I am a third-country national moving to Poland.
6 tasks in suggested order
1. Identify the basis for your stay, for example work, study, business activity, or family, because this determines the documents and the correct procedure.
Before applying for a visa or residence permit and before starting any activity that requires a separate permit.
At a Polish consulate or with the voivode competent for your place of stay, depending on the procedure.
Passport and documents confirming the purpose of the stay.
Visa-free travel does not replace a long-term residence permit or the right to engage in any type of employment.
Official source: gov.pl
2. If you are applying for a temporary residence permit in Poland, submit the application in person no later than the last day of your legal stay.
No later than the last day of your legal stay in Poland; the details depend on the purpose of stay and the type of permit.
With the voivode competent for your place of stay; for visa matters, at a Polish consulate.
Passport, application form, photographs, and proof of purpose, financial means, accommodation, and insurance, as required by the specific procedure.
Required documents vary based on citizenship and the basis of stay; use the specific list applicable to your case.
Official source: gov.pl
3. After moving into an address in Poland, complete the meldunek registration if the obligation applies to your stay.
For a non-EU/EFTA national who is not a family member of an EU/EFTA citizen, generally no later than the 4th day after moving in; specific rules depend on residence status.
The commune or city office competent for the address.
Passport, residence document, and proof of right to the premises/owner's confirmation.
Registration of residence does not legalize one's stay and does not replace a residence permit.
Official source: gov.pl
4. Arrange the insurance required for your residence procedure and check on what basis you will be covered by Polish health insurance.
Before demonstrating insurance coverage and starting from the date the insurance obligation arises.
Through your employer, ZUS/NFZ, or an insurer, depending on the basis of your insurance.
Residence document, employment or study contract, and proof of insurance.
The insurance required for residence and public health insurance may begin on different dates.
Official source: gov.pl
5. Before starting work, studies, or a business activity, check the specific conditions for that activity and the scope of rights granted by your permit.
Before commencing the activity.
Employer and labor office, university, or CEIDG/KRS and relevant authorities.
Employment contract or job offer, university admission document, or business activity and residence documents.
A residence permit does not always automatically grant the right to engage in any type of work or business activity.
Official source: gov.pl
6. Carry out separate residence, insurance, and school enrollment procedures for each family member accompanying you.
Concurrently with the main application or after meeting family reunification requirements.
Consulate/Voivode, insurer, and school or municipality.
Passports, civil status records, and proof of kinship, housing, and financial means.
Family members do not always receive identical status and the right to work.
Official source: gov.pl
