When should I apply?
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
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): 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.
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.
What should I know?
Permanent residence permits are granted for an indefinite period.
I have received my decison - how to get my residence card now?
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
Application check-listUpdated: 14-12-2022
