Are you planning to apply for a temporary residence permit for your spouse? Learn when your spouse can apply for a residence permit in Poland, what documents are required, where to submit the application in Warsaw, and how to avoid common mistakes.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT IN POLAND FOR A SPOUSE?
Are you planning to apply for a temporary residence permit for your spouse? Learn when your spouse can apply for a residence permit in Poland, what documents are required, where to submit the application in Warsaw, and how to avoid common mistakes.
WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT IN POLAND FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION?
You can apply for a residence permit for family reunification if you intend to stay in Poland for more than three months and your spouse, whom you are joining, resides in Poland under one of the following conditions:
- based permanent residence permits,
- based long-term resident’s EU residence permit,
- in connection with giving it refugee status,
- in connection with giving it subsidiary protection,
- for at least 2 years on a subsequent basis temporary residence permitsincluding immediately before submitting an application for a temporary residence permit for a family member – on the basis of a permit granted to him for a period of stay not shorter than 1 year,
- on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting scientific research or a national visa for the purpose of conducting scientific research or development work;
- on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted for the purpose of long-term mobility of a researcher;
- on the basis of a temporary residence permit in order to perform work in a profession requiring high qualifications;
- on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted in order to perform work as part of an intra-corporate transfer;
- on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted in order to use long-term mobility;
- on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted in connection with staying immediately before submitting an application for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting research, you have completed research or development work and are looking for a job in the territory of the Republic of Poland or are planning to start a business activity ,
- on the basis of the right of residence or the right of permanent residence of a citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland referred to in art. 10 sec. 1 lit. bid of the Withdrawal Agreement
- in connection with granting a residence permit for humanitarian reasons.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION?
The required documents depend on whether you are currently in Poland or outside its borders.
If You Are in Poland and Applying on Your Own Behalf:
- A completed application form,
- Four photographs,
- A copy of a valid travel document. In particularly justified cases, when you do not have a valid travel document and you are unable to obtain it, you can present another one a document confirming your identity,
- Proof of payment of the application fee (PLN 340),
- A marriage certificate recognized under Polish law, along with a translation by a sworn translator (if issued outside Poland; if issued in Poland, the certificate must be no older than three months before the application date),
- documents confirming that the spouse has a residence permit required by law;
- a document confirming possession health insurance;
- a document confirming possession stable and regular source of income;
- a document confirming possession of the provided place of residence;
- documents confirming cohabitation and management common household;
If You Are Outside Poland, Your Spouse Can Apply on Your Behalf. The Required Documents:
- A completed application form,
- Four photographs,
- A copy of a valid travel document (original for verification), certified by a Polish consul. In particularly justified cases, when you do not have a valid travel document and you are unable to obtain it, you can present another one a document confirming your identity;
- A written consent allowing your spouse to submit the application on your behalf,
- Proof of payment of the application fee (PLN 340),
- A marriage certificate recognized under Polish law, along with a translation by a sworn translator (if issued outside Poland; if issued in Poland, the certificate must be no older than three months before the application date),
- documents confirming that the spouse has a residence permit required by law;
- a document confirming possession health insurance;
- a document confirming possession stable and regular source of income;
- a document confirming possession of the provided place of residence;
- documents confirming that you are in constant contact with your spouse residing in Poland.
WHERE TO SUBMIT A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE APPLICATION IN WARSAW?
In Warsaw, temporary residence applications must be submitted to the Mazovian Voivodeship Office, Foreigners’ Affairs Department at:
Address: ul. Marszałkowska 3/5, 00-624 Warsaw.
You can also use the Foreigners’ Portal (inPOL) to fill out the application, upload documents, and schedule an appointment at the office.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS AFTER OBTAINING A RESIDENCE PERMIT?
If you are outside Poland when you receive a positive decision, you must apply for a visa to implement the obtained residence permit. The decision itself legalizes your stay in Poland but does not serve as a document allowing you to cross the border. After arriving in Poland, you must apply for a residence card.
GET HELP FROM EXPERIENCED LAWYERS!
The process of legalizing residence can be complex and time-consuming. As experienced lawyers specializing in immigration law in Poland, we can provide professional assistance at every stage of the process. Contact our law firm for expert support.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TEMPORARY RESIDENCE FOR A SPOUSE
Applications are considering in the order of they are received by the Office. The processing time depends on the number of applications and may vary. In Warsaw, due to the high number of cases, it is advisable to submit the application as soon as possible and ensure all documents are complete to speed up the process.
You can appeal the decision to the Head of the Office for Foreigners through the Mazovian Voivode within 14 days of receiving the decision.
The residence permit for a spouse under family reunification is issued for the same period as the residence permit of the family member already residing in Poland. This means that if the spouse living in Poland has a permit valid until a specific date, the applicant will receive permission to stay until that same date at the latest.
Polish language proficiency is not required to obtain a temporary residence permit.