Does anyone know the process to get long-term residency (stała karta pobytu)?

I have been in Poland for 6 years and received 2 years for my karta pobytu every time. When can I apply for long-term residency? And how long is it good for? Pozdrawiam.

In theory after five years but changes to your status and/or reason for being here can reset that time period.


In theory the status is for ever. In practice the card is only valid for ten years.

So they would potentially give me a long-term residency card that in theory lasts forever, but every 10 years it needs to be renewed. Does that mean that I would have to do the whole process I am currently doing new when I apply for residency (all of the documents) every ten years?

No. I'm renewing my card right now, and all you need are 1) two photos; 2) a copy of your passport; 3) 50 PLN; 4) a copy of your zameldowanie if your address has changed since the last card; and 5) your old card.

Your residency doesn't expire. Just the card does.

Thanks for the info! Last question, what the process to get the initial long-term residency permit more thorough than the normal process? Or is it the same?

The process is exactly the same as getting the temporary permits. The only difference is in that the permission granted is permanent, and not temporary.

We are a legal firm located in Warsaw,within several years experience on foreigner legal issues. We can help you to obtain 5 year long term card, 10 years card not apply to your case anymore. please send us an Email: polskavisa@foxmail.com

In practice it is for ever as well. But yes the card is only valid for 10 years, automatically to be renewed. The interesting bit here is that is NOT a karta pobytu. Mine is a salmon-red piece of paper looking as a passport page printed on 4 sides, stating 'Dokument potwierdzający prawo stałego pobytu".

It is my understanding they are only issued to EU citizens, but I might be mistaken.
And you cannot get one of these if you do not have a "meldunek stały".

I need help for POL permanent residency --- smmrbrv@gmail --- Vincent