Rights and obligations of a foreigner in Poland - what you need to know after legalizing your stay

Obtaining a residence card is only the beginning of a legal stay in Poland. With the residence permit, the foreigner acquires certain rights, but also undertakes to comply with specific obligations. Knowledge of these regulations is crucial for a trouble-free functioning in the Polish legal system.

Basic rights of a foreigner with a residence card

Right to reside in Poland The residence card entitles the holder to stay legally in the territory of the Republic of Poland for the period specified in the permit.

Right to freedom of movement Residence card holders can:

• Travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Move freely on Polish territory
• Change of residence (with notification)

Right to work Depending on the type of permit:

• Temporary residence - right to work for a specific employer or in a specific industry
• EU permanent residence/long-term resident - full access to the labour market
• Possibility to set up your own business

Right to healthcare

Health insurance Foreigners with a residence card are entitled to:

• Insurance in the NFZ on the basis of work or activity
• Voluntary health insurance
• Free emergency medical care

Access to benefits

• Primary medical care
• Specialist treatment
• Hospital treatment
• Dental care (to a limited extent)

Right to education

For children:

• Compulsory schooling for children aged 7-18 years
• Free education in public schools
• Access to psychological-educational assistance

For adults:

• Possibility to continue or start studies
• Access to Polish language courses
• Possibility of using integration programmes

Entitlement to social benefits

Social benefits and aids:

• Unemployment benefit (when conditions are met)
• Housing allowance
• Social assistance in crisis situations
• 500+ (subject to certain conditions)

Main responsibilities of the foreigner

Obligation to have documents

• Always carry your residence card and travel document
• Presentation of documents at the request of the competent authorities
• Reporting loss or theft of documents

Obligation to register

• Registration for temporary residence within 30 days of arrival
• Deregistration on change of residence
• Updating data at the provincial office

Tax obligations

• Accounting for income tax
• Keeping records of income (for business activities)
• Timely submission of tax returns

Social security obligations

• Notification to Social Security upon taking up employment
• Regular payment of contributions
• Information on changes in employment

Obligation to comply with Polish law

Criminal law:

• Compliance with all criminal law provisions
• Special attention to offences that may affect residence status

Administrative law:

• Compliance with traffic regulations
• Settlement of fines and penalties
• Compliance with sanitary and epidemiological regulations

Obligation to notify changes

Changes requiring notification:

• Change of residence
• Change in marital status
• Change of employer (in some cases)
• Change of personal data
• Long-term departure from Poland (more than 6 months)

Consequences of non-compliance with obligations

Administrative sanctions:

• Monetary fines
• Shortening the period of validity of the permit
• Refusal to renew the residence card

Criminal sanctions:

• Expulsion proceedings
• Ban on entry into the EU
• Criminal liability for serious offences

Specific entitlements by card type

Temporary stay:

• Restrictions on access to certain benefits
• Possibility to apply for permanent residence after 5 years

Permanent residence:

• Full access to the labour market
• Right to social benefits on an equal footing with citizens
• No need to renew the permit

EU long-term resident:

• Right of movement between EU countries
• Privileged position when applying for permits in other EU countries

Practical tips

• Always carry your residence card and passport
• Keep records of all significant changes
• Regularly check the expiry dates of documents
• When in doubt, consult migration law experts

Legalising your stay is not only about obtaining a document, but also about taking responsibility for complying with Polish law. Knowing your rights and obligations is the basis for a peaceful and safe life in Poland.