The legalisation of the residence of foreign children in Poland is a topic that concerns thousands of families living in our country. Although many parents think that the status of a child automatically depends on the legal situation of the parents, in reality every child must have their own residence permit. The legalisation of children's residence is not only a legal obligation, but also a guarantee of safety, access to education, health care and social benefits.

Why is the legalisation of children's residence so important?

Under Polish law, a child born in Poland or residing here with foreign parents does not automatically obtain the right of residence. In order for them to be able to stay legally in the country, they must have their own residence title - e.g. a temporary residence card, a permanent residence permit or a residence permit for a long-term EU resident.

Failure to legalise a child's residence can lead to serious consequences - from restricted access to medical care to problems with continuing education. This is why it is so important for parents to apply for legalisation as soon as possible after the child's birth or arrival in Poland.

Who submits the application for legalisation of the child's residence?

The application for legalisation of the child's residence is submitted by the parent or legal guardian. The documents should be submitted to the voivodship office competent for the place of residence. In the case of children born in Poland, the application may be submitted after the birth certificate and passport have already been received.

It is worth remembering that the application should be submitted even before the parents' temporary stay ends - then the child's status can be regularised without a break in legal residence.

What documents are needed to legalise the residence of children?

To start the procedure, prepare:

• a completed application for a temporary residence permit,
• the child's original birth certificate (with a sworn translation if issued abroad),
• a valid passport for the child,
• parents' residence permits,
• confirmation of residence,
• proof of livelihood,
• insurance policy or proof of health insurance.

In addition, the office may ask for proof of the child's attendance at school or kindergarten, which is particularly important when extending the stay.

If you do not know how to prepare your documents correctly, use a specialist - a contact form can be found at ID Poland - Contact.

The most common mistakes made by parents

Many parents assume that the child automatically gets the same residence status as them - this is one of the most common mistakes. Each application is considered individually and the office requires separate documents for each family member.

Another error is the failure to translate documents into Polish or to submit a complete set of required attachments. As a result, the proceedings are suspended or prolonged. It is therefore worth checking the list of required documents in advance and preparing them in advance.

How can a counsellor help to legalise a child's residence?

The child legalisation counsellor deals with complex family matters. He assists in preparing the application, completing the documents and communicating with the authorities. Thanks to his/her experience, the counsellor knows which mistakes to avoid and how to prepare the documentation so that the authorities consider the case positively.

Working with an expert also saves time and nerves - especially when parents are not well versed in the Polish language or in the regulations on the residence of foreigners. W ID Poland we help foreign families to legalise the residence of their children, regardless of the child's age and the parents' type of residence.

How long does it take for children to be legalised in Poland?

The time taken to process an application depends on the province and the number of cases handled by the office. Usually, a decision is issued within 60-120 days, but the procedure may take longer if there are formal deficiencies. In the case of children, the office often considers applications more quickly, especially when it is a matter of continuing education or access to health care.

Counsel can help speed up the process by monitoring the case and intervening if proceedings are prolonged.

Summary

The legalisation of children's residence is not just a formality, but an obligation that ensures the child's security and a stable future in Poland. Every foreign parent should ensure that their child has their own residence permit, regardless of the parents' status.

Professional help from a counsellor can help you avoid mistakes and reduce waiting times. If you want to make sure that your child's documents are prepared correctly - contact us via ID Poland - Contact. Thanks to our experience, the whole process will run smoothly and without stress.