Permanent residence in Poland – EU resident card

Permanent Residence in Poland – EU Resident Card

The EU Resident Card (Karta rezydenta długoterminowego UE) is a document that allows a foreigner to stay indefinitely in the Republic of Poland on lawful grounds, issued according to the rules of the European Union.

Advantages of the EU Long-Term Resident Card:

• Stay in Poland indefinitely;
• Multiple border crossings and the ability to travel to other EU countries without an additional visa;
• The possibility of lawful employment without additional documentation;
• The possibility of acquiring and registering a vehicle, real estate;
• Access to medical assistance in Polish state clinics;
• The possibility of starting a business, conducting business activities;
• The possibility of employment in other EU countries (under certain conditions);
• Eligibility for Polish citizenship after 3 years of continuous residence as an EU long-term resident;
• Ability to receive benefits, allowances, register with the labor exchange, etc.

To apply for the EU Long-Term Resident Card, you need:

• Continuous residence in Poland for at least 5 years;
• Proficiency in Polish language at level B1, confirmed by a certificate (passing an exam), or a diploma from an educational institution in Poland, or TELC;
• Having the Blue Card, receiving a permanent continuous income for 2 years or for 3 years under another type of residence permit.

Required documents for applying for the EU Long-Term Resident Card:

• Original and copies of foreign passport;
• Completed application form;
• Photograph 3.5x4.5 cm, taken no later than 6 months before submitting the application - 4 copies;
• Medical insurance policy (separate may not be required if the person is officially employed and insured in ZUS);
• Lease agreement, documents confirming ownership of property in the territory of the Republic of Poland;
• Proficiency in Polish language at level B1, confirmed by a certificate (passing an exam), or a diploma from an educational institution in Poland, or TELC;
• Documents confirming the basis for obtaining EU long-term resident status - confirmation of continuous stay in Poland for 5 years (e.g., copy of passport with visas, previous Temporary Residence Cards), confirmation of permanent income, declaration of the number of persons dependent on the person applying for the Card.

On our "Consultant" portal, you can choose a migration law lawyer who will help you collect the necessary documents or provide full support in obtaining the EU Resident Card.

Refusal to issue the EU Resident Card can be obtained if:

• Residence permit obtained for humanitarian reasons (temporary protection, refugee status);
• If a person came to study at universities;
• If a person is in Poland on a business trip;
• If a person is absent from Poland at the time of document review;
• If an incomplete set of documents is provided;
• If a person does not have sufficient confirmed income or has spent insufficient time in the country;
• If a foreigner needs to leave the country on mandatory orders;
• Refusal to provide fingerprints.

An appeal can be filed within 14 days of the refusal. The appeal must be submitted through the voivode who issued the refusal. The case is considered within 60 days. An appeal can also be filed through the administrative court within 30 days of the refusal. But at the time of the court's consideration, staying in Poland will be illegal.

The received EU Resident Card can also be annulled. Reasons for annulment of the Card:

• If a person obtained the Card unlawfully;
• If a person poses a threat to the security of the Republic of Poland;
• The person already has or has obtained a residence permit in the European Union from another country;
• The person is in refugee status;
• The person is outside the EU for more than 1 year;
• In case of obtaining Polish citizenship, the EU Resident Card is annulled, and the rights of a citizen include the right to vote in elections.