Residence card for a foreigner's child in Poland
Karta czasowego pobytu and karta stałego pobytu for a child - full legal support with the application for a temporary residence permit for a foreigner's child in Warsaw.
Complete documentation
We prepare the karta pobytu dla dziecka cudzoziemca application and full document set required by the voivode office.
Fast filing
We book the appointment at the voivode office and assist on submission day.
Legal representation
An experienced lawyer handles the case from the first consultation to card pickup.
No formal errors
Document audit eliminates the most common reasons for refusal in child residence-permit cases.
Get a free consultation
A lawyer will call back within an hour to discuss your child's residence card case.
Residence card for a foreigner's child - legal basis
A residence card for a child (karta pobytu dla dziecka) legalises the stay of a minor foreigner in Poland. The most common basis is a temporary residence permit for a foreigner's child (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy dla dziecka cudzoziemca) for family reunification with a parent holding a temporary, permanent or EU long-term residence permit, or birth of a child during the parent's valid stay.
A permanent residence card for a child (karta stałego pobytu dla dziecka) can be issued when the child was born in Poland to a parent with permanent residence or when other statutory grounds apply. A temporary residence card for a child is usually issued until the child turns 18, synchronised with the parent's card.
Temporary vs permanent residence card for a child
| Temporary residence card | Permanent residence card | |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Temporary residence permit for a child | Permanent residence permit for a child |
| Validity | Up to 3 years (max until age 18) | Indefinite (card 10 years) |
| Main ground | Parent's temporary/permanent stay | Born in Poland to a parent with permanent residence |
| Right to work | Not applicable to minors | Not applicable to minors |
Who qualifies
- The parent holds a valid temporary, permanent or EU long-term residence permit in Poland.
- The child was born in Poland during the parent's valid residence permit.
- The child stays under the care of a parent or legal guardian residing in Poland.
- Kinship (birth certificate) and the parent's residence basis can be documented.
Required documents
- Application form for a temporary or permanent residence permit for the child.
- 4 recent biometric photos of the child.
- Child's birth certificate (with sworn translation if foreign).
- Copy of the child's passport + original for inspection.
- Parent's residence card and decision granting their permit.
- Proof of the child's address registration in Poland.
- Proof of stamp-duty payment.
How the process works
- 1
Free consultation
We analyse the parent's status and the child's situation to pick the best legal basis.
- 2
Document preparation
We compile the full set required by the voivode office.
- 3
Appointment booking
We register the filing appointment for the child's residence card.
- 4
Filing
We accompany you when the application is submitted and fingerprints are taken (age 6+).
- 5
Case monitoring
We stay in touch with the office and react to any request.
- 6
Card pickup
We help collect the decision and issue the residence card for the child.
Timing and costs
Our services
- Document analysis and legal basis selection.
- Drafting the temporary or permanent residence permit application for the child.
- Full representation before the voivode.
- Appeals against refusals to the Head of the Office for Foreigners.
- Assistance with address registration, PESEL for the child and related matters.
- Advice on renewing the child's residence card.
Frequently asked questions
Does a foreigner's child born in Poland get a residence card automatically?+
No. An application for a temporary or permanent residence permit for the foreigner's child must be filed at the voivode office. If the parent holds permanent residence, the child may obtain a permanent residence card.
For how long is a temporary residence card for a child issued?+
It is usually issued to match the parent's card, maximum until the child turns 18.
How long does it take?+
Typically 2-6 months from filing a complete application, depending on voivode office workload.
Must the child attend the filing appointment?+
Yes. The child must appear in person - for children aged 6+ fingerprints are collected for the residence card.
What if the parent's status changes?+
The child's residence card is tied to the parent's status. When the parent obtains permanent residence, a permanent residence card can be applied for the child.
What if the voivode refuses?+
There is a 14-day appeal to the Head of the Office for Foreigners. Our team handles appeal proceedings as well.
Contact us
Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber
Available on the same number
Aleja Prymasa Tysiąclecia 83A/133
01-242 Warszawa, Polska
Get a free consultation
A lawyer will call back within an hour to discuss your child's residence card case.