Permanent Residence in Poland: The Difference Between the EU Resident Card and the Permanent Residence Card in Poland.

Learning the Polish language is often connected to the need to legalize your stay in Poland. At our Polish language school, TOGETHER, we not only teach Polish but also help foreigners navigate the complexities of legalizing their stay. In this article, we’ll explore two key documents that allow you to legally stay in Poland — the EU Resident Card and the Permanent Residence Card.

What is the EU Resident Card?

The EU Resident Card (Karta Rezydenta UE) is a document designed for third-country nationals who have lived in Poland continuously for at least five years. This status offers several significant advantages:

• Long-term residence: The EU Resident Card allows you to reside in Poland permanently.
• Work without restrictions: Holders of this card can work in Poland without needing additional permits.
• Freedom of movement: Cardholders can travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays without needing a visa.

What are the requirements to obtain the EU Resident Card?

To obtain the EU Resident Card, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Continuous residence in Poland for at least five years: Your stay must be uninterrupted.
• Proof of stable income and accommodation: You must provide documents that demonstrate your financial stability and place of residence.
• Proficiency in Polish at least at the B1 level: To prove your knowledge of the Polish language, you need to present a diploma from a Polish school or university, or one of the following certificates: TELC or The state exam At our school, you can prepare for and take both of these exams.

The processing time for the EU Resident Card can take up to 6 months, and the application fee is 640 PLN. Additionally, there is a 100 PLN fee for the card itself. The permit is issued indefinitely, but the plastic card must be renewed every five years.
After three years of living in Poland with the EU Resident Card, you can apply for Polish citizenship.

The Permanent Residence Card (Karta Stałego Pobytu) is a document that grants a foreigner the right to reside and work in Poland indefinitely without the need for additional permits. It also allows for travel within the Schengen Area (without the right to work outside Poland) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

What are the requirements to obtain the Permanent Residence Card?

To obtain the Permanent Residence Card in Poland, you need to meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Be a child of a Polish citizen or the child of a foreigner who has been granted a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident permit during the validity of the temporary residence permit granted to that foreigner.
• Possess a Polish Card (Karta Polaka) or have Polish ancestry and intend to settle in Poland permanently.
• Be married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years before the date of applying for permanent residence.
• Have been granted asylum in Poland.

The application fee is 640 PLN. Additionally, there is a 100 PLN fee for the card itself. The permit is issued indefinitely, but the plastic card must be renewed every ten years.

After one year of living in Poland with the Permanent Residence Card, you can apply for Polish citizenship. To obtain citizenship, you must prove your knowledge of the Polish language at a level no lower than B1. This can be done by presenting a diploma from a Polish school or university or a certificate from the state Polish language exam, which you can prepare for and take at our school.

Choosing between the EU Resident Card and the Permanent Residence Card depends on your situation and goals. If you have been living in Poland for more than five years, work legally, and want to take advantage of the benefits provided by EU resident status, then the EU Resident Card may be the best option for you. However, if you have certain grounds, such as Polish ancestry or marriage to a Polish citizen, the Permanent Residence Card might be more suitable.

In any case, both documents offer significant advantages for those planning long-term residence in Poland. You can always get detailed information and assistance with document preparation at our school.

Come to our Polish language school, TOGETHER! We’ll guide and advise you on all the key issues, as well as teach you Polish to the required level. At our school, you can prepare for and take the state exam or TELC. With us, everything is possible!