What is a EU long-term resident’s permit?
The residence permit for a long-term resident in Poland is a document that allows foreigners to legally settle in the country for an indefinite period of time. Those who obtain this status are entitled to indefinite residence and enjoy a number of privileges, for example:
- have an unlimited right to work in the EU country that granted the card;
- can travel and stay in other EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without obtaining a visa or permit;
- can pursue education, including study on an equal conditions as citizens of a given country;
- can benefit from various forms of social support, depending on the policy of the country granting the card.
Who can apply for a EU long-term resident’s permit?
In order to obtain a long-term resident’s permit in Poland, certain conditions must be met, including:
- document legal, uninterrupted residence in Poland for at least 5 years,
- have a stable source of income for themselves and their family,
- have health insurance,
- have a proven command of the Polish language.
Long-term resident status is particularly important for those planning to live and work in Poland for a longer period of time. It provides greater stability and security in legal terms.
What documents are needed to obtain a permit?
The first step is to fill in an application form, which can be found on the website of the relevant provincial office.
Other necessary documents include:
- a valid document proving identity. This can be either an identity card or a passport;
- the lease agreement or title deed of the dwelling in which the foreigner is staying,
- documents confirming that the residence on Polish territory was 5 years long and was not interrupted during that time. It is allowed to present documents confirming justified and legally permissible interruptions of the stay,
- documents proving a regular source of income, e.g. an employment contract,
- proof of health insurance,
- officially certified knowledge of the Polish language.
It is best to check the requirements for the required documents on the website of the relevant provincial office. The application can be submitted in person or online via the ePUAP platform.
The waiting time for a decision can vary and usually takes from several months to up to a year. It is therefore important to keep track of the status of your application and to respond to any requests for additional documents.
Obligations of the EU long-term resident
Holders of EU long-term resident permits have a number of rights designed to facilitate their integration into society.
Resident status also comes with responsibilities. Holders of such a permit are, of course, obliged to comply with local laws. This means, among other things, that they must settle their taxes regularly and comply with employment rules.
It is important to remember that an EU resident card is not issued once and for all. Prolonged absence from the country that issued the card, usually more than 12 months, may result in its loss.
In some EU countries, long-term residents are required to attend language and integration courses.
Why get an EU long-term resident permit?
The long-term resident’s EU residence permit opens up many possibilities for its holder. First and foremost, it allows legal residence in an EU Member State for an indefinite period of time, which is extremely important for those planning a long-term stay.
It allows them to benefit from access to the labour market throughout the EU, the education system, healthcare and the ability to travel without additional visas. Moreover, holders of this status are more likely to obtain loans or other forms of financial support.
It is also worth noting that the process of obtaining a long-term resident’s EU residence permit has a positive impact on social and cultural integration. People with this status are perceived as more stable and involved in local communities.
In conclusion, acquiring a long-term resident’s EU residence permit is a very valuable step in personal and professional development within the European Union.