Visa Types

Poland Permanent Residency Guide

How you can immigrate to Poland, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Poland.

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Key Points for Poland PR Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Poland?

To visit Poland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.

Poland visa application is made online or offline?

You can download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring the printed form with you to the Visa Application Centre.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?

No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Poland visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?

You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Poland?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

For Permanent Residence Permit: Click here

 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

This is your starting point for applying for a permanent residence permit. It’s significant because you’ll be submitting all your necessary documents here.

Prior to applying, ensure you have all the required papers, such as photos and evidence of eligibility for permanent residency. You can find the list of essential documents in the “Document Checklist” section below.

If your documents are not in Polish, you must have them translated and properly legalized. You’ll need both the original documents and their copies. Rest assured, you’ll receive your original documents back after the process is completed.

Once you’ve followed the preceding steps, present all your documents to the Office of the Polish Governor. Afterward, you’ll have to wait for a response. Typically, it takes approximately six to twelve months for your residence permit to undergo processing.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for Permanent Residency in Poland, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

  1. Two Copies of Permanent Residence Permit Application Form:
    • Print and complete two copies of the official permanent residence permit application form from the website of the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration.
  2. Passport and Copies:
    • Your original passport, valid for at least three months beyond the expiration date of the permanent residence permit.
    • Copies of the identification pages of your passport.
  3. Four Recent Passport Photos:
    • Provide four recent passport-sized photos that meet the specific visa photo guidelines.
  4. Reasoning Behind the Application:
    • Depending on your situation, provide relevant documents to support your application’s reasoning:
      • If based on employment: Job offer, employment contract, or business plan.
      • If based on family ties: Letter from a Polish citizen family member.
      • Other applicable documents based on the grounds of your application.
  1. Proof of Paid Stamp Duty:
    • Provide proof of payment for the required stamp duty, which is typically around EUR 11.
  2. Proof of Health Insurance:
    • Provide documentation showing that you have valid health insurance coverage that applies in Poland.
  3. Proof of Accommodation:
    • Provide evidence of your accommodation in Poland, such as a lease agreement, rental contract, or ownership documents.
  4. Proof of Financial Means:
    • Provide documentation demonstrating your financial capability to support yourself in Poland, such as bank statements, income proof, or other financial resources.
  5. Police Clearance Certificate:
    • Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country, showing that you have no criminal convictions.
  6. Marriage Certificate (If Applicable):
    • If you are married to a Polish citizen, provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
  7. Birth Certificates of Children (If Applicable):
    • If you have children, provide certified copies of their birth certificates.
  8. Proof of Language Proficiency (If Applicable):
    • Depending on your circumstances, you might need to provide proof of your proficiency in the Polish language.
  9. Additional Documentation (If Applicable):
    • Include any other documents relevant to your specific situation or the grounds for your permanent residency application.
  10. Application Fee Receipt:
    • Keep a copy of the receipt as proof of payment for the application processing fee.

Continuous Temporary Residence:

  1. Temporary Residence Permit Application Form
  2. Passport and photocopies
  3. Proof of continuous legal residence in Poland (residence registration, rental agreements, utility bills)
  4. Financial stability proof (bank statements, employment contracts)
  5. Application fee payment receipt
  6. Passport-sized photos
  7. Any additional documents required by the Voivodeship Office 

Polish Ancestry:

  1. Proof of Polish ancestry (birth or marriage certificates of Polish ancestors)
  2. Proof of relationship to Polish citizens (if applicable)
  3. Documentation demonstrating the connection to Polish heritage
  4. Application form
  5. Passport and copies
  6. Financial stability proof
  7. Application fee payment receipt
  8. Any other required supporting documents 

Spouse or Family Reunification:

  1. Application form
  2. Passport and copies
  3. Proof of relationship to Polish citizen/permanent resident (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
  4. Proof of legal residence in Poland (temporary residence permit or other)
  5. Financial stability proof
  6. Application fee payment receipt
  7. Any additional documents as required by the authorities

EU Long-Term Resident Status:

  1. Long-Term Residence Permit from another EU country
  2. Proof of legal residence in Poland for at least 2 years
  3. Financial stability proof
  4. Application form
  5. Passport and copies
  6. Application fee payment receipt
  7. Any supporting documents required by the authorities

Refugees and Asylum Seekers:

  1. Refugee or asylum seeker status documentation
  2. Proof of legal residence in Poland for the required period
  3. Application form
  4. Passport and copies
  5. Financial stability proof
  6. Application fee payment receipt
  7. Any additional documents requested by the authorities 

Highly Skilled Workers (EU Blue Card):

  1. EU Blue Card application form
  2. Job offer meeting specified criteria
  3. Qualification and education certificates
  4. Proof of legal residence in Poland for the required period
  5. Financial stability proof
  6. Passport and copies
  7. Application fee payment receipt
  8. Any additional documents specified by the Blue Card regulations

Research and Academic Activities:

  1. Invitation from Polish research institution or university
  2. Research plan or academic activity details
  3. Proof of legal residence during the research period
  4. Financial stability proof
  5. Application form
  6. Passport and copies
  7. Application fee payment receipt
  8. Any additional documents requested by the authorities

Investors and Entrepreneurs:

  1. Business documentation (business plan, registration)
  2. Proof of business contribution to the economy
  3. Proof of legal residence in Poland
  4. Financial stability proof
  5. Application form
  6. Passport and copies
  7. Application fee payment receipt
  8. Any additional documents required by authorities

Graduates from Polish Universities:

  1. Temporary residence permit (student visa)
  2. Proof of completion of studies
  3. Proof of legal residence in Poland during studies
  4. Financial stability proof
  5. Application form
  6. Passport and copies
  7. Application fee payment receipt
  8. Any additional documents required by authorities 

Special Circumstances:

  1. Application form
  2. Passport and copies
  3. Documentation demonstrating exceptional circumstances or contributions
  4. Financial stability proof
  5. Application fee payment receipt
  6. Any additional documents specified by the authorities

Note: Please note that document requirements and processes may change, and it’s important to consult the official resources from the Polish authorities or the Polish consulate/embassy in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information before applying for permanent residency in Poland.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.

