Poland has changed the application forms for residence cards: what Ukrainians need to know now.

According to ТСН: In Poland, the application form for the temporary residence permit (residence card) has been changed, and the requirements for the attachments (additional forms) of the application and photographs submitted with it have also been updated. These changes affect all foreign nationals, including Ukrainian refugees, who will need to change their temporary protection status to temporary residence.

The relevant changes have been approved by the order of the Minister of the Interior of Poland.

The most significant innovation is that foreigners applying for temporary residence cards must fill out only the new version of the application form.

What will change

1. If the application is submitted by a foreigner based on employment, a new form Annex No. 1 (Załącznik nr 1) signed by the employer must be completed.

2. For high-skilled professions or long-term mobility of the holder of the EU Blue Card, a new form Annex No. 2 (Załącznik nr 2) must be submitted.

3. For internships or volunteering (European Voluntary Service), a new form Annex No. 3 (Załącznik nr 3) will be required.

4. If the application is submitted for scientific activities or long-term mobility of a scientist, a new form Annex No. 4 (Załącznik nr 4) is also needed.

The application forms and annexes can be downloaded from the Polish government website.

Requirements for photographs

• Now 2 photographs (instead of 4) are added to the application.

• Condition – undamaged.

• Color – in color.

• Quality – with good clarity.

• Size – 35 mm × 45 mm.

• Recency – taken not earlier than 6 months before submitting the application.

• Visible part – from the top of the head to the upper part of the shoulders.

• Face share – 70-80% of the area of the photograph.

• Background – uniform, light.

• Position – frontal.

• Eyes – open, clearly visible, pupils distinct.

• Hair – does not cover the face.

• Facial expression – natural.

• Lips – closed.

• Skin color – reproduced naturally.

• Orientation – line of eyes parallel to the upper edge of the photograph.

It is recalled that the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, signed the second version of the law on assistance to Ukrainian refugees. He noted that this is the last time, and support will not be extended. The president emphasized the need to organize the system and establish unified rules. He believes that Ukrainians should be placed alongside other national minorities, highlighting the importance of fairness for Poles in providing assistance to 800+ Ukrainians who are not working.

These changes introduce new rules that may significantly impact the lives of thousands of Ukrainians in Poland. While refugees adapt to the new requirements, the Polish government continues to improve the support system, which should ensure stability for those who have been forced to leave their homes. It is important to keep an eye on further news, as the situation may change due to the evolution of crisis conditions.