Last updated: 10.03.2026
For third country nationals who have lived legally in Poland for several years, the EU long-term resident permit provides an opportunity to obtain a stable legal status and long-term EU residence within an EU Member State. This status grants enhanced security of stay as well as access to selected mobility rights and free movement within other EU Member States, subject to applicable regulations placing long-term residents in a legal position comparable in many respects to that of EU citizens.
The guide below explains the key legal requirements, required documentation, and the application process for obtaining long-term EU resident status in Poland, in accordance with national regulations and EU law.
Who can apply for the permanent residence permit in Poland?
An application for a long term residence permit in Poland may be submitted by a foreign national who has lived legally in Poland for at least five years during an uninterrupted period immediately preceding the application, regardless of whether the stay was initially granted for a temporary purpose.
The applicant must also meet all of the following conditions:
- hold a current residence permit throughout the entire period of stay, including at the time the application is filed, and ensure that the application is submitted before the current residence permit expires,
- demonstrate a stable and regular source of income, supported by appropriate employment contracts or other lawful sources, sufficient to cover living expenses,
- possess valid health insurance,
- demonstrate knowledge of the Polish language at the required B1 level, confirmed by an official certificate or a diploma issued upon completion of studies in Poland.
What is uninterrupted residence?
An uninterrupted period of residence means that the foreign national has remained in the territory of Poland for the required time spent without excessive or unjustified absences. Short departures from Poland or another EU country are permitted, provided that they do not exceed the statutory limits and do not undermine the continuity of residence.
As a rule, residence is considered uninterrupted if:
- each absence must not exceed 6 months,
- and in total, absences must not exceed 10 months within 5 years.
Longer stays abroad may be accepted if properly documented, e.g., proof of business travel (or treatment abroad.
How to calculate the residence period before applying for the EU long-term resident status?
Not all visas and temporary residence permits in Poland are counted the same way toward the required five-year uninterrupted stay needed for the long-term resident permit.
Below is an overview of how different types of residence are counted:
Residence counted at 100%:
- national visas (excluding educational visas: 09 – Studies, 10 – Vocational training, 11 – Education/part-time studies),
- temporary residence permits (excluding 144 – studies, 187 point 1a – education, 187 point 1b – internship, 181 – short-term stay),
- visa-free travel,
- pending period between submission of temporary residence application and decision issuance (fully counted).
- periods of legal residence completed on the basis of an EU Blue Card, including residence in another EU Member State, where the statutory mobility requirements are fulfilled. (more about EU blue card you can find here)
Residence counted at 50%:
- visa 09 – if the purpose was studies,
- visa 10 – vocational training,
- visa 11 – education/part-time studies,
- residence based on Article 187 point 1 letters a and b (education or training),
- residence under international protection after 18 months,
- pending period between submission of temporary residence application and decision issuance (counted at 50%).
Residence not counted (0%):
- Schengen visa 21 – humanitarian purpose,
- residence based on Article 144 – humanitarian stay,
- period of return obligation,
- illegal stay (breaks continuity),
- small border traffic.
Who cannot apply for an EU Long-Term Resident Permit in Poland?
- persons based on humanitarian visa or stay,
- posted workers or persons residing for a temporary purpose, including work under intra-company transfer arrangements,
- participants in international exchange programs or other forms of temporary stay,
- persons under international or temporary protection.
Documents required when submitting the application
When submitting an application for EU Long-Term Resident Permit, the applicant is required to attach the following required attachments:
completed application form – note: From June 1, 2025, a new application form for the EU long-term resident permit is required,
- 4 photos meeting the requirements,
- copy of a valid passport,
- documents confirming 5-year stay in Poland,
- documents confirming stable and regular income over the last 3 years before application,
- documents confirming Polish language proficiency at minimum B1 level,
- valid health insurance,
- document confirming legal title to a residence (e.g., rental agreement, property deed, cooperative housing allocation),
- administrative fee: PLN 640,
- residence card fee: PLN 100.
All documents must remain valid until the expiry date of the current residence permit and be submitted before the permit expires. Copies of documents must be certified, and the authority may request originals for inspection.
In such case, where the documentation is incomplete or unclear, the authority may request additional documents in order to properly assess the application. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in a negative decision.
Where and when to submit the application?
The application must be submitted at the Voivodeship Office appropriate for the foreigner’s place of residence, no later than on the last day of legal stay, after completing 5 years of residence in Poland.
Benefits of obtaining the permit EU Long-Term Resident Permit
- The EU long-term resident permit is granted indefinitely, but the plastic residence permit card must be renewed every 5 years,
- right to work without obtaining work permits,
- easier mobility within the EU,
- status is retained despite temporary unemployment.
Following a positive decision, the foreign national is issued a new residence card, which serves as official confirmation of the right of residence in Poland.
Reasons of refusal or revocation
- refusal due to failure to meet requirements,
- revocation in case of prolonged absence outside the EU (12+ months).
Practical tips
- gather documents in advance,
- check passport validity,
- ensure that all data and copies are legible and up to date,
- submit the application only after collecting all necessary documents – it will streamline the process.
Summary
Obtaining the status of an EU long-term resident is a real opportunity for residence stabilization and broader rights in Poland and the European Union. The process requires precision and fulfillment of several conditions, but with proper preparation, it is entirely achievable.
