Residence card in Poland – what do you need to know?

A residence card in Poland is a key document for foreign nationals who wish to live and work legally in the country. It serves as a form of identification, confirming the holder’s identity and allowing them to cross the Polish border multiple times without the need for a visa. In this post, we will take a closer look at the process of obtaining a residence card, the necessary documents and other important information relating to this document.

 A residence card is issued on the basis of a residence permit, which can take various forms, such as temporary residence, permanent residence or EU long-term resident status. Each of these options is subject to different legal and procedural requirements. The residence card is secondary to the travel document, which means that its validity and the details it contains must correspond to those of the travel document.

 When discussing the residence card, it is worth mentioning its significance not only for foreign nationals themselves, but also for employers who hire people from abroad. A proper understanding of the rules governing the issue and use of the residence card is crucial to ensuring compliance with Polish immigration law.

 The process of obtaining a residence card

 The procedure for obtaining a residence card begins with submitting an application for a residence permit. This application must be submitted in person at the relevant provincial office, ensuring that it is complete and correctly filled in. In the case of children, the application is submitted by the parents or by guardians appointed by the court.

Once a residence permit has been granted, a temporary residence card is issued automatically. This procedure involves providing proof of payment of the card issuance fee and confirmation of registration for a temporary stay lasting more than two months. The foreign national may choose whether their registered address is to be included on the card.

 Foreign nationals who have been granted a temporary residence permit do not need to submit a separate application for a residence card, as it is issued automatically. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that the residence card must be collected in person, which involves the verification of the fingerprints stored on the card.

 Documents required for a residence card

 The documents required for the residence card are crucial to the entire administrative process. You must prepare a number of documents that will be necessary when submitting your application. The most important of these are: a valid passport, proof of payment for the card, photographs meeting specific requirements, and confirmation of registration.

 In addition to the basic documents, a foreign national may be asked to provide further certificates, such as the provincial governor’s decision granting a residence permit or a certificate of no criminal record. These requirements may vary depending on the purpose of the stay and the foreign national’s individual circumstances.

 Another key element is a declaration stating the registered address and the PESEL number, if the foreign national has one. A PESEL number is not required for the card to be issued, but the cardholder may decide whether to include it on the document.

 Renewal and replacement of the residence card

 Renewal of a residence card is necessary when its expiry date is approaching. A foreign national should submit an application for renewal at least 30 days before the card’s expiry date. This procedure requires the re-submission of the relevant documents and payment of the applicable fees.

 In the event of a change to personal details, such as a surname or residential address, a foreign national is required to submit an application to have their residence card replaced. Replacement is also necessary if the card has been damaged, lost or stolen.

 Please note that replacing a residence card involves additional fees, and the process may take several weeks. Foreign nationals should therefore plan ahead to avoid problems arising from an invalid residence card.

 Residence cards and the right to work

 A residence card for foreign nationals often entitles the holder to take up employment in Poland. This document may contain the annotation ‘access to the labour market’, which entitles the holder to legal employment. This endorsement depends on the type of residence permit the foreign national has been granted.

 If the residence card does not contain a note regarding access to the labour market, the foreign national must obtain an additional work permit, unless they are exempt from this requirement under the law. Employers should be aware of these requirements to avoid irregularities when employing foreign nationals.

 It is also important for employers to regularly check the validity of their employees’ residence cards and ensure that they are not being employed illegally. In case of doubt, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specialising in immigration law.

 Residence card fees

 Fees for a residence card may vary depending on the type of permit and the foreign national’s circumstances. The standard fee for issuing a card is currently 100 zł, although certain concessions are available, for example for students, who may benefit from a reduced rate.

 Fees also apply when replacing a residence card, and these are similar to the cost of issuing a new card. Foreign nationals should be prepared for these expenses and factor them into their budget.

 The fee for a residence card can be paid online, which is a convenient option. Alternatively, payment can be made into the provincial office’s bank account, which also requires appropriate confirmation.

 Challenges and issues relating to the residence card

 The process of obtaining and using a residence card may present various challenges. One of the most common problems is the waiting time for the card to be issued, which can be prolonged due to the high volume of applications. Foreign nationals should be prepared for possible delays and plan their arrangements in advance.

 Another challenge is the need to regularly update the details on the residence card, which requires submitting the relevant applications and incurring costs. Foreign nationals must be aware that any change in their legal or personal status may require additional administrative steps.

 It is also worth noting the differences in regulations concerning residence cards across different provinces, which may affect the procedure and waiting times. Foreign nationals should seek information from their local provincial office to avoid any misunderstandings.

 Summary

 A residence card is not only a document confirming a foreign national’s identity, but also the key to legal residence and employment in Poland. The process of obtaining a residence card involves completing numerous formalities and can be time-consuming, but it is essential to ensure compliance with the law.

 Understanding the procedures and requirements relating to the residence card is important for both foreign nationals and employers. Regularly checking the card’s validity and submitting applications for renewal or replacement in good time can prevent many problems.

 For those planning a long-term stay in Poland, the residence card forms the basis for integration and for undertaking activities in various aspects of life, such as education, work and healthcare. It is therefore worth investing time and resources in ensuring the process of obtaining this document is carried out correctly.

 We encourage you to explore this topic further and consult experts in the field of immigration law to ensure that all formalities have been completed correctly and in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a residence card?

A residence card is a document issued to foreign nationals who have been granted a residence permit in Poland. This document confirms the foreign national’s identity whilst in Poland and allows them to cross the border multiple times without needing a visa, provided they hold a valid passport.

What types of permits are associated with a residence card?

A residence card may be issued on the basis of various permits, such as a temporary residence permit, permanent residence, a permanent residence card, an EU long-term resident’s residence permit, or authorisation to reside on humanitarian grounds.

What information is included on the residence card?

The residence card contains details such as the holder’s first name and surname, date of birth, nationality and registered address, if the foreign national chooses to provide it. In addition, the card may include a PESEL number, if one has been issued and the cardholder has consented to its inclusion.

Does a residence card for a Ukrainian entitle the holder to work in Poland?

A residence card may bear the annotation ‘access to the labour market’, which means that the holder is entitled to work without having to obtain an additional work permit. If no such annotation is present, the foreign national must obtain a work permit, unless they are exempt from this requirement.

How do I apply for a residence card or to renew it?

An application for the issue or renewal of a residence card must be submitted in person at the Department for Foreigners. In the case of minor foreign nationals, the application is submitted by their parents or guardians. The application must be complete and correctly filled in, and additional documents, such as proof of registration, may be required for its submission.

How long does the process of issuing a residence card take?

The process of issuing a residence card usually takes around one month from the submission of proof of payment and confirmation of registration. The foreign national collects the card in person, and their fingerprints are verified upon collection.