Application for Permanent Residence Permit

Financial support for individuals with a Pole’s Card application

 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

The process for applying for a Polish Permanent Residence typically involves the following steps:

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
    • Residency Period: Generally, non-EU/EEA nationals need to have legally resided in Poland on a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years to apply for permanent residency. This period might be shorter for certain categories like refugees or individuals with Polish ancestry.
    • Stable Income: You might need to demonstrate stable and legal income sources to support yourself during your stay in Poland.
  2. Gather Required Documents:
    • Application Form: Obtain the appropriate application form from the regional office of the Voivodeship Office (Urzad Wojewodzki) responsible for your area.
    • Proof of Residency: Provide documentation showing your continuous and legal residency in Poland for the required period.
    • Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid throughout the application process.
    • Proof of Financial Stability: You might need to show that you have the financial means to support yourself and your dependents, if applicable.
  3. Submit Application:
    • Complete the application form accurately and attach all required documents.
    • Submit your application to the relevant Voivodeship Office. Make sure to follow any specific guidelines provided by the office.
  4. Interviews and Verification:
    • Authorities might schedule an interview to discuss your application and gather additional information.
    • Your application will be reviewed, and any necessary verifications or checks will be conducted.
  5. Decision and Notification:
    • Once your application is processed, you will receive an official decision regarding the approval or rejection of your permanent residency application.
  6. Collect Your Residency Card:
    • If your application is approved, you will be issued a permanent residency card. This card confirms your status as a permanent resident in Poland.
  7. Renewal and Conditions:
    • Permanent residency cards in Poland generally need to be renewed after a certain period (e.g., every 10 years). Make sure to comply with any renewal requirements.
    • Maintain legal residency and fulfill any conditions associated with your permanent residency status.

To obtain information about Permanent Residence Permit: Click here

Note: If you’ve lived in Poland continuously for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. You must have initially held a temporary residence permit for work, studies, or marriage to a Polish citizen.

To get permanent residency in Poland, you need to fulfill one of these conditions:

  1. Lived in Poland for at least five years with a Polish work, student, or family reunification visa.
  2. Been married to a Polish citizen for three years.
  3. Have Polish heritage and want to live in Poland permanently.
  4. Child of someone with a permanent residency permit.
  5. Child of a Polish citizen.
  6. Granted asylum in Poland.
  7. Have a tolerated stay permit, lived in Poland for ten years, and can't go back home due to safety concerns.
  8. Victim of human trafficking, lived in Poland for a year, and assisted law enforcement.

  1. Continuous Temporary Residence: Continuous Temporary Residence is a type of residence permit in Poland that allows non-EU citizens to live and work in the country for a specified period. It's suitable for individuals who wish to stay in Poland for an extended period, but not permanently. This permit can be renewed multiple times, provided the applicant continues to meet the requirements. It's important to note that this permit doesn't grant the right to permanent residence or citizenship.
  2. Polish Ancestry: Individuals who can prove their Polish ancestry, such as having Polish parents or grandparents, may be eligible for a residence permit based on their heritage. This can be a pathway to obtaining legal status in Poland for those who can establish their family ties to the country.
  3. Spouse or Family Reunification: Foreign nationals who are spouses, children, or dependent family members of Polish citizens or individuals with permanent or long-term residence permits in Poland can apply for a residence permit based on family reunification. This category aims to keep families together and allows the foreign family members to live and work in Poland.
  4. EU Long-Term Resident Status: Non-EU citizens who have legally resided in Poland for at least five years under various types of permits may be eligible to apply for EU long-term resident status. This status grants more stability and some rights similar to those of EU citizens, such as the ability to move and work within the EU.
  5. Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or serious harm in their home countries can seek refuge in Poland. Asylum seekers can apply for international protection, and if granted, they can receive a residence permit that allows them to stay and work in Poland.
  6. Highly Skilled Workers (EU Blue Card): The EU Blue Card is designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals who wish to work and live in Poland. Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Polish employer and meet specific educational and salary requirements. The EU Blue Card allows the holder to live and work in Poland and provides a pathway to long-term residence.
  7. Research and Academic Activities: Individuals engaged in research, studies, or academic activities in Poland may be eligible for a residence permit based on these purposes. This includes researchers, students, and professors who want to contribute to Poland's academic and research landscape.
  8. Investors and Entrepreneurs: Foreign nationals who plan to invest a significant amount of capital or start a business in Poland can apply for a residence permit based on their investment or entrepreneurial activities. This category aims to attract economic growth and innovation to the country.
  9. Graduates from Polish Universities: Foreign students who have completed their studies at Polish universities can apply for a residence permit that allows them to seek employment in Poland. This gives them the opportunity to apply their acquired skills in the local job market.
  10. Special Circumstances: In certain exceptional cases, individuals with unique circumstances not covered by the above categories might be eligible for a Continuous Temporary Residence permit. This could include situations where humanitarian considerations, international obligations, or other compelling reasons warrant granting residency.

Note: It’s essential to consult the official website of the Polish government or contact relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information about these residence permit categories, as immigration policies can change over time.