Updated: 12 November 2026
Who it’s for
Non-EU foreigners who want to live in Poland for more than 3 months and work. The permit is issued by the voivode — in Tricity, the Pomeranian Voivodeship Office.
When to apply
No later than the last day of your legal stay (e.g. the last day of your visa). Don’t leave it late — the employer’s documents take time too.
What to prepare
- A PESEL number and a Profil Zaufany (trusted profile) — you can’t log in without them. See PESEL for foreigners.
- A digital photo.
- Scans of every page of your passport.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof that your pay will be no lower than the minimum wage or than people in similar roles.
- Annex no. 1 (załącznik nr 1) — completed and signed electronically by whoever entrusts you with work. The system emails them a link.
How to apply in MOS
- Create a MOS account and log in via login.gov.pl.
- Choose the temporary residence and work permit application and fill it in.
- Add the photo, passport scans and documents.
- Wait for whoever entrusts the work to sign annex no. 1.
- Sign the application yourself — with Profil Zaufany, a qualified signature or a personal e-ID signature. A representative can’t sign for you.
- Download the UPO — the submission receipt.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Stamp duty for the temporary residence and work permit | 440 zł (not refunded if refused) |
| Issuing the residence card | 100 zł |
These are two separate payments to different accounts — check the account numbers on your voivodeship office’s website.
What happens next
- Once the application is checked, you can download a certificate of application — it replaces the old passport stamp.
- The office will call you in person for fingerprints, a signature sample and your original passport.
- The permit is issued for up to 3 years — usually for as long as the work is planned.
Obligations once you have the card
- If your work ends, notify the voivode within 15 days.
- Changing employer usually requires changing the permit.
- Tell the office when your address changes.
This is general information as of November 2026, based on gov.pl and zielonalinia.gov.pl. It is not legal advice. Rules for foreigners change often — confirm your situation with the voivodeship office, the labour office or the Zielona Linia helpline.
FAQ
How much does a residence card for work cost?
440 zł stamp duty for the permit and 100 zł for issuing the card.
Can I apply on paper?
As a rule, no — temporary residence applications are filed online in the MOS system.
How long is the permit valid?
Up to 3 years.
Does Optymist help with the residence card?
Yes. We complete annex no. 1 and help you prepare and submit your residence card application.
