Obtaining a residence card (residence permit) in Poland is an important step for foreign nationals who want to legalize their stay in the country. However, the process can be delayed due to the high volume of applications and the workload of the voivodeship offices. In this article, we will discuss how to speed up the decision process for a residence card, minimizing waiting time and allowing you to start enjoying the benefits of legal status sooner.

Why Do Application Review Times Get Delayed?

1. High workload of authorities: Voivodeship offices are often overloaded due to a large number of applications, especially in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw.
2. Incomplete or incorrect documents: Even a small error in the documents can lead to delays in processing your case.
3. Communication issues: Voivodeship offices may respond slowly to inquiries, increasing the overall waiting time.

What are the Established Review Deadlines?

According to Polish law, the process of issuing a residence card should take up to 60 days from the submission of a complete set of documents. However, in practice, this period is often extended to several months, and in some cases, up to a year.

Accelerating the decision process for the residence card is achievable if you act correctly and in a timely manner. Ensure your documents are complete, regularly contact the voivodeship office, and, if necessary, seek professional assistance.
Contact us for qualified support to speed up the decision process! We will do everything possible to help you receive your residence card as quickly as possible.

How to Speed Up the Decision Process?

1. Check the completeness of your documentsBefore submitting your application, make sure all documents are properly prepared:

● Passport (copies of all pages)
● Photographs in the required format
● Employment contract or other documents supporting your application (e.g., studies, marriage, business)
● Proof of financial stability
● Insurance policy
● Completed forms

Errors or missing documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.

2. Submit documents in personSubmitting your application in person can speed up the process. This allows you to immediately verify if all documents meet the requirements and submit fingerprints.
3. Regularly check the status of your caseVoivodeship offices provide a case number (sygnatura akt) with which you can track the status of your application:

● Online via your voivodeship office’s website
● By phone or email inquiries to the office

If you notice that your case is "stuck," contact them for clarification.
4. Submit a request for expeditingIf the processing time is too long, you can officially submit a request for expedited handling. In the request, specify:

● The reasons for needing urgent processing (e.g., employment contract, visa extension)
● Documents confirming these reasons (e.g., letter from employer)

Submit this request to the voivodeship office handling your case.

5. Use the help of a lawyerProfessional immigration consultants and lawyers know how to speed up the process. They can:

● Prepare a proper request for acceleration
● Check the accuracy of your documents
● Represent your interests at the voivodeship office

6. Check for automatic acceleration possibilityIn some voivodeships, there is a rule of automatic acceleration of the process if more than 6 months have passed since the submission of documents. Check if this applies in your region.
7. Use administrative control toolsIf the office fails to meet its obligations within the prescribed time, you can file a complaint for inaction (skarga na bezczynność). This is an effective way to accelerate the process.

What to Do if the Decision is Delayed?

● Gather additional evidence: For example, a letter from your employer, financial statements showing your current financial situation.становище.
● Check the correctness of the submitted documents: Even a small mistake can delay the review process.
● Seek professional assistance: Lawyers and consultants can speed up the process based on their experience with voivodeship authorities.

Which Documents Can Help Accelerate the Process?

1. A letter from your employer requesting expedited review of your application.
2. Documents confirming the urgent need for the residence card (e.g., partnership contract or enrollment in education).
3. Additional proof of financial stability.

How We Can Help

Our company offers comprehensive support at all stages of obtaining a residence card:

● Checking and preparing the complete set of documents.
● Drafting requests for expedited processing.
● Representing your interests at the voivodeship office.
● Providing consultations on all legal issues related to immigration.

We know how voivodeship offices operate and what needs to be done to reduce waiting times.