The Republic of Poland attracts migrants with its high standard of living, developed economy, quality education and medicine, moderate real estate prices. The post-industrial country of Eastern Europe is a member of NATO and the EU – immigration allows you to later become a citizen of the European Union. Moving to Poland is possible for family reasons, professional and entrepreneurial activities, humanitarian reasons, as well as for training or internship.

Permanent residence in Poland is a status, which granted as a standard procedure 5 years after obtaining the first residence permit. Long-term residence permit is granted to those who know the language at least at B1 level, have health insurance and can prove a regular income. The status is granted for an unlimited period of time: only the resident card is renewed once in a five-year period. In some cases, permanent residence permit is issued 2 years after the move, for example, to refugees and spouses of local citizens.

Simplified conditions of legalization in Poland are provided for those who confirm ethnicity to the republic. In this case it is possible to apply for permanent residence permit at once, and after one year to apply for citizenship. Relocation Compass migration specialists can analyze the chances for a simplified passport of the EU country at a free consultation.

Advantages of moving to Poland for permanent residence

There are several reasons why migrants choose to move to Poland for permanent residence. Among them are the following:

• Low cost of living.
  To cover monthly expenses, a person in Poland needs about 700 EUR, excluding rent. This amount includes the purchase of groceries, seasonal clothing, payment for a monthly transportation pass and leisure activities, as well as the payment of utility bills. At the same time, the average salary “net” in the country is about 1350 EUR – twice as much as the expenses per month. Every resident of the country can afford a comfortable existence.
• A promising labor market.
  Poland is a developed country with a stable economic growth rate, low inflation and a wide range of leading industries, from light and heavy industry to agriculture, trade and tourism. As of July 1, 2024, the minimum gross wage (before taxes) in the republic is about 1000 EUR, which is an order of magnitude higher than in other Eastern European countries.
• Favorable social environment.
  Poland’s security index reaches 71 points out of 100, according to the Numbeo rating, which is high. The political environment in the republic is characterized by stability. Local residents are friendly, and the laws of the state prohibit discrimination on any of the criteria, including nationality.
• Developed infrastructure.
  Poland has international airports, direct rail connections to many European countries, and an excellent internal transportation network: trolleybuses, buses, subways, and bicycle roads. The government regularly invests in improving the infrastructure, from repairing roads to building new schools and kindergartens. Everything necessary for life (stores, pharmacies, clinics, entertainment venues) is available even in small towns.
• Natural attractions and temperate climate.
  The country has many forests and protected areas, access to the Carpathian Mountains (Tatras) and the Baltic Sea. At the same time, Poland is located in the zone of temperate continental climate with rather warm winters and dry hot summers. The climatic index of the country is 76 points out of 100 possible, which is high.

Ways of moving to Poland

It is possible to move to Poland for permanent residence through work, starting a business, family reunification, marriage, humanitarian reasons and repatriation. The period of residence required to obtain long-term residence does not include residence permits obtained for seasonal employment or internships, for example. The easiest way to immigrate is for those who can document Polish origin or the right to reunification with close relatives.

Foreign businessmen can open and develop a business in Poland and on the European market, which will be the basis for obtaining a residence permit. It is possible to immigrate those with high or special qualifications, including scientific specialists. The Republic provides protection to those who have to leave their home country for objective reasons, but not all applications for refugee or subsidiary asylum are approved. Detailed information on Polish immigration residence permits can be found below.

Employment

It is possible to move to Poland at the invitation of a local employer. A company may employ a foreigner if it is impossible to meet the staffing needs of the domestic market. The salary must be equal to or higher than the minimum wage in the relevant industry – 1000 EUR.

In order to obtain a residence and work permit in Poland, it is required to present an employment contract and a health insurance policy to the migration authority. Special conditions are provided for those whose profession is of special interest for the country. In this case it is possible to obtain the status of a long-term resident in 4 years after the opening of the primary residence permit if there is a stable income that covers the needs of the applicant and his family.

