International Protection (Asylum and Subsidiary Protection)

To apply for international protection in Poland, you must submit your application in person through the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna). While the Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców or UdSC) will eventually decide on your case, the Border Guard acts as the entry point for all applications.

Step 1: Declaration of Intent

You must inform a Border Guard officer that you wish to apply for international protection. You can do this:

• At the border when you first arrive.
• At any Border Guard unit or outpost if you are already inside Poland.
• Via post or email only in exceptional cases where you cannot appear in person (e.g., you are disabled, elderly, pregnant, or hospitalized).

Note on the Belarus Border: As of early 2026, there are temporary restrictions on submitting applications at the border with Belarus. Unless you are an unaccompanied minor, pregnant, or require urgent medical care, the Border Guard may legally refuse to accept your application at specific border points.

Step 2: In-Person Submission and Biometrics

You and all family members included in your application (spouse and minor children) must appear before the Border Guard. During this meeting:

• You will fill out the official application form in Polish (an interpreter will be provided by the state).
• Officers will take your photographs and fingerprints (required for everyone over 14 years old).
• You must hand over your travel documents (passports) and any other identity documents. These will be kept by the authorities for the duration of the procedure.

Step 3: Medical Examination

You are required to undergo a basic medical examination and "sanitary treatment." This is a mandatory safety and health screening provided at no cost to you.

Step 4: The Initial Interview

The Border Guard will conduct an initial interview to determine if Poland is the country responsible for your application under the Dublin III Regulation (an EU law that usually requires you to apply in the first EU country you entered).

Step 5: Receive Your Identity Document

Once your application is registered, adults will receive a Temporary Certificate of Foreigner’s Identity (Tymczasowe Zaświadczenie Tożsamości Cudzoziemca or TZTC).

• This document confirms your identity and legal stay in Poland.
• It does not allow you to travel to other countries.
• You must carry this with you at all times.

Step 6: The Merits Interview

Later, you will be summoned to a detailed interview with the Office for Foreigners. This is your opportunity to explain in detail why you cannot return to your home country. You may bring evidence, such as documents or photos, to support your claim.

There are no administrative fees for the international protection procedure in Poland. The state provides interpreters and medical screenings free of charge.

Item	Cost
Application Submission	0 PLN
Biometrics (Photos/Fingerprints)	0 PLN
Medical Examination	0 PLN
Interpreter Services	0 PLN
Total Estimate	0 PLN

Does not include: Private legal fees if you hire an independent lawyer, professional translation of non-essential supporting documents, or travel costs to Border Guard outposts.

Processing times are currently unpredictable due to a suspension of statutory deadlines by the Polish government, which is in effect until at least March 4, 2026.

• Official Target: The legal goal is to issue a decision within 6 months.
• Current Reality: While the average decision time has historically been around 131 days, complex cases can take over 2 years (800+ days).
• Work Authorization: If you do not receive a first-instance decision within 6 months, and the delay is not your fault, you can apply for a certificate that allows you to work legally in Poland while waiting.
• Document Validity: Your initial TZTC (Identity Certificate) is usually valid for 90 days and must be renewed regularly at the Office for Foreigners until a final decision is made.