What does a Permanent Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) provide and how to obtain it in Poland?

What is a Karta Pobytu in Poland? Why do you need it, what advantages does it offer, and how can you obtain it? We explain all of this in this article.

Karta Pobytu is a biometric document issued to residents of Poland who are not citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area. It confirms the right of a foreigner to legally reside, work, and study in Poland for a specific period. Essentially, it is a residence permit for foreigners in Poland, with the possibility of moving within the European Union.
IMPORTANT! Obtaining a Karta Pobytu does not guarantee citizenship for foreigners. It is only the first step toward this goal.

Types of Cards

In Poland, there are three types of Karta Pobytu:

1. Temporary Residence Card (Karta czasowego pobytu): Issued for a period of 3 years and can be extended.
2. Permanent Residence Card (Karta stałego pobytu): This card is issued indefinitely but must be renewed every 10 years.
3. EU Long-Term Resident Card (Karta rezydenta długoterminowego UE): This card is issued to citizens of third countries who have continuously resided in Poland for at least 5 years. It equates to the status of an EU permanent resident and allows free living, working, and studying in any EU country.

How does it work? If you are a foreigner and decide to settle in Poland, you first receive a Temporary Residence Card, after 5 years, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Card, and then you may qualify for EU residency.

Main Functions of the Karta Pobytu

The importance of this document for foreign citizens coming to Poland for living, working, or studying is significant. The card provides the following benefits:

• It serves as an official identity document for foreign nationals in Poland.
• It grants the right to legal residence in Poland for the duration of the card’s validity.
• Depending on the type of card, it may allow employment in Poland, including self-employment.
• It provides access to social services in Poland. Depending on the card’s conditions, holders may have limited access to social and medical services, as well as education.
• It allows foreigners to travel freely within the EU for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

What are the grounds for obtaining a Karta Pobytu?

To obtain a Karta Pobytu in Poland, foreigners must provide a reason for their stay in the country and supporting evidence:

• For work – official employment, i.e., providing a labor contract with a Polish employer, a self-employment agreement, or an assignment for work via intra-corporate transfer.
• For study – enrollment in a university, i.e., providing proof of student status at a Polish university or college, or doctoral student status at a Polish educational institution.
• Business activities – opening and running a business in Poland (e.g., establishing a company, opening a branch).
• Family reunification.
• Marriage to a Polish citizen.
• Humanitarian reasons – refugee status, humanitarian protection.
• Other reasons – considered on a case-by-case basis.

To obtain a Karta Pobytu, foreigners must receive a permit from the voivode (regional governor) for temporary or permanent residence. To get this permit, a foreigner submits an application (wniosek) to the Voivodeship Office at their place of residence and confirms the reason for their stay.

Required Documents and Requirements

To apply for a Karta Pobytu, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• A valid travel document.
• Sufficient income or proof of financial resources to stay in Poland.
• Proof of accommodation in Poland.
• No criminal record.
• Medical insurance.

Documents required for the application:

• A completed application form in Polish.
• A passport and its copies.
• 4 recent photos (3.5×4.5 cm).
• Proof of the need to reside in Poland (e.g., job offer, enrollment in studies, etc.).
• Financial solvency documents (e.g., bank statements).
• Proof of medical insurance.
• Other documents as needed.

NOTE! Exact requirements and necessary documents may vary based on the grounds for applying. Therefore, we recommend consulting the relevant Voivodeship Office for Foreigners or the Polish consulate for detailed information.

Application Process

1. Determine the type of card you are eligible for.
2. Collect the necessary documents (see above).
3. Pay the state fee. Currently, it is 340 PLN. The payment can be made at any bank or post office.
4. Submit the application at the Voivodeship Office at your planned place of residence, attaching all necessary documents.
5. Undergo biometric registration if required.
6. Wait for the decision.

NOTE! Processing times for the Karta Pobytu may vary depending on the voivodeship and card type. Typically, it takes several weeks to a few months. If your application is rejected, you can appeal within 14 days of receiving the decision.

If you have any questions on this topic or would like additional consultations, write to us: office@progressholding.pl.