Eligibility quiz
Are you legally married to your partner?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Poland
You can live in Poland for the period in your decision, normally more than three months and no longer than three years.
You can rent or live in accommodation, and your residence card shows your permission to stay.
Study in Poland
You can study under the ordinary rules for people living legally in Poland.
Work in Poland
You can work in Poland without a separate work permit.
Visit Schengen countries
A valid residence card and passport normally let you visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You can also leave Poland and return while your residence card and travel document are valid.
Count time toward settlement
Time on this permit can count towards the five years of uninterrupted lawful residence needed for long-term EU residence.
Exclusions and special counting rules apply, and the later status is not automatic.
Get family support
If you live in Poland with your children during the benefit period, you may qualify for Active Parent benefits if you meet the scheme’s conditions.
How to apply
From outside PolandFrom outside Poland
Find your spouse’s office
Ask your spouse in Poland to find the voivodeship office for their place of residence.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Poland voivodeship office in your city handles temporary residence permits for family reunification?”
Download the application forms
Get the temporary residence permit application form and the written-consent form for family reunification.
Find the formsSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download Poland’s temporary residence permit for family reunification application and written-consent forms?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the voivodeship office.
See required documentsFill in the forms
Your spouse in Poland fills in and signs the paper application. Sign the written consent so your spouse can apply for you.
See how to completeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do we complete Poland’s temporary residence permit for family reunification application when the applicant is abroad?”
Hand in the application
Ask your spouse to mail or deliver the paper application, your written consent and the required documents to the voivodeship office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I file a paper application for a Poland temporary residence permit for family reunification at the voivodeship office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Respond to the office’s requests for more evidence, original or certified documents, or an interview.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after applying for a Poland temporary residence permit for family reunification?”
Find your consulate
Once your permit is granted, find the Polish consulate responsible for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Polish consulate covers your city for visa applications?”
Apply for your visa
Apply to the Polish consulate for the visa you need to enter Poland using your permit. You can then travel to Poland.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply at a Polish consulate in your city for a visa to use my temporary residence permit for family reunification in Poland?”
Once in PolandOnce in Poland
Apply for your card
After you enter Poland, apply to the voivodeship office for your residence card.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for a residence card after receiving a temporary residence permit for family reunification in Poland at the voivodeship office in your city?”
Collect your card
Collect your residence card from the voivodeship office. It is your proof of your permission to live in Poland.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my residence card for a temporary residence permit for family reunification in Poland at the voivodeship office in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Provide your marriage certificate, generally issued no more than three months before you apply. Use the original or a certified copy.
Proof of relationship
Provide evidence that your marriage is genuine and that you need to live together in Poland. This can include photos together from different times and occasions, witness statements, proof that you lived together or kept in contact, or your children's birth certificates.
Spouse's residence record
Provide proof of your spouse's qualifying residence status in Poland. This can be a copy of their residence permit or the decision granting it.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Keeping your stay lawful
If the reason for your stay ends, tell the regional governor within 15 working days; failing to do so can affect a later application.
Keep your passport and residence card valid, and get a new permit before yours ends if you have a basis to stay.
If your stay ends, leave Poland unless you have another right to stay; after a final refusal, closure or withdrawal, you generally have 30 days.
Residence permission can end
Your permission to stay ends on expiry or when you get another temporary permit, permanent residence, long-term EU residence or Polish citizenship.
It can be withdrawn if its purpose or conditions end, for false information or documents, or for defence, security or public-order risks or being listed as undesirable.
Unpaid taxes or state-funded return costs, or refusal of required infectious-disease treatment, can also lead to withdrawal.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Poland interested in Polish visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Poland interested in Polish visas
Join on FacebookTRC Poland – Complex & Non-Standard Residence Permit Cases
English Facebook group for people living in Poland interested in Polish visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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