Doing the job

Who is affected by the application?

A temporary residence and work permit may be granted to a foreigner intending to take up or continue working in the territory of Poland, if the circumstances justify his/her stay in Poland for a period longer than 3 months.

The permit is granted for the period indicated in Appendix No. 1 from 3 months, but not longer than 3 years, with the possibility of applying for subsequent permits. On its basis, the foreigner receives a residence card.

Necessary documents

  • 2 copies of the application for a temporary residence permit filled out in accordance with the instructions, it is possible to complete the application online in the Case Managemenet Module,
  • attachment No. 1, which is filled out by the employer of the foreigner or an authorized person with the appropriate authorization,
  • 4 current color photographs, undamaged, 45×35 mm in size, taken within the last 6 months on a uniform light background, having good sharpness and showing clearly the eyes and face from the top of the head to the upper part of the shoulders; the face is to occupy 70-80% of the photograph; the photograph is to depict a person looking straight ahead with open eyes, uncovered hair with a natural expression on the face and closed mouth,
  • a valid travel document (photocopy of all written pages, original for inspection),
  • confirmation of payment of stamp duty.

Note: the absence of any of the above-mentioned documents will cause the foreigner to be summoned to supplement it within no less than 7 days from the delivery of the summons under pain of leaving the application unprocessed. In order for the proceedings to be initiated, confirmation of payment of stamp duty must also be attached to the case file.

Documents confirming the circumstances indicated in the application:

  • a current information from the head of the county governor’s office on the inability to meet the staffing needs of the entity entrusting the work, issued no earlier than 180 days before the submission of the application, or a document confirming the exemption of the head of the county governor’s office from the information. List of persons exempted from the obligation to submit information of the starost ,
  • If a foreigner is to be entrusted with work from which there will be an obligatory title to health insurance (employment contract, contract of mandate) the obligation to have insurance is considered fulfilled. In other cases, it is necessary to submit a document confirming the possession of health insurance that allows the use of health and hospital care in Poland, e.g. a private insurance policy.
  • a tax return, e.g. a PIT filed with the tax office or a certificate of no tax arrears or a statement of no tax arrears in Poland.
  • Documents confirming the qualification to practice a regulated profession (e.g., tractor-trailer drivers must have a driver’s certificate or professional qualification certificate) or a statement submitted by the employer that the foreigner is qualified to practice a regulated profession.

If a foreigner serves as a proxy or member of the board of directors of a legal entity subject to registration in the register of entrepreneurs, he should additionally submit:

  • documents confirming the achievement in the tax year preceding the submission of the application of an income of not less than twelve times the current average monthly salary on the date of submission of the application, e.g., the company’s CIT 8 for the previous year with proof of sending to the tax office, accounting documents confirming the current financial result of the company, or
  • documents confirming the employment of at least two employees who are Polish citizens or foreigners referred to in Article 87 paragraph 1 points 1-9 of the Act of April 20, 2004 on employment promotion and labor market institutions (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 690) for an indefinite period of time and on a full-time basis for the shortest period of the year preceding the submission of the application, or
  • documents confirming the possession of means to meet the conditions specified above in the future, or documents confirming the carrying out of activities to meet these conditions in the future, in particular contributing to the growth of investments, technology transfer, introduction of beneficial innovations or creation of jobs.

If there is a need to clarify or clarify the evidence in the case in the possession of the authority during the proceedings, the foreigner may be called upon to provide other documents or to give testimony confirming the circumstances referred to in the application.

Foreigners may not apply for this permit:

  • being employees delegated by an employer based outside Poland,
  • conducting business activity in Poland,
  • performing seasonal work in Poland, staying in Poland on the basis of a visa issued by a Polish authority for the purpose of tourism or visiting family or friends.

How to submit an application

Method of application:

  • In person, after booking an appointment in the online system
  • At the office of the foreigners’ legalization of stay and work department
  • Through the Post Office
  • By dropping the application in the application box.

How to collect the residence card?

You can pick up the residence card about 2-3 weeks after receiving a positive decision. To do this, go to the office premises. Collection of residence cards takes place at window 2 after taking a ticket from the ticket machine.

How to replace the residence card?

Anapplication for replacement of a residence card must be submitted by a foreigner in case of:

  • a change in the data included in the previously held residence card;
  • a change in the facial image of the holder of the residence card in relation to the facial image on the card to an extent that makes it difficult or impossible to identify the card holder;
  • loss of the residence card;
  • damage to the document.

An application for replacement of the residence card should be submitted within 14 days of the occurrence of reasons for replacing the document.

If the residence card is lost or damaged within 3 days from the date of loss or damage to the document, the governor who issued the card should be notified.