Law / 'Karta Pobytu' & long-term visa [27]

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US citizen long term stay - visa, karta pobytu questions

Apologies if this has been covered ad nauseum (I have indeed checked previous threads) but I am confused as to what I need to do upon arriving in Poland. My intention is to be with my girlfriend, who is a French national and living in Wrocław, with a job and a flat already.

I understand that as an American, I am visa exempt for 90 days, and also that the limitation to be out of Schengen 90 out of 180 days does not apply to US citizens - I simply can leave before the 90 days is up, leave to a non-Schengen country, and return to Poland. I have been told by US officials at State Dept. that this is however up to the discretion of the border agent. I guess they don't want people abusing this, but I reckon once or twice should be okay.

I am not sure whether I am supposed to get a Type D visa (which a Polish consular officer suggested) so I can stay more than 90 days, or a karta pobytu, which I have read here obviates the need for a visa at all. Any suggestions? Do I need one or the other, or both?

Also, do I qualify for either? I have looked at the requirements and it seems fuzzy. I don't have a job or family member, not a student, etc. I have enough personal wealth to last for a few years, however.

Thanks for any of your thoughts!