Temporary residence permit

Temporary Residence Permit in Poland: Documents and Application Process

A temporary residence permit can support a stay in Poland for a documented purpose such as work, studies, family life or business. The exact documents, fee and procedure depend on that purpose and the applicant’s situation.

Who can apply

Work

Employment, change of employer, salary level, contract type and insurance should match the application basis.

Studies

Students usually prove enrolment, tuition situation, funds, accommodation and health insurance.

Family or business

Family links, business activity or another ground require separate evidence. Do not reuse a work or study checklist for a different basis.

Choose the correct residence route

Temporary residence is not one single procedure. Work, study, family, business, highly qualified employment and other grounds have different evidence requirements. Start with the official description of the route that matches your real purpose of stay.

From 27 April 2026, the Office for Foreigners states that applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and EU long-term resident status can be submitted through MOS, subject to route-specific exceptions. The office may still require an in-person visit for fingerprints, signature, passport inspection or additional documents.

Office for Foreigners: MOS information · MOS portal

Core document package

The exact list depends on the basis, but applicants usually prepare the application form, valid passport, photos, proof of fee payment, documents confirming the purpose of stay, income, insurance and accommodation. Sworn translations may be required for foreign documents.

  • application form signed correctly;
  • passport copies and original for inspection;
  • biometric photos;
  • basis of stay: work, study, family, business or other proof;
  • income, insurance and accommodation documents;
  • payment confirmation and additional documents requested by the office.

Procedure in practice

Prepare the basis. Check that your legal ground is current and supported by documents.
Submit the application. Use the current channel for the selected route and keep the confirmation. If submitting in Poland, check the legal-stay deadline and formal requirements before sending.
Attend the office appointment. The voivode may require fingerprints, a signature, the original passport or additional documents.
Answer letters. A wezwanie must be answered within the deadline with complete documents.
Receive the decision and card. A residence card is issued after a positive decision and the required card fee; confirm the current amount and collection instructions with the responsible office.

Fees and waiting times

The state fee depends on the legal basis: official guidance lists different amounts for temporary residence, temporary residence and work, business and other routes. The residence-card fee is separate. Check the current fee table before payment; do not treat 340 PLN or 440 PLN as a universal fee.

Waiting time is not a single national number. It depends on the voivodeship, the type of case, formal completeness, fingerprints, requests for further documents and the office workload.

Common mistakes

  • choosing the wrong basis of stay;
  • submitting expired or inconsistent documents;
  • missing translations or payment confirmation;
  • not updating the office after a job or address change;
  • answering a wezwanie late.

Preparing a TRC case?

Check the basis and documents before the office asks for corrections.

Contact us

Main EmigracjaPL sections for moving to and living in Poland

These are the main topics foreigners most often face after moving to Poland: legal stay, residence card, study, work, documents and everyday adaptation. Choose the direction that fits your situation and move to the practical guide.

Residence card Residence permits, documents, waiting times, refusal risks and preparation for application. Legalization Main routes for legal stay in Poland for foreigners. Study in Poland Universities, admission, documents and studying in Polish or English. Work in Poland Employment, contracts, work permits and residence-card topics connected with work. Documents Core document checks before applying for a residence card. Life and adaptation Housing, PESEL, meldunek, banks, transport and practical first steps.
If you are planning to move or already live in Poland, start with the topic that matters most now: documents, work, study, housing, PESEL, meldunek or further legalization. Related pages help you understand the next steps without searching across the whole site.
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