Appeals against negative decisions of Authorities

If a foreigner fails to comply with all applicable regulations, the relevant authority is obligated to issue a negative decision regarding their stay. Ultimately, this may lead to their removal and deportation from Poland.

The reasons for negative decisions from authorities may vary, ranging from the late submission of required documents to incomplete or improperly filled-out applications, or even unreliable intermediaries who deceive unsuspecting foreigners.

Unreliable representatives without legal qualifications often promise unattainable goals, fail to fulfill formalities, or miss administrative deadlines. This is a common occurrence, and it usually results in a refusal for the foreigner seeking to extend their legal stay or work authorization in Poland.

The Office of Citizenship Affairs offers comprehensive support to foreigners facing challenges related to their stay and legal work in Poland.

A negative decision issued by the Voivode is not final and can be appealed within 14 days of receipt. Filing an appeal is a right that foreigners should exercise to maintain their uninterrupted legal stay in Poland.

Our services include:

• Legal analysis of the grounds for refusal.
• Timely submission of the appeal.
• Preparing documents to secure a positive decision from the second-instance authority.
• Communication with the office until the administrative process is complete.
• Review and verification of case files.

Occasionally, oversights result in the foreigner’s stay becoming illegal in Poland. A negative decision from the Head of the Office for Foreigners may result in a return order to their home country, requiring the foreigner to leave Poland and the EU for an extended period (typically with a ban on entry into the Schengen Zone lasting from 6 months to 10 years, with the possibility of extension).

Illegal stay is a complex issue where professional legal assistance is critical. Cooperation between the foreigner and Polish authorities, supported by an experienced representative, can significantly reduce the adverse consequences of an illegal stay and facilitate future visits to Poland and the Schengen Zone.

Our services include:

• Legal analysis of the foreigner’s situation.
• Representation of the client before the Border Guard, Office for Foreigners, relevant
  Voivode, or the competent Minister.
• Preparing documents and providing assistance after a return decision to ensure the
  process causes minimal harm to the foreigner.
• Developing a plan for the foreigner’s return to Poland.

We represent clients in their interactions with Polish administrative offices and government agencies. In Poland, the official language is exclusively Polish, which is used for all communication with foreigners, including official letters, summons, forms, and interactions with officials in person or over the phone.

Foreigners who do not speak Polish may face challenges and should consider using a representative to translate documents, explain administrative procedures, and manage communication with authorities throughout their stay in Poland.

As a representative, I assist with:

• Temporary residence permits.
• Permanent residence permits.
• Long-term EU resident permits.
• Recognition as a Polish citizen.
• Confirmation of Polish citizenship.
• Restoration of Polish citizenship.
• Civil registry matters.
• Appeals against negative decisions.
• Return obligations.

The Office of Citizenship Affairs is here to professionally assist you at every stage of your stay in Poland, even in the most challenging situations. Reach out to us for expert legal support.