When a voivode can revoke a residence permit and how to avoid it?

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Boiko Kateryna

Lawyer

Poland / Warsaw

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Publication date: 02.02.2026

Cancellation of a residence permit is one of the most serious migration risks for foreigners in Poland. A decision made by a voivode’s authority can result in the loss of legal status, the obligation to leave the country, and in some cases even a re-entry ban. It is important to understand that the decision of the voivode in Poland is not always linked to an intentional violation of the law. Very often, the reasons are formal mistakes, failure to meet statutory deadlines, or untimely notification of changes in personal circumstances.

Many foreigners become aware of the risk of cancellation of a residence permit only at a late stage, when the administrative procedure has already been initiated. That is why timely legal analysis and a correct response to the actions of the authorities are crucial.

Why the voivode can cancel a residence card?

The most common grounds for cancellation of a residence card include:

• loss of the legal basis for residence (dismissal from work, termination of studies, breakdown of family ties);
  
   
• failure to submit or late submission of mandatory information to the authorities;
  
   
• violation of permit conditions (different position, different employer, changed working conditions without notification);
  
   
• submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or false data;
  
   
• discovery of circumstances that did not reflect the real situation at the time the permit was issued.
  
   

Each of these situations creates significant migration risks that may have long-term consequences not only in Poland, but also in other Schengen countries.

The decision of the voivode: how it is made and what is taken into account

The decision of the voivode in Poland is made after a comprehensive review of the case. The authority evaluates not only the formal correctness of documents, but also the factual circumstances: the foreigner’s conduct, compliance with deadlines, good faith, family situation, employment, income, and level of integration into Polish society.

Even a minor inconsistency or a missed deadline can be interpreted to the applicant’s disadvantage if there is no clear legal position or proper explanation.

How to prevent cancellation or minimize the consequences?

In many cases, cancellation of a residence permit can be prevented or its negative consequences significantly reduced. The following legal tools are commonly used:

1. submission of written explanations and supporting evidence;
   
    
2. correction or supplementation of documents;
   
    
3. change of the grounds for stay before a negative decision is issued;
   
    
4. filing an appeal or a request to suspend enforcement of the decision;
   
    
5. parallel initiation of a new legalization procedure.

At this stage, legal protection is decisive, as incorrect or delayed actions may make a positive outcome impossible.

The role of a lawyer in cancellation cases

A professional lawyer analyzes your situation even before the final decision is issued. The specialist assesses migration risks, verifies the legality of the authority’s actions, develops a legal position, prepares documents, and represents your interests during the proceedings. This approach not only helps protect the right to stay, but also prevents further complications in the future.

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