A parent is a Polish citizen

A permanent residence permit for a minor is granted to a child of a Polish citizen who is under his/hers parental authority.

If the child is a minor, parents or legal guardians appointed by the court shall appply on his 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.

You should apply for a permanent residence permit in person before their current legal status expires (i.e. before their visa or residence card expires). If the child was born in Poland, apply immediately after obtaining the child's travel document.

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. Their passport must be valid at this time.

Children born in Poland will have their stay legalised in Poland only after their permanent residence permit has been granted.

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

You may apply in person at the Department for Foreigners in Poznań or one of the office's delegations: Book your visit

If your child cannot apply in person before their current legal status expires, please send their application by post to meet the deadline. Check the addresses.

What counts is the date of postage at the post office.

If you apply by post and your minor child is 6 years old or above on the day of application, your next step is to visit the office in person to give their fingerprints - make an appointment 

During your visit, you may also file other documents that are required to get a stamp in their passport.

Learn how to give fingerprints

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 he or she is not able to obtain one, you may present another document confirming his/her identity.

To start the proceedings you will need 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.

All documents are submitted in original / certified copy.

Read our guide

Permanent residence permits are granted for an indefinite period.

The residence card is issued after you have received your decision with your permit.

When collecting a residence card issued to a minor who is at least 6 years old, his presence is required (for the purpose of biometrics)

Read more: How to receive a card