<blockquote data-start="485" data-end="738"><p data-start="487" data-end="626">If you're planning to stay in Poland for more than 3–6 months, you may need a <strong data-start="565" data-end="581">karta pobytu</strong> — a temporary or permanent residence permit.</p><p data-start="631" data-end="738">In this article, we explain <strong data-start="659" data-end="737">what the residence card is, who can apply, and what the process looks like</strong>.</p></blockquote><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 data-start="745" data-end="774">What is a residence card?</h3><p data-start="776" data-end="889">It’s an official permit that allows you to legally stay in Poland for a longer period. It can be issued based on:</p><ul data-start="890" data-end="961"><li data-start="890" data-end="903"><p data-start="892" data-end="903">employment;</p></li><li data-start="904" data-end="914"><p data-start="906" data-end="914">studies;</p></li><li data-start="915" data-end="938"><p data-start="917" data-end="938">family reunification;</p></li><li data-start="939" data-end="961"><p data-start="941" data-end="961">business activities.</p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 data-start="968" data-end="1003">Benefits of the residence card:</h3><ul data-start="1004" data-end="1240"><li data-start="1004" data-end="1046"><p data-start="1006" data-end="1046"><strong data-start="1006" data-end="1029">Legal stay and work</strong> without a visa</p></li><li data-start="1047" data-end="1104"><p data-start="1049" data-end="1104"><strong data-start="1049" data-end="1079">Multiple entries and exits</strong> without needing a visa</p></li><li data-start="1105" data-end="1152"><p data-start="1107" data-end="1152"><strong data-start="1107" data-end="1150">Access to public health insurance (NFZ)</strong></p></li><li data-start="1153" data-end="1186"><p data-start="1155" data-end="1186"><strong data-start="1155" data-end="1184">PESEL number registration</strong></p></li><li data-start="1187" data-end="1240"><p data-start="1189" data-end="1240"><strong data-start="1189" data-end="1240">A step toward permanent residence in the future</strong></p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 data-start="1247" data-end="1279">What documents are required?</h3><p data-start="1281" data-end="1317">Depends on your case, but generally:</p><ul data-start="1318" data-end="1524"><li data-start="1318" data-end="1336"><p data-start="1320" data-end="1336">Valid passport</p></li><li data-start="1337" data-end="1380"><p data-start="1339" data-end="1380">Rental contract or housing confirmation</p></li><li data-start="1381" data-end="1423"><p data-start="1383" data-end="1423">Work contract or university enrollment</p></li><li data-start="1424" data-end="1466"><p data-start="1426" data-end="1466">Financial proof (salary, bank account)</p></li><li data-start="1467" data-end="1487"><p data-start="1469" data-end="1487">Health insurance</p></li><li data-start="1488" data-end="1524"><p data-start="1490" data-end="1524">Application form + passport photos</p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 data-start="1531" data-end="1550">Where to apply?</h3><p data-start="1552" data-end="1709">You must submit your application to the <strong data-start="1592" data-end="1633">Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki)</strong> in your area. Book your appointment in advance — waiting times can be long.</p><h3 data-start="1716" data-end="1742">How long does it take?</h3><p data-start="1744" data-end="1906">The process may take <strong data-start="1765" data-end="1782">2 to 6 months</strong>, depending on your region and case. While waiting, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport that allows you to stay legally.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 data-start="1913" data-end="1928">Conclusion:</h3><p data-start="1930" data-end="2091">The residence card is <strong data-start="1952" data-end="1997">your key to long-term stability in Poland</strong>. If you plan to live and work here for more than a few months — this path is worth exploring.</p>

Planning to stay in Poland long-term? Learn what the residence card is, who needs it, and how to apply for it step by step.

large_bb8618d5-a57a-4225-838b-7bb88fb2266c.webp

medium_bb8618d5-a57a-4225-838b-7bb88fb2266c.webp

small_bb8618d5-a57a-4225-838b-7bb88fb2266c.webp

thumbnail_bb8618d5-a57a-4225-838b-7bb88fb2266c.webp

bb8618d5-a57a-4225-838b-7bb88fb2266c.webp

Legal Advice

Residence Card in Poland: What It Is and How to Get One

<p data-start="2567" data-end="2726">Foreign workers in Poland have the same labor rights as Polish citizens. But many don’t know what protections are guaranteed by law. Here’s a simple breakdown.</p><h3 data-start="2728" data-end="2757">A contract is mandatory</h3><p data-start="2758" data-end="2969">Every legal worker must have a contract: either umowa o pracę (employment) or umowa zlecenie (civil contract). It must include salary, working hours, job responsibilities, and housing conditions (if applicable).</p><h3 data-start="2971" data-end="2989">Minimum wage</h3><p data-start="2990" data-end="3114">As of 2024, the minimum wage is over 27 PLN gross per hour. Even when working through an agency, this rule must be followed.</p><h3 data-start="3116" data-end="3144">Working hours and rest</h3><p data-start="3145" data-end="3314">A standard workday is no more than 8 hours unless there’s written consent. You’re entitled to at least 11 hours of rest between shifts and at least one day off per week.</p><h3 data-start="3316" data-end="3334">Overtime pay</h3><p data-start="3335" data-end="3460">You must be paid extra for overtime. The amount depends on the time of day (day/night) and whether it’s a weekday or weekend.</p><h3 data-start="3462" data-end="3481">Paid vacation</h3><p data-start="3482" data-end="3646">Under umowa o pracę, you are entitled to 20–26 days of paid leave per year, depending on your work history. Even for short-term jobs, check if vacation is included.</p><h3 data-start="3648" data-end="3664">Sick leave</h3><p data-start="3665" data-end="3816">If you are officially employed, you have the right to take sick leave. A medical certificate (zwolnienie lekarskie) must be submitted to your employer.</p><h3 data-start="3818" data-end="3850">How to defend your rights?</h3><p data-start="3851" data-end="4051">If your rights are violated, talk to your coordinator, your agency, or report the issue to Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP) — the Polish Labor Inspectorate. They accept reports from foreigners as well.</p><h3 data-start="4053" data-end="4069">Conclusion</h3><p data-start="4070" data-end="4228">Working in Poland means having legal protection, not just income. Know your rights, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up when something feels wrong.</p>

Working in Poland means not just duties, but also rights. Learn what labor laws guarantee and how to protect yourself.

large_3922a7f7-3f9f-4781-95eb-abd034e7ccda.webp

medium_3922a7f7-3f9f-4781-95eb-abd034e7ccda.webp

small_3922a7f7-3f9f-4781-95eb-abd034e7ccda.webp

thumbnail_3922a7f7-3f9f-4781-95eb-abd034e7ccda.webp

3922a7f7-3f9f-4781-95eb-abd034e7ccda.webp

What Rights Do Workers Have in Poland: A Guide for Foreigners

Poland

Germany

Ukraine

Belarus

Read our blog: advice on finding a job in Poland, real stories from candidates, relocation tips, and legalization insights. Only verified and useful information!

Blog About Working in Poland — Tips, Stories, and Experiences

Residence Card in Poland: What It Is and How to Get One

What Rights Do Workers Have in Poland: A Guide for Foreigners

Apply for a vacancy