Immigration to Poland
Immigration to Poland is a process that involves obtaining the necessary documents for legal stay in the country, as well as resolving related issues related to adaptation. Obtaining a residence permit is the initial stage of immigration and is possible if there are reasons that meet Polish migration law. The process of obtaining a residence permit and permanent residence is regulated by the Law on Foreigners of the Republic of Poland (RP) of 2013. For most immigrants, the ultimate goal of moving is to obtain Polish citizenship and a passport.
Many foreigners choose to immigrate to Poland specifically because the country is a member of the European Union. The holder of a Polish passport becomes an EU citizen, which opens up the opportunity to travel the world without visas, move to any EU country for permanent residence, use quality medical care and other privileges. Equal rights with other EU citizens are guaranteed by Directive 38 of the European Parliament and the Council.
Ways to immigrate
To move to Poland and obtain a permanent residence permit, the applicant must have one of the grounds specified in Article 195 of the Polish Law on Foreigners of 2013. A permanent residence permit, or a “stałego pobytu” card, is a plastic document that confirms the right to long-term stay in the country. It is issued for an indefinite period, allows a foreigner to live in Poland and enjoy most civil rights. The exception is the possibility of employment in government organizations and participation in elections. The grounds for submitting documents for a permanent residence permit are described below.
Polish roots
Foreigners who have Polish nationals in their ancestry can immigrate to Poland on simplified terms. The descendants of Poles have the opportunity to obtain a Polish card. This document allows you to immediately obtain a permanent residence permit in Poland, bypassing the stage of living with a temporary residence permit. Applicants do not need to take a test of Polish language, history and culture.
Education
There is also the possibility of legally moving to Poland for applicants who wish to study at Polish universities or other educational institutions. Confirmation of admission to a university is the basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit. An important point: only half of the time spent in the country with a residence permit for studies is credited to the total period of stay in the country for further obtaining a permanent residence permit. That is, out of 5 years, 2.5 years will be credited. After graduating from university, a foreigner has the right to start looking for a job and obtain a residence permit on the basis of employment. This will allow you to continue the legalization process by obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Work
Immigration to Poland is possible for foreigners who wish to officially work in the country. The presence of a work contract and a work permit allows you to submit documents and obtain a Polish residence permit. If the employer changes, the residence permit is issued again. Living in the country for 5 years is the basis for submitting an application for a permanent residence permit.
Business
Applicants who have opened their own business or acquired an existing company in Poland are issued a residence permit. A mandatory condition for obtaining a residence permit is the creation of at least two jobs for the employment of persons who do not need to obtain a work permit: foreigners with permanent residence status, citizens of the country or holders of passports of other EU countries. The applicant must also confirm the availability of financial resources as evidence of the possibility of successful business development in Poland. After 5 years of residence, a foreigner can apply for a permanent residence card.
Marriage
When marrying a Polish citizen, a foreign spouse or spouse receives a temporary residence and work permit in the country. After 2 years of staying on Polish territory, such persons are given the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit. The immigration service of the state at the same time carries out checks, the purpose of which is to determine the validity of the relationship for at least 3 years. When submitting documents for permanent residence, it is important to comply with the requirements for presence in the country. It is allowed to be outside of Poland for no more than six months at a time and a maximum of 10 months in total for the period considered the basis for obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Family reunification
Foreigners who are considered financially dependent relatives of a Polish citizen or resident can obtain a temporary residence permit. The condition for issuing the document is to confirm the availability of the person staying in Poland of a stable source of income, rented or owned real estate, and medical insurance. Family members who have been granted a residence permit are not allowed to work in Poland. To carry out labor activities, you will need to obtain an additional permit. The assignment of a residence permit takes place within 1 month. The right to a permanent residence permit is granted after 5 years of residence in the country.
Humanitarian immigration
Foreigners in the status of refugees, as well as persons who have applied for additional protection or arrived in the country for humanitarian reasons, may apply for permanent residence after 5 years of residence in Poland. In such cases, permanent residence is issued for an indefinite period. The consideration of the case for the granting of permanent residence status is carried out within 3 months. The possession of a permanent residence permit allows you to carry out paid activities on the territory of the country without obtaining additional permits.
Purchase of real estate
The purchase of real estate objects is not a direct basis for obtaining a residence permit in Poland. However, when applying for a residence permit and permanent residence, foreigners must confirm the availability of housing and address registration in the country. Therefore, the purchase of real estate will simplify the process of obtaining a temporary and permanent residence card.
How to move to Poland?
Selection of grounds for moving. It is necessary to clearly define the purpose of moving to Poland and prepare the relevant documentary confirmations.
Obtaining a visa for entry into the country. It is necessary to obtain a visa to cross the Polish border. If there are grounds for entry, you should contact the nearest Polish embassy/consulate or visa center and submit documents for the issuance of the corresponding permit. Ukrainians are allowed to come to Poland without a visa if they have a biometric passport.
Submission of documents for the issuance of a temporary residence permit in the voivodeship. The issuance of a residence permit is carried out through the office for foreigners of the voivodeship of Poland in which it is planned to live. Submission of documents involves the personal presence of the applicant in the state institution.
Issuance of Polish permanent residence. The possibility of obtaining a permanent residence card in most cases depends on the fulfillment of the requirement of 5-year residence in the country with a residence permit. Foreign applicants will need to submit a package of documents and pass an exam in Polish on the culture and history of the state. Holders of a Polish card are exempt from this testing. Permanent residence is issued for an indefinite period.
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers
and consultants will work with you to:
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants will work with you to:
- Assess your eligibility for immigration to Poland
- Prepare your immigration application
- Navigate the immigration process
We are committed to helping you immigrate to Poland successfully.
Contact us today to learn more about our immigration services.