Long-term EU-resident permit in Poland

About the permit

The long-term EU resident permit is issued to non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Poland for an extended period of time. It grants the right to stay in Poland indefinitely, although the residence card itself must be renewed every 5 years.

Despite its name, the permit does not automatically entitle its holder to work in other EU countries if it was issued in Poland. However, it does allow short-term travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Importantly, this permit also allows foreigners to work in Poland without the need to obtain an additional work permit.

Who can apply?

Long story short: a foreigner coming from outside the European Union who has stayed legally in Poland for at least 5 years and continues to do so at the moment of application. There are 5 key conditions the foreigner needs to fulfil to get the permit:

1. Continuous stay:

The 5-year period must be uninterrupted. Short absences are allowed, but:

• a single absence cannot exceed 6 months
• total absences cannot exceed 10 months within the 5-year period

2. Stable and regular income:

The applicant must have a stable and regular source of income for:

• at least 3 years before applying
• or 2 years in the case of EU Blue Card holders

The income must be sufficient to cover living costs (according to social assistance thresholds).

3. Health insurance:

Valid health insurance is required (public or private).

4. Accommodation:

The applicant must provide proof of having a place of residence in Poland (e.g. rental agreement or ownership document).

5. Polish language proficiency:

A confirmed command of Polish at a minimum B1 level is required.

Important: what counts towards the 5-year stay?

Not all types of residence are fully counted toward the required 5-year period.

For example:

• Time spent on a student residence permit may only be counted partially (usually 50%)
• Short-term stays (e.g. tourist visas) are not counted
• Some humanitarian or special permits may be treated differently

Because of this, it is always worth verifying your individual case before applying.

What documents do you need?

When submitting your application to the Voivodeship Office, you will need:

• A completed application form
• 4 recent colour photographs
• A valid travel document (e.g. passport)
• Proof of accommodation in Poland
• Documents confirming your income
• Proof of health insurance
• A certificate confirming Polish language proficiency (at least B1)
• Additional documents supporting the data included in your application

How to prove your Polish language skills

Applicants must provide proof of Polish language proficiency at B1 level or higher.

Accepted documents include:

• A state certificate of Polish language proficiency
• Certificates issued by recognized institutions (e.g. ECL, TELC)
• A diploma from a school or university where Polish was the language of instruction
• Other officially recognized certificates compliant with CEFR standards

Fees and processing time

The application fee is PLN 640, and an additional PLN 100 is charged for issuing the residence card after a positive decision.

While the official processing time may be shorter, in practice the procedure often takes several months or longer, depending on the region and case complexity.

If the application is submitted correctly, the applicant receives a stamp in their passport. This stamp confirms the legality of their stay in Poland while the decision is pending (but does not allow travel within Schengen).

When can the permit be lost?

The long-term EU resident status can be withdrawn in certain situations, for example if the holder:

• leaves the European Union for more than 12 consecutive months
• leaves Poland for more than 6 years
• no longer meets the conditions under which the permit was granted

Appeals and obligations

If the application is rejected, the decision can be appealed within 14 days.

If the permit is denied or withdrawn, the foreigner is generally required to leave Poland within 30 days of receiving the decision.

Final thoughts

Applying for a long-term EU resident permit in Poland is a major step toward permanent settlement. While the process can be time-consuming, meeting the requirements and preparing complete documentation significantly increases your chances of success.

Before applying, it is always a good idea to double-check your eligibility – especially regarding the calculation of your 5-year stay.

Good luck to everyone applying for a long-term EU-resident permit! Remember to ensure your application is complete, and enjoy your stay in Poland!