Publication date: 01.02.2026
The situation when legal stay in Poland ends is one of the most worrying for foreigners, in particular citizens of Ukraine. People often mistakenly believe that a few days or even a week of overstay do not create serious problems. However, from the point of view of Polish migration legislation, any stay after the permitted period has expired is considered a violation.
Even a short period of illegal stay can lead to negative consequences: from recording a violation in the migration history to complications with further legalization, obtaining a residence card or visa. That is why it is important to act in advance and not wait for the moment when the situation becomes critical.
Overstay in Poland: possible consequences
Overstay in Poland is considered an administrative violation. Depending on the circumstances, this can lead to various consequences, including:
- opening proceedings on the obligation of a foreigner to leave the territory of Poland;
- imposing a fine;
- refusing to issue a residence card or other residence permit;
- obtaining a re-entry ban to Poland and other Schengen countries.
At the same time, it is important to understand that each case is considered individually. The authorities take into account the reasons for the delay, the behavior of the foreigner, the presence of a family, work or study in Poland, as well as whether the person applied for legal assistance migration in a timely manner.
How to stay in Poland legally if the period of stay expires
The question of how to stay in Poland legally has several legal solutions, and they are not always related to immediate departure from the country. In many cases, the following options are possible:
- submitting an application for temporary residence (karta pobytu) on a new or changed basis;
- changing the basis for stay (for example, from humanitarian to work or family);
- submitting an application that suspends the illegal status of stay until the decision is made;
- using special transitional or humanitarian provisions of the legislation.
Even if the validity period of the previous documents has already expired, a properly prepared legal position allows you to minimize risks and avoid serious sanctions.
Deportation from Poland: what to do in case of threat
The request deportation from Poland what to do most often arises after receiving a letter from the authorities or a call for an interview. It is important to know: deportation is not always a final and inevitable decision.
In many situations, the following actions are possible:
- submitting written explanations and evidence;
- appealing the decision in an administrative manner;
- submitting a petition to suspend the execution of the decision;
- initiating the procedure for legalizing stay in parallel with the proceedings.
Independent actions without knowledge of the procedures often worsen the situation, so timely and professional migration legal assistance is of key importance.
When legal assistance is needed in migration matters
Legal assistance migration becomes necessary when:
- legal stay in Poland ends or has already expired;
- there is a threat of deportation or entry ban;
- the residence card was refused;
- the situation is complicated by previous violations or non-standard reasons for stay.
A lawyer analyzes your individual situation, checks the terms, reasons for stay, previous decisions of the authorities and forms an effective protection strategy.
How can we help you
If legal stay in Poland ends or overstay in Poland has already occurred, our team of lawyers will help you find a legal and safe solution. We analyze your migration situation, determine the best legal strategy, prepare applications, explanations and appeals, accompany the case in the authorities and protect your rights until the final resolution of the issue.
If legal stay in Poland ends or you are already at risk of serious migration consequences, you should not delay or act independently without a clear legal strategy. A timely and professional response often makes it possible to avoid fines, deportation and re-entry bans even in complex cases. Consultant Legal Marketplace brings together migration law specialists who will thoroughly analyze your situation, prepare the necessary documents and support you until the matter is legally resolved — contact us now to protect your right to legal stay in Poland.
Question
What to do if your legal stay in Poland is ending and your documents are not ready yet?
Answer
You should immediately assess the possibility of submitting an application that will allow you to stay in the country until a decision is made.
Question
Does overstaying your stay in Poland always mean deportation?
Answer
No, in many cases deportation can be avoided with the right legal strategy.
Question
How to stay in Poland legally without leaving the country?
Answer
It depends on the reasons for your stay, but it is often possible to apply for a residence card or change of status.
Question
Deportation from Poland - what to do after receiving the notification?
Answer
You should immediately contact a lawyer to prepare explanations or appeal the decision.
Question
When should you seek legal assistance in migration matters?
Answer
The best time is before the end of your stay or immediately after the problem arises.
