Legalization of Stay in Poland

What is Legalization of Stay

Legalization of stay is a procedure for confirming a foreigner's right to be in Poland on legal grounds for more than 90 days.

For citizens of non-EU countries, this means mandatory possession of:

• valid visa or residence card;
• legal purpose of stay;
• submitted documents to the appropriate authority (voivodeship office).

Who is Considered Legally Residing

Legal residence is held by:

• EU and EEA citizens - when registering stay (over 90 days).
• Citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, etc. - on visa-free basis (up to 90 days in 180-day period) or with residence card.
• Third-country nationals - with visa, residence card, refugee status or temporary protection.
• Foreigners with submitted residence card application - with submission confirmation (stamp) and compliance with all conditions.

Who Risks Being Recognized as Illegally Residing

A person may be considered illegal if they:

• stay in Poland on expired visa or visa-free stay without submitting extension or residence card application;
• received refusal for residence card issuance and did not appeal the decision;
• work without permission or grounds (e.g., working for another employer not specified in the card);
• provided false information in application or documents;
• violate public order, threaten security, participate in illegal activities.

How to Legalize Stay

1. 01

   Submit residence card application

   The most common way. Allows legalizing residence for up to 3 years with possibility of extension. While waiting for a decision, you remain in legal stay status.

2. 02

   Register stay (for EU citizens)

   When residing in Poland for more than 90 days, registration procedure in office is required. Gives right to work, conclude rental agreements and process documents.

3. 03

   Obtain EU resident status or permanent residence

   For those who have lived in Poland for 5 or more years, have stable income, housing and passed Polish language exam.

4. 04

   Process card without attachment

   For persons staying in Poland for a long time. Allows maintaining residence right when changing jobs, temporary employment break, relocation or family circumstances changes.

Residence Cards as Legalization Tool

Each type of residence card is a way to legally stay and live in Poland:

• Temporary card

  Most common option, issued based on work, study, business, family reunification.

• Permanent residence

  For persons with Polish roots, spouses of Polish citizens, long-term residents.

• Blue Card

  For highly qualified specialists.

• EU resident card

  For those who have stably lived and worked in Poland for more than 5 years.

• Refugee status

  Granted to persons who cannot return to their country due to persecution threat.

• Unattached card

  For free continuation of legal stay, without limitation to specific purpose.

What is Included in BIZ PARTNER Support

• Analysis of grounds and stay status

• Determining optimal legalization method

• Preparing application, certificates, insurance, translations

• Office appointment, submission with curator

• Decision tracking, working with requests

• Appeals and deportation protection in complex cases

Why Choose Us

• Central office in Warsaw
• Regional offices throughout Poland
• 15 years of experience in migration law
• 900+ successful cases per year
• AI document package analysis system
• Service in Polish, English, Ukrainian, Russian
• Online consultations and remote case management
• Transparent contract, checklist and work schedule