The way to legalization in Poland through a residence card

• Why is a residence card better than a work visa?
• Full list of documents to apply for a work-based residence card
• Process of applying for a residence card on the basis of employment
• Where can you get help with the issuance of a residence card?

Poland is a popular migration destination for people from countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Turkmenistan and many more. Why so? Many people come here not only because of the country's beauty, sights and history, but also because of the opportunity to work and earn high wages.

A residence card allows you to legally reside in the country and work on its territory. After you read this article, you will know what package of documents is needed to obtain a residence card on the basis of employment, what is the process of obtaining a residence permit and where to apply for a residence card.

Why is a residence card better than a work visa?

Obviously, it is not possible for a foreigner to find legal employment in Poland just like that. You need authorization documents, such as a work visa or a residence card. Why is a residence permit better?

• Term of validity. Working visa to Poland is issued for a maximum period of one year and then you have to return to your home country to renew it. A residence card is issued for three years with the possibility of extension, without traveling abroad.
• Opportunities. Unlike a working visa, which is a temporary residence permit, a residence card opens the door to longer-term prospects. After a certain period of residence in Poland on the basis of a residence card, a foreigner can apply for permanent residency.
• Social benefits. Holders of the residence card enjoy a wide range of social privileges, including access to state medical care, education, and various forms of social support and benefits.

Full list of documents to apply for a work-based residence card

One of the most important questions that foreigners who come to Poland often have is what documents do they need to have in order to apply for a residence permit? We have divided the documents into two categories: mandatory and optional. Let's start with the list of mandatory documents:

• Two completed forms for the issuance of a residence card.
• Four 35 x 45 mm photo cards.
• Załącznik nr document to be filled in by your employer.
• A photocopy of your passport.
• A receipt for payment of the state duty in the amount of 440 PLN.
• Information of the headman (this document may not be necessary in all cases).

When you come to Urząd in person to be fingerprinted, it is imperative that you have the above documents with you. Otherwise, you simply will not receive the decyzja. But there are additional documents and here's what the list looks like:

• Health insurance.
• Work contract with the employer.
• Work permit to work in Poland or a letter of invitation to work.
• Statement of past employment.
• Previous PIT declarations.
• Housing rental agreement.

Such documents will help the inspector who is reviewing your case to make a quicker decision in your favor.

Process of applying for a residence card on the basis of employment

We have finally come to the most important topic of today's article - what are the steps of applying for a work-based residence card? Especially for you we have developed a step-by-step guide, which will allow you to get the desired document faster.

• Collect the documents and fill out the form. Take a responsible approach to this issue and collect all the documents we have written about above. It is best to check the exact list of documents in a particular Urząd.
• Submit documents. You can submit the collected set of documents in person, by coming to Urząd or by sending them by registered mail.
• Wait for decyzja. After the inspector has accepted your documents, you will be given a special document. The decyzja certifies your identity while your case is still being processed.
• Pick up the plastic card. You have to pay 50 PLN for the issuance of the plastic card. You can do this after you have received your decyzja or when you submit your documents.

It can take several months to review a case, and sometimes applicants even sue for the inspector's slowness.

Where can you get help with the issuance of a residence card?

Moving to another country is always an exciting and responsible moment, especially when it comes to documents that allow you to legally stay in the country and work. The legalization department of Optima Partner is ready to help you quickly and easily legalize in Poland with the possibility of employment. We take care of all the key stages of the residence permit process, namely: gathering the necessary documents, notarized translation, filling in the form and the invitation letter from the employer. Start your life in Poland with Optima Partner!