Complete guide for foreigners navigating the Temporary Residence Card process in Poland. Find immigration offices, tips, and professional assistance all in one place.
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Visit Alien Affairs →The Temporary Residence Card (Karta Czasowego Pobytu) is a document that allows foreigners to legally stay in Poland for a specified period, typically for work, study, family reunification, or business purposes.
TRC applications typically take 1-3 months to process, though times may vary by voivodeship. During processing, you'll receive a stamp in your passport allowing you to stay legally in Poland.
TRC is typically issued for up to 3 years, depending on the purpose of stay. It can be renewed and may lead to permanent residence after meeting specific requirements.
With TRC, you can work legally, access healthcare, open a bank account, start a business, travel within Schengen area, and bring family members to Poland.
TRC can be issued for various purposes: work, study, business activity, family reunification, research, cultural activities, and other humanitarian reasons. Each type has specific requirements.
Contact your local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) to submit your TRC application
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 50-153 Wrocław
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Konarskiego 1–3, 85-066 Bydgoszcz
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Czechowska 15, 20-072 Lublin
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Jagiellończyka 8, 66-400 Gorzów Wielkopolski
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców (WSCi)
ul. Piotrkowska 103, 90-425 Łódź
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców
ul. Przy Rondzie 6, 31-547 Kraków
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców
ul. Marszałkowska 3/5, 00-624 Warszawa
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Piastowska 14, 45-082 Opole
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Mickiewicza 3, 15-213 Białystok
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Grunwaldzka 15, 35-959 Rzeszów
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców
ul. Chmielna 74/76, 80-748 Gdańsk
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców
Service Location: ul. Damrota 16, 40-022 Katowice
Correspondence: ul. Jagiellońska 25, 40-032 Katowice
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
al. IX Wieków Kielc 3, 25-516 Kielce
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
al. Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 7/9, 10-575 Olsztyn
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców
pl. Wolności 17, 61-739 Poznań
Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
ul. Wały Chrobrego 4, 70-502 Szczecin
Submit your application at least 45 days before your current visa expires. This ensures you have legal status while waiting for the decision.
Ensure all documents are properly translated by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). Missing or incorrect translations are common reasons for delays.
Bank statements should show stable income covering at least 701 PLN per month (minimum subsistence level). Keep 3-6 months of statements ready.
Provide a rental agreement or property deed. If staying with someone, get a notarized declaration from the property owner (oświadczenie).
Many offices require online appointments. Check the office website and book early - slots fill up quickly, especially in Warsaw and Kraków.
Keep your receipt number (numer sprawy). Use it to check application status online or by phone. Respond quickly to any requests for additional documents.
Valid health insurance is mandatory. NFZ (state insurance through employment) or private insurance accepted. Must cover entire stay period.
While not required, knowing basic Polish helps at immigration offices. Bring a translator friend or use translation apps if needed.
Bring recent biometric photos meeting Polish ID requirements (35x45mm, white background). Most offices have photo booths nearby if needed.
Types of TRC:
TRC must be renewed before expiration. Start the renewal process 90 days before your current TRC expires. You'll need updated documents showing continued employment, study, or business activity.
With a work-based TRC, you can work for your specified employer. Changing jobs requires notification to immigration office. Business TRC allows you to run your registered company.
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