Magdalena Piszczek
Expert in Legalization of Stay and Employment for Foreigners in Poland
What Does a Permanent Residence Permit Provide and How to Obtain It?
Obtaining a permanent residence permit significantly facilitates a foreigner’s life in Poland. But what exactly is permanent residence? Who is eligible to apply, and what is the procedure?
What is Permanent Residence?
A foreigner who is granted a permanent residence permit by an administrative decision obtains the right to reside and work in Poland without needing additional permits.
Furthermore, the permanent residence card issued upon a positive decision allows the foreigner to:
- Travel within the Schengen Area for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Operate a sole proprietorship in Poland.
The decision to grant permanent residence is issued by the relevant Voivodeship Office for an indefinite period. The card itself must be renewed every 10 years. During its validity, the permanent residence card also serves as an identity document and, together with a travel document, allows multiple border crossings.
Note: Permanent residence permits provide unrestricted access to the Polish labor market only.
Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence?
The Act on Foreigners of 12 December 2013 defines the specific circumstances under which a permanent residence permit may be granted.
Common grounds for application include:
- Marriage to a Polish Citizen
- The foreigner must have been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years prior to submitting the application.
- Additionally, immediately before the application, the foreigner should have resided in Poland continuously for at least 2 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted due to marriage to a Polish citizen.
- Holder of the Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka)
- The foreigner intends to settle permanently in Poland.
- Polish Ancestry
- Recognized as a person declaring Polish nationality, having at least one parent or grandparent, or two great-grandparents of Polish nationality.
- Must demonstrate ties to Polish culture, language, and traditions.
Permanent residence may also be granted to:
- Minor children of a foreigner residing in Poland with a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident permit.
- Minor children of Polish citizens.
Procedure and Required Documents
The application for permanent residence must be submitted to the Voivodeship Office corresponding to the foreigner’s place of residence. Application forms are available on the office’s website.
Along with the application, the foreigner must provide:
- 4 biometric photographs
- Copy of a valid travel document (original for verification)
- Proof of payment of the 640 PLN fee
- Rental agreement
- Health insurance
If employed, a ZUS RCA report is required; otherwise, a valid insurance policy for the duration of stay is necessary. Foreigners running a business in Poland should provide KRS or CEIDG documents. Proof of a stable and regular source of income is also required.
Additional documents may be required depending on the grounds for the application, to verify the information provided and support the request.
Important: The application should be submitted no later than the last day of legal stay in Poland.
Permanent Residence Card for Spouses of Polish Citizens
When applying based on marriage to a Polish citizen, the following documents are typically required:
- Current marriage certificate (issued no earlier than 3 months before application)
- Copy of the spouse’s ID (may require notarized copy)
If the couple has children, their birth certificates should also be attached.
Additionally, a certificate of no tax arrears from the relevant Tax Office is necessary.
Permanent Residence Card for Children
For minor children of foreigners holding a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident permit:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Copies of the parent’s legalization decision or residence card
For minor children of Polish citizens:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Copy of legal guardian’s ID
Processing Time
The Administrative Procedure Code sets a 1‑month deadline, but due to high volumes of applications and document verification, the average processing time is 3–6 months.
Completing all required documents thoroughly at the start greatly facilitates and accelerates the procedure, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Let us handle your case efficiently and professionally! We will prepare the documents and complete all formalities quickly.
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Legal Basis
- Art. 195(1), Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners (Journal of Laws 2013, item 1650, as amended)
- Arts. 198(1–2), 201(1), 202(1–5), 203(1–5), 206(1–2), 207(1–7), Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners