EU Long-Term Resident Permit

A EU Long-Term Resident Permit is a form of permanent residence for foreigners who have no family ties to Poland, but for whom Poland is the center of social and economic life and who wish to settle here permanently. It is worth applying for this residence title, as it allows, among other things, work in Poland without any additional permits. Another significant advantage of obtaining this permit is the ability to apply for recognition as a Polish citizen.

Submitting an application must meet formal requirements – numerous documents must be collected. These include: photographs, a document confirming the applicant's identity and citizenship, an employment contract, a document confirming the right to housing, and proof of Polish language proficiency.

If formal deficiencies are missing, the applicant will be requested to complete the application within a maximum of 7 days of receiving the request. Failure to meet these strict requirements often results in the application being rejected.

A foreigner can apply for a long-term resident's EU residence permit if:

1. They have resided in Poland continuously for at least 5 years
2. They have a stable and regular income
3. They have had a stable and regular income for the last 3 or 2 years
4. They have health insurance
5. They have legal title to a dwelling
6. They have an appropriate certificate of Polish language proficiency – this requirement does not apply to minors under 16 years of age.

An application for a long-term resident's EU residence permit should be submitted to the voivodeship office responsible for the foreigner's place of residence.

Official fees for submitting an application for a long-term resident's residence permit:

PLN 640 – stamp duty for issuing a decision granting a long-term EU resident's residence permit

PLN 100 – stamp duty for issuing a Residence Card

PLN 17 – power of attorney fee

The decision to grant a long-term EU resident's residence permit is issued by the voivode. A Residence Card is then issued.

The decision to grant a long-term EU resident's residence permit is issued for an indefinite period, but the Residence Card is replaced every five years.

It is important to remember that long-term resident status can be revoked, so at the Citizenship Office, we provide comprehensive information on what to look out for to prevent this from happening.

If a foreigner does not meet the requirements for obtaining a long-term EU resident's permit, the Voivode issues a decision refusing the permit. In such a case, the foreigner – either personally or through a representative – may file an appeal to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of receiving the decision. The Office for Citizens' Affairs files appeals in such cases.

If you have lived in Poland for 5 years, have a stable job and apartment, speak Polish, and see your future in Poland, you can apply for a long-term EU resident's permit. This will free you from worrying about subsequent temporary residence permits, allow you to work without additional permits, and in the near future, you will be eligible to become a Polish citizen.

The Office for Citizens' Affairs will analyze your situation – in particular, we will calculate your uninterrupted stay and assist you in collecting all the necessary documents. As your Representative, we will liaise with the Voivodeship Office on your behalf, scheduling appointments, collecting official letters, and responding to them in a timely manner. Furthermore, after receiving a positive decision, we will provide full information on how to maintain your long-term EU resident status and prepare a detailed timeline for when the foreigner will be able to apply for Polish citizenship. We invite you to contact us and take advantage of our professional services.