The residence card is a key document for foreigners who want to live and work legally in Poland. In 2025, the process of obtaining it can be time-consuming, but proper preparation and knowledge of the procedures allow you to significantly speed up the process. Below you will find a detailed guide to help you avoid the most common problems and apply for a residence card without unnecessary delays.

Types of residence cards in Poland

In Poland, foreigners can apply for different types of residence cards, depending on the purpose of their stay:

1. Temporary residence card - for persons residing in Poland on the basis of work, study, family reunification or other legitimate reasons.
2. Permanent residence card - for persons fulfilling certain conditions, e.g. having Polish ancestry or being married to a Polish citizen.
3. EU long-term resident card - for persons who have legally resided in Poland for at least 5 years.
4. CUKR (Temporary Resident Card) card - from 2025 available to Ukrainian nationals enjoying temporary protection5.

How do I obtain a residence card?

The process of obtaining a residence card involves several key steps:

1. Preparation of documents

Careful preparation of the documentation is essential for success. Required documents include:

• Filled with application for residence permit (form available on the website of the provincial office).
• Current biometric photos (35×45 mm), as required by the office.
• Valid passport and copies of all completed pages12.
• Proof of payment of stamp duty for the issue of the card (this is normally PLN 50 for a temporary residence card).
• Documents supporting the purpose of residence, such as:
  • Contract of employment or commission,
  • Certificate of admission to study,
  • Documents relating to family members (in the event of family reunification)2.

It is a good idea to ensure that all documents are complete and correctly translated into Polish by a sworn translator.1.

2. submission of the application

The application must be submitted in person to the provincial office with jurisdiction over the place of residence. Some provinces require you to register your visit online in advance. In the case of postal dispatch, it is necessary to retain the postal receipt12.

3. fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is a mandatory part of the procedure and takes place when the application is submitted. After this step, the foreigner receives a stamp in his/her passport or a special document confirming the legality of his/her stay pending the examination of the application.16.

4. awaiting a decision

The processing time varies from province to province:

• In the Małopolska region, decisions can be issued within 2-3 months.
• In the Mazowieckie voivodship the waiting time is up to one year3.

While you are waiting, it is a good idea to regularly check the status of your case by contacting the office by telephone or e-mail4.

5. receipt of the card

After a positive decision, the residence card is ready for collection in person at the provincial office. When collecting it, it is necessary to present a valid passport and the administrative decision6.

How to speed up the process of obtaining a residence card?

Delays in issuing residence cards are a common problem, so it is useful to know ways to speed up the process:

1. Submission of complete documentation - missing documents can significantly increase the time taken to process a case.
2. Regular check of case status - contact with the office shows commitment and can speed up the procedure4.
3. Submission of reminders - if the authority acts diligently, you can file an official reminder or a complaint with the Provincial Administrative Court7.
4. Legal support - An immigration law specialist can assist with document preparation and case monitoring.

The most common problems related to the residence card

Foreigners often face difficulties when applying for a residence card:

• Chronicity of the proceedings - waiting time for a decision can be several months or more.
• Lack of feedback from the office - contact with the office can be difficult, especially in large cities such as Warsaw and Krakow3.
• Problems with completeness of documentation - missing one document may result in a call for completion and prolongation of the procedure.

Benefits of having a residence card

Having a residence card gives foreigners many advantages:

• Legal residence on Polish territory for the period indicated on the card.
• Ability to cross borders multiple times without obtaining additional visas.
• Access to the labour market without the need for additional permits (in the case of a card issued on the basis of employment).
• Ability to benefit from public health and education services.

Summary

Obtaining a residence card in Poland requires diligence and patience, but proper preparation can avoid many problems. The key is to collect complete documentation, regularly monitor the status of your case and know your rights as a foreigner. In this way, the process can go faster and without unnecessary complications.