Permit types

Seven routes to a karta pobytu. One of them is yours.

Every temporary residence permit a non-EU citizen can apply for from inside Poland, with the legal basis, the fees, the validity and the typical wait in Warsaw. Verified 4 September 2026.

art. 114 ustawy o cudzoziemcach

Temporary residence and work permit (single permit)

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i prace

The standard route for foreigners employed by a Polish employer: one decision covers both residence and the right to work for the employer named in it.

Stamp duty + card: 440 + 100 PLN
Warsaw wait: 9-14 months
Validity: Up to 3 years (in practice 1-3 years, tied to the contract)

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art. 127 ustawy o cudzoziemcach

EU Blue Card (temporary residence for highly qualified employment)

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy w celu wykonywania pracy w zawodzie wymagajacym wysokich kwalifikacji (Niebieska Karta UE)

For degree holders (or experienced IT specialists) with a salary above the Blue Card floor; brings easier family reunification, EU mobility, a decision not tied to a named employer and a faster path to long-term residence.

Stamp duty + card: 440 + 100 PLN
Warsaw wait: 9-14 months
Validity: Work period plus 3 months, max 3 years (art. 128)

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art. 144 ustawy o cudzoziemcach

Temporary residence for full-time studies

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy w celu ksztalcenia sie na studiach

For full-time students of Polish universities; the first permit is issued for 15 months, later ones for the study period plus 3 months, up to 3 years.

Stamp duty + card: 340 + 50 PLN
Warsaw wait: 6-12 months
Validity: 15 months for the first permit (2 years under an EU mobility programme, 2.5 years for doctoral schools); then study period + 3 months, max 3 years (art. 145)

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art. 159 ustawy o cudzoziemcach

Temporary residence for family reunification

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy w celu polaczenia sie z rodzina

For spouses and minor children of foreigners who hold permanent residence, long-term EU residence, a Blue Card, or temporary permits for at least 2 consecutive years (current one for at least 1 year).

Stamp duty + card: 340 + 100 PLN
Warsaw wait: 9-14 months
Validity: Up to the validity of the sponsor's permit, max 3 years

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art. 158 ust. 1 pkt 1 ustawy o cudzoziemcach

Temporary residence for the spouse of a Polish citizen

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy dla malzonka obywatela polskiego

For spouses of Polish citizens: no income test; the permit allows work without a permit and leads to permanent residence after 3 years of marriage and 2 years of stay (art. 195 ust. 1 pkt 4).

Stamp duty + card: 340 + 100 PLN
Warsaw wait: 6-12 months
Validity: Up to 3 years

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art. 142 ustawy o cudzoziemcach

Temporary residence for business activity

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy w celu prowadzenia dzialalnosci gospodarczej

For sole traders, board members and B2B contractors whose business meets the income or employment test, or credibly will.

Stamp duty + card: 340 + 100 PLN
Warsaw wait: 9-14 months
Validity: Up to 3 years

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art. 187 ustawy o cudzoziemcach (graduates seeking work: art. 186 ust. 1 pkt 6)

Temporary residence due to other circumstances

Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy ze wzgledu na inne okolicznosci

The catch-all: graduates of Polish universities looking for work (one-off 9-month permit), family life not covered elsewhere, and other justified circumstances.

Stamp duty + card: 340 + 100 PLN
Warsaw wait: 9-14 months
Validity: Usually up to 1 year; 9 months for graduates seeking work

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Not sure which one applies?

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