The EU long-term resident permit is a form of permanent residence intended for foreigners who have been legally residing in Poland for an extended period and are permanently connected with the country. This status is granted for an indefinite period and confirms the foreigner’s stable residence situation and integration with the host society.
 

Important! Obtaining the EU long-term resident permit does not automatically grant the right to work – in some cases, a separate work permit or an entry in the residence document may be required.
 

Who can apply for the permit?
Foreigners may apply for EU long-term resident status if they:

  • have been legally and continuously residing in Poland for at least 5 years,
  • have a stable and regular source of income sufficient to support themselves and any family
    members dependent on them,
  • have health insurance (from the National Health Fund or private insurance covering
    treatment in Poland),
  • know the Polish language at least at B1 level (confirmed by an official certificate or
    appropriate document),
  • do not pose a threat to public order or state security.
     

Important! The required 5-year period of stay does not include, among others, stays based on a
tourist visa, humanitarian visa, or a temporary residence permit granted for the purpose of study or
internship.
 

How to submit the application?
The application should be submitted to the voivode competent for the foreigner’s place of residence – preferably well in advance, before the expiry of the current residence document.
 

Note! The application should include documents confirming that all conditions are met, including
stable income and knowledge of the Polish language. Formal errors or missing documents may result
in the need for corrections or, in some cases, refusal.

We provide comprehensive support in preparing and submitting the application, verifying
documents, and representing you during the procedure.
 

What does the decision look like?
A positive decision on granting the permit means that the foreigner is awarded EU long-term resident
status and receives a residence card valid for 5 years (the status itself is indefinite).

The decision should be issued within 6 months from the date of submitting a complete application,
but in practice, the waiting time may be longer.
 

EU Resident Residence Card
A foreigner who receives the EU long-term resident permit is issued a residence card with the
annotation “EU long-term resident.” This card entitles the holder to cross the Polish border without
the need to obtain a visa and serves as proof of identity during their stay in Poland.
 

Benefits of EU long-term resident status
Holding this permit grants a number of important privileges:

  • stable and indefinite residence status,
  • easier access to permanent residence in other EU countries (after meeting their national
    requirements),
  • the ability to enjoy many rights similar to Polish citizens – e.g., in the areas of education,
    social benefits, and healthcare,
  • no need to renew the document annually (as is the case with temporary residence permits),
  • facilitated family reunification and obtaining permits for family members.
     

Loss of status – when is it possible?
EU long-term resident status may be revoked if, among others:

  • the foreigner has stayed outside the EU for 12 consecutive months (or 24 months if they held
    a temporary residence and work permit for a highly qualified profession – the so-called Blue
    Card), or
  • has stayed outside Poland (but within the EU) for more than 6 years, or
  • the status was obtained on the basis of false data or documents, or
  • the foreigner poses a threat to public order or state security.
     

Do you have doubts about whether you meet the requirements? Contact us – we will assess your
situation and help you safely navigate the procedure.