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What is the Karta Pobytu (Residence Permit)?

Please Note!

The document called Karta Pobytu (karta pobytu), granting the right to temporary or permanent residence in Poland, is one of the primary methods of legalizing the stay of foreign citizens within the country.

It is important to highlight the temporary protection status (status UKR) for Ukrainian citizens. Initially, this status was valid until June 30, 2024, however, a decision has now been made to extend it until September 30, 2025.

Currently, there is no official information regarding any further extensions of the status after September 30, 2025. We are closely monitoring the situation and will promptly publish any updates on our blog.

In most cases, foreigners in Poland apply for a temporary residence permit (karta czasowego pobytu). The grounds for this may include educational activities at Polish institutions, business activities, participation in scientific research, or legal employment in Poland. Additionally, a potential reason can be the desire for family reunification (inne okoliczności).

The permanent residence card (karta stałego pobytu) is available for foreigners who are legally married to a Polish citizen for more than three years or have a Karta Polaka (Polish Card), or have documents proving Polish descent (polskie pochodzenie).

Mandatory Documents for Applying for a Karta Pobytu in 2025

When applying for a Karta Pobytu in Poland, it is necessary to submit a number of mandatory documents. These requirements are applicable regardless of the purpose of your stay.

• An application (wniosek) for the temporary residence permit.
• 4 passport-sized photographs of the applicant, size 3.5×4.5cm (same as for a visa).
• Proof of financial means to support the foreigner.
• Original + copies of the first page of the foreign passport and all completed pages.
• Proof of the applicant’s address in Poland (lease agreement / registration of residence).
• Administrative fee to the Urząd for processing the case and issuing the card.

Don’t forget about the required health insurance that covers the foreigner’s medical expenses.

Karta Pobytu for Refugees from Ukraine

Since April 2023, Ukrainians who have fled due to the conflict and have received official protection status in Poland (PESEL UKR) have the right to apply for a Karta Pobytu (Residence Permit). However, it’s important to consider a number of restrictions.

The Karta Pobytu (Residence Permit) is available to specific categories of Ukrainian refugees:

• Individuals officially employed in Poland under a work contract (umowa o pracę / zlecenia).
• Entrepreneurs conducting business activities in Poland and registered as JDG (individual business activity) or SP. Z O. O. (limited liability company).
• Holders of the Blue Card (Blue Card), including IT specialists, researchers, medical professionals, university professors, and engineers.

Documents for Karta Pobytu Based on Employment in 2025

Please Note! The minimum wage for 2025 is set by the Council of Ministers Regulation from September 12, 2024, regarding the amount of the minimum remuneration for work and the minimum hourly rate in 2025. According to this regulation:

• From January 1, 2025, the minimum monthly wage will be 4666 PLN gross.
• The minimum hourly rate from this date is set at 30.50 PLN gross per hour.

For comparison, in the second half of 2024, the minimum wage was 4300 PLN gross, which means an increase of 366 PLN gross.

Initially, the government proposed that the Council for Social Dialogue approve the minimum remuneration at 4626 PLN, but due to a revision of inflation forecasts, the final amount was increased by 40 PLN to 4666 PLN gross.

An employment contract and payment of ZUS contributions confirm the employment relationship and availability of insurance.

Students working under an umowa zlecenia contract must also obtain private insurance or obtain it through their educational institution.

Documents for Karta Pobytu Based on Studies in 2025

Students must provide documents confirming they have the means to live and study in Poland.

• Bank statement or a certificate of income from parents (if employed).
• Employment contract (umowa o prace/umowa zlecenia) in the case of part-time work.
• Certificate from the university.
• Printed version of grades for those who have completed the first year.

Insurance can be confirmed through an insurance policy or the presence of state insurance (ZUS).

Documents for Karta Pobytu Based on Family Reunification in 2025

When applying for family reunification, both the receiving and the applying individual must provide the necessary documents.

• Document confirming family relation (marriage or birth certificate).
• Employment contract or financial report (for entrepreneurs).
• Lease agreement.
• Proof of insurance through ZUS.

The income of the family member receiving the applicant must cover the cost of living.

Documents for Karta Pobytu Based on Business in 2025

For entrepreneurs, it is important to prove the stability of the business and compliance with legal requirements.

• Documents confirming the financial position of the business.
• ZUS declarations (ZUS DRA for private entrepreneurs and ZUS RCA for employed company staff).
• Business plan.

Documents for High Qualifications (Blue Card) in 2025

For the Blue Card, confirmation of work in the specialized field and sufficient income is required.

• A diploma of higher education or a work book with over 5 years of experience.
• Annex no. 1 with salary information and proper signature.
• Annex no. 2 confirming the foreigner’s qualifications.

Ensure whether information from the county office (starostwo) is required and submit all documents to the Urząd at the place of residence.

Conclusion

Legalizing your stay in Poland is not difficult if you gather all necessary documents on time. If you need consultations, feel free to contact ONE PLUS for successful legalization in Poland.

Contact us at +48 71 880 85 08 or visit our office at Piłsudskiego 43, Wrocław to get a consultation regarding your stay in Poland.