Process of obtaining a residence card in Poland

Obtaining a residence card is a mandatory step for foreigners who want to live and work legally in Poland for an extended period. The process of applying for this card may take some time, but if you follow all the steps correctly, the process will be much easier.

Here is how you can go through this process:

Step 1. Check and make a list of required documents

Before starting the application, make sure to review the full list of documents required for the residence card application. This list can be found on the official website of the Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców (Office for Foreigners). It is important to carefully read all the requirements so you don’t miss anything.

Step 2. Prepare the documents

Once you have the list, start gathering all the necessary documents. Some of them might be available to you, while others you will need to request from your employer. Important: The employer does not collect the document package and submit it to the Urząd. This is the responsibility of the applicant, i.e., you. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before submitting them.

Step 3. Submit the gathered document package to the Urząd

Once all the documents are gathered, they need to be submitted to the Urząd. This can be done in several ways:

• Send the documents by mail. In this case, you will receive a yellow paper confirming that the Urząd has received your document package.

• Personally bring the documents to the Urząd office. Make sure you are able to do this at the office corresponding to your place of residence.

• Schedule an appointment via the official Urząd website and bring the documents in person. In this case, your fingerprints will be taken immediately. Step 4. Wait for the notification After submitting the documents, you will need to wait for a response. It is important to remember that the Urząd will send you a notification by mail (in Gdansk, you can also receive an SMS notification). Important: If your address, phone, or email changes, make sure to inform the Urząd to avoid issues with receiving notifications. Otherwise, if they are unable to contact you, your case may be closed.

Step 5. Wezwanie do Urzędu (Appointment at the Urząd)

Once you receive the letter, you need to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting (follow the instructions provided in the letter). When the appointment is scheduled at the Urząd, you need to go at the specified time and bring all original documents. At this stage:

• Your fingerprints will be taken.

• They will verify the documents with the originals.

• A stamp will be placed in your passport, confirming your legal stay in Poland.

Important:

• Do not leave Poland until you have the stamp in your passport. If you leave, you will not be allowed to return without a visa, and the process might be disrupted.

• Ukrainians who crossed the border after the war started do not receive the stamp in their passport.

The process of obtaining a residence card requires attention and patience. By following these steps, you will successfully complete the application. It is important not only to gather all the necessary documents but also to properly respond to notifications from the Urząd to avoid unpleasant situations.