How to obtain a permanent residence permit in Poland

A permanent residence permit (karta stałego pobytu) is a document that gives a foreigner the right to permanent residence in Poland. The card is issued for a period of 1 to 10 years and can be extended.

To obtain a permanent residence permit, you must meet the following conditions:

• Have legal grounds for staying in Poland for at least 5 years.
• Know Polish at the B1 level.
• Have no convictions for serious or particularly serious crimes.
• Not pose a threat to Poland’s security.

To obtain a permanent residence permit, you must submit an application to the voivodeship office for foreigners (urząd wojewódzki do spraw cudzoziemców). The application must be accompanied by the following documents:

• A completed questionnaire.
• A photocopy of your passport.
• A photocopy of your residence permit.
• A document confirming legal grounds for staying in Poland for at least 5 years.
• A document confirming knowledge of Polish at the B1 level.
• A document confirming no convictions for serious or particularly serious crimes.
• A document confirming no threat to Poland’s security.

The application will be reviewed within 3 to 6 months.

What are the benefits of a permanent residence permit?

A permanent residence permit gives the following benefits:

• The right to permanent residence in Poland.
• The right to work without restrictions.
• The right to education in public institutions.
• The right to medical care on an equal footing with Polish citizens.
• The right to a pension.
• The right to obtain Polish citizenship.