I am of Polish origin

When should I apply?

You should apply due to Polish origin if at least one of your parents or grandparents or two great grandparents are of Polish nationality, and you declare Polish nationality and demonstrate your relationship with Polishness.

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.

Where should I apply?

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

What documents do I need?

Documents needed to obtain a stamp in a passport (so-called formal defects):

  • Application form - fill in the on-line application or fill in the application in accordance with the instructions in 1 copy (application to be downloaded)
  • 4 photos,
  • Copy of your valid travel document (original for inspection). In exceptional cases where you have no valid travel document and you cannot obtain it, you can present a different document confirming your identity.

Stamp duty proof of payment is also required to begin the proceedings.

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Documents needed to grant the permit:

All documents are submitted in original.

  • Documents confirming the Polish nationality of your ancestors;
  • Documents indicating a relationship with Polishness, e.g. a certificate of belonging to Polish diaspora organizations;

  • Documents confirming your desire to settle on the territory of the Republic of Poland (e.g. rent contract, employment contract, documents confirming your studies, etc.).

This is a special type of permit, and the documents needed to grant it are may vary depends on each case, we also approach each case individually. Therefore, during the examination of your application, we will ask you to come to the office for an interview, so that you can tell yourself about Polish origin and your relationship with Polishness.

What should I know?

The permit is issued for an indefinite period. This permit entitles you to work without a work permit.

Read our guide

I have received my decison - how to get my residence card now?

The residence card is issued after you have received your decision with your permit.
Read How to receive residence card

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FAQ

I have a Pole's Card - what documents do I have to submit to obtain permanent residence in Poland?

In addition to the application, a valid travel document and photographs, you must submit a valid Pole's Card and documents confirming that you intend to settle in Poland permanently, as well as certificates of no criminal record in Poland and of no tax liability in Poland. An application for...

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I received a refugee status in Poland 4 years ago - can I apply for a permanent residence?

As a rule, permanent residence due to refugee status can be applied for after 5 years of uninterrupted residence in Poland on the basis of refugee status, however, this period also includes the period of stay in Poland in the course of international protection proceedings, even if you were in a...

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A foreigner bought a flat/house in Poland. Does this fact entitle him/her to submit an application for a permanent residence?

The mere fact of buying a property is not a sufficient reason to apply for a permanent residence. The regulations precisely specify who and in which case can obtain a permanent residence permit in Poland. For more information see our website:...

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