FAQ

Is it possible to extend the visa waiver program for countries that do not have such an option, e.g. for Ukraine?

Created on: 03.04.2020
The answer reflects the legal status as of 18.04.2020.

If you are staying in Poland under the visa-free regime and the period of your legal stay ends during an epidemic hazard or state of epidemics, i.e. on or after 14 March 2020, the period of your stay under the visa-free regime is automatically extended until the 30th day following the cancellation of an epidemic emergency or epidemic state (the one that will be last in force) based on the regulations introduced on 18 April 2020.

In the case of foreigners staying in Poland based on short-term residence titles (including under the visa-free regime), deeming the stay legal will apply only to persons who were in Poland on 14 March 2020 based on such titles. It does not apply to persons who entered Poland later - in such a situation the foreigner may benefit from a conditional legal stay and apply for a residence permit in an extended period.

I sent my application on 17/03/2020 by post, on the 90th day of my stay based on visa-free travel. Due to the closing of the service, I cannot get a stamp in my passport. Can I work without a "stamp"?

Created on: 03.04.2020

Yes, if the last deadline for submitting your application was during an epidemic emergency/epidemic state and you have already applied for a temporary residence and work permit, your stay is considered legal. If you hold a valid work permit or a declaration of entrusting a work, you can continue your employment with the same employer until the end of the procedure.

On 15/03/2020, my long-term EU resident's residence card expired, but I had to leave, and I did not have time to apply to replace my residence card. I work as a lorry driver. Can I travel to other Schengen states?

Created on: 03.04.2020
The answear refers to the legal situation in force from 18 April 2020

Following amendments of regulations introduced on 18 April 2020 residence cards are automatically extended until the 30th day following the date of cancellation of the epidemic state/epidemic emergency (the state that was last in force). This is an exceptional solution and was introduced due to the need to limit as much as possible the direct customer service by the state administration in the face of the prevailing epidemic. The government of the Republic of Poland reported the introduction of this solution to the European Commission and other countries so that foreigners holding extended documents can travel within the Schengen area.

However, until the position of individual states is known, this does not guarantee the entry into their territory.

Therefore, before starting your journey, make sure that you will be able to enter the territory of a given country based on an extended document. It referes to e.g. persons  moving for professional activity purpose. The best source of information will be the national border services.

Regardless of the possibility of crossing the borders at the moment, your stay in Poland is legal and your permit is indefinite.

The extended 30-day period for residence application after the epidemic emergency/epidemic state - to whom does it apply? Do I need to submit any extra documents if the legal stay is extended by law?

Created on: 03.04.2020

The extended deadline for submitting an application for a residence permit, e.g. temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, residence permit for a long-term resident of the EU, refers to those, who entered Poland after 14 March  2020, and to whom any of the other regulations of the special act do not apply, e.g. extending the period of validity of a temporary residence permit (Article 15d paragraph 3 of the special act) or extending the period of stay and validity of a national visa (Article 15d paragraph 1 of the special act). Extending the deadline to submit application is only possible on the condition that the end of the legal stay of a foreigner on the territory of the Republic of Poland falls from 14 March 2020 until the epidemic emergency or epidemic state (the last state that was in force) is canceled.

How much time do I have to submit a new application during the ongoing epidemic?

Created on: 03.04.2020

You can send your application by post at any time, up to the 30th day following the date of the cancellation of the epidemic state/epidemic emergency (the last one applicable).

My residence card has expired, and due to the closure of the Office of Wielkopolska Province, I could not submit my application personally, am I legally in Poland?

Created on: 03.04.2020

Your status depends on when your residence card has expired. If the permit expired before 14/03/2020 and you did not manage to apply on the last day of legal stay at the latest, your stay in Poland cannot be considered legal.

 

If the validity of your permit expires after the 13/03/2020, i.e. after the state of the epidemic threat was announced, you are still staying in Poland legally. According to the regulations introduced on the 31/03/2020, the validity of your permit is automatically extended until the end of the 30th day following the date of cancellation of the epidemic state/epidemic emergency (the one that was in force last). You can apply by post only. If you do not have this option, the so-called anti-crisis shield legislation provides the extension of the deadlines for submitting applications for residence permits, if this deadline would fall during a period of epidemic emergency/epidemic status. As before, these applications may be sent to Governors' offices up to the 30th day following the date of cancellation of the last state (epidemic emergency/epidemic status). Your stay in Poland during this period will be considered legal, provided that you apply for the legalization of your stay in this extended period.

UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

For how long is granted the temporary residence permit for graduate looking for work or planning to establish an economic activity?

Created on: 12.02.2020

 The permit might be granted for the period of 9 months – once and immediately after graduating university.

During the proceedings for temporary residence permit for a graduate looking for work or planning to establish an economic activity I have found a job. Will my temporary residence permit be granted on different terms?

Created on: 12.02.2020

Yes, therefore please do submit a written request to change your application to temporary residence and work permit. If you have a full-time studies graduation diploma of Polish university you will not need to submit the labour market test. All you need to do is to submit the "Annex No 1” signed by your employer and proof payment an extra of 100 PLN in stamp duty.

I was granted a temporary residence permit for graduate looking for work or planning to establish an economic activity and I have found job. Can I perform work? Am I oblige to apply for temporary residence and work permit?

Created on: 12.02.2020

If you are a full-time studies graduate Polish university you are entitled to work without the work permit. You have free labour market access. If you have a part-time graduation diploma of Polish university you are obliged to have a work permit. Your employer should submit an application for work permit to the appropriate province Governor. You can also submit your application for temporary residence and work permit.

How many times can I apply for temporary residence permit for a graduate looking for work or planning to establish an economic activity?

Created on: 12.02.2020

Only once and only immediately after graduating from university. Learn more

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