Entrepreneurial activity

Poland grants the status to foreign businessmen who want to open a company on the territory of the Republic or become the owner/shareholder of an existing company. The applicant must fulfill one of two conditions: to demonstrate an income for the past year of 23,600 EUR (12 times the average salary in the national economy sector) or to employ at least two locals full-time. In order to engage in a professional activity, the approval of the relevant competent authority must be obtained. The residence permit is issued within the annual limits set by the Polish Ministry of the Internal Affairs.

EU Blue Card

Highly qualified specialists who conclude an employment contract with a local company for a period of 12 months or more can obtain a residence permit and permanent residence in Poland. The applicant must prove his/her knowledge and experience by documents (e.g., education diploma) and have the consent of the competent authority to conduct specialized activities. The applicant’s salary must be at least 150% of the average salary in the national economy for the previous year, i.e., about 3000 EUR per month or more. The EU Blue Card is issued if there are no employees from the Republic of Poland for the vacancy.

Marriage and family reasons

Polish residents and citizens have the right to invite legal spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age and, exceptionally, other relatives, e.g., if they require care. The receiving party must provide a suitable living space and demonstrate a permanent stable income to support the invited family members. Only residents with an immigration type of residence permit may request reunification. Spouses of Polish citizens may apply for a permanent residence 2 years after the opening of the residence permit, provided that the marriage was concluded at least 3 years ago.

Repatriation

Polish residency is granted to those who can prove their ethnic belonging to the Republic. Applicants whose relatives in the direct ascending line up to their great-grandparents are of Polish origin have the right to apply for the document. The applicant receives a Pole Card – a document with which he/she can move to the Republic and immediately obtain the status of a permanent resident, bypassing the stage of residence with a residence permit. To obtain the card, the repatriate must prove knowledge of the state language at a conversational level, national culture and customs.

The holder of a Pole card has the right not only to move and open a permanent residence permit, but also to receive social benefits, assistance in integration into society, discounts on public transportation and visits to cultural and entertainment venues. One year after the issuance of a long-term residence permit, it is possible to apply for European Union citizenship if you meet the standard conditions for naturalization (law-abiding, passing the language exam, financial security).

Education

Moving to Poland for permanent residence is available through education, for example, at a college, academy or university. To open a residence permit, a student will first need to pay tuition fees, obtain a certificate of enrollment, provide proof of financial security for rent and living expenses, and obtain health insurance.

This type of residence permit only counts for 50% of the residence period required for permanent residency. Some types of residency, such as for short-term studies or student exchanges, do not count for permanent residence at all.

Scientific research

Foreign scientists can move to Poland at the official invitation of a research center or development bureau to perform tasks in their specialty. The immigrant’s dossier is supplemented by an employment contract and proof of sufficient financial security. Only organizations that have been in existence for at least five years may employ foreigners. The Ministry of Education and Science is involved in the examination of the application.

Humanitarian circumstances

Like other countries of the European Union, Poland provides protection to those who are unable to reside in their home state due to persecution, discrimination, death sentence. Depending on the situation, a foreigner may be granted refugee status or additional asylum. The Republic also grants the right of residence to victims of sexual exploitation or human trafficking. In this case, it is possible to apply for Polish permanent residence permit after 24 months of stay in the state.

The right to move to Poland for permanent residence is available to passport holders of any other EU country. In a number of EU countries there is a simplified program of citizenship registration, without renouncing the current status in the home country, demonstrating the level of income and passing a language test. Detailed information is provided by Relocation Compass international law specialists at a free consultation.

Immigration procedure to Poland: from visa to Polish citizenship

The algorithm of obtaining a permanent residence in Poland is as follows:

