The permit - the voivode's decision

A temporary residence permit is an administrative decision. It is issued by the voivode competent for your place of stay (Art. 104 para. 1 of the Act on Foreigners). The decision sets the purpose and the period of validity of the permit - not longer than 3 years (Art. 98 para. 2). This permit gives you the right to reside, and for some purposes also the right to work.

The residence card - a document

A residence card is issued to a foreigner who has been granted a residence permit (Art. 240). During its validity the card (Art. 242):

  • confirms your identity during your stay in Poland,
  • together with the passport allows you to cross the border many times without a visa.

The card shows, among other things, the type of permit, the registered address and annotations, for example "access to the labour market" or "EU Blue Card" (Art. 244 para. 1). The first card is issued ex officio - you do not submit a separate application (Art. 229 para. 2). Exceptions, for example family reunification from abroad, are listed in Art. 229 para. 4. For issuing the card you pay 100 PLN - see fees.

How long the card is valid

  • Temporary residence - the card is valid for the period for which the permit was granted (Art. 243 para. 1 point 1). When the permit ends, the card's validity also ends. A temporary residence card is not extended - you need a new permit. See: renewal.
  • Permanent residence - the card is valid for 10 years, and for EU long-term resident residence - 5 years from issue (Art. 243 para. 1 points 2 and 3). Here the permit continues, and only the card is replaced. You submit the application for a further card at least 30 days before its validity ends (Art. 230 para. 2).

When the card and the permit diverge

  • Loss, damage or change of data - you replace the card, and the permit does not change. You report loss or damage within 3 days (Art. 232 para. 1), and you submit the application for replacement within 14 days (Art. 230 para. 1). See: card replacement and change of address.
  • A new permit - the existing temporary residence permit expires on the day you obtain a further temporary residence permit, a permanent residence permit, an EU long-term resident residence permit or Polish citizenship (Art. 102). You return the old card to the voivode within 14 days (Art. 249 para. 1 point 6 and para. 2).
  • Withdrawal of the permit - for example when the purpose of the stay has ceased (Art. 101). You return the card within 14 days from the day the withdrawal decision became final (Art. 249 para. 2). If you do not return it, the card is invalidated (Art. 250 point 5).
  • You are waiting for a decision on a further permit - if you submitted the application on time, the legality of your stay is confirmed by the voivode's certificate, not by the card. See: legal stay after submitting an application. According to the MOS portal, the certificate does not entitle you to travel in the Schengen area - see travelling with the card.