Complete Guide on Poland Permanent Residence Permit

As one of the 26 member states in the Schengen area, Poland is one of the popular countries for immigrants due to its social benefits and its connection with other European countries. Obtaining Poland permanent residence (PR) is the first step to immigrating to this country. In this passage, we are going to introduce how to get PR in Poland and other concerning issues.

Types of Poland Residence Permit

Depending on the permitted duration of stay, there are two types of residence permits in Poland, including a temporary and a permanent one. Here is a contrast between them.

Poland Permanent Residence Requirements

Applicants should submit a set of supporting documents to prove their identity and eligibility for the Poland PR, which are listed below.

• 2 copies of a duly accomplished application form filled in Polish (available on the Polish Government website).
• Original and photocopy of a valid passport (all filled pages included).
• 4 recent biometric passport photos.
• Proof of payment.
• Proof of legal residence in Poland, such as a work/student visa or residence card.
• A minor’s birth certificate and a photocopy of a resident card of the parent(s) (if the minor is born to a permanent residence permit/long-term resident of the EU).
• A minor’s birth certificate and a photocopy of the parent’s proof of Polish citizenship (if the minor is born to a Polish citizen).
• Marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry Office (USC) within the last 2 months and a copy of the spouse’s Polish ID card or passport (if the applicant is married to a Polish citizen).
• Proof of protection status in Poland (if applicable).
• Proof of Polish origin (if the applicant is a child/grandchild of a Polish citizen or great-grandchild of Polish citizens).
• A valid Card of the Pole along with a lease agreement, employment contract, or other proof of intention to settle in Poland.

How to get PR in Poland

The Poland permanent residence permit should be applied in person through the following procedures. Minors should have their parent or legal guardian submit an application on their behalf.

Prepare All Required Documents

To make things easier, it is suggested to prepare the supporting documents in advance according to your situation and translate them into Polish. Certified translations and original copies should be included.

Locate a Place for Application

The application should be submitted at a regional office, such as the voivodeship office’s Foreign Affairs Department at ul. Koszykowa 16, 00-564 Warszawa, NIP 5262548316, Regon 017315012. It is recommended to call 47 721 76 75 to inquire about a prior appointment, checklist of documents, and office hours.

Submit the Application

Bring all documents to a nearby voivodeship office. It is advised to arrive as early as possible in case of wasting too much time in waiting. You might need to get a number and wait in line. Submit all documents when your number is called. The officer will guide you to pay the application fees at the cashier after reviewing your application.

Required Documents for Permanent Resident Card

After obtaining a Polish residence permit, you are supposed to get a permanent resident card in Poland which serves as proof of residency in the country and a multiple-entry permit to return to Poland after traveling. The card carries personal information, citizenship, date of issuing, and date of expiry. The card will be issued if you present one of the following documents.

• Permanent residence permit.
• Long-term residence permit for an EU resident.
• Proof of refugee status.
• Proof of subsidiary protection.
• Residence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons

How Long does it Take to Get Poland PR

It generally takes 1-3 months to receive a Poland permanent residence permit. However, it might be shorter or longer depending on the number of applications, the completeness of your application, and where you apply from. The authority might inform you of a new date to collect the permit when there is a delay. Just wait patiently and respond to any official request promptly.

How do I Get Pole’s Card

A Pole’s card proves that a foreign national is part of the Polish Nation. The cardholder might enjoy an expedited pathway to acquire Poland PR or Polish citizenship, more job opportunities, and some public benefits of education or healthcare. To get a Pole’s card, you should submit the following documents at the consular office in person. Some might require applicants to make an appointment through the e-konsulat system in advance.

• A filled out Pole’s card application form.
• Original and photocopy of a photo ID.
• Proof of kinship with a Polish citizen (if applicable).
• Original and photocopy of proof of knowledge of the Polish language, such as a graduation certificate issued by an educational institution in Poland or an overseas school taking Polish as the language of instruction.

If you are applying for your minor child, please also include:

• Original and photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate.
• Original and photocopy of your spouse’s and your identity documents.
• Original and photocopy of your spouse’s or your Pole’s card.

How Long can I Apply for Citizenship After Permanent Residence

You will be eligible to apply for Polish citizenship after living in Poland for consecutive 3 years or longer on a permanent residence permit. A regular income source is also required, such as a stable job, pension, etc. If your spouse is a Polish citizen and you have been married for at least 3 years, you can apply for Polish citizenship after living in Poland for consecutive 2 years on a PR permit.

Benefits of Permanent Residence in Poland

The Poland permanent residence permit not only allows an individual to live permanently in the country but also grants the benefits below.

• Travel in and outside Poland without limitation for free.
• Get help from the consulate when traveling abroad and encountering emergency or dangerous cases.
• Apply for Polish citizenship after living in the country for years.
• Work in Poland without extra work visas/permits and have access to more job opportunities than common foreign employees.
• Study in Poland without extra student visas/permits and have the rights to apply for educational subsidies/benefits.
• Set up a business or participate in other business activities in Poland.
• Apply for free healthcare services or medical aid in emergent cases.
• Join the national social security scheme.
• Sponsor your family members to join you in Poland.

Bonus: Generate Poland PR Photo Online

Four(4) identical 35x45mm photos are part of the Poland permanent residence requirements. They must be clear and compliant with the Poland passport photo rules on dimensions, background, photo quality, facial expressions, and dress code. An unqualified photo will lead to a longer waiting time or even rejection. That’s why you are suggested to use AiPassportPhotos, an online passport photo maker to check photo compliance, tune photo size, and adjust background. It takes a few seconds to automatically generate a completely acceptable Poland PR photo after an image is uploaded, which is quite user-friendly and efficient.

FAQ

What happens if a foreigner gives birth in Poland?

Giving birth in Poland as a foreigner does not make your child a Polish citizen automatically unless your spouse is a Polish citizen. Otherwise, parents should report the birth to the local embassy/consulate of their country of origin and apply for a Poland residence permit for the child.

How many years to get permanent residency in Poland?

It takes 3-5 years to obtain Poland PR based on the category of your temporary residence permit.

Can I stay in Poland if I marry a Polish citizen?

Yes. Your spouse should sponsor you to get a temporary residence permit based on marriage.

Conclusion

This passage outlines the Poland permanent residence requirements and how to get PR in Poland. After reading this passage, you will get acquainted with the required documents, application process, costs, and processing time. It will be a valuable resource if you are seeking a path to live permanently in Poland.