🌍 Urząd wojewódzki

The temporary residence permit (karta pobytu)

The voivode issues the temporary residence permit for up to 3 years. From 27 April 2026 applications are filed exclusively electronically — via the Case Service Module (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) with a Trusted Profile; after filing you attend the office for fingerprints. The stamp duty is 340 zł (standard temporary stay) or 440 zł (stay and work), plus 100 zł for the card after a positive decision. From the day a complete application is filed, your stay in Poland is legal — confirmed by the passport stamp.

Service passportUpdated: 30.07.2026.

Cost

340/440 zł + 100 zł for the card

Duration

Formally ~60 days, in practice longer

Deadline

File before your legal stay ends

Where

MOS 2.0 → the voivodeship office

Open the official service →

✓ Information verified: 2026-07-30 Report an error

Who this applies to

Non-EU foreigners planning to stay in Poland over 3 months: for work, study, business or family reunification. The most popular variant — the stay-and-work permit — combines residence with the right to work for the named employer. The passport stamp legalises your stay during the proceedings but does not allow border crossing — after leaving, returning requires a valid visa. With the card you hold an ID document and may travel the Schengen area up to 90 days in 180.

Step by step

Fill in the application in MOS 2.0

At mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl log in with a Trusted Profile, complete the form, attach document scans (passport, insurance, income source, grounds for stay) and pay 340 or 440 zł.

Give your fingerprints

The office sets the in-person appointment — then the passport gets the stamp confirming legal stay during the proceedings.

Receive the decision and the card

After a positive decision pay the 100 zł card fee and collect it in person. Remember the meldunek duty and informing the office of changes (address, employer).

Common mistakes

Filing in the last days of legal stay — the complete file and e-signature take time, and formal gaps delay the stamp.

Leaving Poland with just the stamp — it grants no re-entry; you return only with a valid visa.

Changing employers without updating the single permit — working for a new entity needs an amended decision or a fresh application.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the card cost?

The stamp duty is 340 zł for a standard stay or 440 zł for stay-and-work; after a positive decision an extra 100 zł for issuing the card.

Can I work while waiting?

If you filed the stay-and-work application on time and worked legally for the same employer — generally yes, until the decision. Other setups need a separate work permit.

Official sources

Verified against official sources · 30.07.2026.