Since July 1st 2024, new regulations have been introduced regarding obtaining a residence card for individuals holding UKR status. Read everything you need to know about the residence card in Poland.

What is a residence card?

A residence card is a document that confirms the legality of a foreigner’s stay in Poland. It is issued based on a decision granting a temporary residence permit, a permanent residence permit, or an EU long-term resident permit. The residence card contains, among other things, the holder’s personal details, photograph, information on the basis of the stay, and the validity date. This document allows for multiple border crossings into Poland without the need for additional visas and facilitates employment, education, and access to various public and private services.

Types of residence cards:

– **Temporary residence** – for individuals who work in Poland and earn the national minimum wage; the card is issued for a maximum of three years, after which another application must be submitted.
– **Resident permit** – for individuals who have been in Poland for more than 5 years and have passed the B1 exam; the resident permit is issued indefinitely, but the card must be renewed every 5 years.
– **Permanent residence** – for spouses of Polish citizens or individuals with Polish ancestry.
– **CUKR residence** – starting in 2025, for Ukrainian citizens who previously held UKR status (more information available on the “CUKR Residence Card” page).

What do you need to have with you to submit documents for a residence card?

  • application for a residence card
  • 4 passport-sized photos
  • current passport
  • for individuals with UKR status – UKR PESEL – NOTE! The PESEL must be renewed no earlier than 3 months before submitting the residence card application
  • printed proof of payment for the residence card
  • Załącznik 1 (Annex No. 1) completed by the employer
    insurance certificate (completed by the employer or the employment office)
  • proof of accommodation (registration, rental agreement, or a statement from the property owner – form available at the office)
  • in the case of “family reunification,” a marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child), in original and translated form

Changes in the issuance of residence cards for Ukrainian citizens (from July 2024)

From July 1, 2024, new regulations regarding the issuance of residence cards for individuals with UKR status have been introduced. A new feature is “family reunification,” which allows for the issuance of residence cards for the spouse and minor children of a person who already holds a residence card.

Unfortunately, the program does not qualify grandparents, parents of adult children, seniors, students, children under the legal guardianship of someone other than a parent, or individuals in informal relationships.

Students, unemployed individuals, retirees, and those pursuing education also cannot receive residence cards unless under the family reunification rule.

All applications from individuals with UKR status will now be processed exclusively in Poznań. They can be submitted in person at information and advisory points (in Leszno, at Kościuszki 4), or sent by mail to the headquarters in Poznań.

When submitting documents by mail, original documents or notarized copies must be included. At advisory points, it is sufficient to show the original documents, and copies are sent. In this case, a notary is not needed.

Common mistakes when submitting a residence card application

  • If there are mistakes in the application, the office will send one notification by mail to correct the application. If the corrections are not made, the application will be rejected. It is important to check your mail regularly and update your address when you move.

  • In the “distinctive features” section of the application, you must list any scars and tattoos you have.

  • If you are applying for a family reunification residence card, you cannot select “other circumstances” as the reason. You must select “stay with a foreigner.”

  • The application must be submitted on a day when you are in Poland. You cannot send it from abroad.

  • If you change your passport, you must bring it when you pick up the card.

  • You do not need to inform about changing your employer.

  • If you lose your residence card, you must report it within 3 days and apply for a replacement (cost: 200 PLN) – the new card takes 2 months to be issued.

  • Both the card and the decision are important documents. You must keep both, and both are valid.

We recommend submitting your documents directly at Wielkopolski Urząd Wojewódzki at pl. Kościuszki 4 in Leszno. There, the clerks will review the documents on the spot and advise on any errors or omissions.

More informations: https://migrant.poznan.uw.gov.pl/