What the permit is
The temporary residence permit allows a foreigner from outside the EU to live in Poland for a defined purpose for up to three years. Once granted, you receive a residence card (karta pobytu), which also lets you travel within the Schengen area for short stays. Many permits for work also authorize employment, so you don't need a separate work permit.
Common grounds
The most common grounds are work (often combined with a work authorization in a single permit), running a business or serving on a company's board, family (joining a spouse who is a Polish citizen or a foreign resident), and studies. Each ground has its own conditions and documents. Choosing the one that matches your real situation, and that will still match it a year from now, matters as much as the paperwork.
MOS 2.0: online-only filing
Since 27 April 2026, most applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and EU long-term residence must be filed electronically through the MOS system. Paper applications in these categories are left unexamined, apart from a short list of exceptions. Filing correctly the first time is now even more important. We prepare and submit the electronic application for you.
What slows cases down
The most common causes of delay are missing documents, unclear employment terms and gaps in legal stay. We review everything before filing, answer official letters promptly and keep you informed. Warsaw cases in particular can take many months, so we plan your timeline with that in mind. For a detailed walkthrough, read our guide to the temporary residence permit.
