Who Needs a Temporary Residence Card?

If you're a non-EU/EEA citizen and plan to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a TRC. The reasons for applying may vary, and the most common categories include:

• Work: Foreigners who have secured employment or plan to start work in Poland.
• Study: Students enrolled in Polish universities or educational institutions.
• Family Reunification: Individuals joining family members who are Polish citizens or have long-term residency in Poland.
• Business: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, or business owners operating in Poland.
• Humanitarian Reasons: In some cases, a TRC may be granted on humanitarian grounds or other special circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for a TRC

To qualify for a Temporary Residence Card in Poland, you must meet the following requirements:

• Legitimate reason for staying: You must provide a valid reason for your stay in Poland, such as employment, study, family reunification, or other justifications.
• Financial Stability: Applicants must show proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in Poland.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance (either through public or private means) is mandatory for all applicants.
• Clean Criminal Record: You may be required to present a background check from your country of origin to prove that you have no serious criminal history.
• Legal Entry to Poland: You should have entered Poland legally, typically with a valid visa or visa exemption, depending on your nationality.

The Application Process for a TRC

Step 1: Determine the Type of TRC You Need

The application process varies depending on the purpose of your stay. Common types include:

• TRC for Work: If you have a job offer, you’ll likely need a work permit or combined residence and work permit.
• TRC for Study: Students need proof of enrollment at a Polish educational institution.
• TRC for Family Reunification: You will need documents proving your relationship with a Polish citizen or resident in Poland.
• TRC for Buisness: If you have a business and the business meets certain crieria.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

The documents you need to apply for a TRC will vary depending on the type of residence permit you’re applying for, but the common required documents include:

• Application form: This must be completed and signed.
• Valid passport: A copy of your passport and relevant visa pages.
• Biometric photos: Recent passport-sized photos.
• Proof of address: Rental agreement or proof of ownership in Poland.
• Proof of financial resources: Bank statements, employment contract, or proof of income.
• Health insurance: Documentation proving you have valid health insurance in Poland.
• Additional documents: Specific documents based on the purpose of your stay, such as work contract, enrollment confirmation, or marriage certificate.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Where to Apply: Applications are submitted in person at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) for the region where you reside. Each region may have slight procedural differences, so it’s important to check the website or visit the local office for specific details.
• Biometrics: As part of your application, you will need to provide fingerprints.
• Application Fee: Depending on the type of permit, there will be an application fee ranging between 300 and 450 PLN (approximately 70-100 EUR).

Step 4: Attend the Interview (If Required)

In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview at the Voivodeship Office. During the interview, the immigration officer may ask about your reasons for applying for a TRC and your ties to Poland. In some cases, applicants may be visited by Police or Border Guard (stay with Polish spouse).

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

The processing time can range from 1 to 6 months depending on the type of TRC you’re applying for and the region where you submitted the application. If the Voivodeship Office approves your application, they will issue the residence card.

Rights and Benefits of the TRC

Holders of a TRC gain several rights and benefits, such as:

• Legal Stay: You can legally stay in Poland for up to 3 years.
• Work Authorization: usually TRC holders have access to the labour market in Poland without needing a separate work permit.
• Travel within Schengen Area: Travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.
• Access to Services: You can access Polish public services like healthcare and education.

Renewing or Extending a Temporary Residence Card

If your situation remains the same and you plan to stay in Poland beyond the expiration date of your current TRC, you can apply for a renewal or extension. Usually you need to apply at latest in your last legal day (last day of cuurent TRC).