How to apply for a Polish residence permit online in 2026: step-by-step MOS guide

A residence permit (“karta pobytu”) is the main instrument for the legalization of a long-term stay in Poland, issued under the Act on Foreigners, and required once your visa or visa-free period expires. This spring, Poland has modernized its residence permit system, making MOS the standard tool for most applicants.

This article outlines the full application procedure so you can complete it efficiently and correctly.

Table of contents

• What changed in Poland’s residence permit application system in 2026?
• Overview of the new Polish MOS online application portal
• Which Polish residence permit types can you apply for online?
• Who can apply through MOS?
• Documents needed for a Polish residence permit application
• Get a photo for a Polish residence permit online!
• Step-by-step guide on online Polish residence permit application
• Polish residence permit fees
• What happens after submitting your MOS application?
• How long does it take to get a Polish residence permit?
• FAQ

What changed in Poland’s residence permit application system in 2026?

In April 2026, Poland expanded its digital immigration services, making the MOS platform the main channel for submitting residence permit applications and tracking progress. Several procedures that once required in-person visits can now be completed online, with clearer status updates and document handling.

Overview of the new Polish MOS online application portal

MOS stands for Moduł Obsługi Spraw, Poland's electronic portal for managing residence permit applications. This key Polish service simplifies the residence permit process by reducing paperwork and enabling direct communication with immigration authorities via a single digital platform. Key features of the updated system are as follows:

• Electronic submission: Complete, submit, and sign your application entirely online, eliminating the need for office visits just to hand in paperwork.
• Electronic signature: Sign with a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany), a qualified electronic signature, or a personal digital signature.
• Digital confirmation: Download a confirmation certificate from the system as your proof of legal stay, replacing passport stamps.
• Real-time tracking: Monitor your application's progress online, anytime.
• Employer integration: For work-related permits, the system automatically alerts your employer, who must verify employment details electronically.

Who must use the MOS system?

Applicants for the following permits must use the MOS system:

• Temporary residence permits;
• Permanent residence permits;
• Long-term EU resident permits.

When the online-only system became mandatory?

The mandatory online system began on April 27, 2026, offering full functionality of the MOS portal and ending paper submissions for the specified permits.

Why are paper residence permit applications no longer accepted?

Paper applications are obsolete due to the new legal and administrative policy mandating electronic-only processing via MOS. The government explicitly states that mailed applications postmarked after April 26, 2026, are considered unfiled, not valid submissions.

Which Polish residence permit types can you apply for online?

Not all residence permits follow the same rules, but many of the most common categories are now available through the MOS system. The scope depends on the purpose of stay, such as work, study, or family reunification. Below, we explain which permit types you can submit online and where offline procedures still apply.

Through Poland's MOS portal, you can apply online for the following residence permits:

• Temporary Residence Permit Card or TRC (Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy): Available for various purposes, except certain work or study cases that require paper applications.
• Permanent Residence Permits (Zezwolenie na pobyt stały).
• Long-term EU Resident Permits (Zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego UE).

Additionally, starting May 4, 2026, the CUKR Residence Card can be applied for online. This card is for individuals previously holding temporary protection in Poland, and applications must be submitted via the MOS portal.

Exceptions for paper applications

Although digital applications are the norm, some temporary residence permits still accept paper forms, particularly when applicants are outside Poland. Exceptions include:

• Intra-corporate transfers (ICT).
• Long-term mobility for managers or specialists.
• Family reunification for relatives outside Poland.
• Applications associated with the UK Withdrawal Agreement for those abroad.

Who can apply through MOS?

The MOS portal is accessible to those eligible for temporary residence, permanent residence, or long-term EU resident permits in Poland. The platform welcomes foreign nationals who meet the requirements and permits representatives to act on behalf of minors. Below you’ll find out who qualifies to use MOS.

Eligible applicants include:

• Adult foreign nationals applying for themselves.
• Parents applying for their foreign child.
• Foreign guardians applying for the child under their care.
• Custodians applying for an unaccompanied foreign child.

Do EU citizens need a Polish residence card? No, in their case a karta pobytu is not required. However, if they are staying for more than three months, they need to register their stay online or at the voivodeship office.

Documents needed for a Polish residence permit application

When applying for a Polish residence card for foreigners, the specific documents you need depend on the type of permit. However, some essential documents are common to nearly all applications, alongside additional documents based on the purpose of your stay. Here you’ll find out what you need to prepare in advance.

Core documents:

• Application form completed online via the MOS portal.
• Digital photo, taken within the last 6 months, in JPG format, 684 × 883 pixels, and no larger than 2.5 MB.
• Scan/photocopy of all pages of the valid travel document (original for in-person inspection)
• Proof of legal stay in Poland at the time of application, such as a visa or residence card.
• Proof of stamp duty or application fee payment.

Common supporting documents:

• Proof of your purpose of stay, such as a university acceptance letter, when applying for a Polish residence card for students. In other cases, you may need an employment contract, work authorization, or family relationship documents.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient income or funds, if the permit category requires it.
• Documents confirming continuous legal stay for long-term EU residence or permanent residence cases.

Ensure all scanned documents are in PDF format and no larger than 10 MB per file.

Get a photo for a Polish residence permit online!

