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RESIDENCE CARD IN POLAND

One of the simplest ways to legalize your stay in Poland is to obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ). Depending on your circumstances, this can be either a temporary residence permit (pobyt czasowy) or a permanent residence permit (pobyt stały). The residence card opens up many opportunities for living and working in Poland.

What is a residence card?

A residence card (Karta pobytu) is a document that confirms legal residence in Poland. Together with a passport, the card verifies a foreigner’s right to stay in the country and allows for multiple border crossings without a visa, as well as entry into Schengen Agreement countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

A residence card is a standard European Union biometric document that contains all your personal information:

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    LONG-TERM EU RESIDENCE PERMIT

    What is a long-term EU residence permit

    The long-term EU residence permit (EU long-term resident’s card) is a permit for permanent residence in Poland. The decision to issue a residence permit is made for an indefinite period of time. The card itself is valid for 5 years, which means that the card must be replaced every 5 years as part of the card replacement procedure. However, there is no need to reapply for a permit and go through the permit process. A long-term EU residence permit (EU long-term residence card) issued by Poland entitles the holder to travel to other Schengen countries. Nevertheless, the stay of a foreigner on this basis cannot exceed 90 days within 180 days. If a foreigner intends to stay in this country longer than the specified limit allows, he must legalize his stay in accordance with the rules in force in the country.

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      Types of residence cards and their grounds

      Temporary residence card (karta czasowego pobytu)

      A document issued to a foreigner for legal residence in Poland for up to 3 years. It is required for official residence, employment, and conducting business activities in the country.

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      Citizenship (Polish passport)

      A document in the EU format that certifies the identity and citizenship of its holder.

      • A foreigner can obtain a Polish passport if they have been continuously and legally residing in Poland for 1 to 3 years based on a permanent residence permit (karta stałego pobytu or karta rezydenta długoterminowego UE) – Uznanie za Obywatela Polskiego (Recognition as a Polish Citizen). długoterminowego UE) – Uznanie za Obywatela Polskiego.
      • A Polish passport can be obtained through the President of Poland. The President can grant Polish citizenship to any foreigner upon their application. This is a presidential prerogative according to the constitution, not limited by any conditions – Nadanie Obywatelstwa Polskiego (Granting of Polish Citizenship).

      Long-term residence card (karta stałego pobytu)

      A document issued to a foreigner for legal residence in Poland for an indefinite period (the plastic card is renewed every 10 years).

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      Long-term EU resident card (karta rezydenta długoterminowego UE)

      A document issued to a foreigner for legal residence in Poland for an indefinite period (the plastic card is renewed every 5 years). Such a card can be obtained by a foreigner who has been legally residing in Poland for more than 5 years, has stable employment (for the last 3 years), and holds a document certifying knowledge of the Polish language at the B1 level.

      QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

      How to calculate days for visa-free stay in Poland?

      Visa-free stay in Poland is short-term and lasts no more than 90 out of 180 days. Border guards calculate the days of a foreigner’s stay for the last 180 days. Every 6 months (180 days), you can stay in the Schengen area for only 90 consecutive days or sum up the days of short-term stays.

      Change of employer after obtaining a residence permit

      Visa-free stay in Poland is short-term and lasts no more than 90 out of 180 days. Border guards calculate the days of a foreigner’s stay for the last 180 days. Every 6 months (180 days), you can stay in the Schengen area for only 90 consecutive days or sum up the days of short-term stays.

      On what grounds can one come to Poland?

      Visa-free stay in Poland is short-term and lasts no more than 90 out of 180 days. Border guards calculate the days of a foreigner’s stay for the last 180 days. Every 6 months (180 days), you can stay in the Schengen area for only 90 consecutive days or sum up the days of short-term stays.

      Can you change your job and employer during the legalization process in Poland?

      Visa-free stay in Poland is short-term and lasts no more than 90 out of 180 days. Border guards calculate the days of a foreigner’s stay for the last 180 days. Every 6 months (180 days), you can stay in the Schengen area for only 90 consecutive days or sum up the days of short-term stays.

      In which cities of Poland do we operate?

      Visa-free stay in Poland is short-term and lasts no more than 90 out of 180 days. Border guards calculate the days of a foreigner’s stay for the last 180 days. Every 6 months (180 days), you can stay in the Schengen area for only 90 consecutive days or sum up the days of short-term stays.

      What is a Residence Card and what is it for?

      Visa-free stay in Poland is short-term and lasts no more than 90 out of 180 days. Border guards calculate the days of a foreigner’s stay for the last 180 days. Every 6 months (180 days), you can stay in the Schengen area for only 90 consecutive days or sum up the days of short-term stays.