Temporary residence permit

Residence card based on work

Preparation and support for work-based temporary residence cases and employer documents.

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Who this is for

You already work in Poland or plan to sign a contract with a Polish employer.You want to apply for a work-based residence card for the first time.You are moving from a visa, visa-free stay or another ground to a residence card.You are changing employer or work conditions and want to understand what to do with the case.

What you receive

You understand whether filing based on work is possible, which documents are needed in your situation and what risks may appear before or after filing.

Clear action planDocument list without chaosSupport at the agreed stages of the case

How we work

  1. 1

    We check whether a work-based residence card is suitable or another ground should be considered.

  2. 2

    We review employer documents and work conditions.

  3. 3

    We prepare a document list and help gather the full package.

What to prepare
  • Passport and photos.
  • A document confirming your current stay in Poland.
  • Temporary residence application.
  • Załącznik nr 1 completed and signed by the employer.
  • Employment contract or another document confirming employment.
  • Documents on accommodation, insurance and public fee payment.

The exact list depends on your situation, contract type and the office requirements.

What is important to know
  • It is better to file before your legal stay in Poland ends.
  • The decision usually names the employer and the main work conditions.
  • If you lose the job or the conditions change, you may need to notify the office or change the permit.
  • The office may request additional documents or explanations; this is a normal part of the procedure.

Build your document list

Select your situation and the list below will update without reloading the page.

This is a preliminary assessment. The final route depends on your documents and the current rules.

Source: mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl · gov.pl (UdSC) — the exact list is checked before filing

Changing employer with a work-based permit

A work-based permit is usually tied to the employer and the conditions stated in the decision. Before starting a new job, the permit status must therefore be checked.

After employment with the employer named in the decision ends, you have 15 working days to notify the voivode in writing. Filing an application to amend the permit for a new employer within that period also fulfils the notification duty. The amendment fee is PLN 220.

If the notification is made in time, the permit is not withdrawn for 30 days after job loss.

Source: gov.pl (UdSC) · mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl · biznes.gov.pl · current as of 11.08.2026

Working while waiting for the decision

If the application is filed during legal stay and has no formal defects, your stay remains legal until the final decision. The right to work is assessed separately.

Work for the same employer under the same conditions can usually continue. A new job or new conditions require a separate legal basis.

Source: mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl · zielonalinia.gov.pl · current as of 11.08.2026

The next permit after the current one

A work-based permit is issued for between 3 months and 3 years. When it expires, a new application is filed and the office reviews both the current contract and employment history.

Prepare in advance: check continuity of employment, collect ZUS evidence and file before the current permit expires.

Source: zielonalinia.gov.pl · gov.pl (UdSC) · current as of 11.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply if my visa or visa-free stay is about to expire?

Yes. The important point is to file before the end of your legal stay. If the application is filed in time and has no formal defects, your stay remains legal until the decision.

What happens if I change employers?

You normally need to notify the voivode within 15 working days and arrange an amendment of the permit for the new employer.

Can I work while waiting for the decision?

A passport stamp confirms legal stay, but the right to work is assessed separately. A new job may require a separate legal basis.

Can I leave Poland while waiting for the decision?

The stamp confirms legal stay in Poland but does not replace a visa for re-entry. Check your specific travel rights before leaving.

How is a work-based residence card different from a work permit?

The residence card combines the right to stay and work in one decision. A work permit only authorises work and does not legalise residence.

Who completes Załącznik nr 1: me or the employer?

The employer completes and signs it. We help ensure that its details match the contract and the application.

How much are the state fees and when are they paid?

The stamp duty for the permit is 440 zł, the residence card issuance fee is 100 zł, and an amendment costs 220 zł. We explain the payment stage during preparation.

For how long is a work-based residence card issued?

It can be issued for between 3 months and 3 years. The office determines the period based on the circumstances of the case.

How long does the decision take?

Timing depends on the voivodeship and the office workload and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Do I need to visit the office in person?

The application is submitted electronically through MOS, but fingerprints must be provided in person, usually after an invitation from the office.

I received a wezwanie. What should I do?

It is a request from the office for documents or explanations by a stated deadline. A timely response is essential so the case is not left without consideration.

Can I apply with an umowa zlecenie contract?

Yes. The contract type alone is not an obstacle; the actual terms and stability of income are important.

Do I need PESEL or a Trusted Profile to apply?

Electronic filing through MOS normally requires a login method, usually a Trusted Profile, which in turn generally requires a PESEL number.

Do you find a job for me?

No. We do not provide job placement. We help with the legal basis, documents and filing once you already have a job or an offer.

Contact

Not sure this is the right option?

Describe your situation: your current basis of stay in Poland, the document you need and whether you already have an office case. We will suggest the next step.

Describe your situation Write on Telegram
Contact

Describe your situation

If you are not sure which service you need, briefly describe what is happening. We will suggest the next step and how to prepare.

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