Temporary Residence Permit in Poland: Which Documents Need Certified Translation?

A temporary residence permit, also known as a temporary residence permit for a specified period, is a crucial document for non-EU and non-EEA foreigners planning to stay in Poland for longer than 3 months. The application process requires submitting numerous documents, some of which, if issued abroad, will require certified translation into Polish. In this article, we'll explain what a temporary residence permit is, who can obtain it, and which documents most commonly require translation.

What is a temporary residence permit and what does it provide?

A temporary residence permit is an administrative decision issued by a voivode (provincial governor) that legalizes the stay of a foreigner (third-country national) on Polish territory for a period longer than 3 months but not exceeding 3 years. Shorter stays are possible based on a visa or under visa-free travel arrangements (if applicable).

Positive consideration of the application results in issuing a residence card. This document confirms the foreigner's identity during their stay in Poland and, together with a valid travel document (passport), entitles them to multiple border crossings without needing to obtain a visa. The residence card also enables travel to other Schengen Area countries for tourism purposes (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Long-term legal residence based on a temporary residence card can also be a step toward obtaining a permanent residence permit.

Who can apply for a temporary residence permit?

Foreigners who intend to stay in Poland for longer than 3 months and whose purpose of stay justifies such residence can apply for a temporary residence permit. The most common purposes include:

• Taking up or continuing employment: This often requires having a work permit or employer's declaration of intent to employ (more on this topic in the article about employing foreigners).
• Conducting business activity in Poland.
• Taking up or continuing full-time studies or doctoral programs, as well as language courses or professional training.
• Family reunification: For example, when a foreigner is a spouse of a Polish citizen or a foreigner legally residing in Poland, or is a minor child of such a foreigner. See also information about marriage with a foreigner.
• Conducting scientific research.
• Other justified circumstances, such as being a victim of human trafficking, having refugee status (in some cases).

As a rule, the person applying for the permit must have valid health insurance, a stable and regular source of income sufficient to cover living costs for themselves and family members dependent on them, and secured accommodation in Poland. These requirements may be relaxed or waived in certain special cases (e.g., for spouses of Polish citizens).

What documents must be submitted when applying?

The application for a temporary residence permit is submitted in person to the voivode competent for the foreigner's place of residence. A series of documents must be attached to the application (completed in Polish). The basic set typically includes:

• Valid travel document (passport) – 2 photocopies of all pages with entries and original for inspection.
• 4 current, color photographs meeting document photo requirements.
• Confirmation of payment of the stamp duty for issuing the permit.
• Documents confirming the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, university certificate, marriage certificate).
• Documents confirming health insurance coverage.
• Documents confirming possession of financial means for maintenance.
• Documents confirming secured accommodation (e.g., rental agreement, property deed, temporary registration confirmation).

The exact list of required documents depends on the purpose of stay and the foreigner's individual situation. It should always be checked on the website of the relevant voivodeship office. Fingerprints are also taken during application submission.

Which documents for temporary residence permit require certified translation?

All documents prepared in a foreign language that are attached to the temporary residence permit application must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator. This particularly applies to:

• Civil status documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates (if concluded abroad), and possibly death certificates.
• Documents confirming qualifications and education: University degrees, school certificates, professional certificates – if they form the basis for applying for work or continuing education.
• Employment contracts or other documents confirming employment from foreign employers (in case of secondment).
• Financial documents: For example, foreign salary certificates, bank statements from foreign banks, documents confirming other sources of income.
• Foreign insurance policies.
• Other official documents issued by foreign state authorities, such as criminal record certificates.

The translation must be performed by a sworn translator registered on the list maintained by the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Poland. Only such a translation has the force of an official document and is accepted by Polish authorities.

Where to professionally translate documents for residence card?

The process of applying for a temporary residence permit can be stressful, and completing and translating documents time-consuming. The Sworny.com platform offers a fast and convenient way to commission certified translations online for all necessary documents.

We work with experienced sworn translators of many languages, including those most commonly needed in immigration procedures, such as Ukrainian, Russian, Belarusian, English, German, and others.

1. Prepare scans or clear photos of your documents.
2. Submit them through our secure form at Sworny.com, specifying the original language.
3. You'll receive competitive offers from sworn translators.
4. Choose the best option, make payment, and your translator will begin work.
5. You'll receive completed, authenticated translations in electronic form and, upon request, in paper version.

Trust professionals and save time and stress. Sworny.com is your partner for translations necessary for legalizing residence in Poland.