Seal or stamp indicating that a residence card is pending: how to maintain legal status in Poland while waiting for the document

The process of obtaining a residence card in Poland is often accompanied by long waits and numerous formalities. Learn more about how to maintain legal status during this period, what rights a “stamp in your passport” gives you, and what restrictions you must comply with until you receive your card

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Obtaining a residence card in Poland is a lengthy administrative process. Foreigners, including Ukrainians, who apply for temporary residence (karta pobytu czasowego) face the fact that the review of documents by provincial authorities can take from several months to a year.

Despite this, Polish law guarantees that a person who has submitted a complete set of documents during their legal stay may remain in the country legally until a decision is made.

Staying “on a stamp” while waiting for a residence card: legal basis

After accepting the documents, the voivode puts a special stamp in the passport — confirmation that the application has been accepted for consideration. From that moment on, the stay in Poland is legal, even if the visa or previous residence card has expired.

It is important to remember that it is the moment of acceptance of the documents that is legally significant, not the date when the stamp was affixed. The procedure may vary in different provinces: in some, you need to make an appointment to get a stamp, in others — wait for an invitation from the office.

Rights of Ukrainians while waiting for a residence card

While waiting for the voivode's decision, a Ukrainian citizen has the right to:

- stay in Poland on legal grounds;

- continue working for the same employer if they had a valid work permit at the time of application;

- use health care services and bank accounts (if they have a PESEL and other documents).

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Restrictions for persons “on a stamp”

Despite their legal status, this period has significant restrictions:

- the stamp does not allow them to leave Poland;

- it is impossible to return to the country after leaving until a plastic residence card is issued;

- it is impossible to travel to Schengen countries, even for short-term purposes.

Thus, staying on a stamp is legal only within Poland, without the right to leave and re-enter.

When does the stamp expire?

The stamp expires when the voivode makes a final decision. If the decision is positive, the Ukrainian citizen becomes a person with a temporary residence permit. Until the plastic residence card is issued, restrictions on traveling abroad remain in place.

The stamp in the passport is not just a technical mark, but a key document that guarantees the legality of Ukrainians' stay in Poland while awaiting a decision on the residence card. Understanding its legal significance will help you avoid problems with the border service, employer, or administration, as well as plan your life competently during this transition period.

Need help with immigration issues?

Contact the lawyers at Visit Ukraine for advice.

Reminder! More and more Ukrainians working and living in Poland are using two bank cards at once — Polish and Ukrainian. This is convenient for transfers, paying for purchases and storing savings, but it may raise questions from the tax authorities of both countries. It is important to understand what rules apply to residents of Poland and Ukraine and when it is necessary to declare income. Find out what conditions allow you to legally use bank accounts in two countries at the same time.

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