HOW TO GET A POLE CARD
Modern Poland demonstrates stable development indicators, the economy is booming and the quality of life is noticeably improving. In recent years, the state has been a leader in the European Union in terms of the number of residence permits issued to foreigners. This is primarily due to the massive influx of migrant workers from neighboring Ukraine. In 2025, already several million Ukrainians are working in Poland both on a temporary and permanent basis.
The average pre-tax salary in Poland is about 2,035 euros per month, and the official minimum from January 1, 2025 is 4,666 zlotys (1,095 euros). With few exceptions, legal long-term employment in Polish companies involves going through a number of bureaucratic procedures related to finding a vacancy, obtaining a work permit and obtaining a work visa to Poland. The paperwork process can take several months.
One of the more accessible ways of legal employment in Poland is to obtain a Pole Card, which, in addition to free employment, gives the holder a number of other rights on the territory of this country. Of course, not every citizen from abroad can apply for such a document. Further, in an accessible form, we will tell you how to get a Pole Card in 2025.
Note. Information is based on official information from Polish government resources and the law “On the Pole Card” of September 7, 2007 (amended in 2008 and 2016).
CONTENTS
The Karta Polaka (Polish Card) is an official document issued to citizens of the post-Soviet countries (CIS and Baltic states) or stateless persons residing on the territory of these states, which certifies the belonging to the Polish nation (ethnic roots) and confers certain rights in Poland.
Important. On June 4, 2019, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed amendments to the law “On the Pole Card” that allow the document to be issued to persons in all countries of the world, not only to foreigners from the post-Soviet space.
Note. The Pole Card does not automatically allow you to obtain a Polish residence permit, citizenship or even to visit Poland without hindrance.
What the Pole Card provides
Free Polish national visa (type D), which is valid for up to 1 year and allows not only to freely cross the border with Poland, but also up to 90 days to stay in other European countries that comply with the EU Schengen law.
Carrying out professional activities in Poland without prior registration of a work permit, i.e. practically on an equal footing with locals and citizens of the European Union, EEA and Switzerland.
Opening and running a business in Poland on equal terms with Poles.
The right to information and other types of assistance from the Polish Consulate in case of threat to life and safety, as well as the opportunity to apply for Polish citizenship free of charge at the diplomatic mission.
Free medical care (assistance) in Poland in case of emergency.
A 37% discount on the use of railway transportation services and free visits to public museums in Poland.
Free education in Polish universities, primary and secondary education, access to scholarships and benefits for students.
Receiving financial assistance from the state and local budgets of Poland on the basis of programs supporting Poles abroad.
Since January 1, 2017, in case of residence on Polish territory, the holder of the Card of the Pole is entitled to a financial allowance (for 9 months) in the amount of 30% of the minimum wage for each minor child and 50% for himself and his spouse. After 3 months the rate is reduced to 15 and 30% respectively.
Possibility to obtain a residence permit in Poland and a permanent residence permit free of charge, and after one year to apply for Polish citizenship.
How to obtain a Pole Card
As mentioned above, since 2019 the Pole Card is issued not only to citizens (stateless persons) of the former USSR countries, but also to other foreigners. The candidate must not have a Polish passport or permanent residency status in Poland.
Requirements for obtaining a Pole Card
Proof of Polish roots (nationality or Polish citizenship in the past). For example, a birth or baptismal certificate, school certificate, military record, civil status certificate, archival extracts. In addition, original and copies of documents proving that one of the parents or grandparents or two of the great-grandparents have Polish citizenship are accepted.
Note. If the foreigner is not covered by the Act on Repatriation of November 9, 2000 and there is no other documentary evidence of Polish roots, it is allowed to submit a certificate from an authorized organization of Poles (diaspora) in his/her country stating that during the last 3 years the candidate has assisted and actively participated in activities to promote the Polish language and culture.
Recognition as a native language and, accordingly, knowledge of the Polish language at a basic level, as well as knowledge of Polish history, culture and customs
Submission of a written declaration of belonging to the Polish nation (people).
Certification that the applicant and relatives have not been repatriated or repatriated from Polish territory on the basis of the 1944-1957 agreements between Poland and the Soviet republics of Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania or the USSR.
Procedure for obtaining a Pole Card
The application for a Pole Card is submitted in person to the Polish Consulate in the country of residence of the foreigner or to a specially authorized voivode on Polish territory. You should prepare a list of documents in advance and arrange a telephone appointment.
Important. An adult candidate for a Pole Card must call the Consulate on his/her own, as already at this stage the degree of knowledge of the Polish language is checked.
Documents for applying for a Pole Card
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Original and copies of the passport and internal passport (photo and registration pages).
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A completed application form and one color photo (35-45 mm) taken no later than 180 days ago.
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Proof of Polish roots (see above). Proof of language skills (if available), e.g. a diploma of graduation from an educational institution teaching in Polish.
Procedure for applying for a Pole Card
Important. Foreigners under the age of 18 receive a Pole Card on the application of their parents, who already have this document. If only one of the parents has the Card, the consent of the other parent is required in the presence of the Polish Consul or a written confirmation (by prior arrangement) certified by a notary. Children over 13 years of age must also be present at the interview, and those over 16 years of age must give their personal consent to obtain a Pole Card.
The interview usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes, during which the applicant's knowledge of the Polish language and basic knowledge of Polish customs, history and traditions are checked. For example, you may be asked about outstanding cultural, sports or scientific figures.
According to the testimonies of foreigners who have successfully obtained the Polish Card, it is not very difficult to pass the interview. The main thing is to pay attention to language skills and to be of Polish origin.
Note. The procedure of obtaining a Pole Card is free of charge and takes on average from 1 to 3 months, sometimes up to half a year.
Reasons for refusal and validity of the Pole Card
The Pole Card is issued for a period of 10 years with the right to extend it for a similar period by submitting a corresponding application not later than 3 months before the expiry of the document. For foreigners over 65 years of age the Card is issued for an indefinite period of time.
Important. Minors must apply for the extension of the Card at least 3 months before reaching the age of majority (18 years), otherwise the document will be canceled after one year.
The most common reasons for refusal to issue a Pole Card are related to the provision of false or falsified information. Also, the candidate is suspected of illegal actions against the security, sovereignty and national interests of Poland.
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