I have a refugee status or a subsidiary protection or permission to stay in Poland for humanitarian reasons

When should I apply?

You should apply if you reside in Poland for a continuous period of not less than 5 years based on refugee status, subsidiary protection or consent to stay for humanitarian reasons.

You should apply in person, after 5 years from granting refugee status, subsidiary protection or consent for humanitarian reasons, and 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 completing the application forms

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 / certified copy.

During the proceedings, you may be asked to come to the office for an interview to provide additional clarifications.

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

Did you find it useful?

Application check-list

Updated: 23-09-2024

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FAQ

I have been married to a Polish citizen for 3 years, but so far we have lived outside of Poland. Can I apply for permanent residence in Poland?

Unfortunately no. You will be able to apply for permanent residence only after 2 years of uninterrupted residence in Poland on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted in connection with being married to a Polish citizen. If you have never applied for a temporary residence in Poland...

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During the validity of the residence card in Poland obtained 2 years ago due to a marriage concluded more than 3 years ago with a Polish citizen, I lived in Germany for 1 year - can I apply for permanent residence?

It depends on the reasons for staying in Germany - as a rule, the total period of stay outside of Poland during the period required to apply for permanent residence may not exceed more than 6 months at a time, and all stays outside of Poland in total may not exceed 10 months.

I have a permanent residence in Poland, will my family receive permanent residence as soon as they come to Poland for the first time?

You can apply for a permanent residence only for a child remaining under your parental authority - this applies to a child born after granting you permanent residence permit and to a child born before granting it, but only if it was born during the period when you had a temporary residence...

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My child was born in Poland, now there is no document legalizing its stay in Poland - if I have a permanent residence permit, can the child also receive it?

If the child was born after granting you a permanent residence permit or before it is granted, but on the condition that it was born during a period when you had a temporary residence permit or stayed in Poland on the basis of a permit for tolerated stay, permission to stay for humanitarian...

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The Polish origin of my family in Belarus is proved by a document confirming my grandfather's participation in the Polish elections to Parliament - is this enough for me to obtain a permanent residence in Poland?

Unfortunately no, the only way to confirm Polish origin is to submit documents indicating Polish nationality (and not citizenship) of at least one of your parents or grandparents or two great grandparents.