Temporary Residence Permit for Business Activity in Poland

Last updated: 11.03.2026

Introduction – Temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting business activity in Poland

A temporary residence permit granted for business activity is a residence option designed for non-EU nationals who plan to start or are already running a business on the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Polish law sets out four main situations where you should apply for this type of permit if you intend to stay territory of Poland for more than three months:

• if you hold shares or stocks in a company that is a legal entity (for example, a limited liability company, a limited joint stock partnership or limited joint-stock company), regardless of whether you perform any management or supervisory functions,
• if you manage a partnership, such as a general partner in a limited partnership,
• if you act as a commercial proxy (prokurent) in a business registered in the National Court Register,
• if you run a sole proprietorship registered in the central register (registered in CEIDG).

If you are a member of the company’s management board but do not directly hold shares, you should instead apply for a combined temporary residence and work permit.

Residence Permit vs. Business Visa

In international practice, the term “business visa” is used instead of “residence permit for the purpose of conducting business activity”, which is incorrect. These are different documents, the issuance of which is based on different criteria.

The key similarities and differences between these residence permits are presented in the table below:

Conditions for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit for Business Activity in Poland

The requirements for this permit fall into two categories: those that apply to you personally, and those that apply to your business.

Personal Requirements for a Temporary Residence Permit

To obtain a permit, you must demonstrate that you:

• have a stable and regular income sufficient to support yourself and your dependent family members (in 2026: at least PLN 1,010 net per month if you live alone, or PLN 823 net per family member),
• are covered by health insurance in Poland, understood as health care services financed from public funds or private insurance covering treatment costs,
• have secured accommodation in Poland together with a document confirming their right to use the premises (for example, a lease agreement or proof of property ownership),
• hold any professional licenses or authorizations required to perform your planned activity, where applicable, in line with your legal status

Business Requirements for a Temporary Residence Permit

If you operate through a company (e.g. a limited liability company), you also need to show that the company:

• earned in the previous tax year an income of at least 12 times the average gross monthly salary in the region where the company is registered, as published by the Central Statistical Office,
• or employs at least two people full-time on permanent contracts, who are either Polish citizens or foreigners with long-term residence rights (e.g. permanent residence, EU long-term resident), in accordance with regulations on employment promotion and labour market institutions,
• or demonstrates such a possibility in the future, supported by financial documents, documents indicating planned development, including investment plans, technology transfer, or the ability to conclude contracts.

The same rules apply to your business activity in the form of a sole proprietorship.

Documents Required to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit for for Doing Business in Poland

When submitting the application form, you must provide the required documents, including:

• 4 recent photographs,
• a copy of a valid travel document (passport),
• proof of payment of the stamp duty and residence card fee,
• documents confirming that you personally have:
  • a stable and regular source of income providing sufficient funds (e.g. annual PIT, employment or civil law contract, bank statements),
  • health insurance coverage,
  • a place of residence in Poland (lease agreement or notarial deed of ownership),
• business-related documentation, including in particular:
  • company extract from KRS or CEIDG,
  • articles of association,
  • accounting records, invoices, employment contracts, financial statements
  • a CIT-8 tax return for the tax year preceding the year preceding the submission of the application, together with confirmation of filing with the tax office,
  • certificates confirming no arrears with taxes or contributions issued by the tax office and the social insurance institution,
  • a business plan (in the case of newly established companies or activities).
• If you are acting through an attorney, you must attach a relevant power of attorney to your application.

If clarification of the submitted documents and evidence is required, the authority may request that you testify regarding circumstances relevant to the issuance of a positive decision.

Documents must be submitted in their original form or as a certified copy, including by authenticating the copy of the document, as required by the authority conducting the proceedings. Documents written in a foreign language must be submitted with a translation into Polish prepared by a sworn translator.

Please note that for individuals performing functions in the company’s management board but not as shareholders, you must apply for a uniform temporary residence and work permit, as performing this function without owning shares in the company is not considered conducting business activity.

The above list of documents is only an example, primarily applicable to limited liability companies. If you conduct business activity in a form other than holding company shares, for example, managing the affairs of a limited partnership, the authority may request you to submit additional documents or explanations regarding the company during the proceedings, not specified in the above list.

Where and When to Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Poland?

You apply to the Voivode (regional governor) competent for your place of stay in Poland, either in person or by registered mail through the Polish post office (Poczta Polska) or by a person authorized to submit the application.

The application must be submitted no later than on the last day of your legal stay in Poland (for example, based on a visa or visa-free entry).

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you file a complete application without formal deficiencies, your stay remains legal until the final decision is issued.

During this time, you may leave Poland, but you cannot travel within Schengen or re-enter Poland unless you hold a valid visa or visa-free right.

Fees and Processing Time for a Temporary Residence Permit

• Application fee: PLN 340
• Residence card fee: PLN 100
• Processing time: officially up to 60 days, but in practice often up to 12 months.

Validity Period

The permit may be issued for a period from 3 months to 3 years, but never for an indefinite period, depending on:

• the stage of development of your business (new ventures may receive shorter permits),
• documented growth plans, investments, and employment levels and as many documents as required to assess the impact of the activity on the national economy.
  If you need to extend your stay, you must apply for a new permit while your current permit is still valid, unless you hold a visa or can use visa-free entry.

Revocation

The permit may be revoked if, for example:

• you or your company stop conducting business,
• your business activity is suspended,
• you no longer meet the requirements (e.g. you lose health insurance or accommodation).

Comparison: Temporary Residence Permit vs EU Blue Card

Summary

A temporary residence permit for business activity is a practical solution for non-EU nationals who want to build their business presence in Poland without applying for a permanent residence permit. However, obtaining it requires meeting both personal conditions (income, insurance, housing) and business conditions (sufficient revenue or job creation).

Authorities carefully verify all documentation and business plans, often in detail, so proper preparation of the application is essential. Professional legal support can significantly facilitate the process and reduce procedural risks.

If you plan to start or expand your business in Poland and want to stay here legally, get in touch with our team. We’ll support you at every step – from choosing the right business structure to preparing your application and representing you before the Voivode’s office.

F.A.Q. – Temporary residence permit for the purpose of running a Business in Poland