Here you’ll find out how to take a photo for a Polish residence permit that will be accepted by the authorities.

Thanks to today's online photo tools, there's no need to visit a photo studio to get a high-quality photo for your documents. Read on to learn how to take a compliant residence permit photo in just a few minutes with Visafoto, a trusted photo editing service. It only takes two simple steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in natural light to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Select the country and document type (Poland, residence permit).

That's it! The rest we'll handle for you. Visafoto adjusts the image to meet the Polish residence permit requirements, including background, size, and head positioning. You receive a ready-to-use digital file for online submission and a printable version.

Example of the original photo:

Edited result:

Visafoto delivers a 99.7% acceptance rate, with over 1,000,000 approved images. If your photo is rejected, you receive a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 if you need assistance.

Step-by-step guide on online Polish residence permit application

To apply for a Polish residence permit online, you must first create an account at the MOS portal. You will also need to use an electronic signature. The full application process is explained below.

Follow these steps:

1. Create an account: Visit the official MOS portal to set up a new user account. Note that previous MOS accounts are no longer valid. Parents, guardians, or custodians can create accounts for minors.
2. Log in: Access the portal through login.gov.pl using your Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) or a qualified electronic signature.
3. Complete the application: Fill out the appropriate application form for a temporary, permanent, or long-term EU residence permit.
4. Attach required documents: Upload scans of necessary documents and your digital photo. Include employer or university documents if needed, and pay the application fee online.
5. Submit application: After uploading all documents, electronically sign your application using your Trusted Profile or another electronic signature method.
6. Download confirmation: Upon successful submission, you will see an Official Confirmation of Receipt (UPO) on the portal. Download and save this immediately, as it serves as proof of your legal stay while waiting for a decision. If you don't receive a UPO, your application wasn't successfully submitted.

Polish residence permit fees

Applying for a Polish residence permit involves two separate fees:

• Standard Temporary Residence Permit: 400 PLN
• Temporary Residence CUKR: 340 PLN
• Permanent Residence Permit: 640 PLN
• Long-term EU Resident Permit: 640 PLN

There is an additional 100 PLN fee for issuing the physical residence card after your application is approved. This amount is paid into a different account.

Payments are made online through the MOS portal.

Note: Students, minors, refugees, and repatriates may qualify for a 50% reduction or exemption from stamp duty.

What happens after submitting your MOS application?

Once you send your application via the MOS portal, the authorities start a thorough review process. Here we explain what to expect after submission and what steps to take.

Step 1:

Upon successful electronic submission, the system immediately generates an Official Confirmation of Receipt (UPO). This UPO acts as your legal proof that you have correctly submitted your application and confirms that your stay in Poland is legally protected while awaiting a decision.

Note that the system does not send an email confirmation: the status in the MOS Portal will change to "Sent." Be sure to download and save the UPO in PDF/XML format immediately after submission, as it now serves the purpose previously filled by a passport stamp. The status may briefly show "Waiting for synchronization."

Step 2:

Expect an email or e-Delivery notification for an in-person appointment at the Voivodeship Office, where you must provide your fingerprints and present your original travel document. This will be your only required office visit.

Step 3:

Once your permit is approved, you will be notified via e-Delivery with details on where and when to collect your residence card, or "karta pobytu."

How long does it take to get a Polish residence permit?

In 2026, the Polish residence permit processing time depends on two main factors: the voivodeship office handling your application and the type of permit you're seeking. Due to high demand, actual processing times often exceed statutory deadlines. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Temporary Residence Permit: Although the statutory deadline is 60 days from completing formalities like biometrics, the realistic processing time ranges from 3 to 8 months.
• Permanent Residence Permit: Processing typically takes over 6 months.
• Long-term EU Resident Permit: Expect a processing period of over 6 months.

The location of your application submission is crucial: offices in major cities or busy voivodeships often have longer wait times. For instance, in cities like Warsaw or Kraków, you might face extended delays.

Wishing you success with your Polish residence permit application!

FAQ

Can I still submit a paper residence permit application in Poland?

No, paper applications for temporary, permanent, and long-term EU residence permits submitted after April 26, 2026, are not considered and are treated as not filed.

Is MOS application mandatory for all residence permits?

MOS is required for applying for temporary, permanent, and long-term EU residence permits. However, some temporary residence cases and other permits, such as work permits, follow different procedures.

Do I need to visit the immigration office?

Yes, after submitting your application online via MOS, you will receive a notification to visit the voivodeship office in person to provide fingerprints, a signature, identity verification, and original documents. Children under 6 are exempt from this requirement.

Can I apply for a Polish residence permit from abroad?

No, you must apply while legally present in Poland, and you should do so by the last day of your current legal stay, such as a visa or previous permit.

How do I check my residence permit application status?

You can log into your MOS account for updates or use the voivodeship's online status checker with your Poland residence permit number (also called the case number) and access code provided via email or SMS.

What if I upload the wrong document?

The office will notify you through MOS of any deficiencies and will instruct you on how to correct them. Incomplete applications may not be processed.

Can I edit my application after submission?

No, once you've submitted and signed your application in MOS, you cannot make changes. Ensure you save drafts and make necessary corrections based on office feedback.