PolandResidence

Poland temporary residence permit and residence card explained

Temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy) and residence card

In short

Foreigners who want to stay in Poland for more than 3 months on a basis other than a visa need a temporary residence permit, granted by the voivode for up to 3 years for a specific purpose such as work, study, business or family. Since 27 April 2026 applications are made only electronically through the MOS portal while you are in Poland.

Apply on MOS – Moduł Obsługi Spraw (Office for Foreigners e-application portal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
More than 3 months up to 3 years, depending on the purpose
Validity
Not renewed automatically; apply again before expiry
Fee
PLN 340Stamp duty ranges from PLN 170 (seasonal work) and PLN 340 (most purposes) to PLN 440 (work); the residence card costs PLN 100 on top, paid into a separate account.
Funds required
PLN 1,010 per monthWhere income is required: above PLN 1,010 a month for a single person or PLN 823 per family member (2025 social-assistance thresholds).
Processing time
Usually within 60 days of a complete application; appeals within 90 days
Work
Depends on the purpose: free access for students, researchers and family members; limited to the permit for workers and business owners
Family
Family reunification is a separate permit with its own conditions
Path to permanent residence
Most temporary permits count towards EU long-term residence after 5 years (study time only by half; ICT and seasonal time not at all)
Where to apply
In Poland only, via MOS; ICT applications on paper by the host entity

Purposes covered

Temporary residence permits are granted for a purpose that justifies a stay of more than 3 months: work (single permit, EU Blue Card, ICT, seasonal work, posted workers), business activity, studies, scientific research, internships, vocational training, volunteering, job search after studies, family (spouse of a Polish citizen, family reunification, family of EU citizens) and "other circumstances", which include the dedicated permit for Turkish workers under Decision 1/80.

Fees

Stamp duty depends on the permit: PLN 440 for the single permit, EU Blue Card and ICT, PLN 340 for most other purposes (studies, business, family, research, Turkish workers under Decision 1/80) and PLN 170 for seasonal work. The residence card costs PLN 100, paid separately. Payments are made to the voivodeship office's accounts, not inside MOS.

How the MOS procedure works

Since 27 April 2026, temporary residence, permanent residence and EU long-term resident applications are filed only electronically in MOS (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl). You create an account, log in via login.gov.pl with a trusted profile, e-ID or qualified e-signature, fill in the form in Polish, attach a JPG photo and a PDF scan of all passport pages, and sign. Only the foreigner can sign; representatives cannot.

After you receive the official receipt (UPO), the voivode summons you, at least 7 days ahead, to show your passport, give fingerprints and a signature specimen. Further documents must be delivered within the deadline set, at least 14 days. A free certificate confirming the application is issued in MOS.

  1. Identify the purpose of your stay and read the matching page on the MOS portal.
  2. Obtain a Polish trusted profile (free, via some banks) or a qualified electronic signature.
  3. Create a MOS account, fill in the application in Polish and attach the photo and passport scan.
  4. Pay the stamp duty and card fee into the voivodeship office's accounts and attach the proofs.
  5. Sign and submit before your current stay ends; download the official receipt (UPO).
  6. Attend the summons at the voivodeship office and send any requested documents in time.
  7. Collect the residence card after the decision becomes final.

While the case is pending

If you applied correctly during a legal stay, your stay is legal until the decision becomes final. The application certificate does not allow travel within Schengen: you may go to your home country, but to return you need a visa, unless you are visa-exempt.

Renewing and the residence card

Permits are not extended automatically. Apply for a new permit before the current one expires; if you apply on time, your stay remains legal during the new procedure. The residence card is issued once the decision is final and the PLN 100 fee is paid; replacing a card lost through your own fault costs PLN 200, or PLN 300 for a repeated loss.

Refusal and appeal

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.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • MOS application form completed in Polish and signed via login.gov.pl
  • Current digital photo (JPG) meeting the legal criteria

Travel

  • Scan of all pages of a valid passport (PDF); original shown at the office

Money

  • Proof of stamp duty and PLN 100 card fee

Other

  • Documents for the specific purpose (contract, admission, marriage certificate, business records)

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Sworn Polish translations; certified copies by a notary, advocate or legal adviser

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit a residence permit application from abroad?

No. MOS accepts applications only from foreigners staying in Poland. The exceptions are family reunification and certain family permits filed on paper by the relative in Poland, and ICT permits filed by the host entity.

Can a lawyer or my employer sign the application?

No. The Foreigners Act requires the foreigner to sign personally; for a minor, a parent or guardian signs.

Can I travel while my application is pending?

You can leave for your home country, but the certificate does not allow Schengen travel and you need a visa to come back.

Are the stamp duty and the card fee paid together?

No. They are separate payments into separate bank accounts of the voivodeship office; attach both proofs in MOS.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Poland

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: D visa up to 1 year; residence permit 15 months at first, then the length of studies plus 3 months (max. 3 years)
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: As stated on the D visa, at most 1 year; 90 days in any 180 in other Schengen states
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Permit for the duration of the research, from more than 3 months up to 3 years
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Intern permit: from more than 3 up to 6 months; D visa up to 1 year

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: D visa up to 1 year; single permit from more than 3 months up to 3 years
  • EU Blue Card Maximum stay: 3 months longer than the work contract, from more than 6 months up to 3 years
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: 9 months, granted once
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists; up to 1 year for trainee employees
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: At most 9 months per calendar year, counted from the first entry into Schengen that year

Family

Residence

Protection

Poland visa guide