Permanent stay for a minor child of a Polish descent

You should apply for your minor child if you are a Polish citizen and you hold a parental authority over the child.

The application on behalf of a minor child is submitted by parents or guardians appointed by the court, or one of the parents or one of the guardians appointed by the court. When applying, a minor who is at least 6 years old must be present.

If your child was born in Poland, apply immediately after obtaining the child's travel document.

If you apply before the expiry date of your child's legal status, your child can legally remain in Poland while their application is pending. Make sure you have submitted an error-free application. Their passport must be valid at this time.

Children born in Poland will be legally in Poland only after their permanent residence permit is granted.

Before you apply, read our tips on completing the application forms

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 needed to obtain a stamp in a passport (so-called formal defects): Read our guide

• 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 a 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 his/her identity.

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

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Documents needed to grant the permit:

• child's birth certificate,
• a copy of the parent's ID/passport,

All documents are submitted in original / certified copy.

When collecting a residence card issued to a minor who is at least 6 years old, his presence is required.

The residence card is issued after obtaining a positive decision on granting the permit. Read how to get a residence card