In Poland, a Residence Card (karta pobytu) is a plastic document that confirms a foreigner’s legal stay in the country. It serves as an identity document and replaces a visa, allowing individuals to legally live, work, study, and enjoy the rights associated with residing in Poland. Many refer to this document as a residence permit or karta pobytu, which are equivalent terms.
Obtaining a residence card is a strategically important step for foreigners who wish to build a long-term life in Poland. This document enables you to:
A residence card is a special plastic document issued to foreigners who wish to legally stay and live in Poland. It contains personal information such as your name, surname, date of birth, photo, address, and biometric data. Essentially, the residence card confirms your right to remain in Poland based on employment, studies, business, or family circumstances.
Many foreigners get confused by the terminology and may not fully understand the differences between a temporary residence card (karta pobytu czasowego), a permanent residence card (karta pobytu stałego), an EU long-term residence card, and even a Polish Card (Karta Polaka). Each has its own specifics, validity periods, and eligibility criteria.
The most common option among foreigners is the temporary residence card. It is issued to those who come to Poland for work, studies, business, or family reunification.
This card is typically valid for 1 to 3 years. After its expiration, you can renew it by resubmitting documents to the Voivodeship Office. The main reasons for obtaining a temporary residence card include:
This document is often the first step toward long-term residency status. Many foreigners start with a temporary residence card and later apply for a permanent residence card or Polish citizenship.
If you have been legally living in Poland for several years, you may apply for a permanent residence card, which is essentially a permanent residence permit. It is issued indefinitely, though the physical card itself is valid for 10 years and must be replaced afterward.
Eligibility criteria for a permanent residence card include:
The advantage of a permanent residence card is that it grants nearly the same rights as Polish citizens, including unrestricted work, the ability to purchase property, start a business, and access social benefits.
Another legalization option is the zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego UE, or the EU long-term residence card.
This card allows a foreigner to stay in Poland permanently and enjoy rights similar to those of EU citizens. To apply for it, you must:
This status is particularly convenient for those who see Poland as a long-term home and plan to apply for Polish citizenship in the future.
A residence card (karta pobytu) is more than just a document—it’s a gateway to a future filled with opportunities. With it, you gain:
In essence, a residence card makes a foreigner a full-fledged resident of Poland.
For students, a residence card is not only a means of legalizing their stay but also an opportunity to work in Poland without needing additional permits.
Students can:
Many foreigners begin their journey in Poland with a student residence card and later successfully stay to live and work in the country.
If one parent holds a residence card, their child may also obtain one. This grants children the right to attend kindergarten, school, or university and legally reside in Poland.
For children born to parents with permanent residency (stały pobyt), the child is almost automatically eligible for permanent residency in Poland.
Many foreigners ask: which is better—a Polish Card (Karta Polaka) or a residence card?
The key difference is that a Polish Card confirms Polish ancestry but does not grant the right to legally live in Poland. To reside in the country, you still need to obtain a residence card.
A residence card, on the other hand, is a full-fledged residence permit. It provides the legal right to live, work, and enjoy all the benefits of being a resident.
Another common mistake is confusing a residence card with a voivodeship invitation. A voivodeship invitation allows you to obtain a visa and enter Poland, but it is limited in duration and tied to a specific employer.
In contrast, a residence card allows you to live in Poland independently of a specific contract, offering far greater freedom.
Obtaining a residence card is a strategic step for foreigners. It provides confidence in your future, protects against the risk of deportation, grants access to the job market, and facilitates integration into Polish society.
For many foreigners, Poland becomes a true home only after they receive this document.
To obtain a residence card, you need to prepare a set of documents. The requirements may vary depending on the basis of your stay, but the standard list includes:
✔️ ONE PLUS, based in Wrocław, has been a trusted partner for foreigners for over 10 years, assisting with the legalization of stay, obtaining residence cards, residence permits, and Polish citizenship. We don’t just provide services—we guide each client from the initial consultation to receiving the final document.
✔️ Our lead expert, immigration lawyer Tatiana Wyborna, holds a Polish legal education and has over a decade of successful collaboration with voivodeship offices and state authorities. With her deep understanding of Polish legislation and case processing practices, Tatiana knows how to prepare documents correctly to ensure a swift and efficient process.
✔️ Working with us is always transparent and legally secure. We provide an official contract in two languages (Polish and Russian/English) for your convenience. Every payment is confirmed with a receipt or invoice, guaranteeing complete legality and your protection.
✔️ Our specialists thoroughly analyze your situation and tailor the best solution for your specific case. Alongside preparing the full set of documents, you essentially receive professional legal advice from an immigration lawyer, significantly increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
✔️ We understand that foreigners often lack the time to independently study Polish laws and procedures. By partnering with ONE PLUS, you save time, effort, and stress. Our lawyers handle every step—from filling out applications to obtaining the final plastic residence card.
✔️ Our company’s reputation is backed by hundreds of satisfied clients from around the world. Many have successfully obtained their residence cards, permanent residency, or Polish citizenship with our help. Reviews are available on our official resources.
ONE PLUS is more than just document assistance—it’s top-tier legal support. With us, you can be confident in the outcome, as your case is managed by professionals who understand the Polish system inside out.
After submitting documents, it’s crucial to regularly check the status of your residence card application. This can be done:
If the status indicates that additional documents are required, they must be submitted promptly. Failure to do so may result in rejection or even deportation.
In practice, the process takes between 3 months and a year, depending on the voivodeship, the workload of officials, and the accuracy of your submitted documents. Incomplete documentation or errors in the application can delay the process.
Avoiding mistakes is critical, as they can cost not only time but also your legal status.
Mistake #1: Incomplete Documentation
Even a single missing document can lead to rejection.
Mistake #2: Insufficient Income
You must prove a stable income to obtain a residence card. Lack of proof can result in rejection or deportation.
Mistake #3: Errors in the Application
Typos, incorrect data, or unclear wording often cause issues.
Mistake #4: Missing Submission Deadlines
Applications must be submitted before your legal stay expires, or you risk deportation.
Mistake #5: Lack of Insurance
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for a residence card.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Status Updates
Failing to monitor the process may cause you to miss important notifications.
Mistake #7: Illegal Stay
Staying in Poland after your visa expires or without a passport stamp almost always leads to deportation.
To ensure a successful process:
ONE PLUS in Wrocław has been helping foreigners with document preparation, including residence cards and other permits, for over 10 years. We guarantee that your documents will be prepared correctly and submitted on time, minimizing the risk of deportation.
How much does a residence card cost?
The state fee ranges from 340 to 640 PLN, depending on the type of card.
How long does it take to get a residence card?
On average, the process takes 3 to 6 months.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
You can file an appeal or reapply after correcting any errors.
Can I work with a residence card?
Yes, a residence card grants the right to work if the basis is employment.
How does a residence card differ from a visa?
A residence card is valid for a longer period and offers more rights and opportunities than a national visa.
A residence card is the key to a legal life in Poland. Obtaining it requires attention to detail, proper document preparation, and adherence to deadlines. To avoid mistakes, rejection, or deportation, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
ONE PLUS provides comprehensive support for obtaining a residence card, from consultation to receiving the final plastic card. We stay updated on legal changes and ensure the process is clear and secure for every client.
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