Temporary residence — other circumstances justifying stay

— that is, other than those listed in Chapters 2–10a of Section V, Article 186(1) and Article 187(1)-(7) of the Act on Foreigners, justifying a stay in Poland for a period longer than 3 months, foreigners may apply for a temporary residence permit on the basis of other circumstances pursuant to Article 187(8) of the Act on Foreigners.

A permit granted pursuant to Article 187(8) of the Act on Foreigners entitles the holder to stay in Poland only in a justified situation not provided for or listed in the provisions of that Act.

The foreigner is a third-country national or stateless person, and at the time of applying for this matter is legally staying in Poland (excluding stay, inter alia, for humanitarian purposes).

The foreigner should specify and tocument a purpose of stay in Poland other than the purposes provided for in the Aliens Act (Chapters 2–10a of Part V and Art. 186(1) and Art. 187 points 1–7), which constitutes the basis for applying for a temporary residence permit and justifies the stay in Poland for a period exceeding 3 months.

The permit is subject to so-called administrative discretion—this means that the provincial governor may, but is not required to, grant the permit if they determine that the stated purpose of stay should instead be pursued on the basis of a visa or under visa-free travel (e.g., tourism, caring for a friend’s home, or tending to a family member’s grave), even if you meet the other requirements for granting the permit.

the provincial governor competent for the foreigner’s place of residence;

submitted through MOS an application for a permit in electronic form in the manner specified in the provisions together with the necessary annexes;

provide documents proving that the reason for which you are applying for the permit justifies your stay in Poland for more than 3 months

+ the foreigner has health insurance;

+ the foreigner has a guaranteed place of residence in Poland;

above PLN 1010 per month, if the foreigner manages independently and has no dependants; above PLN 823 per month per each family member.

for the period necessary to fulfill the purpose of stay, from more than 3 months to 3 years

The permit is not automatically renewed. A foreign national who wishes to continue staying in Poland should apply for a residence permit (for the same or a different purpose) before the permit expires, provided they meet the requirements for its issuance.

⇒ As a rule, to work in Poland you must hold a valid work permit.

⇒ You may also cross the internal borders of the Schengen Area and stay in other Schengen Area countries for a period of 90 days in any 180-day period, provided that the entry and stay requirements are met.