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New Changes from July 1, 2024, for Residence Card in Poland for Family Reunification

The President of Poland has approved changes to the law regarding the support of Ukrainians. Find out what changes have occurred in the conditions for obtaining a residence card through family reunification and what new measures have been introduced for Ukrainian citizens.

President Andrzej Duda has approved an amendment to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in connection with the armed conflict in their country. Among other things, the law now allows for applications for a residence card under the family reunification program.

You will find detailed information about different types of residence cards, their advantages, conditions for obtaining them, and necessary documents in this article.

New Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Card through Family Reunification Program in Poland

According to the law of May 15, 2024, amending the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in connection with the armed conflict in their territory and certain other laws, changes have been made to the process of obtaining a residence card through family reunification, as well as for other grounds. The law enters into force on July 1, 2024.

The updated version of Article 159 of the Law on Foreigners (from December 12, 2013) stipulates that a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification will be granted to a foreigner if they arrive in the Republic of Poland or are already on its territory for the purpose of family reunification and are a family member of a foreigner living in Poland:

✔️ Based on a permanent residence permit (zezwolenie na osiedlenie się / pobyt stały),

✔️ For at least 2 years based on a temporary residence permit, including the period immediately before submitting an application for a temporary residence permit for a family member, based on a permit issued for a period of at least 1 year (karta czasowego pobytu),

✔️ Based on a temporary residence permit issued for scientific research purposes,

✔️ Based on a temporary residence permit for work requiring high qualifications (blue card).

Additional Requirements for Obtaining a Residence Card through Family Reunification

In addition, a temporary residence permit for family reunification will be granted to a foreigner if the following conditions are met:

✔️ Health insurance according to the Law of August 27, 2004, on medical services financed from public funds, or proof of coverage of medical expenses in Poland by an insurer,

✔️ A stable and regular source of income sufficient to support themselves and their family members dependent on them,

✔️ A guaranteed place of residence in Poland.

Who Among Relatives Can Apply for a Residence Card?

Family members who can apply for a residence card under the family reunification program include:

1. The spouse of the foreigner, who is married to them under Polish law;
2. A minor child of the foreigner and their spouse, including an adopted child, if the marriage is recognized under Polish law;
3. A minor child of the foreigner, including an adopted child, who is dependent on them and under their actual parental care;
4. A minor child of the foreigner’s spouse, including an adopted child, who is dependent on them and under their actual parental care.

Please note that the application for this type of residence card must be submitted in person by the family member who will receive the card. The only exception is children under 6 years old.