The process of obtaining a residence permit in Poland, whether for a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit, requires submitting the necessary documents. Missing documentation can delay the processing of the application, so it is important to know which documents are required for obtaining the residence card and how to proceed if asked to supplement them.
1. Analysis of the request to complete documents
After submitting the application for a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit, the voivodeship office may send a letter informing about missing documents. It contains information about:
- documents that need to be attached to the application for a temporary or permanent residence permit,
- the deadline by which the missing documents must be submitted (usually from 7 to 30 days).
Carefully reading the request is a key step to respond correctly.
2. Residence permit application – documents you must attach
The list of required documents depends on the type of application and the applicant’s situation. Below are the basic required documents:
- one or two application forms,
- 4 photos,
- passport + copies of all filled-in pages,
- fees: for the application and for issuing the residence card.
The office may individually specify what documents are needed to obtain the residence card depending on the foreigner’s situation.
3. How to complete the missing documents?
Once the missing documents are collected, they can be submitted to the office in two ways:
- In person – by submitting the documents directly at the filing office of the voivodeship office. In the case of the Mazovian Voivodeship Office, such offices are located at Plac Bankowy 3/5 and at ul. Marszałkowska 3/5.
- In person – by prior appointment booked online. For the Mazovian Voivodeship Office, appointments can be booked via the website inpol.mazowieckie.pl; select an appointment under the letter “B.”
- By post – by sending a registered letter; it is advisable to keep the proof of posting.
- Electronically – some documents can be submitted to the office via the ePUAP platform.
- Personal appearance – in some cases, a personal visit is required upon request of the office. In the case of the Mazovian Voivodeship Office, on Monday at 10:00 AM and Tuesday to Friday at 8:00 AM, one must take a ticket with the letter “C” at the office located at ul. Marszałkowska 3/5.
4. What to do in case of delays in submitting documents?
If you are unable to complete the documents within the deadline, you should submit a written request for an extension, indicating the reasons (e.g., waiting for a sworn translation or a document from abroad). The request can be submitted in person at the office or sent by post.
5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them?
- Incomplete documentation – make sure the documents meet the requirements (e.g., the correct number of copies, up-to-date documents).
- Missing sworn translations – documents in a foreign language must be translated by a sworn translator.
- Missing deadlines – always keep copies of official letters and proof of mailing.
6. What’s next?
After submitting the missing documents, the office continues to process the application. It is worth regularly monitoring the status of the case, for example, using online tools available on the websites of voivodeship offices.
