Poland has restricted the right to receive a residence card: what has changed since June 1

The new rules on the residence card have already come into force in Poland. The law narrows the list of grounds for obtaining it and limits the number of foreigners who can apply. Find out who is affected by the changes and who retains the right to legalize their stay
On June 1, 2025, significant amendments to the Act on Foreigners came into force in Poland, which significantly narrowed the range of persons eligible to apply for a residence card. This is reported by Isap.
It is noted that these innovations are aimed at strengthening control over migration and legalization of foreigners' stay in the country.
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Who will no longer be able to apply for a residence card?
From now on, foreigners staying in Poland on short-term visas will not be able to apply for a residence card if their visa was issued for the following purposes
- tourism;
- visiting relatives or friends;
- participation in sports events;
- participation in cultural or scientific conferences;
- studying (bachelor's, master's, doctoral studies);
- professional courses and trainings;
- transit or transit flight;
- medical treatment;
- participation in exchange programs, volunteering, humanitarian missions.
Also, persons who:
- stay in Poland on the basis of long-term visas issued by other Schengen countries;
- have documents issued by other Schengen countries;
- entered Poland without a visa, e.g. on the basis of an invitation.
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Who can apply for a residence card?
Foreigners residing in Poland on the basis of visas issued for the following purposes can apply for a residence card
- conducting business
- seasonal work;
- other non-seasonal work;
- scientific activities, internships;
- family reunification;
- exercise of rights under the Pole's Card;
- temporary protection or repatriation;
- humanitarian reasons;
- other authorized purposes.
Foreigners staying in Poland on the basis of mobility may also apply for a residence card.
This applies to persons temporarily residing and working in Poland without a Polish visa or a residence card, provided they have a valid residence permit or a visa issued by another Schengen country.
Important! The new changes do not apply to Ukrainian citizens with the status of UKR. They can still apply for a residence card in accordance with the current legislation.
If you are looking for professional assistance in matters of migration and legalization of your stay in Poland, we recommend that you contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers. They will provide qualified advice and support at every stage of the process, help you choose the best legalization option, taking into account your individual circumstances.
Do not risk your status abroad - order a qualified consultation from Visit Ukraine lawyers!
We remind you! Due to the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border, the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Poland has decided to introduce a number of amendments to the current legislation. Read about the reasons for the draft law and the changes it will bring to Ukrainians in our previous article.
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