Publication date: 07.02.2026
Losing a job in Poland is not only a professional challenge for a foreigner but also a serious migration issue. When employment is the basis for staying in the country, dismissal and residence card are directly connected. Many foreigners mistakenly believe that holding a valid residence card guarantees lawful stay until its expiry date, regardless of employment status. In practice, this assumption can lead to serious legal problems.
After dismissal, a foreigner may face a loss of grounds for residence, which requires immediate and well-informed action. To maintain legal residence in Poland, it is crucial to understand what deadlines after dismissal apply and which steps are legally allowed. Ignoring these rules may result in loss of status and difficulties with future legalization.
Dismissal and Residence Card – How Job Loss Affects Legal Status
In most cases, a residence card issued on the basis of work is closely linked to a specific employer and job conditions. Dismissal and residence card therefore mean that the original justification for the stay may no longer exist.
After dismissal, a foreigner should:
- verify the type of residence card held;
- review the conditions under which it was issued;
- assess whether the stay remains lawful;
- plan further steps in line with migration regulations.
Failure to act at this stage often leads to violations of residence rules.
Loss of Grounds for Residence – What It Means in Practice
A loss of grounds for residence occurs when the circumstances that justified granting the residence card no longer apply. For migration authorities, this is a reason to reassess the legality of the foreigner’s stay.
Possible consequences include:
- refusal to extend the residence card;
- revocation or denial of a new permit;
- obligation to leave Poland;
- complications in future residence or work applications.
Dismissal itself does not always mean immediate illegality, but inaction afterward often does.
Legal Residence in Poland After Dismissal – Available Options
Polish law allows a foreigner to maintain legal residence in Poland after dismissal, but only if specific conditions are met. Much depends on the type of residence card and the individual situation.
Possible options may include:
- finding a new employer within the permitted period;
- changing the basis of stay, for example to studies or business activity;
- submitting a new residence card application;
- remaining in Poland until a decision is issued by the authorities.
Each option involves formal procedures and strict requirements.
Deadlines After Dismissal – Why Timing Is Critical
One of the most important issues for foreigners is understanding the deadlines after dismissal during which they may still legally stay in Poland and regularize their situation.
These deadlines depend on:
- the type of residence card;
- the original grounds for its issuance;
- whether a new application is submitted on time;
- compliance with administrative procedures.
Missing these deadlines can result in loss of legal status even if the physical residence card is still valid.
Common Mistakes After Losing a Job
After dismissal, foreigners often make mistakes that worsen their situation, such as:
- assuming the residence card is valid regardless of employment;
- failing to monitor deadlines after dismissal;
- delaying the submission of new documents;
- ignoring correspondence from authorities;
- seeking professional help too late.
Avoiding these mistakes significantly increases the chances of maintaining lawful status.
Who we are
Consultant Legal Marketplace is a platform connecting foreigners in Poland with verified specialists in migration and administrative law. We support cases involving residence cards, job loss, preservation of legal status, and comprehensive legalization of stay at every stage of the migration process.
Job loss does not automatically mean immediate loss of the right to stay, but dismissal and residence card require fast and legally informed action. Understanding the consequences of a loss of grounds for residence, knowing what constitutes legal residence in Poland, strictly observing deadlines after dismissal, and seeking timely legal assistanceare essential to avoiding serious migration problems. The sooner a foreigner acts after dismissal, the greater the chance of preserving legal status in Poland.
If you have lost your job and are unsure how to keep your legal status in Poland, contact us. We will help assess your situation and choose a safe legal solution.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Does a residence card become invalid immediately after dismissal?
Answer
No, but the grounds for residence cease, which requires further action.
Question
How long can I legally stay in Poland after dismissal?
Answer
It depends on the type of residence card and individual circumstances.
Question
Do I need to inform the authorities about losing my job?
Answer
In many cases yes, especially if the residence card is tied to a specific employer.
Question
Can I find a new job without losing my status?
Answer
Yes, provided deadlines and procedures are strictly followed.
Question
When should I seek legal assistance?
Answer
Immediately after dismissal or even at the stage of planning employment changes
