International Protection (Asylum and Subsidiary Protection)

International protection in Poland is a legal status granted to individuals who cannot return to their home country because they face a well-founded fear of persecution or a real risk of serious harm. This pathway is governed by the Act of 13 June 2003 on Granting Protection to Foreigners within the Territory of the Republic of Poland.

It is important to distinguish this from "temporary protection," which is a separate, simplified status specifically for Ukrainian citizens fleeing the 2022 invasion. International protection is an individualized procedure that results in either Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection. As of early 2026, this pathway is active but subject to significant procedural suspensions and border-specific restrictions.

The Polish asylum system is currently undergoing significant administrative shifts:

• Suspension of Deadlines: The Polish government suspended statutory processing deadlines for international protection cases until March 2026. This means that while you can apply, the legal requirement for the government to issue a decision within six months is currently paused.
• Digitalization: In 2026, Poland began transitioning to a digitalized legalization procedure. While the initial application must still be made in person to the Border Guard, tracking and communication are moving to electronic platforms.
• The TZTC Document: Upon applying, you will receive a Tymczasowe Zaświadczenie Tożsamości Cudzoziemca (Temporary Certificate of Foreigner’s Identity). This is your legal ID in Poland while your case is pending. It does not allow you to cross international borders.

Once you are granted Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection, you receive a residence card (Karta Pobytu) and gain the following rights:

• Right to Work: You have full access to the Polish labor market without needing an additional work permit. (Note: If your application is still pending after 6 months and no decision has been made, you may also apply for the right to work).
• Travel Rights: Refugees receive a Geneva Travel Document, allowing international travel. Those with subsidiary protection usually travel on their national passport or can apply for a Polish travel document if they cannot obtain a passport.
• Social Assistance: You are eligible for the "Individual Integration Program" (IPI), which provides financial support, Polish language lessons, and assistance with social insurance for up to 12 months.
• Family Reunification: You have the right to bring your spouse and minor children to Poland under simplified "family reunification" procedures.
• Path to Permanent Residency: You can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years of continuous stay in Poland (the time spent waiting for your asylum decision counts toward this 5-year requirement).
• Access to Services: You have the same rights as Polish citizens regarding primary and secondary education, as well as access to state-funded healthcare.