Who can apply for a temporary residence permit?

This document can be applied for by a foreigner, residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland, if there are circumstances justifying his/her residence for more than 3 months.

For how long are permits issued?

Decisions are issued for the period necessary to realize the purpose of residence of a foreigner staying in the territory of the Republic of Poland, but no longer than 3 years.

What is the status of a foreigner who has applied for a temporary residence permit?

If the application for a temporary residence permit was submitted during the legal stay of the foreigner in the territory of the Republic of Poland and did not contain formal deficiencies (or the deficiencies were supplemented in time), the foreigner's stay is considered legal. The locally competent provincial governor shall place a stamp on the travel document confirming the submission of the application. The stay is considered legal from the moment the application is submitted until the day the decision on the permit becomes final.

Can I travel in other Schengen countries with a stamp confirming the submission of an application for temporary residence?

No. The stamp issued by the governor does not entitle the foreigner to travel in other Schengen countries. A foreigner may leave for his country of origin, but she/he should obtain a visa when re-entering the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Is it possible to extend an expiring temporary residence permit?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to extend a permit for this type of stay. In this case, you must apply for a new permit.

What to do when your visa runs out?

If you want to extend your stay in Poland, you can apply for a temporary residence permit or extend your visa. The requirement for submitting documents for a temporary residence permit is to present a viable purpose for your stay in Poland, supported by appropriate attachments. The purpose of stay can be work, study or stay with a Polish citizen. It is important that the application is submitted during a legal stay, i.e. a valid visa. This is one of the key conditions. If the application is submitted after the expiration of the visa, it will be denied.

How to extend a visa in Poland?

Extension of a visa must have a valid justification. Most often these are emergencies such as illness and the need for medical treatment.

What is the validity of a visa to Poland?

A national visa is issued for various stays of more than 90 days . A Schengen visa can be valid for up to 90 days.

With a visa to Poland in my passport, can I travel to other countries of the European Union?

Yes. You can move throughout the Schengen area, which has no borders. Some information indicates that the first visit should be to the country of destination. You make such a declaration when filling out the application. Therefore, you submit your visa application to the consulate of the country you are going to first.

Can a foreign student, a graduate of a Polish university, legally work in Poland after graduation?

According to the Ordinance of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy of April 21, 2015 on cases in which entrusting work to a foreigner in the territory of the Republic of Poland is permissible without the need for a work permit , according to § 1 point 15 it is possible to entrust work to a foreigner without a permit who is a graduate of Polish full-time higher education. However, the foreigner must have legal residence in the territory of the Republic of Poland. In addition, a foreigner who has completed studies - who is a graduate of a Polish university can apply to the Silesian Voivodship Office in Katowice for a temporary residence permit due to Article 186(1)(6) of the Act on Foreigners of 12.12.2013, i.e. a temporary residence permit due to other circumstances shall be granted to a foreigner if: he/she is a graduate of a Polish university and is looking for a job in the territory of the Republic of Poland or is planning to start a business in this territory.  He or she may also, in the case of a job already found, apply directly for a temporary residence and work permit in accordance with Article 114 of the Law on Foreigners of 12.12.2013.