Question 1

What is the difference between permanent residence and EU long-term resident status?

Accepted Answer

Both permits are indefinite. Permanent residence is granted on special grounds — for example, Polish origin, the Pole's Card (Karta Polaka) or marriage to a Polish citizen. EU long-term resident status is granted after 5 years of legal, continuous stay, provided you have a stable income, insurance and knowledge of Polish.

Question 2

Do I need a Polish language certificate?

Accepted Answer

For EU long-term resident status — yes: a B1 certificate or a diploma from a Polish school or university. For permanent residence, the requirements depend on the grounds — we'll check at the consultation.

Question 3

How long does processing take?

Accepted Answer

Usually from 9 months to 2 years, depending on the office. Throughout this time your stay remains legal if the application was submitted on time.

Question 4

Does time on UKR status count toward the 5 years for EU long-term resident status?

Accepted Answer

No. Time on UKR status (under the special act) does not count toward the required period. Years on a residence card based on studies count only by half, and some visas count partially. That's why before submitting we calculate your period of stay for each period separately.

Question 5

What does the EU long-term resident card give you?

Accepted Answer

An indefinite right to live and work in Poland without a work permit, as well as an easier move to other EU countries. The plastic card itself is replaced every 5 years, the permanent residence card every 10 years.

Question 6

Can I lose the status if I leave for a long time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EU long-term resident status can be revoked if you have lived outside the EU for more than 12 consecutive months or outside Poland for more than 6 years. Permanent residence — if you have left Poland for more than 6 years.

Permanent residence and EU long-term resident card

Benefits

Terms and pricing

Permanent residence card (pobyt stały)

EU long-term resident card (rezydent długoterminowy UE)

How the process works

Consultation

Preparing documents

Submission to the office

Decision and card

What our clients say

Our clients

Who will handle your case

Kateryna

Iryna

Iryna

Viktoriia

Valeriia

Nataliia

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