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What advantages does a residence card provide?

As of today, Poland's economy ranks first among the countries of the former Soviet bloc. Thanks to the prudent policies of the Polish authorities and the advantages of integration into the EU zone, Poland has significantly expanded its influence on neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, and Georgia. Polish embassies and visa centers are present in many major cities of these countries, as hardworking employees are needed to fill vacant positions for the Poles. Ukrainians have long been known for their diligence in this regard. Every citizen of Ukraine who works in Poland and plans to stay and live in the country considers obtaining a residence card for Ukrainians. The need for a residence card, its advantages, and the process of obtaining it remain relevant questions for Ukrainian workers abroad and individuals aspiring to migrate to a comfortable European country for the first time.

What types of residence cards are available for Ukrainians and what are the advantages of having this document?

A residence card provides foreigners with the right to work and reside in Poland for a much longer period than most visa permits. Objectively, it is a temporary residence permit (or "stay") that allows Ukrainians to cross the Polish Republic's border any number of times, work, study, or engage in entrepreneurial activities within the framework of the current Polish legislation.

Ukrainians have access to several types of residence cards:

Temporary residence card: The holder of this document is entitled to stay in Poland for up to three years based on official work permits or permits for other types of activities. These can include an employment contract, permission to conduct business or scientific activities, obtaining education, and others.
Permanent residence card: A Ukrainian can obtain this document after residing continuously in the country for at least five years. The basis for applying for a permanent residence card is either a Polish Card or a temporary residence card. The validity of this document is 10 years.
EU Permanent Resident Card: This document can only be obtained after continuously residing in Poland for at least 5 years and having the status of an EU resident. Additionally, the Ukrainian must officially confirm a stable income and have legal employment. The advantage of permanent residency is the right to work in any European country within the European zone, unless the partner country has implemented certain restrictive measures.

Ukrainians who work in Poland under long-term employment contracts can apply for a temporary or permanent residence card. Students enrolled in universities can also apply for a residence card for the duration of their studies. Ukrainians who have opened a business in Poland or citizens with historical roots and a Polish Card can also apply. One member of a family can apply for a residence permit if the other member holds Polish citizenship (family reunification program).

In addition to legal employment, a residence card provides Ukrainians with a number of advantages:

Legal employment in the country without an official invitation.
The opportunity to receive education for free and be eligible for state scholarships.
Unlimited crossings of the Polish border: in addition to the residence card, one must have a valid passport.
Residing for an agreed period in countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement.
The ability to purchase and register property in one's name, such as an apartment, house, car, and more.
Inviting family members and obtaining long-term visa permits for them.
After residing and working in the Republic of Poland for more than 5 years and having a residence card, one can expect to obtain permanent residency and eventually apply for official citizenship.

What documents are required for obtaining a residence card for Ukrainians?

The list of necessary documents for obtaining a residence card may vary slightly depending on the voivodeship (administrative region) where the application is being processed. The following are typically included in the list of required documents:

Completed application form in Polish (2 copies).
Four passport-sized photos (3.5x4.5 cm) where the applicant's face occupies at least 75% of the total area.
Medical insurance policy with a coverage balance of up to 10,000 euros.
Original document confirming the basis for obtaining a residence card: employment contract, proof of family relationship for family reunification, student status confirmation or admission confirmation for students.
Biometric passport.
Birth certificate, marriage certificate.
Proof of registered address.
Documents related to housing rental or employment contract guaranteeing accommodation and a stable income.
Verified source of income calculated at 800 zlotys per family member.
Receipt of payment for the fee (stamp duty).

After the application for residence is approved, the applicant can expect to receive a temporary residence permit and be issued a corresponding plastic document.

How to obtain an approved residence card?

Within 10 days of submitting the required documents and completing the registration process, a message regarding the status of the application will be sent to the provided contact phone number. The applicant can use the provided contact to inquire about the relevant information and clarify the stage of their application's review. Upon a positive decision, an SMS notification is sent, and the applicant must personally visit the Voivodeship office, pay 60 zlotys for the production of the plastic card, and sign their agreement to become the cardholder.

The finalized document can only be collected in person, with a passport as identification. Typically, the card is issued for a specific period: 17 months for students, 12 months for employees working under long-term employment contracts, and up to 3 years for individuals applying under the family reunification program. Subsequent residence cards are issued for longer periods, starting from 3 years and beyond.