Residence card – quick issuance or replacement with expert assistance

Where Can I Collect My Karta Pobytu?

The Karta Pobytu is a document that confirms a foreigner’s right to legally reside in Poland. The collection of the Karta Pobytu takes place at the voivodeship office where the application for the Karta Pobytu was submitted. For foreigners, such as Ukrainians, it is also possible to obtain a Karta Pobytu for a foreigner at special service points, particularly in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, or Wrocław. The process of obtaining a temporary residence card or a permanent residence card requires careful document preparation and adherence to procedures. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss how to obtain a Karta Pobytu, what documents are required, what fees are involved, and how legal assistance can expedite the process. We will also answer common questions to help you avoid delays and issues in obtaining a residence permit.

The residence of a foreigner in Poland is governed by strict regulations that outline the procedures for issuing or replacing a Karta Pobytu. For Karta Pobytu for Ukrainians, especially in the context of the war, procedures may be simplified, but they still require proper documentation and timely application submission. Foreigners often face challenges such as reasons for delays or refusal to initiate proceedings, which can complicate obtaining a temporary residence and work permit or a permanent residence permit. Our goal is to explain how to effectively submit an application for a Karta Pobytu, check the Karta Pobytu status, and avoid errors with expert support.

Who Submits an Application for Issuance/Replacement of a Karta Pobytu?

An application for a Karta Pobytu can be submitted by any foreigner legally residing in Poland who meets the conditions for obtaining a residence permit. This applies to both those applying for temporary residence cards and permanent residence cards. Specifically:

• Individuals with a temporary residence and work permit working in Poland.
• Foreigners with families living in Poland seeking Karta Pobytu for Ukrainians.
• Individuals needing to replace a Karta Pobytu due to changes in details or expiration of the validity period.

The application is submitted in person at the voivodeship office or through a representative, such as a lawyer, which is particularly helpful in complex cases, such as individual circumstances or the need for rapid issuance of a Karta Pobytu for a foreigner. A lawyer can also assist in verifying the travel document and other required documents.

When Should I Submit an Application?

An application for a Karta Pobytu should be submitted before the current document expires or within the timeframe specified by the office, typically 30 days before the residence permit expires. In cases such as:

• Temporary residence and work permit: the application is submitted if you plan to continue working in Poland.
• Replacement of a Karta Pobytu: the application is submitted for changes in details (e.g., surname) or document damage.
• Permanent residence card: the application can be submitted after meeting continuous residence conditions.

Timely submission prevents interruptions in legal residence. If you’re unsure when to apply, legal assistance can help determine a new deadline and prepare documents to avoid reasons for delays.

How Can I Submit an Application?

An application for a Karta Pobytu can be submitted in the following ways:

1. In person at the voivodeship office, in the foreigners’ affairs department.
2. By mail, sending a complete set of documents to the office’s address.
3. Through a representative, such as a lawyer, who submits the application on your behalf.

Before submitting, it’s worth checking the Karta Pobytu case status online using the voivodeship offices’ electronic systems. A lawyer can assist in completing the application, verifying documents, and ensuring proper submission, minimizing the risk of refusal to initiate proceedings. For foreigners abroad, the application can be submitted through a consulate.

What Documents Must I Submit?

To obtain a Karta Pobytu or its replacement, the following documents are required:

• Completed application for issuance or replacement of a Karta Pobytu.
• Valid travel document (e.g., passport).
• Photographs meeting requirements (typically 3.5 x 4.5 cm).
• Proof of payment of the fee for issuing the card.
• Documents confirming the purpose of stay, e.g., an employment contract for a residence and work permit.

For permanent residence card requirements, additional documents proving continuous residence in Poland for a specified period are needed. Missing documents may lead to a refusal to initiate proceedings. A lawyer can verify the completeness of documents and assist in preparing the application to avoid errors.

What Are the Fees?

The fee for issuing or replacing a Karta Pobytu depends on the type of permit:

1. Temporary residence and work permit: approximately 440 PLN.
2. Permanent residence permit: approximately 640 PLN.
3. Replacement of a Karta Pobytu: 50% of the standard fee.

Additional costs may include fees for document translations or representative services. For Ukrainians, some fees may be reduced under special programs. A lawyer can determine the exact fee, verify payments, and avoid errors that may affect the waiting time.

Procedure Duration

The waiting time for issuing a Karta Pobytu depends on the permit type and the workload of the voivodeship office:

• Temporary residence and work permit: 2 to 6 months.
• Permanent residence permit: 3 to 12 months.
• Replacement of a Karta Pobytu: typically 1–3 months.

You can check the Karta Pobytu status online or receive a notification about the decision by mail. Reasons for delays may include incomplete documents or a high volume of applications. A lawyer can expedite the procedure by monitoring the Karta Pobytu case status and addressing any issues.

Refusal to Initiate Proceedings

A refusal to initiate proceedings may occur for various reasons, such as:

• Incomplete set of documents.
• Lack of a valid travel document.
• Incorrectly paid fee.

In case of refusal, a lawyer can help prepare a correct application, submit clarifications, or initiate an appeal procedure to reverse the decision. Professional legal assistance minimizes the risk of refusal and accelerates the issuance of a Karta Pobytu for a foreigner.

Appeal Procedure

If you receive a negative decision, you have the right to file an appeal within 14 days of receiving the notification. The appeal procedure includes:

1. Submitting an appeal to the Head of the Office for Foreigners.
2. Providing additional documents or clarifications regarding individual circumstances.
3. Waiting for the case to be reconsidered.

A lawyer can prepare the appeal, represent your interests before the office, and increase the chances of a positive outcome. For permanent residence card requirements, the criteria are particularly stringent, making legal support essential.

Continuous Residence as a Basis for Granting a Permanent Residence Permit to a Foreigner

Continuous residence is a key condition for obtaining a permanent residence permit. This means the foreigner must legally reside in Poland for a specified period, typically 5 years, without interruptions longer than 6 months at a time. In cases such as:

• Foreigners with Polish families: a shorter period of continuous residence is required.
• Individuals with a temporary residence card: documentation of residence continuity is necessary.

A lawyer can assist in collecting documents proving continuous residence, such as employment contracts, bills, or certificates, to meet the permanent residence card requirements. Professional support ensures compliance with regulations and minimizes the risk of refusal.

Legal Assistance

Legal assistance is invaluable when obtaining or replacing a Karta Pobytu. A lawyer can:

• Prepare and verify the application and documents.
• Represent you at the voivodeship office or during the appeal procedure.
• Monitor the Karta Pobytu case status and address any delays.
• Assist in obtaining a residence and work permit or permanent residence permit.

With our legal assistance, the process of obtaining a Karta Pobytu becomes faster and less stressful. If you encounter difficulties, such as a refusal to initiate proceedings or delays, contact our law firm. We guarantee professional support and effective solutions.