🟢 What is a TRC?
A Temporary Residence Card (Karta Pobytu Czasowego) allows non-EU citizens to stay in Poland legally for more than 3 months.
It’s usually valid for up to 3 years, depending on your specific case.
With this card, you can also travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

📌 1. TRC for Work Purposes
Who is it for?
People who have a job offer or are already working in Poland.
Key requirements:

• A valid work contract or civil law agreement (like umowa zlecenie).
• Employer's declaration of intent to employ you.
• Stable and regular income.
• Proof of accommodation in Poland.

Good to know: This is one of the most common types of TRCs.
If you change jobs, you usually have to inform the Voivodeship Office or apply for a new permit, depending on your case.

📌 2. TRC for Business Activity
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs running a business in Poland (like a sole proprietorship or being a company shareholder).
Key requirements:

• Proof of income or company profitability.
• Business registration documents.
• Tax and ZUS payments (social insurance).

Good to know: You need to show your business is real and active — and that it’s generating income to support you.

📌 3. TRC for Studying
Who is it for?
Students who are enrolled in Polish universities or colleges.
Key requirements:

• Confirmation of admission.
• Proof of tuition payment.
• Health insurance.
• Proof of funds to support yourself.

Good to know: This type doesn’t allow you to work full-time, but you can take up part-time work without needing an extra permit.

📌 4. TRC for Family Reunification
Who is it for?
Spouses, children, or other close relatives of people legally residing in Poland.
Key requirements:

• Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate).
• Sponsor’s income and accommodation documents.
• Health insurance.

Good to know: This is often the TRC used when you're joining a spouse already living and working in Poland.

📌 5. TRC for Long-Term EU Resident Status (After 5 Years)
Who is it for?
People who have legally lived in Poland for at least 5 years.
Key requirements:

• Stable legal income and accommodation.
• Polish language certificate (minimum A2 level).
• Continuous residence in Poland without major breaks.

Good to know: This isn’t a "temporary" card anymore — it leads to a more stable status and gives you more rights,
like applying for TRCs in other EU countries.

🔍 Other Types of TRCs
There are also TRCs for:

• Volunteering.
• Research or internships.
• Victims of human trafficking.
• Special humanitarian reasons.

But these are less common and apply to more specific situations.

✅ Final Tips

• Apply early. Processing times can be long (sometimes over a year).
• Double-check your documents. Even small mistakes can delay your application.
• Always update your situation. If your job, address, or marital status changes, inform the office.

📝 Conclusion
Choosing the right TRC in Poland depends on why you’re here — whether it’s for work, study, business, or family.
Once you understand your category, the process becomes much more manageable.
And remember, each step you take brings you closer to a stable and legal life in Poland.

🧭 Step 1: Understand Your Reason for Applying
Before you start, you need to clearly identify why you're applying.
The most common reasons include:

• Employment
• Business activity
• University studies
• Joining a family member
• Other specific purposes (volunteering, research, etc.)

Your reason will determine which documents you need and how your application is evaluated.

📝 Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
The required documents may vary slightly depending on your reason, but here’s a general list you’ll need:
📄 Basic Documents:

• Completed application form (in Polish)
• 4 recent passport-size photos
• Valid passport (original + copies)
• Proof of health insurance (e.g., NFZ or private insurance)
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or notarized statement)
• Confirmation of legal income (employment contract, bank statements, etc.)

📁 Reason-Specific Documents:

• Work: Employer’s declaration or work permit + job contract
• Business: Company registration, income proof, tax statements
• Study: University acceptance letter, tuition payment confirmation
• Family: Marriage or birth certificate, partner's TRC, or residence status

🏢 Step 3: Submit Your Application
Go to your local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) and:

• Submit the full set of documents
• Provide fingerprints
• Pay the application fee (usually around 340–440 PLN, depending on the case)

Important: You must apply before your visa or current permit expires.
Once you apply, you will receive a stamp in your passport, which allows you to stay in Poland legally while your case is being reviewed.

