Residence permit in Poland

1. Starting and operating the business in Poland;
2. Official employment in Poland;
3. Studying in Polish higher educational institutions with the possibility of further internship in EU countries;
4. Marriage with Polish national (in case the marriage is compatible with the Polish law);
5. Be a holder of Pole’s Card;
6. Family reunification;
7. Engagement in scientific activities in Poland.

Aliens who wish to be engaged in entrepreneurial activities in Poland are eligible for residence permit under the following conditions:

• The company undertakes to provide at least 2 job positions for Polish citizens or foreign nationals who have the right to work in Poland;
• Provide evidences that the company brings a stable and high income;
• Contribution of the share capital to the company. The amount depends on the organizational and legal status of the enterprise.

• Investments.

A foreign citizen has the right to obtain a residence permit in Poland through active investments in the country’s economy.

One of the most popular ways for residence permit obtaining is employment.

For residence permit it is required to provide official invitation from the employer along with documents giving the right for being employed. 

Temporary residence permit is issued for the period of 6 months with possibility of further extension for a year.  Thereafter, an alien has the right for permanent residence permit.

Blue Card EU gives the right for simplified procedure of residence permit obtaining. At the same time, foreign employee must be highly qualified and indispensable specialist in his professional area.

If a foreign national loses his job, he is obliged to notify local authorities about it within 15 days. He has a possibility to find another job within 30 days, otherwise the residence permit will be cancelled.

Admission to Polish university gives the right for residence permit. 

Many aliens tend to be enrolled in Polish universities, because it is more financially beneficial than studying in other countries, given that education quality is just as good

There is a number of advantages for international students:

1. Residence permit gives the right for visa-free travelling to EU countries;
2. The teaching language can be both Polish and English;
3. Some universities do not have entrance examinations;
4. There is a possibility to work during the studying process.

Poland also provides free places for foreign students with the Pole’s Card.

A residence permit is usually issued to a student for a 1-year period with possibility of further extension depending on the continuation of training.

In case a student is excluded from the university, a residence permit may be cancelled, because the purpose of issuing is no longer relevant.

Foreigners who come to Poland with an aim of employment or business engagement are not eligible for residence permit for the purpose of study.

An alien has the right for residence permit in case of his marriage to Polish national or resident. Minor children are also entitled for residence permit. 

Spouses are obliged to prove their marriage is not fake.  In order to verify the authenticity of the relationship, supervisory authorities have the right to visit the home of the spouses, interview their neighbors, etc.

In case it is established that it was the marriage of convenience, the voivodeship has the right to refuse granting of residence permit. However, there is no criminal liability for it.

Any Ukrainian national who proved his Polish roots can become the holder of Pole’s Card.

Pole’s Card simplifies a lot the procedure for residence permit obtaining. 

It is enough to submit the set of documents to the administrative office (Urząd). 

Application is considered without any additional checks and under the accelerated procedure.

The procedure is available to both Polish citizens and foreign nationals who have temporary or permanent residence permit.

An alien status is attributable to the following factors:

1. Permanent residence availability;
2. Refugees;
3. Residence permit for the minimum period of 2 years and it should be in effect for at least another year;
4. Blue Card EU availability;
5. EU residency status;
6. Engagement in scientific activities in Poland.

The Voivode may grant the right for residence permit to the family members of Polish national in case of:

1. An alien is a dependent on the Polish national;
2. An alien needs special care due to health problems;
3. Cohabitation without official marriage.

An alien engaged in scientific research activities in Poland and admitted to a scientific institution has the right to apply for residence permit for a project implementation period, but no longer than for three-year period. In addition, employees of scientific institutions are exempt from compulsory work permits in Poland.