Temporary Residence Permit

The document list depends on the purpose of stay. Documents common to all applications:

• Completed application for a temporary residence permit (2 copies)
• 4 recent photographs (colour, 35×45 mm, passport-style)
• Valid passport (photocopy of all pages with entries + original for inspection)
• Proof of stamp duty payment — 440 PLN
• Health insurance or confirmation of coverage of medical costs
• Proof of accommodation (e.g. lease agreement, registration)
• Proof of sufficient financial means for subsistence

The application form can be downloaded from the voivodeship office website or gov.pl.

If you are applying for a temporary residence and work permit (single permit), you additionally need:

• Annex 1 to the application — information about the employer (completed and signed by the employer)
• Employment contract, job offer or contract for services
• District labour office information about the lack of possibility to meet staffing needs (labour market test) — not required in many cases (e.g. citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, graduates of Polish universities)

The employer must confirm the employment conditions and remuneration not lower than the minimum wage.

If you are applying for a temporary residence for study purposes, you additionally need:

• University certificate of admission or continuation of studies
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living and study costs (min. 776 PLN per month)
• Proof of tuition payment (if studies are paid)
• Health insurance covering the period of studies

The stamp duty for a study permit is lower — 340 PLN instead of 440 PLN.

If you are applying for a temporary residence for family reunification, you additionally need:

• Document confirming family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) — with a sworn translation
• Copy of the residence card or residence decision of the family member in Poland
• Proof of a stable source of income of the family member
• Proof of accommodation sufficient for the whole family

The temporary residence permit application must be submitted in person at the voivodeship office (urząd wojewódzki) competent for your place of residence.

Important:

• The application must be submitted no later than the last day of legal stay in Poland
• After submitting in person and having fingerprints taken, you receive a stamp in your passport confirming legal stay during the procedure
• Many voivodeship offices use an online queue system — book an appointment in advance

After submission, the office will confirm receipt and inform you of next steps.

At the time of application (or at a designated appointment), the office will collect your biometric data:

• Fingerprints — both hands
• Biometric photograph — if you have not provided suitable photos

Providing biometric data is mandatory and is a condition for issuing the residence card. Failure to attend for fingerprinting may result in the application being left without consideration.

After providing biometric data, you will receive a stamp in your passport confirming the application has been submitted.

Processing time for a temporary residence application is 1 to 6 months — depending on the voivodeship office and the complexity of the case.

During the waiting period:

• Your stay in Poland is legal (based on the stamp in your passport)
• You may work if you have the appropriate authorisation (e.g. statement of entrusting work)
• The office may summon you to supplement documents — respond within the set deadline
• You can check the status of your case by phone or through the voivodeship office's online system

The decision will be delivered by post or you can collect it in person at the office.

After receiving a positive decision, pay the residence card issuance fee (100 PLN) and collect it in person at the voivodeship office.

Collecting the residence card:

1. Pay the card issuance fee — 100 PLN (bank transfer to the voivodeship office account)
2. Wait for the card to be produced — usually 2–3 weeks after the decision
3. Collect the card in person — bring your passport and proof of payment

The residence card is valid for the period stated in the decision (maximum 3 years). Together with a valid passport it entitles you to reside and travel within the Schengen Area.