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Residence card and temporary residence permit

Everything about the temporary residence permit and the residence card in one place: from the conditions and documents to the decision, collecting and replacing the card.

We handle cases remotely across Poland.

The residence card is the document you receive after the voivode grants you a residence permit. Most often this is a temporary residence permit - for the period needed to achieve the purpose of the stay, not longer than 3 years. The permit and the card are two different things. We explain this in the guide card vs permit.

In this section you will find the conditions of a permit for residence and work and for the EU Blue Card, the list of documents, fees, deadlines and information on what to do after the decision. You submit the application itself online - we describe it in the MOS section.

Residence and work

Residence and work permit: insurance, at least the minimum wage, the starost list, employer requirements, Annex No. 1 and the content of the decision.

EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card: a 6-month contract, a degree or 3-5 years of experience, pay of 150% of the average (2026: 13 355,34 PLN), changing jobs and mobility.

Blue Card or work

Comparing the EU Blue Card and the residence and work permit: qualifications, pay, contract, changing employer, job loss and mobility in the EU.

Documents

Which documents to attach to a temporary residence application in MOS: photo, passport, annexes and documents for work, the Blue Card, studies and family.

Fees

How much a residence card costs: stamp duty 440 PLN or 340 PLN, card 100 PLN, change of permit 220 PLN, power of attorney 17 PLN. Payment, reductions, refunds.

Waiting time

The voivode has 60 days to decide on temporary residence and 6 months on permanent residence. When the deadline starts, what extends it and what to do after it.

Case status

How to check the stage of your residence case: what MOS shows, contact with the voivodeship office, access to the file, letters and a proxy.

After the decision

A residence decision becomes final after 14 days without an appeal. When the card is issued, what it costs, who collects it and what to check in the decision.

Card renewal

A temporary residence card is not extended - you submit a new application by the last day of legal stay at the latest. Deadlines, an MOS failure and a permanent card.

Card replacement

When you replace a residence card: change of data, loss, damage. You report a loss within 3 days and apply for replacement within 14 days. Fees from 100 PLN.

Change of address

The residence card shows your registered address. After moving you register by the 4th day at the latest and replace the card within 14 days. Duties to the voivode.

Travel with the card

With a residence card and passport you travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in 180. How to count days, when the card is not enough, long absences.

Card vs permit

A residence permit is the voivode's decision, and the residence card is a document. How long the card is valid, loss of the card, a new permit and withdrawal.