EU resident permit – what is it? Two types of documents are issued in Poland, allowing foreigners to reside permanently: a permanent residence card and a long-term EU resident card. The former is intended primarily for foreigners whose origin is related to Poland, while the latter is intended for foreigners who do not meet the above criterion.
A resident card is issued to a foreigner who obtains the permit provided for in the Act on Foreigners.
We invite you to contact us to take advantage of our offer. Contact us immediately by calling 531-510-005.
Who can become a long-term resident?
A long-term EU resident can be a person who is not a citizen of an EU country, but has been legally residing in its territory for at least five years. They should have sufficient financial support to support themselves and meet additional requirements specified in Polish and EU regulations.
Who applies?
The applicant is the interested party himself – a foreigner who has been residing in Poland lawfully and without interruption for at least 5 years before submitting the application and meets the following conditions:
- first of all, there must be a source of stable income that will cover the living costs of the applicant and his family;
- it is necessary to have health insurance, in accordance with the Act on health care benefits covered from public funds, or to document coverage of the costs of any treatment by an insurance company in Poland;
- Moreover, it will also be necessary to confirm good command of the Polish language, at least at level B
An application for a resident’s residence permit should be submitted no later than the last day of the permitted stay in our country.
What does the Long-Term Resident Card entitle you to?
The status and rights of residents of the European Union are specified in EU Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003. This document applies to third-country nationals who legally reside in the territory of the EU.
Long-term EU residents have the same rights in practice as citizens of the country that issued them a residence permit. Having an EU resident card in Poland has many advantages, residents can benefit from, among others:
- the possibility of traveling to all Schengen countries,
- access to jobs anywhere in Poland without the obligation to have a work permit (the residence card includes the note “access to the labour market”).
- the possibility of using all stages of education and receiving academic scholarships in Poland,
- in special situations – to use social welfare and other types of assistance,
- protection against deportation from the country, unless they pose a significant threat to order and security,
- facilitated emigration procedures to other EU member states (except Ireland and Denmark). This is an extremely valuable right for foreigners who want to travel, work and settle in other EU countries without any obstacles.
After a few years and after meeting a number of requirements, you can also apply for Polish citizenship.
Is it possible to obtain a long-term EU residence permit for a child?
Consent for a minor may be requested by his or her parents or legal guardians, provided that the minor meets the criteria for obtaining permission.
A child of a foreigner may also obtain a permanent residence permit for an indefinite period if he or she was born:
- after one of the parents exercising parental authority has obtained a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU resident permit,
- during the validity of a temporary residence permit granted to one of the parents or during the stay of one of the parents in Poland with a residence permit for humanitarian reasons or a permit for tolerated stay, or in connection with the granting of refugee status or the application of subsidiary protection
What are the other conditions for obtaining long-term resident status?
Dealing with official matters related to residence status requires some preparation; we can expect that some of the activities will have to be performed by the applicant in person, that fingerprints will be taken, that a sworn translation of all documentation into Polish will be necessary, and the originals will have to be seen by an official. In addition, it must be remembered that the office will want to check the extent to which the applicant speaks Polish, and in the case of applying for official decisions for children, parents may be replaced by a court-appointed guardian.
Documents that may be required by the office:
Undoubtedly, the most important task before starting official activities to apply for a residence and work permit will be to collect the necessary documents regarding the applicant – e.g. completed application forms, good photos for identification, passport, confirmation of fees. We will have to take care of preparing the right number of photocopies of documents.
It will be necessary to provide, for example:
- confirmation of the time spent in Poland so far,
- agreements regarding the rental of an apartment or other premises,
- proof of financial income,
- employment contract and possibly employment certificates,
- data regarding family residing in Poland and supported by the applicant,
- tax history in Poland (including tax returns), insurance certificates and ZUS certificates,
- history of trips outside Poland,
- certification of ability to use the Polish language.
And all in accordance with detailed instructions and in the prescribed form. Specialists from MAGFIN, in cooperation with the applicant, will complete all documents, help to supplement the missing data and submit to the appropriate office, and will also monitor the course of the proceedings and ensure the appropriate deadlines for subsequent activities.
Time to settle the matter
Consideration of an application for a resident’s residence permit should be completed no later than three months from the date of its initiation, and any appeal proceedings – within 2 months from the date of receipt of the appeal.
Appeal against a negative decision regarding an EU residence permit
If you have received a “rejection”, do not despair. Our experts have many years of experience, will examine your case and help you file an appeal. This must be done within 14 days of receiving the decision. And we, understanding Polish law, will certainly be able to calculate this period – importantly – taking into account weekends and holidays.
ATTENTION!
The five-year period of residence in the territory of the Republic of Poland does not include residence in the event of several circumstances, precisely listed in the regulations, including:
- for stays for humanitarian purposes,
- when performing cross-border services,
- if the authority obliges the foreigner to leave the country,
- in the case of taking up education,
- in the event of withdrawal of a residence permit or refusal of international protection, refugee status or subsidiary protection,
- for diplomats within diplomatic or consular missions,
- in case of “small border traffic” etc.
Where to submit an application for resident status?
The application, together with the required fingerprints, can only be submitted during a visit scheduled via the inPOL portal, addressed to foreigners. Copies of documents are accepted only if the application is submitted during an appointment, where their compliance with the original will be certified. In order to receive a stamp in the passport confirming receipt of the application, an appointment is necessary (provided that the foreigner is legally staying in Poland and there are no doubts as to the legality of their stay). It is recommended to deliver the application for a residence permit no later than the last day of the lawful stay in Poland.
How long does it take for a decision to be issued?
According to Article 223 of the Act on Foreigners, when granting or revoking a long-term residence permit in the EU, the provisions described in Article 202 and Articles 206 to 210 apply. Article 210 of the same Act states that a decision on a permanent residence permit is issued within 6 months from the date on which the foreigner:
- he personally submitted an application for a permanent residence permit or appeared at the voivodeship office after the application was delivered, if personal presence is required,
- submitted an application for a permanent residence permit without any formal deficiencies,
- presented the documents required in Article 203 paragraph 2 point 2 or the time limit imposed by the office, referred to in Article 203 paragraph 2a, has expired without effect.
Don’t delay, contact us now and discover how we can support you. Our support ensures a high standard of service and adaptation to your needs.