• Search and selection of an immigration program.
  Polish law has many pitfalls, which are thoroughly understood by international law specialists. Cooperation with specialized lawyers allows you to choose the optimal program of moving to Poland and eliminate the risk of rejection of your application.
• Opening a national visa.
  Even if you have a visa-free regime with Poland, if you move to Poland for permanent residence, you should obtain a long-term entry permit. The D visa is applied for on the same basis as the residence permit. The document can be obtained by personal application to the diplomatic mission of the Republic in the territory of the country of permanent residence. The visa is issued for a maximum period of one year, but allows you to stay in Poland for no more than 3 out of 12 months in total.
• Immigration to Poland and opening a residence permit.
  With a visa sticker in your passport, you can cross the Polish border and register your place of residence in the local voivodeship. Before the expiry of the entry permit, you should contact the local office of the Office for Foreigners to request a residence card. The procedure involves submitting documents, fingerprinting and taking a photo. It is possible to make an appointment for a convenient time and submit an electronic application before visiting in person (e.g., in case of long queues).
• Staying in the status of temporary resident and replacing it with a permanent residence permit.
  With a temporary residence permit you can stay in Poland for a fixed period of time (usually from 1 to 3 years), extend the document if necessary, if there is still a reason to stay in the country. You can apply for a long-term residence permit for a period from 24 months to 5 years after moving to Poland. The permanent residence permit is issued at the voivodeship office (municipality) at the place of registration. By law, requests are considered for up to 3 months, but in fact the period is longer due to the workload of the authorities. After the application is accepted, the voivode stamps the passport, with which you can live in the country until the decision on the application is made.
• Residence with a long-term permit and applying for citizenship status.
  It is possible to apply for Polish citizenship by naturalization 2-3 years after opening a residence permit (depends on the basis). Citizenship is granted to those who are sufficiently wealthy and integrated into society. The request is made at the local voivodeship.
• Obtaining the status of a Polish citizen and passport.
  If the request is approved, you can pick up the citizenship document in person at the voivodeship office. The final step is to apply to the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to obtain an internal ID-card and an EU passport for traveling abroad.

Myths about moving to Poland

The requirements of Polish migration legislation are quite strict and restricts those wishing to legalize their stay. In particular, it is impossible to obtain permanent residence in the republic in such ways:

• Buying real estate.
  Poland does not grant the status of a resident based on the purchase of housing on its territory. In order to legalize, you need to choose another basis.
• Investing.
  Financial investments in the country’s economy alone do not entitle you to residency. Investments can be made in a business and qualify for a residence permit for entrepreneurs.
• Birth of a child.
  The “right of soil” does not apply in Poland: children born to a foreign family on the territory of the country still receive the citizenship of their parents.
• Short-term residence.
  A residence permit issued for temporary purposes, such as volunteering, internship or medical treatment in local clinics, is not an immigration permit and does not count towards the period of stay for the subsequent registration of a residence permit.
• Short-term residence.
  Even if a foreigner has the right to enter Poland freely, this is not a basis for legalization in the country for a long period of time. The visa-free regime applies to short trips for non-immigrant purposes, such as attending a sporting event or vacationing on a tourist voucher.

It is impossible to buy real documents for migration to Poland. It is also impossible to use, for example, a fictitious work invitation or a certificate of enrollment in a university. If the fact of providing false documents to obtain residency is discovered, the foreigner faces deportation from the state with a ban on re-entry to Poland and other Schengen states.

Many people think that the republic is overcrowded with migrants from post-Soviet countries, but this is not the case. There is a shortage of qualified employees on the Polish labor market, as locals often leave for Western Europe – Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Salaries in the country are regularly growing: the average annual increase is about 12%. It is important to take into account that vacancies often indicate gross salaries (before taxes).

Second and dual citizenship: Poland and other countries

Poland allows multiple citizenship, so when applying for a local passport, you do not have to renounce a similar document in your home country. The main thing is that bipatrism does not contradict the constitutional norms of your home country. In each country, the passport holder is considered only its own citizen, which endows him/her with a list of relevant rights and obligations. In other states, you can use any of the available identity documents at your discretion, for example, for visa-free travel or preferential conditions for legalization of stay.

Treaties on dual citizenship between Poland and other countries have not been signed as of 2024. Some of the obligations of a bi-patriate can be fulfilled only in one of the states, if it is stipulated in bilateral agreements, e.g., “On avoidance of double taxation”. If necessary, when abroad, one should contact the diplomatic mission of the country whose passport was used for entry. For more information on citizenship of Poland and other European Union states, please contact an international law specialist at Relocation Compass company.