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Application denied? It’s not always the end of the road.

A negative decision on your work permit, residence permit, or visa doesn’t mean it’s over. Polish law gives you the right to appeal, and we know how to build a strong case.

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Your right to appeal

If your application for a work permit, residence permit, or visa has been denied, you have the legal right to appeal the decision. The appeal authority depends on what was denied: residence permit and visa appeals go to the Head of the Office for Foreigners (Szef Urzędu do Spraw Cudzoziemców), while work permit appeals go to the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy.

Time is critical. You typically have 14 days from receiving the decision to file an appeal. We help you act fast and build a well-documented case.

Common reasons for rejection

  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation
  • Failure to meet income or insurance requirements
  • Doubts about the purpose of stay or the employment relationship
  • Missing a deadline for supplementing documents
  • Security or public order concerns

The appeal process

You have 14 days from the date you receive the negative decision to file an appeal. For residence permits and visas, the appeal goes to the Head of the Office for Foreigners. For work permits, it goes to the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Both review the case from scratch. If the appeal is also denied, you can take the case to an administrative court.

During the appeal process, your legal stay in Poland is usually maintained. You don’t need to leave the country while waiting for the outcome.

What we handle for you

  • Analysis of the rejection decision and grounds for appeal
  • Drafting and filing the appeal within the deadline
  • Gathering additional evidence and documentation
  • Communication with the Office for Foreigners
  • Advice on reapplication if appeal is not the best strategy

Appeal Procedures — Frequently Asked Questions

You have 14 days from the date you receive the written decision. This deadline is strict: missing it means losing your right to appeal. Contact us as soon as you receive a negative decision.

Usually yes. Filing a timely appeal generally means your stay remains legal while the case is being reviewed. However, this depends on your specific situation. We’ll advise you on your legal status during the process.

It depends on the reason for rejection. If the decision was based on a procedural error or misinterpretation of your documents, an appeal is often the right move. If there were genuine gaps in your application, a new application with better documentation might be faster.

You can file a complaint with the Voivodeship Administrative Court (Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny) within 30 days of receiving the appeal decision. Court proceedings are the final step in the administrative process.

Got a negative decision?
Let’s review your options.

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