ul. Dywizjonu AK "Jeleń" 7B/U4, WarszawaA temporary residence and work permit is granted in Poland. This temporary residence permit is a uniform permit because it allows you to stay on the territory of Poland and work at the same time, in accordance with specified conditions.
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Contact Marcin →Temporary residence permit for work purposes
Temporary residence permit for work may be granted to foreigners with various levels of qualifications and skills. This applies to both low- and medium-skilled workers as well as highly-skilled workers. This temporary residence permit is relatively affordable and can be obtained faster than other types of temporary residence permits.
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A temporary residence and work permit (TRC for work) allows foreigners to legally live and work in Poland for more than three months. It enables residence and employment under the conditions listed in the issued decision and provides the basis for receiving a residence card.
A temporary residence and work permit, also known as a TRC for work, is a document that authorizes a foreigner to both reside and legally work in Poland. It is issued for stays longer than three months. After the permit is granted, the foreigner receives a residence card, which allows legal border crossing and serves as proof of legal stay.
Conditions for Obtaining a Temporary Residence and Work Permit
To receive a residence permit for work, a foreigner must meet the following conditions:
- submit the application during a period of legal stay,
- appear in person to complete formalities such as fingerprinting and presenting the original passport,
- provide all required documents confirming eligibility.
Procedure for Granting a TRC for Work
1. Submission of the Application
The process begins when the foreigner submits the application in person or by post to the relevant voivodeship office.
2. Giving Fingerprints & Receiving the Stamp
If the application for a temporary residence and work permit is submitted in person, the foreigner gives fingerprints and receives a stamp in the passport confirming the submission of the application. The course of the procedure for granting a temporary residence and work permit based on an application sent by post is different, because after sending the application the foreigner is asked to appear in person in order to have fingerprints taken. During that visit, and in some voivodeship offices later, the foreigner receives a stamp in the passport, which is the official confirmation of submitting the application.
3. Attaching Documents & Explanatory Proceedings
After providing fingerprints, a foreigner is required—if it was not done when submitting the application—to submit all necessary supporting documents (see below). The administrative authority then conducts a thorough review, verifying that all legal requirements are met. In addition, it may consult other authorities to obtain opinions on whether the foreigner’s entry into Poland and stay in the country could pose a risk to national defense, state security, or public order and safety.
4. Issuing the Decision
If the application is approved, the foreigner receives a decision granting a temporary residence and work permit (TRC for work) for a maximum period of up to 3 years.
5. Collection of the Residence Card
After receiving the decision, the residence card is produced and should be collected.
To help you find the right office, we’ve prepared a complete list of all competent Voivodeship Offices in Poland: View the list of offices
Fees for a Temporary Residence and Work Permit
- Permit fee: 440 PLN
- Power of attorney fee (if applicable): 17 PLN
- Residence card: 100 PLN
The fee must be paid before submitting the application. Proof of payment must be attached.
Here you can find complete information on the official government fees for residence permits in Poland.
Required Documents for a TRC for Work
Basic documents:
- completed application form for a temporary residence and work permit,
- Annex No. 1 from the employer,
- passport (original + copy),
- two recent photographs,
- proof of fee payment,
- document confirming legal stay (if not shown in the passport).
Additional documents often required:
- documents confirming qualifications to perform a specific regulated profession.
- documents confirming the possession of financial means or sources of income necessary to cover obligations resulting from employing the foreigner.
- a certificate from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) confirming that the employer has no arrears in payment of social insurance contributions, health insurance, Labour Fund, Guaranteed Employee Benefits Fund, Bridging Pensions Fund, and Solidarity Fund.
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Contact Us TodayMost Common Reasons for Refusal
The usual reasons for refusal to issue a temporary residence permit for the purpose of work are:
- failure to provide the required documents.
- submission of forged documents or false information.
- the employer is in arrears with the payment of social insurance contributions (ZUS) or taxes, or does not conduct actual business activity.
- the foreigner’s data appears in the register of foreigners whose stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland is considered undesirable.
Please note that we assist in obtaining permits or visas, but we do not help with finding employment in Poland.
Our Services - TRC for work
Our experienced immigration lawyer provides professional support for temporary residence permits and work visas. You can rely on us to guide you at every stage of the process:
Legal Advice: We provide personalized guidance on obtaining a temporary residence permit or work visa, tailored to your specific situation. Our goal is to help you understand your options clearly and make informed decisions.
Professional Representation: We represent you in all matters related to granting a temporary residence permit, ensuring your rights and interests are fully protected throughout the process.
Application Assistance: We assist in preparing and organizing all required documents for your application, making sure every detail is correct and nothing is overlooked.
Procedure Acceleration: To help you avoid unnecessary delays, we take actions to speed up the process, including sending reminders and filing complaints when needed.
Appeals and Requests: If your application encounters obstacles, we help you prepare well-founded appeals and requests for reconsideration, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Court Representation: Should your case require it, we provide professional legal representation in court, advocating for your best interests at every stage.
Comprehensive Immigration Support: We offer full legal service in immigration law concerning visas or temporary residence permits, covering every step of the process with expertise and care.
Work visa
You can obtain a work visa at the Polish consulate/embassy in your country outside of Poland. You cannot apply for a visa in Poland. To obtain a work visa, you generally need a work permit, so-called invitation. Only after obtaining a visa and arriving in Poland you can apply for a temporary residence permit. You can receive a visa for a maximum period of 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need health insurance?
No, if insurance will be provided by the employment forming the basis for the application.
2. Do I need a rental contract?
No. Since January 2022, offices cannot require this document.
3. Can I obtain a TRC for work with a part-time salary below minimum wage?
No. Earnings must be at least the statutory minimum.
4. Is the employer still required to obtain the starosta’s information?
No. This obligation was abolished on 01.06.2025.
5. Can entrepreneurs apply?
No. If the applicant runs a business on the day of applying, the office will refuse to initiate proceedings.
6. Can I apply with a residence card from another Schengen country?
No. Such a card does not allow applying for a TRC for work in Poland.
7. How long is the waiting time?
Several months to a year, depending on the office and workload.
8. How long to receive the residence card?
Usually a few weeks after the positive decision.
9. Can I travel with the decision alone?
No. Only the physical residence card allows border crossing.
10. Can I speed up the process?
Yes. You may file reminders or complaints for delays or inactivity.
Warsaw Office
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