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- Poland Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu)
Poland Temporary Residence Permit: Work, Study, Business
A Poland temporary residence permit, the karta pobytu, is issued for work, study, business or family reunification. We help you pick the right basis, gather the documents and get through the procedure at the voivodeship office.
A Poland temporary residence permit is tied to a specific purpose: a job with a Polish employer, university studies, running a business or joining your family. It is issued for as long as that purpose lasts, usually for no more than three years, and can be extended. The card lets you live in Poland and travel across the Schengen Area, and the years of legal residence count toward long-term EU resident status.
You apply at the voivodeship office where you live, and you must be in Poland legally when you file. Since April 27, 2026, applications are accepted only online, through the MOS portal. A decision usually takes from several weeks to several months, and longer in big cities. Citizens of Russia can currently enter Poland only under specific exceptions, so we review your situation before any work starts.
Citizens of Russia face entry and visa restrictions for Poland; we check your situation before any work starts.
Who it is for
- Professionals who have found a job in Poland
- Students at Polish universities and preparatory courses
- Entrepreneurs who are opening or running a business in Poland
- Spouses and children of Polish residents and citizens
- People who want to build up years of legal residence toward permanent status in the EU
Requirements
- A legal basis: work, study, business, family or another ground provided by law
- Legal stay in Poland on the day you file
- Proof of funds to support yourself and health insurance
- Housing in Poland: a lease agreement or property you own
- No tax debts and no Schengen entry ban
- For citizens of Russia: a check of the current entry and visa restrictions
What we do
- Choose a basis you can realistically keep until permanent residence
- Draw up a document list for your specific basis
- Arrange sworn translations into Polish and legalization
- Prepare the application and help you file it through the MOS portal
- Support you at the fingerprint appointment and answer requests from the office
- Help with extensions, a change of basis and documents for your family
Key documents
- Passport and photos
- Proof of your basis: employment contract, enrollment certificate, company documents or marriage certificate
- Proof of funds: bank statement or income certificate
- Lease agreement or proof of ownership
- Health insurance
- Sworn translations of documents issued outside Poland
How it works
- Choosing a basiswork, study, business or family, whichever fits your case
- Entryon a national visa or another legal basis for staying in Poland
- Documentsyour basis, finances, housing, insurance and sworn translations
- Filingan online application through the MOS portal, then fingerprints
- Decision and cardusually several weeks to several months, then you collect the card
Timeline
Usually from several weeks to several months, depending on the voivodeship office and your basis.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Citizens of Russia are let into Poland only under exceptions to the border rules; without one, you cannot enter to file
- The card is tied to its basis: if the basis changes, you need a new application
- A work-based permit is linked to a specific employer
- Waiting times at voivodeship offices can be long, especially in large cities
- Documents without a sworn translation are not accepted
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is on request. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
What are the most common grounds for a Poland temporary residence permit?
Work for a Polish employer, university studies, running a business and family reunification. There are others too, such as research, internships and humanitarian grounds. If you are aiming for permanent residence, choose a basis you can keep up for several years.
Do I have to be in Poland to apply?
Yes. You file while staying in Poland legally, for example on a national visa or another valid basis. Since April 27, 2026, the application is submitted only online through the MOS portal, and paper applications are not processed. After filing you give fingerprints at the voivodeship office.
How long does a karta pobytu application take?
Usually from several weeks to several months. It depends on the voivodeship, your basis and how complete your file is. While the application is pending, your stay in Poland as a rule remains legal, but you should be careful about traveling abroad.
Can I work on a student residence permit?
Full-time students in Poland can, as a rule, work without a separate permit. It is a practical way to combine studies and income. We check the conditions for your specific program.
When can I get permanent residence in Poland?
Long-term EU resident status is available after 5 years of legal residence, with Polish language skills, a stable income and insurance. Not every basis counts in full, and study is one example. We plan the route with you in advance.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse and minor children can get residence through family reunification if you prove income and housing. For some grounds there is a minimum period you must live in Poland first. We check when your family can apply.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
