Permanent residence and EU long-term resident
If your future is in Poland, you can apply for a permit with no time limit. There are two main types: the permanent residence permit and the EU long-term resident permit. Both give you, among other things, the right to work without a work permit.
Updated: 10.2026
EU long-term resident
As a rule, for people who:
- have lived in Poland legally and continuously for at least 5 years (some types of stay count only partly or not at all),
- have a stable and regular source of income,
- have health insurance,
- know Polish at least at B1 level (confirmed by a document).
Permanent residence
For specific groups, including:
- holders of the Pole's Card and people of Polish descent,
- spouses of Polish citizens — after at least 3 years of marriage and 2 years of continuous stay in Poland on a temporary residence permit,
- children of Polish citizens and of foreigners with permanent residence (in certain situations),
- other people listed in the law.
How to apply
You apply to the voivode for the place where you live, while your stay in Poland is legal. After a positive decision you receive a residence card, which is replaced every 10 years.
Check the official source
The information on this website is general and is not legal advice. The law changes often — before you apply, check the current rules at the official source or ask a lawyer.