The process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland for Ukrainians: features and requirements

Temporary residence permit (Residence Permit) in Poland provides Ukrainian citizens the opportunity to legally reside and work in the country. This process includes several stages and requires compliance with a number of requirements and conditions. In this article, we will consider the features and requirements of the process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland for Ukrainians.

Main types of residence permits in Poland

There are various types of residence permits in Poland, each intended for specific categories of foreigners. The main types of residence permits include:

• RP for work: Intended for foreigners who have an employment contract with a Polish employer.
• Residence permit for studies: Issued to students studying at Polish educational institutions.
• Residence permit for business: Intended for entrepreneurs and investors planning to conduct business in Poland.
• Residence permit for family reunification: Issued to family members of a foreigner who has a residence permit in Poland.

Main requirements for obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland requires meeting a number of conditions and providing the necessary documents. The main requirements include:

1. Availability of legal grounds: The applicant must have grounds for obtaining a residence permit, such as an employment contract, an invitation for studies, or proof of conducting business.
2. Confirmation of financial viability: It is necessary to confirm the availability of sufficient funds for living in Poland.
3. Health insurance: Having health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Poland is mandatory.
4. Housing: It is required to provide evidence of housing in Poland (rental agreement or property documents).
5. Absence of a criminal record: The applicant must not have any criminal convictions that affect public safety.

Stages of the residence permit process

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland includes several key stages:

Document preparation

The first step involves gathering all necessary documents. The main list of documents may include:

• Completed application form for a residence permit
• Valid foreign passport
• Photographs of the established format
• Documents confirming the basis for the residence permit (employment contract, invitation for study, etc.)
• Evidence of financial stability
• Medical insurance
• Evidence of housing availability

Submission of application

The application for a residence permit is submitted to the local voivodeship office (Urząd Wojewódzki). The application can be submitted either in person or through a representative. It is important to note that the application must be submitted before the current visa or residence permit expires.

Interview and application review

After submitting the application, the applicant may be invited for an interview at the voivodeship office. During the interview, the submitted documents and the justification for the residence permit request are checked. The processing time for the application usually ranges from one to three months.

Receiving a decision

After reviewing the application, the voivodeship office issues a decision on granting or refusing the residence permit. In the case of a positive decision, the applicant receives a temporary residence card (Karta Pobytu), which confirms the right to temporary residence in Poland.

Features of obtaining a residence permit for different categories

For different categories of applicants, the process of obtaining a residence permit may have its own features:

• Working: To obtain a residence permit based on an employment contract, it is necessary to provide a contract with a Polish employer and confirmation of registration in the Polish social security system (ZUS).
• Students: Students must provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution and documents confirming the availability of sufficient funds for living and studying.
• Entrepreneurs: Businessmen and investors must provide a business plan, documents confirming company registration, and proof of financial viability.
• Family: Family members must provide evidence of family ties and documents confirming financial support from a family member holding a residence permit in Poland.

«The process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland may seem complicated, but careful preparation and compliance with all requirements significantly increase the chances of successfully obtaining a residence permit.» — Migration expert

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland for Ukrainian citizens includes several stages and requires careful preparation and compliance with a number of requirements. The main steps include preparing documents, submitting an application, undergoing an interview, and waiting for a decision. The specifics of the process depend on the category of the applicant, whether they are a worker, student, entrepreneur, or family member. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and submit the necessary documents on time for the successful acquisition of a temporary residence permit in Poland.