I am in an informal relationship

You should submit the application if you intend to stay in Poland for more than 3 months and you are in an informal relationship with a Polish citizen or a foreigner who holds a residence permit in Poland.

You should NOT submit the application if you intend to:

• work
• run a business
• take up any type of education including full-time studies

You should apply for a residence permit in person before your current legal status expires (i.e. before your visa or residence card expires).

If you apply to extend your stay in Poland before the expiry date of your legal status, you can legally remain in Poland while your application is pending. Make sure you have submitted an error-free application. Your passport must be valid at this time.

Before you apply, read our tips on how to fill in an application form.

You may apply in person at the Department for Foreigners in Poznań or one of the office's delegations: Book your visit

If you cannot apply in person before your current legal status expires, please send your application by post to meet the deadline.

What counts is the date of postage at the post office.

If you apply by post, your next step is to visit the office in person to give your fingerprints.

During your visit, you may also file other documents that are required to get a stamp in your passport.

Learn how to give your fingerprints

Documents required to obtain a stamp in your passport (i.e. formal requirements)

• Application completed in accordance with the instructions in 1 copy (application to be downloaded). You can receive a copy of your application form in our offices,
• 4 photographs, 
• A photocopy of a valid travel document (the original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when you do not have a valid travel document and cannot obtain one, you may present another document confirming your identity.
• To start the proceedings will also be needed confirmation that you have paid the stamp duty.

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Documents required to be granted the permit:

• copy of the residence permit of your partner with whom you intend to stay in Poland
• copy of the ID card or passport of your  partner with whom you intend to stay on the territory of Poland,
• health insurance,
• confirmation of having accommodation provided,
• source of stable and regular income,

All documents are submitted in original / certified copy.

Read our guide

The requirement to have a stable and regular source of income is also considered met if the cost of your living is covered by a family member who resides in the territory of the Republic of Poland. The partner is not treated as a family member. If you are dependent on your partner, you can confirm that you have a stable and regular source of income with an annuity contract that you sign with your partner in the presence of a notary. Together with the annuity agreement, you should submit documents confirming the source and amount of income obtained by the partner with whom you intend to stay in Poland.

During the procedure for granting a temporary residence permit we determine whether the relationship is not concluded in order to circumvent the provisions determining the terms and conditions of entry and stay of foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Poland. 

If we need to explain or clarify the evidence we have in the case during the proceedings, you may be asked to provide other documents or to testify confirming the circumstances that you indicated in the application and the circumstances regarding the purpose of your stay in Poland.

If you work in Poland, you should apply for a temporary residence and work permit. Check the conditions for granting a temporary residence and work permit.

The residence card is issued after you have received your decision with your permit.
Read more: How to get a residence card