⏳ Step 4: Wait for the Decision
This is the hardest part — the waiting.
The law says a decision should come within 60 days, but in reality, it often takes several months,
or even over a year in some regions.
Tips to speed things up:

• Submit a complete set of documents.
• Respond quickly if the office asks for extra papers.
• Keep your contact details updated.

📬 Step 5: Get the Decision and Pick Up Your Card
If your permit is approved, you’ll receive an official decision letter. Then:

• Pay the card production fee (usually 100 PLN).
• Wait for a notification to pick up your card.
• Go to the office, show your Decision, and receive your TRC.

❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to apply (apply at least 45–60 days before your current status ends).
• Missing documents (always double-check the list).
• Not having translations of foreign documents (they must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator).
• Changing jobs or address and not informing the office.

✅ Final Tips for Success

• Make copies of everything you submit.
• Stay informed — each voivodeship may have slightly different rules or expectations.
• Be patient — delays are common, but staying polite and organized helps.
• Keep your receipt and passport stamp — they’re your proof of legal stay while waiting.

🧩 Conclusion
Legalizing your stay in Poland may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information and preparation, the process becomes much more manageable. Whether you're here to work, study, build a family, or start a business, the Temporary Residence Permit is your gateway to stability and opportunity in Poland.

🔹 1. Introduction of the MOS System for Electronic Applications
In a move towards digitalization, Poland has implemented the Moduł Obsługi Spraw (MOS) system, allowing foreigners to submit applications for temporary and permanent residence permits online. This system aims to streamline the application process, reduce paperwork, and improve communication between applicants and authorities.​

🔹 2. Stricter Work Permit Regulations
The Labor Market Test has been abolished, but authorities now scrutinize salary levels more closely to ensure they align with market standards. Additionally, only Umowa o Pracę (employment contracts) are accepted for work permit applications, excluding contracts like Umowa zlecenie and Umowa o dzieło

🔹 3. Enhanced Oversight for EmployersEmployers are now subject to stricter regulations. The immigration office has access to tax and employment records, and companies with tax debts or fines for illegal employment may face rejection in both Temporary Residence Card (TRC) and work permit applications.​

🔹 4. New Immigration Strategy: "Regain Control, Ensure Security".
Poland's government has introduced a new migration strategy emphasizing security, control, and selectivity.
Key aspects include:​

• Controlled Entry: Tightening immigration policies to regulate the scale and purpose of foreign nationals' entry.
• Selective Migration: Implementing a point system to admit migrants who serve the economy.
• Revised Asylum Framework: Granting the government the right to suspend asylum applications in emergency situations.​
• Labor Market Access: Liberalizing access to work permits in occupations with skill deficits while restricting others.​
• Student Visas: Introducing stricter rules to prevent abuses of the student visa system.​
• Integration Policies: Encouraging newcomers to integrate with Polish norms, values, and language skills.​
• Citizenship Rules: Potentially introducing higher thresholds and stricter vetting for Polish citizenship.
• Polish Diaspora Support: Attracting skilled emigrants back to support the labor force.​

🔹 5. Simplified Procedures for Ukrainian Nationals
Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection can now apply for a residence card featuring a CUKR endorsement through
a streamlined, entirely electronic process. The CUKR card, valid for three years, provides full access to the labor market
and the possibility of conducting business in Poland.​

🔹 6. Mandatory Interviews and Language Requirements for Long-Term Residence
As of January 1, 2025, all applicants for long-term residence must undergo an interview,
demonstrating proficiency in Polish at the B1 level.
This change aims to ensure better integration of foreigners into Polish society.

🔹 7. Temporary Suspension of Asylum Rights
In response to increased border security concerns, Poland has enacted a law allowing the government to temporarily suspend the right to claim asylum for individuals crossing the border illegally. This measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security.​

🔹 8. Longer Processing Times for Residence Permits
Applicants should anticipate longer processing times for residence permits and work visas due to increased scrutiny
and additional verification processes.
It's advisable to plan ahead and ensure all documentation is complete to avoid delays.


Conclusion
Poland's 2025 immigration reforms reflect a shift towards more controlled and secure migration policies.
Staying informed about these changes is essential for anyone seeking to live, work, or study in Poland.​