Sejm has approved the digitization of temporary residence applications: e-applications and a new form for residence permits in Poland

October 2025 brought two significant legislative steps in the legalization of foreigners’ stay in Poland:

• The Sejm adopted another amendment to the Act on Foreigners,
• Ministry of Interior and Administration published a draft regulation regarding the temporary residence application form.

Both acts are interconnected- the new form is intended to align official practices with the changes provided for in the Act.

The End of Paper Applications

On October 17, 2025, the Sejm passed an amendment to the Act on Foreigners, introducing the requirement to submit residence applications exclusively electronically. This will apply to applications for:

• temporary residence permits,
• permanent residence permits,
• long-term EU resident permits.

The process will be carried out through the MOS2 system (Case Management Module 2), which will enable electronic document flow between the applicant, the voivodeship office, and the relevant services.

The changes are primarily aimed at streamlining and accelerating procedures, reducing abuses (including “artificial” applications submitted to extend stays), and standardizing the processing of foreigners across all voivodeships.

The amendment is currently undergoing legislative process – following a resolution by the Sejm, it has been forwarded to the Senate and will then await the President’s signature and publication in the Journal of Laws. The effective date will depend on the outcome of the Senate’s work and any amendments, but the initial changes are to be implemented in stages.

New Temporary Residence Application Form – Draft Regulation.

On October 21, 2025, the Ministry of Interior and Administration published a draft regulation on a new application form for granting a temporary residence permit to foreigners in its work schedule. This is an implementing act for the amendment and is intended to adapt the application process to the electronic system.

What are the most important changes envisaged in the draft?

New Application Form

The draft provides for a completely updated application form, more detailed and ready for electronic completion. The layout of sections, the method of describing residence permits, and instructions for foreigners and employers will be changed.

New Annex No. 1

Previously, Annex No. 1 (signed by the employer) primarily included data on the entity entrusting the work. After the change, it will also include data on the foreigner, which will facilitate the linking of documentation in the MOS system and reduce errors and incomplete applications. The employer will therefore be required to provide more data.

Hybrid System Unchanged

Despite the widespread digitalization of proceedings, the procedure for obtaining residence permits will remain hybrid: applications and attachments will be submitted electronically, but foreigners will still be required to appear in person at the office for fingerprinting and identity verification.

When will the new regulations take effect?

The draft regulation is currently undergoing inter-ministerial consultations and agreements. It will enter into force after adoption by the Minister, publication, and, importantly, coordination with the effective date of the amendment to the Act.

Digital application, new responsibilities- are you ready?

Changes in regulations mean more paperwork and new requirements for employers and foreigners. Take advantage of our law firm’s assistance and prepare a correct application the first time around.

Contact our team of experts!