The permission for temporary residence may be granted for a period of up to 2 years, with the possibility of an extension, which however may not exceed 10 years. 

The permission for Permanent residence may be granted to an alien who has stayed in Poland for at least 3 years as a temporary resident, can demonstrate the existence of permanent family or economic ties with Poland and has got secured accommodation and support in the Republic of Poland.
 
An application should be submitted to the appropriate consulate of the Republic of Poland. Aliens already in Poland may apply directly to appropriate regional office of a provincial governor..

 
II. FORMAL REQUIREMENTS

An alien who intends to apply for temporary residence in Poland should submit:

1) four application forms (wniosek o udzielenie zezwolenia na zamieszkanie na czas oznaczony i wydanie karty czasowego pobytu) filled out in Polish;
2) five passport size photographs;
3) documents identifying the source of income or evidence of financial resources appropriate to support the stay in Poland;
4) consular fee;
5) a valid passport;

In addition, the Consulate may request the following documents:

1) a birth certificate;
2) a marriage certificate;
3) a certificate showing that the applicant has no outstanding financial obligations in the country of origin;
4) a certificate issued by the appropriate authority of the country of origin, showing that the applicant has no criminal record;
 
An alien applying for temporary residence based on employment in Poland should also submit a valid work promise certificate issued by the appropriate local executive authorities or other document proving that such a permit is not required.
 
An alien applying for temporary residence based on conduct of economic activity in Poland through a company incorporated under the Polish law, where he/she is an owner/shareholder should also submit:

1) current excerpt from the court's commercial register (the proof of incorporation);
2) a copy of a notaries deed establishing the company;
3) a certificate from the appropriate Polish revenue office demonstrating no outstanding taxes or tax liens;
4) an original valid work promise certificate issued by appropriate local executive authorities or other document proving that such a permit is not required, if alien takes an employment;
 
An alien applying for temporary residence based on studies in Poland should submit an original certificate confirming enrollment with the school or university in Poland and describing (curriculum based) expected time of graduation. 
 
The consular fee for processing the application is $105. An additional fee of $173 is required when the permission for temporary residency is granted. Acceptable forms of payment are: cash, Money Order, tellers or certified checks payable to the “Consulate General of Poland”. Personal checks are not accepted. 
 
All foreign language documents have to be translated into Polish and confirmed by the Consulate. All copies must be certified as consistent with the original.