A residence permit is a long-term temporary or permanent residence permit in Poland, which allows a foreigner to enjoy most of the rights of a Polish citizen, as well as to cross the border of the state without the need to obtain a visa. Learn more about the current changes in the procedure for obtaining a residence card in Poland from 2025

Starting in 2025, the income requirements for foreigners planning to apply for a residence card or a residence card in Poland will change. An important aspect is that the minimum income for applying must correspond to the new minimum wage, which will be PLN 4,626 gross. 

This requirement applies to all foreigners applying for a residence card, except in cases where the documents are submitted on the basis of family reunification. It is important to familiarize yourself with the new rules in advance to meet all the criteria and ensure successful receipt of residence documents.

EU citizens do not need to apply for a residence permit in Poland, it is enough to register their stay. According to statistics, the largest number of migrants arrive in Poland from Ukraine, Belarus, India and Turkey.

To learn more about the details of the student visa scandal in Poland, please follow the link.

Income level for applying for a residence card and a residence card in Poland

Starting from January 1, 2025, new minimum income requirements for foreigners who plan to apply for a residence card or a residence card will come into force in Poland. These changes are aimed at ensuring the financial stability of those who plan to stay in the country for a long period of time.

According to the new rules, for a single person living alone, the minimum income must be more than PLN 1010 per month net. If a person lives in a family, this figure is reduced to PLN 823 per month net for each family member. This means that if you are applying for a residence card and you have a family, you need to take into account the income sufficient to support all family members. 

Let's look at approximate examples of salaries and calculations when applying for a residence card:

1. For 1 person per month: more than PLN 1010 net;

2. For 2 family members: more than PLN 1646 net;

3. For 3 family members: over PLN 2469 net; 

4. For 4 family members: more than PLN 3292 / net; 

5. For 5 family members: over PLN 4115 net.

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For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world.

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The minimum wage will also change. From January 1, 2025, it will amount to PLN 4626 gross. This figure is important for those applying for a work-based residence card, as the amount of income must meet these new requirements.

For example, suppose one of the family members applies for a residence card and has three other family members as dependents. In that case, their income must be more than PLN 3292 per month net, which would correspond to a salary of approximately PLN 4346 gross. It is also important to note that the income for such calculations does not include rental expenses.

These changes will affect many foreigners, so it is important to be prepared for the new requirements and plan your finances in accordance with the new standards in order to successfully apply for a residence card.

We remind you! To stay in Poland, foreign nationals need to obtain a residence permit, which is the main basis for legal stay in the country. Read more about the categories of residence permits in Poland and the peculiarities of the procedure for obtaining a permit in 2024.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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