Temporary residence permit
Residence card issued by the voivode — for studies, family, business and other purposes.
A temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy) is a decision of the voivode that legalizes a stay in Poland exceeding 3 months (maximum validity of 3 years) for a specific purpose other than employment itself: studies, family reunification, running a business, scientific research, and other circumstances (Articles 186-187 of the Act on Foreigners). Upon a positive decision, the foreigner receives a residence card (karta pobytu).
What the GetPermit service includes
- selecting the appropriate legal basis for your stay;
- preparing a complete set of documents;
- submitting the application via MOS and obtaining confirmation of submission;
- handling requests from the office;
- case monitoring until the decision is issued.
For family-based and student-based residence grounds, we ensure additional entitlements are secured — e.g., many permits based on family ties or studies grant unrestricted access to the labor market.
Required documents (standard)
- valid travel document (all pages);
- temporary residence application submitted via the MOS system;
- photograph (684 x 883 pixels, file no larger than 2.5 MB, proportions corresponding to a 35 x 45 mm photo);
- health insurance (ZUS or private insurance policy);
- proof of a stable and regular source of income;
- proof of accommodation;
- documents confirming the purpose of stay (university certificate + tuition payment, marriage/birth certificate, CEIDG/KRS registration and financial results, contract with a research institution, etc.).
Deadlines and official fees
Stamp duty 340 PLN, residence card 100 PLN, power of attorney fee 17 PLN.
Studies: the permit is usually issued for the duration of the studies. Residence decisions are issued for a maximum period of 3 years.
What to watch out for
You must fulfill the purpose of your stay — abandoning studies or fictitious business activity may result in the revocation of the permit. Changing the purpose of stay requires submitting a new application. The application must be submitted no later than the last day of legal stay. If the office exceeds deadlines, you can file a reminder for failure to act.