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

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

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 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:

• Decision confirming that you have a refugee status, subsidiary protection or consent to stay for humanitarian reasons,

• documents confirming that your stay on Polish territory was uninterrupted or documents stating the reasons for the occurrence of breaks in your stay.

All documents are submitted in original / certified copy.

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

Read our guide

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