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Roadmap to Residence in Poland – Application Rules by Voivodeship
17.05.2025

Ways to Submit a Residence Permit Application in Poland

Information as of 08.05.2025.

The residence permit procedure in Poland is formally regulated by uniform legal standards. However, each voivodeship (province) operates differently in practice. Some allow applications only by post, others through online booking, and some require in-person visits. Submission systems and portals also vary. That’s why it’s important to adapt to the local rules of the specific voivodeship where you intend to legalize your stay.

Below is an updated overview of how and where to submit a residence permit application, depending on the region where you live.

Mazowieckie Voivodeship (Warsaw)

Applications are submitted exclusively by post.
The submission date must be registered in the inPOL system: https://inpol.mazowieckie.pl/login
Appointments are confirmed after the registration is completed.
Expected processing time: from 6 to 8 months
The system experiences high traffic — it is necessary to regularly monitor the platform and respond quickly when new dates become available.

Dolnośląskie Voivodeship (Wrocław)

Applications are submitted by post.
If an in-person visit is required, the appointment must be scheduled online: https://wizyta.duw.pl/
Waiting time for appointment: up to 1–2 months
Expected processing time: 1 to 6 months
The platform is stable, but sending the documents by post ensures that your application is officially registered.

Małopolskie Voivodeship (Kraków)

Applications may be submitted by post or by booking an in-person appointment.
Appointments can be scheduled online at: https://rezerwacja.muw.pl/
Waiting time for appointment: 1 to 3 months
Expected processing time: from 4 to 9 months
We recommend submitting your documents by post — this method is generally faster than waiting for a visit.

Wielkopolskie Voivodeship (Poznań)

Applications are submitted only by post.
You do not need to register online before submission.
The date of the postmark is considered the official submission date.
Expected processing time: 6 to 10 months
Keep the post office receipt — this is your legal proof of submission.

Pomorskie Voivodeship (Gdańsk)

Applications are submitted exclusively by post.
You do not need to book an appointment.
The postmark confirms the official date of application.
Expected processing time: 5 to 9 months
One of the more efficient voivodeships in terms of communication and decision times.

Łódzkie Voivodeship (Łódź)

Applications can be submitted by post or in person.
Appointments for in-person submission must be scheduled via: https://puw.lodzkie.pl/
Waiting time: around 1 to 2 months
Expected processing time: 4 to 8 months
Available appointment slots are rare — it is safer to apply by post.

Lubelskie Voivodeship (Lublin)

Applications are submitted by post.
Appointments can be booked online if needed: https://luwwlublin.e-zefir.pl/
Waiting time: 2 to 4 weeks
Expected processing time: 3 to 6 months
This region is among the fastest in issuing decisions in 2025.

Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship (Szczecin)

Applications are submitted by post.
Appointments may be booked at: https://rezerwacja.zuw.szczecin.pl/
Waiting time: 1 to 2 months
Expected processing time: 4 to 7 months
This office regularly sends updates and requests via email or letter — keep an eye on your mailbox.

Podlaskie Voivodeship (Białystok)

Applications are submitted exclusively by post.
No appointment booking is required.
The postmark date is considered the official date of submission.
Expected processing time: 3 to 5 months
This region currently offers the fastest decisions on temporary residence permits in Poland.

If you are not sure how to submit your application correctly, or which strategy is best for your case, we recommend consulting with a qualified legal expert. Mistakes during the process can result in rejection or significant delays that may affect your legal stay in Poland.

Our legal office offers full assistance with residence permit applications across all regions of Poland. We will choose the best solution, prepare your documents, and represent your interests at the voivodeship office.

Read also:
Voivodeship Office Wrocław: address, registration, document submission Documents Required for Residence Permit Application Registration in the Register of Medical Professions in Poland Documents for Residence Card through Family Reunification Polish Citizenship for Foreigners in 2025

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