EU Long-Term Residence Permit

To obtain a Zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego UE (EU long-term residence permit), you must submit your application in person at the Województwo (Voivodeship) office responsible for where you live. You must apply while you are still residing in Poland legally.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before visiting the office, gather the following required items:

• Two copies of the completed application form in Polish.
• Four recent color photographs (35mm x 45mm).
• A valid travel document (passport) plus two photocopies of all pages with stamps or entries.
• Proof that you have lived in Poland legally and continuously for at least 5 years (e.g., previous visas or residence cards).
• Proof of a stable and regular source of income for the 3 years immediately preceding the application.
• Proof of health insurance (e.g., ZUS documentation).
• Proof of a legal title to your residence (e.g., a rental agreement or deed).
• A certificate confirming your knowledge of the Polish language at level B1 or higher.

Step 2: Submit the Application

You must book an appointment at the Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców (Department for Foreigners) at your local Voivodeship office. You can find your specific office and booking portal through the official government map.

During this appointment, an official will take your fingerprints. If your application is complete, the official will place a stamp in your passport, which legalizes your stay while the decision is pending.

Step 3: Pay the Stamp Duty

You must pay the application fee (stamp duty) to the account of the relevant city tax office. You can usually do this at a desk within the Voivodeship office or via bank transfer. Keep the printed confirmation of payment, as you will need to show it to the official.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

The office will conduct an investigation to verify your documents and security status. You may receive a letter (wezwanie) asking you to provide additional documents or clarifications. Always respond within the deadline stated in the letter (usually 7 to 14 days).

Step 5: Collect Your Residence Card

Once you receive a positive decision (decyzja), you must pay a separate fee for the issuance of the physical plastic residence card. You will be notified when the card is ready for pick-up at the same office where you applied.

Total Estimate: 740 PLN plus translation costs.

Note: This does not include costs for the Polish language exam, health insurance premiums, or potential legal representation fees.

• Statutory Decision Time: By law, the decision should be issued within 6 months from the date of submission.
• Actual Wait Times: Depending on the workload of the specific Voivodeship (e.g., Warsaw or Wrocław), the process often takes 8 to 12 months.
• Document Validity: Your passport must remain valid throughout the process. The Polish language certificate does not expire for immigration purposes.
• Permit Validity: The EU long-term residence permit itself is granted indefinitely, but the physical residence card must be replaced every 5 years.