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What is temporary residence card in Poland?

Nov 15, 2023

Do you know what is temporary residence card in Poland? A residence card is a special document that allows foreigners to live and work in Poland. Its administrative name is the uniform permit for temporary residence and work.

Instead of guessing games with various offices and paperwork, with the uniform permit, everything is in one place. Permission to stay and work are together, like best friends. But be careful! To get this permit, you have to meet several important conditions. For example, you need to show that you have a job in Poland where the employer really wants to hire you. Also, don’t forget that the document needs to be renewed periodically.

The most important element of this document is the so-called decision from which the grounds for your right to stay and work in Poland arise. It’s important to always carry it with you. If you lose it, you will need to apply for a duplicate.

TRC consequences of missing the deadline

Not extending the residence card in Poland on time is like forgetting an important meeting date – there can be trouble! When the residence card expires and you forget about it, your stay and work in Poland become illegal.

If you live in Poland without a valid document allowing it, you risk a financial penalty, difficulties in obtaining a new document, or even deportation and a ban on re-entry.

Secondly, without a valid residence card, you cannot legally work in Poland. It’s like being a superhero without superpowers – you look like a hero, but you can’t do anything.

Therefore, it’s worth marking important dates in your calendar and ensuring that all documents are up to date. Not extending the residence card is not the end of the world, but it can complicate life in Poland a lot.

How to get TRC?

Obtaining a residence card in Poland is a process that requires a foreigner to gather the right documents and meet several conditions. Here are the steps to take:

  1. Check the basis for your stay, before you start, you must have a clear reason why you want to stay in Poland. It can be work, study, family, or another important reason.
  2. Collect documents, you will need a passport, passport photographs, a completed application for a residence card, proof of health insurance, and financial means to support yourself in Poland. Additional documents may be required, such as an employment contract, a certificate from a university, or documents confirming family ties.
  3. Submit the application, you apply for a residence card at the provincial office appropriate for where you live. Remember to do this before the expiration of your visa or other documents that allow you to stay in Poland.
  4. Wait for the decision, after submitting the application, you must wait for the office’s decision. The waiting time can vary, but it usually takes a few months.
  5. Collect the residence card, if your request is accepted, you will be notified of the need to collect the residence card.
  6. Remember the deadlines after obtaining the residence card, you must remember the validity of the document. Before the card expires, apply for its extension.

It’s important to have a valid identity document throughout the procedure. Also, be prepared that the office may request additional documents or information. Be prepared to visit the office several times – both to submit the application and to collect the card.

Does the process of obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Poland seem complicated?

Yes, it can seem quite complex, especially for those unfamiliar with the administrative system. This process requires understanding various regulations, gathering the right documents, and adhering to deadlines and procedures.

Here are some reasons why this process might be seen as complicated:

  1. Required documents for TRC The process involves collecting various documents, such as a passport, photographs, proof of health insurance, financial evidence, employment contracts, etc. This can be time-consuming and complex, particularly if some documents need to be translated or authenticated.
  2. Various reasons for stay TRC can be obtained for different reasons, such as work, study, or family connections. Each reason may have different requirements and documents.
  3. Waiting time for a decision After submitting the application, the waiting time for a decision can be long and vary depending on the individual case, which can create uncertainty and stress.
  4. Visits to the office The process may require several visits to the provincial office, which can be challenging for those working or with other commitments.
  5. The need to renew the card TRC is issued for a specific period and must be renewed, meaning part of the process must be repeated.

For many, especially those who do not speak Polish or are unfamiliar with the local legal system, this process can be daunting. However, with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it is a manageable process.

Here comes our partner company, time2legal, specialists in obtaining TRC. They can advise you or obtain the document on your behalf. Don’t delay, get to know time2legal.”

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