Residence permit in Poland for Ukrainians and foreigners

The residence permit in Poland for Ukrainians and foreigners from other countries legalizes residence in the country for a period of three months to three years. The document is not subject to extension – only re-issuance with a maximum validity period of ten years. With residence in Poland with a residence permit for five years, one can apply for permanent residence and Polish citizenship.

What opportunities does a residence permit in Poland open for foreigners

Obtaining a residence permit in Poland allows legal stay in the country for a certain period. Depending on the primary reason for obtaining a residence permit, the individual is allowed to:

• move freely within Poland;
• use banking services;
• receive medical assistance;
• legally get employed;
• study at the country's universities;
• issue invitations for private visits;
• rent and purchase movable and immovable property;
• visit Schengen countries for a short period;
• start the naturalization process.

Before the expiration of the residence permit in Poland, it is necessary to reissue the documents or leave the country.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit

The list of documents to obtain a residence permit in Poland is compiled based on the requirements of the voivodeship and the purpose of the non-resident's stay in the country. All documents must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator.

The general list of documents for applicants for a residence permit consists of:

• an application in two copies;
• medical insurance;
• four standard-sized photographs;
• copies of all pages of the passport with stamps (in two copies);
• receipt for payment of the application review service.

In addition, it is necessary to prove the availability of funds for living.

Documents are submitted in person by the applicant to the Department for Foreign Affairs in the nearest voivodeship. The application should be registered before the last day of legal stay in Poland. The processing time is from one to two months. Staying in the country after the visa expiration is officially allowed throughout the application review period for a residence permit in Poland with a special stamp in the passport. This is placed by the voivodeship employee upon submission of documents.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

Polish legislation provides for a number of grounds for applying for temporary or permanent residence permits. These include:

• Education – individuals with proof of enrollment in universities in the country and graduates wishing to find employment in Poland can apply;
• Marriage to Poles – it is necessary to confirm cohabitation with a copy of the marriage certificate from the Polish registry office, photographs, payment receipts;
• Employment – a residence permit for work in Poland requires the submission of an employment contract for seasonal or permanent work;
• Business establishment – obtaining permission is available to general partners of companies wishing to start entrepreneurial activities in the Polish market of various forms of ownership;
• Repatriation – after proving Polish roots, a person can immediately apply for Polish citizenship without the mandatory registration of a temporary or permanent residence permit;
• Blue Card – issued to individuals applying for a residence permit to perform work requiring high qualifications;
• Special conditions for Ukrainian citizens who entered the country due to military actions.

To avoid a negative result, when submitting documents for a residence permit (Poland), it is advisable to seek legal support from specialists who understand the nuances of Polish migration legislation and assist in gathering the necessary documentation suitable for the residence permit application process.