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Residence permit renewal in Poland

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Urząd Wojewódzki (Voivodeship Office).

Renewing a residence permit in Poland involves submitting an application to the relevant Voivodeship Office before the current permit expires. The process typically requires submitting an application form, supporting documents, and providing fingerprints.

Your timing

It is generally advisable to apply for renewal at least a few months before the current residence permit expires. This allows sufficient time for appointment booking, gathering necessary documents, and accounts for potential processing delays at the Voivodeship Office. Applying close to the expiry date or after it can lead to complications regarding legal stay.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time is recommended because processing times for residence permit applications can vary significantly, often taking several months. Additionally, appointments for submitting applications at Voivodeship Offices can have long waiting lists.

The process

  1. 1Identify the correct Voivodeship Office responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
  2. 2Gather all required documents, including the application form, valid travel document, photographs, and proof of circumstances for stay (e.g., employment, study, family ties).
  3. 3Pay the stamp duty fee for the application and the fee for issuing the residence card.
  4. 4Submit the complete application package in person at the Voivodeship Office, typically requiring a prior appointment.
  5. 5Attend a fingerprinting appointment, usually scheduled during or shortly after the application submission.
  6. 6Respond to any requests from the Voivodeship Office for additional documents or information.
  7. 7Collect the new residence card once the application has been approved and processed.

What to bring

  • Completed application form (Wniosek o udzielenie zezwolenia na pobyt czasowy)
  • Four current, untorn, color photographs (35x45mm)
  • A valid travel document (passport), with copies of all pages containing stamps, visas, and annotations
  • Proof of payment for stamp duty
  • Documents confirming the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter, marriage certificate, business registration)
  • Proof of stable and regular income sufficient to cover living costs for the applicant and dependents
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of a place of residence in Poland

Who handles it

Urząd Wojewódzki (Voivodeship Office)

https://udsc.gov.pl/en/cudzoziemcy/obywatele-panstw-trzecich/chce-przedluzyc-swoj-pobyt-w-polsce/zezwolenie-na-pobyt-czasowy/

The standard fee for a temporary residence permit application (stamp duty) is generally 340 PLN. An additional fee of 120 PLN is typically charged for the issuance of the residence card. These fees should be confirmed with the specific Voivodeship Office, as they are subject to change.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all documents are complete and properly translated into Polish by a sworn translator if not originally in Polish.
  • Submitting the application after the current permit expires may lead to an illegal stay, though special provisions may apply if the application was submitted on time but processed slowly.
  • Appointment availability at some Voivodeship Offices can be very limited, requiring booking well in advance.
  • The specific set of required documents can vary based on the purpose of stay (e.g., work, study, family reunification), so applicants should consult the official guidelines relevant to their situation.

Sources

Other documents in Poland

Residence permit renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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