A residence card is a plastic card issued based on a positive decision for a residence permit in the Republic of Poland.
Thus, a simple and clear term has emerged to describe a residence permit in Poland: Karta Pobytu.

What documents are required to apply for a residence card based on family grounds?

1. Completed application form
2. State fee of 340 PLN
3. Photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
4. Employment or other relevant contract
5. Proof of insurance
6. Marriage certificate
7. Translated documents
8. Statement of withholding
9. Copies of the passport

The document list is for reference and may vary depending on your specific case.

Every application for a residence card is unique. The list of required documents is always tailored to the specific case of the applicant. Even the type of contract can influence the required documentation and the decision-making process. Specialists at WORK PERMIT operate based on comprehensive checklists for each case, with the ability to customize the set of documents as needed.

How to Obtain a Residence Card Quickly?

To obtain a residence card quickly, it’s essential to be well-prepared and informed before starting the process, which can be challenging. Each case is unique—some require documents to be submitted immediately, with some potentially missing, while others may have a complete set of documents ready.
Our experts’ comprehensive understanding of procedures allows them to adapt to each process flexibly and leverage their accumulated expertise.
There are basic rules that positively affect the speed of obtaining a residence card:

● A complete set of documents
● No errors in any document
● Submission of documents in person with an appointment
● Quick background checks by security services
● No interruptions in the inspector’s work (e.g., sick leave or vacation)
● Individual case acceleration

How Quickly Can a Residence Card Be Obtained in Poland?

There is no universal answer to this question. New clients often ask us to step in and expedite a case already in progress. Without detailed information about the submitted documents and their accuracy, we cannot take action.
To address this, we sign a power of attorney and strive to determine the case’s status and the submitted documents as quickly as possible.
The timeline for obtaining a residence card depends on several factors:

● The voivodeship (province) where the documents were submitted
● Whether a stamp has been placed in the passport
● Whether the complete set of documents was submitted
● Whether the documents were sent by mail or submitted in person

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

WORK PERMIT specialists estimate that the average time to obtain a residence permit in Poland is around 6–9 months, considering all voivodeships. In Wrocław, the process typically takes 4–6 months.
A significant factor is the workload of the company responsible for printing the plastic cards. A few times a year, the timeframe for receiving the card itself may extend from two weeks to two months.