Published: 19.09.2026
The Foreigners Act regulates entry, visas, temporary and permanent residence, EU long-term-resident status and the duty to leave. According to the source, a temporary residence permit is issued for the period needed for the purpose of stay, for no more than three years; a timely application without formal defects makes the stay legal until a final decision.
The Act matters in practice because the legality and duration of stay depend not only on submitting an application, but also on filing on time and avoiding formal defects. This affects whether an applicant can remain in Poland while the case is pending and plan a later move toward permanent or EU long-term residence. The framework applies to most third-country nationals seeking residence for work, study, family or business purposes. People planning a move should identify the correct permit category and file before their lawful stay expires.