Traveling abroad while waiting for Karta Pobytu, as a citizen of US in Poland

Hi,

I'm an American working in Poland. I've been waiting for Karta Pobytu for a year now. I've been told that I will likely receive an approval, but it is slow. I have gotten a stamp on my passport that indicates that I've applied. In December, I plan to travel outside of Schengen zone and obviously will come back to Poland for work and life :) I've heard that a stamp is sufficient for living in Poland legally until the decision comes out. And If I'm legally allowed to live in Poland, then I feel that I'm legally allowed to be in Schengen zone -- but I've heard that there is no such clear law. Of course, I'm also worried that in the eyes of German border controls (my flights connect at Frankfurt), I have broken the EU/Schengen zone rule (30 days out of 90 days). I essentially don't know if the Karta Pobytu application process in Poland has been propagated throughout Schengen zones (or at least attached to my passport), so that there is a little confusion about my status.

Let me know about your experiences.
Best,

No, doesn't work like that. The stamp is only recognised as a means of staying legally in Poland, not in Schengen. You need to fly directly from Poland to a destination outside of the Schengen zone.


No, it hasn't. You're only legally allowed to remain in Poland. In other Schengen countries, you've overstayed.

I recently completed and received Karta Pobytu process for an entrepreneur in Krakow. I can tell you that leaving Schengen for USA was not a problem. Returning though, the passport control officers in Amsterdam actually questioned me about the stamp in my passport. It ended up not being an issue, but it did draw attention.

The process in Krakow from start to finish, with a request for more documents, and personal interview took 6 months. This is from date of application submission to receiving decision. Decision is not sent by mail. Received text message and had to go and pick up. You must have two identification documents with you. Passport and official PESEL assignment letter will be enough. Picking up physical Karta Pobytu card will take an additional 30 to 60 days, and you will receive that notice via text message as well. At arrival you will also need two forms of ID, I would recommend bringing the decision letter, and you will submit your fingerprints again to receive the card.