Law /
Temporary residence and work permit in Poland check [15]
Dear Blue Lamp,
it seems like work permit was obtained to enable you getting visa and entering Poland for a longer term. Visa will expire (national visas are issued for a period of max. 365 days), while single permit (work and residence permit) is something which enables you to stay in Poland for a period of up to 3 years. Unfortunately, polish legislation doesn't provide foreigners a chance to obtain residence permit while back home. Neither there are provisions for long term national visas.
You don't get a stamp in your passport once you apply for work permit, but you do once you apply for single permit (work+residency). And yes - first you get a decision, and only afterwards - within up to 2 months - you get a card which enables crossing polish borders back and forth. Cost of the card is 50 PLN (as administrative fee).
So, if only you are planing to stay in Poland for a longer while, process was correct. Otherwise - chose optimal solutions for planning your stay in Poland and contact biuro@frog.org.pl for assistance