Family reunification only for spouses
For family reunification, the Act treats as a foreigner's family member a person in a marriage recognised by Polish law and children (Art. 159 para. 3 of the Act on Foreigners). An unmarried partner will therefore not get a permit for family reunification with a foreigner. The permit for a family member of a Polish citizen also requires marriage (Art. 158 para. 1).
Family life with a Polish or EU citizen
The partner of a Polish citizen or of a citizen of another EU or EEA country or Switzerland can apply for a temporary residence permit based on family life within the meaning of the European Convention on Human Rights (Art. 160 point 3). Conditions:
- the citizen you are in a relationship with lives in Poland and you stay here together with them,
- you have health insurance and a stable and regular income (Art. 159 para. 1 point 2).
This permit may be granted, it does not have to be. The voivode establishes whether the bond with the citizen is genuine and lasting (Art. 169 para. 3). Prepare evidence of your life together.
Other paths
A partner may also have their own ground of residence, e.g. work or studies - see temporary residence and work. After marriage the options change - see residence for a spouse.