EU Long-Term Resident Permit – When Can I Apply?

What is the EU Long-Term Resident Permit?

The EU long-term resident permit is a special type of residence status that allows foreigners to live in Poland on a long-term and stable basis. It is granted for an indefinite period, meaning that, unlike temporary residence permits, it does not need to be renewed every year or two.

This status was introduced at the EU level to help equalize the rights of third-country nationals with those of EU citizens. Those who obtain the permit enjoy many rights similar to EU citizens, particularly in terms of employment, education, social protection, healthcare, and running a business.

In Poland, the status of EU long-term resident is regulated by the Foreigners Act. The permit can be granted to third-country nationals (i.e. individuals who are not citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland) or stateless persons who have been legally and continuously residing in Poland for at least 5 years.

 

Eligibility Requirements

To successfully apply for an EU long-term resident permit, a foreigner must meet jointly several key requirements:

1. Legal and Continuous Stay of at Least 5 Years

The primary condition is a minimum of five years of continuous legal residence in Poland.

This period may include:

• Stay based on a temporary residence permit,
• Stay on a long-term visa,
• Period during which the foreigner held refugee status or subsidiary protection.

However, periods of stay for the purposes of studying, vocational training, or internships are not counted – these are considered temporary stays.

2. Stable Source of Income

The applicant must prove they have a stable and regular source of income sufficient to support themselves and any family members without relying on social assistance.

Proof may include an employment contract, self-employment income, or other legal sources of revenue.

3. Health Insurance

The applicant must hold valid health insurance – either through the National Health Fund (NFZ) or a private health insurance policy that covers all basic medical services.

4. Knowledge of the Polish Language

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the Polish language at level B1 or higher, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Acceptable proof includes:

• A diploma from a Polish school,
• A state-issued certificate confirming proficiency in Polish as a foreign language,
• A university diploma from an institution where instruction was in Polish.

 

Who Cannot Apply for EU Long-Term Resident Status?

Not every foreigner residing in Poland is eligible to apply. The following individuals are excluded:

• Those staying in Poland for the purpose of studies, internships, or vocational training,
• Individuals under temporary protection or those applying for refugee status, asylum, or subsidiary protection,
• Those with humanitarian or tolerated stay permits,
• Individuals residing in Poland on short-term permits (e.g. intra-corporate transfers or short-term mobility).

Additionally, under regulations effective since 2024, Ukrainian citizens who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022 due to the war and are under temporary protection (UKR status) are not eligible for the EU long-term resident permit.

 

What is the Application Procedure?

The application must be submitted to the Voivode (regional governor) competent for the applicant’s place of residence.

1. Decision Format

The permit is granted in the form of an administrative decision. Upon a positive decision, the foreigner receives a residence card valid for 5 years. Once expired, the card must be renewed, but the permit itself remains valid indefinitely.

2. Required Documents

The application must include, among others:

• Recent photographs,
• Document confirming legal stay,
• Proof of income (e.g. PIT, employment certificate),
• Proof of health insurance,
• Certificate of Polish language proficiency,
• Documents confirming 5-year stay in Poland.

The Voivode may also request additional documents or initiate further administrative procedures to clarify the case.

3. Processing Time

By law, a decision should be issued within 90 days from the date a complete application is submitted. In practice, this may take longer, depending on the caseload of the particular Voivodeship Office.

 

What Rights Does the EU Long-Term Resident Card Grant?

This status comes with numerous benefits, including:

• The right to permanent residence in Poland,
• Full access to the labor market without needing a work permit,
• The ability to run a business under the same rules as Polish citizens,
• Access to education, social benefits, and healthcare,
• The ability to travel freely within EU countries that recognize the EU long-term resident status (under specific conditions).

This status therefore offers legal and life stability – confirming the foreigner’s long-term ties with Poland and integration into society.

 

When Can the EU Long-Term Resident Status Be Revoked?

There are specific situations in which the permit can be withdrawn, such as when the foreigner:

• Has stayed outside the EU for more than 12 months,
• Has obtained EU long-term resident status in another EU member state,
• Poses a threat to state security or public order,
• Obtained the permit unlawfully (e.g. using false documents).

If the permit is revoked, the foreigner may appeal the decision to the Head of the Office for Foreigners.

 

Why Is It Worth Applying for EU Long-Term Resident Status?

This permit offers the highest legal stability of all types of residence in Poland. It allows for long-term life planning, career development, and living in Poland without the annual hassle of renewing permits.

For many foreigners, this status is also a step toward acquiring Polish citizenship, as it confirms a permanent and legal relationship with the Polish state.

 

Summary

The EU long-term resident permit is designed for individuals who have permanently tied their lives to Poland – who work, learn the language, pay taxes, and participate in society.

Although obtaining this status requires meeting several formal requirements, it grants security, stability, and a wide range of rights similar to those enjoyed by EU citizens.

If you meet the conditions for residence, income, insurance, and language proficiency – it’s worth considering an application and seeking professional legal support.

 

Need Help Obtaining EU Long-Term Resident Status?

Contact our law office – we’ll advise you, prepare your documents, and guide you through the entire process until you receive a positive decision.

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