Temporary residence permit for a European volunteer

A temporary residence permit for volunteers is granted to foreign nationals who intend to stay in Poland for more than 3 months as volunteers.

Under the Act on Foreigners, a volunteer is a foreigner who voluntarily and without remuneration participates in a European Voluntary Service program. They work for an organization (e.g., a foundation or association) that has been approved in Poland by the minister responsible for internal affairs for the purpose of accepting foreigners as volunteers. For services rendered, they may receive a stipend or have their expenses reimbursed.

The volunteer service is performed in an organisational unit that has been approved by the minister competent for internal affairs, on the basis of Article 157g(5) of the Foreigners Act. In the event of failure to approve or issuance of a decision refusing approval, refusing to extend the approval period or revoking it, the permit may not be granted.

Submit an agreement under which you will perform voluntary services. It should be concluded in writing with an organizational unit that has its registered office in Poland.

The contract governing the provision of volunteering should be concluded with the volunteering organizer in writing. It is important that contained the elements specified in Art. 157g(1)(2) of the Aliens Act. Necessary elements of the contract description of voluntary service; duration of the volunteering; conditions of completing and supervising the volunteering; hours of performing services; funds to cover the cost of living and accommodation of the foreigner and the minimum pocket money received by the foreigner; training of the foreigner, which is necessary to perform the services.

Annex 3 to the application should be completed electronically, in accordance with the instructions, and then signed via login.gov.pl by the person authorised to represent the voluntary service organiser using a trusted signature, personal signature or qualified electronic signature. Submit it together with the application and other necessary annexes.

Under the Act on Foreigners, a volunteer is a foreigner who voluntarily and without remuneration participates in a European Voluntary Service program. They work for an organization (e.g., a foundation or association) that has been approved in Poland by the minister responsible for internal affairs for the purpose of accepting foreigners as volunteers. For services rendered, they may receive a stipend or have their expenses reimbursed.

funds to cover the cost of living and accommodation of the foreigner and the minimum pocket money received by the foreigner;

⇒ As a rule, to work in Poland you must hold a valid work permit or a statement on entrusting work to a foreigner.

the period necessary to complete the volunteer work (in accordance with the agreement) – from more than 3 months to 1 year

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 another purpose) before the permit expires, provided they meet the requirements for its issuance.

⇒ You are obliged to notify the competent voivode, in writing, within 15 working days, that you have ceased providing volunteer service or cannot continue it for reasons beyond your control.