When should I apply?
You should apply if you intend to stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland for more than 3 months with a minor child who a Polish citizen.
You should apply for a residence permit in person 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 how to fill in an application form.
Where should I apply?
- Visit the website mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl and create an account.
- Review the information and the list of common mistakes.
- Fill out the application for a temporary residence permit.
- 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.
- Print the application form and sign it.
- 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.
What documents do I need?
Documents required to obtain a stamp in your passport (i.e. formal requirements)
- Application completed in accordance with the instructions in 1 copy (application to be downloaded). You can receive a copy of your application form in our offices,
- 4 photographs,
- A photocopy of a valid travel document (the original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when a foreigner does not have a valid travel document and he or she is not able to obtain one, he or she may present another document confirming his/her identity.
- To start the proceedings will also be needed confirmation that you have paid the stamp duty.
Documents required to be granted the permit:
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copy of Polish ID or passport of your minor child, if they have one, or any other document confirming their Polish citizenship,
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child's birth certificate.
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source of stable and regular income.
All documents are submitted in original / certified copy.
What should I know?
The requirement to have a stable and regular source of income is also considered met if the cost of your living is covered by a family member who resides in the territory of the Republic of Poland. The adult child is not treated as a family member. If you are dependent on your adult child, you can confirm that you have a stable and regular source of income with an annuity contract that you sign with your adult child in the presence of a notary. Together with the annuity agreement, you should submit documents confirming the source and amount of income obtained by the adult child with whom you intend to stay in Poland.
During the procedure for granting a temporary residence permit, we determine whether the relationship with an adult child residing in Poland is real and permanent. If we need to explain or clarify the evidence we have in the case during the proceedings, you may be asked to provide other documents or to testify confirming the circumstances that you indicated in the application and the circumstances regarding the purpose of your stay in Poland.
If you work in Poland, you should apply for a temporary residence and work permit. Check the conditions for granting a temporary residence and work permit.
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 more: How to get a residence card