The permit most often used by Turkish citizens who want to stay in Poland for longer than 90 days is the temporary residence card (karta pobytu czasowego). The application is based on a purpose such as work, business, study or family reunification and is handled by the Voivodeship office (urząd wojewódzki).
When to apply
The application must be submitted in person before your legal stay in Poland ends. If it is complete and filed on time, your passport is stamped and your stay is considered legal while the decision is pending.
Core documents
- Application form and photographs
- Valid passport and a copy
- Documents for the purpose: employment contract, company documents, student certificate or family documents
- Health insurance
- Proof of means and of address
The Voivodeship appointment
At the appointment the documents are submitted and fingerprints are taken. If anything is missing, the office sets a deadline in writing; replying on time is critical to avoid delays.
How long does the decision take?
The statutory period is 60 days; in practice it ranges from a few months to a year depending on the city and the workload. A complete file and fast replies are the two main factors that shorten the wait.
What if the application is refused?
An appeal can be filed within 14 days. The appeal and supporting documents must be submitted within the deadline; legal support at this stage markedly affects the outcome.
If you would like us to run the process on your behalf, see our residence card application page.
This article is general information; timelines and document lists may change.