A parent applies for their first temporary residence permit

You should apply if you wish to receive a residence permit for your minor children, who live with you in Poland, and your first application for a temporary residence permit is pending, or you hold a temporary residence permit for less than 2 years, and you hold neither a permanent residence permit nor a residence permit for a long-term resident of the EU.

If the child is a minor, parents or legal guardians appointed by the court shall appply on their behalf (or one of the parents or one of the guardians appointed by the court). If your child is a minor of 6 years old or over on the day of the application, their presence is required at the office.

If you apply to extend your minor child's stay in Poland before the expiry date of their legal status, they can legally remain in Poland while their application is pending. Make sure you have submitted an error-free application. If the child was born in Poland, apply immediately after obtaining the child's travel document. Their passport must be valid at this time.

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

1. Visit the website mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl and create an account.
2. Review the information and the list of common mistakes.
3. Fill out the application for a temporary residence permit.
4. Include your email address in the application. Once your application is registered by the Office, you’ll receive an access code to track the status of your case.
5. Print the application form and sign it.
6. Send the printed form along with the required attachments via postal service to the Department for Foreigners in Poznań or one of our regional offices.

Submit the application no later than the last day of your legal stay in Poland. If you send the application via Poczta Polska, the date of submission will be the date it is posted at the post office.

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.

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

• 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 photographs, 
• A photocopy of the child's valid travel document (the original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when a child does not have a valid travel document and you are not able to obtain one, you may present another document confirming their identity.

To start the proceedings you will also a confirmation that you have paid the stamp duty.

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Documents required to be granted the residence permit:

• a copy of the parent's ID/passport,
• child's birth certificate.
• health insurance,
• confirmation of having accommodation provided,
• source of stable and regular income.

All documents are submitted in original / certified copy.

Read our guide

When a residence card issued to a minor over 13 years of age is collected, his/her presence is required. When a residence card has been issued to a minor under 13 years of age by the date of its receipt, the card shall be collected by his legal representative or guardian.

The residence card is issued after obtaining a positive decision on granting the permit.

Read more: How to receive a card