Poland family reunification permit for spouses and children of foreigners

The family member in Poland must live there on one of these grounds: a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident permit; at least 2 years on consecutive temporary residence permits, including the current one; a permit or national visa for scientific research; an EU Blue Card; an ICT permit; or certain other permits named in the Foreigners Act.

Spouses of Blue Card holders, ICT transferees and researchers can apply even while the sponsor's own application is pending; if filed within 3 days, the voivode responsible for the sponsor handles it.

The marriage must be genuine, documented and recognised under Polish law. Bring a current extract from the marriage certificate issued no earlier than 3 months before the application, a copy of the sponsor's permit decision or residence card, and evidence that the marriage is genuine, such as photos, correspondence or proof of shared residence. For children, the birth certificate. Foreign documents need a sworn Polish translation.

The voivode checks whether the spouses live together, share a household, communicate in a language they both understand and fulfil marital obligations.

The family needs stable income above PLN 1,010 a month for a single person or PLN 823 per family member; the spouse's income counts if the spouses have joint property. You also need health insurance (ZUS or a private policy) and a document showing the right to live in a specific flat, such as a lease.

MOS does not accept applications from abroad. When the spouse or child is outside Poland, the sponsor in Poland lodges a paper application with the voivode of the sponsor's place of residence. After the permit is granted, the family member applies for a national D visa at the Polish consulate responsible for their place of residence, or its visa centre, and once in Poland collects the residence card.

When the family member is already legally in Poland, the application is filed electronically in MOS before their current stay ends. Stamp duty is PLN 340 and the card PLN 100.

The permit gives free access to the Polish labour market, so the family member can work without a work permit. If the marriage ends through widowhood, divorce or separation, a one-time permit for up to 3 years may be available where an important interest justifies it.

Refusals by the voivode can be appealed in writing to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of delivery, through the voivode that decided. The appeal is not lodged in MOS, but the portal offers a form to help draft it. It should be decided within 90 days.