Karta Pobytu is, perhaps, one of the most desirable documents for a foreigner in Poland. However, a lot of questions arise on the way to receive this longed-for piece of plastic. In this article we gathered the most frequently asked questions concerning Karta Pobytu and would try to give you clear and detailed answers to them.
What is actually Karta Pobytu?
Karta Pobytu is a residence card. It confirms the identity of a foreigner during his stay in Poland and is issued to him on the basis of the residence permit granted to the foreigner. This document, together with a valid passport, confirms the right to stay in Poland as well as gives a right to the foreigner to cross the Polish national border numerous times without a need to have a visa.
What documents do I need to apply for a residence card?
The list of documents you need to submit in order to apply for a residence permit, and then obtain a residence card is different depending on your aim of staying in Poland. Whether you want to get a temporary residence permit on the grounds of work or studies, conducting a business activity or family reunion – the documents necessary for it would differ. Basic documents that are required in every case are an application, photographs, a valid travel document, health insurance, evidence of sufficient funds etc. You can find a detailed list of documents for different legal grounds on the website of your provincial office.
If I want to change an employer, my residence card would be invalid?
You are obliged to inform the voivodeship about any changes within 14 days. If you want to change an employer, you have to submit a new application for a temporary residence permit. If a new application is submitted correctly, your previous residence card would still be valid until you obtain a new one or until it’s expired and you can cross the borders with this card as well.
Having a temporary residence card, am I allowed to work in other EU countries?
Polish residence card allows you to work legally only on the territory of the Republic of Poland. It doesn’t entitle you to work in any other EU country. If your company wants to transfer you to another EU country within the framework of your contract, it is possible to apply for a Van der Elst visa to some countries. If you are legally employed in Poland, it will allow you to provide services on a temporary basis to a company in another EU country on behalf of your employer without the need to obtain a work permit.
Am I allowed to go outside of Poland on the basis of the stamp received after I applied for the residence permit or after getting a decision?
You are not entitled to travel on the basis of the stamp as it only confirms the submission of your application for a temporary residence permit, and your stay in Poland is considered legal from the date of submitting the application to the date of receiving a card. You are allowed to go to the country of your origin, but you won’t be able to come back to Poland without a visa or other legal permit.
How can I know that my Karta Pobytu is ready?
When your Karta Pobytu is ready, you will receive a notification that you can collect it from the provincial office via sms message to the phone number indicated in the application. You can check the current status of your case on the website of your provincial office using login and password received when applying for a residence permit.
If I applied for the residence permit, but no longer need it, what should I do?
In such situation, you need to submit an application for discontinuation of the proceedings and reimbursement of the stamp duty. You can legally leave the territory of Poland if you have a valid residence permit, for example: a residence card, a visa, or with a stamp in your passport confirming the application for legalization.
What should I do if I lost or damaged my residence card?
If you lost or damaged your residence card, you are obliged to notify the voivode who issued the card about this fact within 3 days from its loss or damage. Notifications are made on specially designed form. The voivode is obliged to issue a free certificate confirming this fact, which is valid for the period of 2 months. Fee for replacement of a residence card in case of its loss or damage for which the foreigner is at fault is 150 PLN.
Can I travel on the basis of my residence card and to which countries?
You can travel and be present on the territory of other countries of Schengen area for the period not exceeding 90 days within each 180 day period with a valid residence card and travel document.
We hope that you found the answers to your questions and got a lot of useful information from our article. If something you would like to know has not been mentioned above, don’t hesitate to ask your questions in the comment section below or contact us at [email protected]. We would be glad to help you!