Contents
- Grounds for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Poland
- Documents for a Work-Based Residence Card
- Processing Time
- Successful Case Examples
After reading this entire article, you will learn:
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A residence card in Poland — a document that not only legalizes your stay in the country but also opens up new opportunities: access to the labor market, education, healthcare services, and more. Typically, it takes about six months to a year and a half to get a residence permit. However, processing times for residence permit applications can vary. This article covers the stages involved in obtaining a temporary residence card in Poland and discusses the actual waiting times.
In Poland, there are two types of residence permits: temporary (karta czasowego pobytu) and permanent (karta stałego pobytu). A temporary residence permit is issued for up to three years, while a permanent one is issued for an indefinite period. However, the residence card itself must be replaced every 10 years.
Let’s look at the grounds for obtaining a temporary residence card in Poland:
– Work. One of the most common and straightforward methods. The fact is, concluding an employment contract for more than 3 months is already a reason to apply to the Voivodeship Office for Foreigners (Urząd Wojewódzki do Spraw Cudzoziemców) for a residence permit.
– Study. With a ‘student’ residence permit, you can combine work and full-time university studies without needing additional work permits. After graduation, you will be issued a graduate card (Karta Absolwenta). This card is merely a symbolic membership in the university’s alumni club. It is not a mandatory document, and obtaining it is entirely voluntary.
Additionally, after graduating from university, you can obtain a temporary residence permit for a graduate seeking employment (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy dla absolwenta polskiej uczelni poszukującego pracy). This document grants the right to work and is valid for 9 months. As a graduate, you are exempt from the obligation to obtain a work permit. However, after finding employment and signing a contract, you can also apply for a residence permit based on work.
– Business. For example, if you came to Poland on a PBH visa (Poland. Business Harbour), then you can open a sole proprietorship (JDG). This method is particularly popular among IT specialists who move to Poland and sign B2B contracts. However, JDG is not the only path to obtaining a residence permit. You can also become a board member of a company, whether existing or newly established.
