The issue of obtaining a long-term resident’s EU residence permit is directly regulated by the Act on foreigners of 12 December 2013. It is granted for an indefinite period, at the request of a foreigner, if he or she stays in the territory of the Republic of Poland legally and continuously for at least 5 years (remember, you cannot submit application in advance!).
Who can apply?
To obtain the above-mentioned a foreigner must meet three conditions for the permit:
- Must have a stable and regular source of income (it must be sufficient to cover the cost of living for himself and his family members);
- Must have health insurance (obtained eg through a contract of employment);
- Must have a confirmed knowledge of the Polish language (the confirmation document may be: an official certificate of knowledge of the Polish language, a school or university graduation certificate in the Republic of Poland – including, for example, a primary, secondary or post-secondary school, and a school or university graduation certificate with Polish as the language of instruction abroad Other documents are not taken into account.).
Where to submit the application?
The application for a long-term resident’s EU residence permit is submitted to the Voivodship Office in the Department for Foreigners or to one of the office’s delegations.
When should I submit my application?
Remember that you must submit an application for a long-term resident’s EU residence permit in person, but not later than on the last day of legal stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland. The stay will be legal from the date of submitting the application to the date on which the decision in this matter becomes final.
What about the residence card?
The residence permit is for an indefinite period. The residence card is issued for 5 years. The application for another residence card must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the residence card.
How much is it?
The issue of the permit is PLN 640. Issuing a residence card PLN 100.
What is the difference between permanent residence?
Permanent residence permits can be obtained for an indefinite period, if the foreigner, for example:
- is a child of a foreigner who has been granted a permanent residence permit or a long-term resident’s EU residence permit;
- is a child of a Polish citizen;
- is a person of Polish origin and intends to settle in the territory of the Republic of Poland permanently;
- remains in a marriage recognized by the Republic of Poland;
- has a valid Pole’s Card and intends to settle permanently, etc.
