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 must submit your application for a permanent residence permit only in electronic form via MOS, no later than on the last day of your legal stay in Poland.
Applications submitted in any other way than through MOS will not be examined. This means that if a foreign national, or someone acting on their behalf, tries to submit the application without following these procedures, the application will not have any legal effect. This also applies if the official application form is submitted in paper form to the voivode, or electronically to the voivode’s electronic delivery address or electronic inbox.

If you submit your application on time and it does not contain any formal deficiencies — or if you correct any deficiencies within the deadline indicated by us — your stay in Poland will remain legal from the date of effective submission via MOS until the decision in your case becomes final.

Before submitting your application, please read our guidelines on how to complete the application forms.

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

How should I apply?

From 27 April 2026, applications may only be submitted through the Case Handling Module (MOS) portal.
  1. Go to mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl via login.gov.pl and create an account.
  2. Read the requirements for the specific type of permit and purpose of stay, and gather all documents needed to complete the application in MOS.
Don’t have a Trusted Profile yet? First obtain a PESEL ID number and then create a Trusted Profile. You will also need a Trusted Profile to set up an electronic e-Delivery mailbox, which is necessary for receiving correspondence from the Office and submitting additional documents in your case.
  1. Complete the application for a permanent residence permit by following the instructions displayed on the screen.
  2. In the application, provide an email address where you will receive an access code to check the status of your case once your application has been registered by the Office.
  3. You must attach a digital biometric photograph, scans/photos of all pages of your travel document, and confirmation of payment of the stamp duty fee.
  4. Sign the application using a Trusted Signature or a qualified electronic signature. If you are acting as a legal representative (for example, as a parent, guardian, or custodian), you may sign the application using a Trusted Signature, a qualified electronic signature, or a personal signature.
  5. After submitting the application, download the Official Acknowledgement of Receipt (UPO), which confirms that your application has been submitted. Keep this document safe.
Important: if you do not receive the UPO, it means that your application has not been successfully submitted.

The next step will be an in-person appointment to submit your fingerprints. During the visit, you will also complete other documents required to obtain a stamp in your passport.

Learn how to submit fingerprints.
Learn how to track the status of your case.

What documents do I need?

  • an application completed online in the Case Handling Module,

  • 1 digital photograph,

  • scans/photos of all pages of a valid travel document (original available for inspection). In particularly justified cases, if you do not possess a valid travel document and are unable to obtain one, you may scan another document confirming your identity,

  • confirmation that you have paid the stamp duty fee. 

PAY ONLINE

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: 18-05-2026

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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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