Poland – a large Eastern European country with a rapidly developing economy. Significant attention is given to agriculture, industry, and IT. Immigration to Poland is a popular decision for immigration, especially for Ukrainians, due to its cultural proximity and the invaluable support provided to Ukrainians during the war with Russia.
For citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, and other Eastern European countries, Poland is attractive due to economic stability and the opportunity to find well-paid employment. For citizens of Western European countries, Poland may be appealing due to lower living costs and the chance to experience a new culture.
If you wish to move to Poland for residence, you will need to obtain a residence document.
Temporary Residence Permit in Poland
The temporary residence permit in Poland is called “Karta Czasowego Pobytu”. To apply for this card, you need to have valid grounds. The card can be issued for a period of 1 to 3 years.
The most common grounds for obtaining the temporary stay card include:
- Study at a Polish higher education institution: Foreign students who have received an invitation from a Polish higher education institution can apply for a residence permit. Initially, you need to obtain a visa and, upon arrival in Poland, complete the process at the migration service.
- Employment with a Polish employer: Official employment with a Polish company requires obtaining a work permit, an invitation, and opening a national D visa at the Polish consulate in your country. Afterward, you can come to Poland and apply for a temporary residence card.
- Business registration: There are no official requirements for business immigration apart from a business plan. Usually, the processing of residence documents takes up to a year, and after that, a yearly report is required. Successful processing requires an average monthly income not less than the average salary in the voivodeship, which is approximately 60,000 – 80,000 PLN per year (15,000 – 20,000 USD).
- Marriage registration with a Polish citizen: If you marry a Polish citizen, you can apply for a temporary residence card.
- Poland Business Harbour Program: This program allows innovators and entrepreneurs from specific countries, including Ukraine, to move to Poland. Participants can open a private business, simplifying business activities, tax payments, and reporting.
The processing time for documents is from 6 to 18 months, and the cost is from 750 USD.
Permanent Residence Permit in Poland
Karta Stalego Pobytu or permanent residence permit in Poland is issued for 10 years, but the status itself is indefinite.
Common grounds include:
- Polish Ancestry. It is necessary to document that at least one of the parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., is of Polish nationality.
- Pole’s card. If you possess a Pole’s card, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Card since the Pole’s card itself is issued based on Polish ancestry. Obtaining the Pole’s card implies that you already have Polish roots and can apply for permanent residence.
- Marriage to a Polish Citizen. If you have been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years, with at least 2 years spent living in Poland, you gain the right to apply for a Permanent Residence Card.
- Birth in Poland. This option is available for children of foreigners living in Poland on legal grounds.
Cost – upon request
Polish Citizenship
The right to obtain Polish citizenship arises after a specified period of residence in the country, depending on each category and compliance with additional requirements.
Grounds include:
- General Basis. Foreigners residing in Poland based on a Permanent Residence Card for at least 3 years or possessing a Long-Term Resident of the European Union card for a minimum of 3 years, having an official and stable source of income, and being able to confirm their place of residence can apply for Polish citizenship.
- Marriage to a Polish Citizen. If a foreigner has been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years, with at least 2 years having a permit for permanent residence in Poland or a permit for long-term resident of the EU, they can initiate the process of obtaining Polish citizenship.
- Refugee Status. If a foreigner has refugee status in Poland and has continuously lived in Poland for the last 2 years based on a Permanent Residence Card, they have the right to apply for Polish citizenship.
- Birth on Polish Territory.
- Based on the Polish Card. Foreigners who hold a Pole’s card and have permanently resided in Poland for a minimum of 1 year, meaning they have a Permanent Residence Card, can initiate the process of obtaining citizenship.
Cost – upon request
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card (Niebieska karta UE) is a document that grants residence and work permits to a foreigner for performing highly qualified work. It is issued for a period of up to 3 years and is similar to the Temporary Residence Card.
Requirements for obtaining the EU Blue Card: •
- Diploma of higher education or 5 years of experience in the required profession;
- Availability of a labor contract for not less than 1 year;
- Monthly salary not less than 150% of the country’s average for the previous year.
After 2 years of residence with the EU Blue Card, one can apply for the Long-Term Resident EU Card.
Cost – available upon request.
Long-Term Resident European Union Card
A foreigner who has legally resided in Poland for 5 consecutive years has the right to obtain a Long-Term Resident European Union Card (zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego Unii Europejskiej).
The document is practically identical to the Permanent Residence Card and is issued for a lifetime. The card itself needs to be renewed every 5 years. A foreigner who obtains a Long-Term Resident EU Card can officially work in Poland without the need for a work permit and can visit other Schengen Zone countries for up to 90 days within the last 180 days.
Requirements:
- Presence of a legal permanent source of income;
- Documentary evidence that the candidate has a sufficient command of the Polish language (not below B1 level);
- Has an official place of residence in Poland;
- Live in Poland for 5 consecutive years
The EU Resident Card is issued for 5 years. After 3 years, one can apply for Polish citizenship.
Cost – available upon request
