Foreigners from outside the EU have a way of legalizing their stay by obtaining a long-term EU-residence permit. Who is eligible to do that and how to apply for it? Let us explain in the article below.

About the permit

The document is issued for foreigners coming from outside the EU and allows them to stay in Poland permanently. The length of stay is not defined by the permit, although it is valid for 5 years only – therefore it needs to be exchanged for a new one after this period of time. Even though the permit has EU in its name, it does not allow a foreigner to work in another EU member state apart from Poland (if issued by Polish authorities). It does however entitle them to travel freely as tourists to other Schengen states for up to 3 months every 180 days.

Who can apply?

Long story short: a foreigner coming from outside the European Union who has stayed legally in Poland for at least 5 years and continues to do so at the moment of application. There are 5 key conditions the foreigner needs to fulfil in order to get the permit:

1. The 5-year-long period of stay needs to be considered uninterrupted on regular conditions.
2. They have to have a stable source of income for at least 3 years before applying for the permit (2 years in the case of the Blue Card holders).
3. They need to have health insurance.
4. The applicant’s right to Polish residential premises needs to be confirmed.
5. They deliver a certificate of a temporary residence address or a document confirming their inability to obtain one.

If you fulfill these conditions, you can be already heading to the Voivode’s Office which is closest to your place of residence in Poland to file the following documents…

What you need

A few things need to be filed along with your application form, which you can download here.

1. 4 recent photographs in color.
2. A copy of your valid travel document (preferably a passport).
3. A document confirming the applicant’s right to Polish residential premises.
4. Other documents confirming data present in the application form.

What documents to file with a visa application?

Fees

The process of obtaining a long-term EU-resident permit may take even up to 3 months, so it is important to file the forms before your legal grounds for staying in Poland cease to be valid. If the documents are delivered to the Voivode’s office correctly, the applicant gets a stamp in their passport allowing them to stay in Poland until the decision is announced. The fee paid upon the initiation of the process is PLN 640. When the application is accepted, the applicant pays an additional PLN 50 for issuing their residence card.

Other important information

It is worth remembering that a long-term EU-resident card gives foreigners the possibility to take up a job in Poland without the necessity of getting a work permit. If a foreigner is denied the permit, they can appeal to the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw within 14 days of obtaining the decision. If they are refused the permit or their permit is withdrawn, they are obliged to leave the territory of Poland within 30 days of receiving the information.

Good luck to everyone applying for a long-term EU-resident permit! Remember to make sure that your application is complete and then enjoy your stay in Poland!