The most frequent questions about legalization of stay in Poland 2025

The most common questions about legalisation of residence in Poland arise both among those who are just planning to apply and those who are already in the procedure. Below you will find the answers to the questions about legalisation of stay most frequently asked by foreigners in 2025.

What documents are needed to legalise your stay in Poland 2025?

Key documents include:

• Application for a residence permit,
• Up-to-date biometric photos,
• Copy of passport (all pages written),
• Document confirming the purpose of stay (e.g. employment contract, university certificate, family document),
• Confirmation of health insurance,
• Proof of financial means of subsistence,
• Stamp duty receipt.

It is worth checking the specific requirements with the office responsible for your place of residence, as additional attachments may be required depending on your situation.

How long does it take to legalise a stay in Poland?

The time to wait for a decision depends on a number of factors, such as the number of applications at the office, the completeness of the documents or the type of procedure. Usually, the procedure takes from a few months to even six months, and even longer in the case of permanent residence or a long-term EU resident.

Can I work with a residence card?

Yes, if your residence card contains the annotation "access to the labour market", you can legally work in Poland without having to obtain additional permits.

Do I need to know Polish to obtain residency?

In the case of temporary residence, knowledge of the Polish language is not required, but for permanent residence or EU residents it is often necessary to document a basic knowledge of the language.

Does a residence card allow you to travel in Europe?

Yes, the residence card entitles you to travel within the Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days without the need to obtain a visa.

What to do if the office calls for supplementary documents?

You should provide the missing documents as soon as possible so as not to prolong the procedure and risk rejection.

Can I apply online?

In 2025, more and more authorities will allow applications for legalisation of residence to be made online, making the whole procedure quicker and easier.

Summary

The legalisation of residence in Poland 2025 is associated with many questions and doubts. Knowing the answers to the most common questions about residence legalisation allows you to better prepare for the entire process, avoid mistakes and go through all the formalities more smoothly. If you have additional questions, it is worth consulting a counsellor or a lawyer specialising in immigration law.