EU citizens

EU citizen in Poland? You still need to register

EU and EEA citizens need no residence permit for Poland, but a stay over 3 months must be registered. We explain what the office wants and prepare the visit with you.

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At a glance

Who: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
When: Staying over 3 months
Where: The voivodeship office
Certificate: On the spot or within days

After registration: PESEL and more →

What is EU citizen registration?

As an EU or EEA citizen, you have the right to live and work in Poland freely. However, if you plan to stay longer than 3 months, Polish law requires you to register your stay at the voivodeship office. It’s a simpler process than a residence permit, but still involves paperwork.

Non-EU family members of EU citizens follow a different procedure: they apply for a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen, which has its own requirements.

How we help with registration

We confirm first what you need: the registration certificate as an EU citizen, the residence card for a non-EU family member, or the permanent residence document after five years. Then we explain which proof of your reason for staying the office accepts, prepare the documents with you and plan the visit to the voivodeship office.

Which registration or residence document you need, confirmed first
Advice on the proof of your reason for staying
The permanent residence document after five years
Documents prepared with you, the office visit planned
Residence card application for non-EU family members

Who needs to register?

EU/EEA citizens staying in Poland for more than 3 months
Swiss citizens staying in Poland for more than 3 months
Non-EU family members of EU citizens (spouse, children, dependents)

Registration for EU citizens

EU citizens register their stay at the voivodeship office. You need to show a valid reason for staying: employment, self-employment, studies, or sufficient financial means. The registration certificate is issued on the spot or within a few days.

After 5 years of continuous registered stay, you can apply for a permanent residence document, which confirms your right of permanent residence in Poland.

Family members of EU citizens

If you’re a non-EU citizen but your spouse or parent is an EU citizen living in Poland, you can apply for a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen. This is a separate process from the standard residence permit and has different, often more favorable, requirements.

How it works

Book a consultation

You tell us your situation and plans. We explain your options and the route that fits you.

A clear plan

The route, the documents and a realistic timeline, in writing, before anything starts.

Registration at the voivodeship office

Documents prepared with us. The certificate is often issued on the spot or within days.

After registration

PESEL, address and healthcare next, and the permanent residence document after five years.

What clients say

“We had a really good and smooth process with Krakspire. I highly recommend them for your residence process!”

“Had to go through several integration cases while migrating, from basic papers for apartment rental and document translation to obtaining a work permit, and Krakspire was the one to help. Always friendly, helpful, and going a bit beyond what’s needed.”

“By far the best assistance company for resident permits. They are proactive: you don’t need to chase them. The pricing is decent and they help with situations where it’s not clear how to proceed. They got my application processed in two months with a decision for permanent residence.”

EU citizens registration: frequently asked questions

Do EU citizens need a residence permit in Poland?

No. EU citizens have the right to live and work in Poland without a residence permit. However, if you stay longer than 3 months, you must register your stay at the voivodeship office. It’s a simpler process than a residence permit.

What about my non-EU spouse?

Your non-EU spouse can apply for a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen. This has more favorable conditions than a standard residence permit: fewer requirements and no work permit needed.

How long does EU citizen registration take?

For EU citizens, the registration certificate is usually issued on the spot or within a few days. For non-EU family members, the law gives the office up to 6 months to issue the residence card.

What happens if I do not register?

Technically, you can face a fine for not registering. More practically, without registration you’ll have trouble accessing services like healthcare, opening a bank account, or getting a PESEL number.

EU citizen in Poland? You still need to register

What is EU citizen registration?

How we help with registration