Residence permit Krakow

Krakow is one of the most beautiful and dynamically developing cities in Poland. It is not surprising that many foreigners dream of living, studying or working here. However, in order to stay in the country legally, it is necessary to obtain a special document - a visit card. This is a temporary or permanent residence permit, which is issued to foreigners who plan to stay in Poland for a long period of time.
Applying for a residence card may seem like a complicated process, especially if it is your first time dealing with Polish bureaucracy. But don't worry! We will tell you in detail about all the stages of obtaining this important document in Krakow.

Cost of our services

Prices are relevant for all grounds, except for Business-based Residence Permits.
The price does not include: payment of stamp duty, sworn transfers, payment for receiving plastic, necessary insurance, writing business plans (for business, for example).

​The price for all family members applying together with the principal applicant (grounds: family reunification or other circumstances) is 700 PLN gross, regardless of the applicant's basis.

Payment takes place in 2 stages: 1 — 50% prepayment, part 2 after submitting the documents to Migration Office, or after 2 months.
Depending on what comes first.

Basic package
700 PLN / gross
  • Initial consultation
  • Analysis of your case and chances
  • Audit of your existing documents
  • Answers to questions in the CRM system during business hours (for the Basic and Standard packages, only before submitting documents)
Standart package
1100 PLN / gross
  • Initial consultation
  • Analysis of your case and chances
  • Audit of your existing documents
  • Answers to questions in the CRM system during business hours (for the Basic and Standard packages, only before submitting documents)
  • Filling out applications
  • Preparation of documents for submission
  • Submission of documents to the migration office by post
Premium package
1700 PLN / gross
  • Initial consultation
  • Analysis of your case and chances
  • Audit of your existing documents
  • Answers to questions in the CRM system during business hours (for the Basic and Standard packages, only before submitting documents)
  • Filling out applications
  • Preparation of documents for submission
  • Submission of documents to the migration office by post
  • Support for the supply and selection of plastic (TRC)
  • Appeal in case of refusal
VIP package
2500 PLN / gross
  • Initial consultation
  • Analysis of your case and chances
  • Audit of your existing documents
  • Answers to questions in the CRM system during business hours (for the Basic and Standard packages, only before submitting documents)
  • Filling out applications
  • Preparation of documents for submission
  • Submission of documents to the migration office by post
  • Support for the supply and selection of plastic (TRC)
  • Appeal in case of refusal
  • Consultations throughout the entire process via messenger with a personal manager
  • Submitting current documents to the Uzhąd (Warsaw only)
  • Representing your interests in the Uzhąd by proxy (Warsaw only)
  • Resubmission in case the card is issued for less than 6 months
  • Assistance in obtaining ZAS-W, US-7, PIT-37 online using a trusted profile

Rights and obligations of the Pobytu Card holder

First of all, it is the right to legal residence in Poland for the period of time specified in the document.

In addition, the cardholder can travel freely within the Schengen area without the need for additional visas.

The Pobytu card also entitles you to work in Poland without additional permits. This greatly simplifies the employment process and opens access to the Polish labor market.

However, along with rights come responsibilities. The holder of a residence card must comply with the laws of Poland, renew the document in a timely manner and inform the authorities of any change of residence or other significant changes in his or her status.

The process of obtaining a Pobytu Card in Krakow

Document Collection

  • Applying for a residence card in Kraków starts with a visit to the voivodeship office (uząd). Here you need to submit a completed application form and a package of necessary documents.
  • It is important to remember that the application process can take several months. During this time you can legally stay in Poland even if your visa has expired.
  • To find out at what stage the card is at, you can contact Uząd in person or check the status online.
  • After submitting your documents, you will be invited to a biometrics procedure. Here you will be fingerprinted and have your photograph taken. This data will be used to produce your residence card.

Requirements for applicants

In order to obtain a residence card, you must meet certain requirements.

  • First of all, you must have a good reason for a long stay in Poland. This may be work, studies, family reunification or other circumstances provided for by law.
  • You must also prove that you have a stable and legal source of income sufficient to live in Poland.
  • In addition, residency and health insurance are required.
  • It is important to note that a foreigner applying for a residence card must not pose a threat to public order and security in Poland.

Common mistakes when submitting an application

One of the most common mistakes is an incomplete set of documents. Make sure you have all the necessary certificates, translations and copies.

Another common problem is an incorrectly filled out application form. Even a small mistake can lead to a refusal to consider the application.

Many people also forget about the need to pre-register for a visit to the UUO. Without it, you risk waiting in line all day and not getting an appointment.

Another common mistake is applying too late, when the period of legal stay in Poland has already expired. Remember that you should apply for a residence card in advance.

Assistance of Latwy Start Agency in obtaining a Pobytu Card

The process of legalization in Poland may seem complicated, especially if you do not speak Polish or are not familiar with local laws. This is why many foreigners turn to specialized agencies for help.

  • We will help you gather all the necessary documents, fill out the application form correctly and prepare for your interview in the voivodship.
  • Our experts will advise you on all issues related to legalization in Poland and help you avoid typical mistakes.
  • With us, the process of obtaining a residence card will be easier and faster.
  • We will take care of all the bureaucratic hassles so you can focus on your business and enjoy life in beautiful Krakow.

FAQ

What are the deadlines for processing an application for a residence card?

The process usually takes 3 to 6 months, but can take up to a year in complex cases.

What is the cost of issuing a residence card?

The state fee is 340 PLN for a visit card and 50 PLN for the issuance of a plastic card.

Is it possible to work while waiting for a decision on a visit card?

Yes, if you have a valid work permit or your visa allows you to work in Poland.

What to do if the issuance of a residence card is refused?

You have the right to appeal within 14 days after you get the denial.

Do I need to change my residence card when I change my address?

If you change your address within the same voivodeship, it is sufficient to notify the Uząd. If you move to another voivodeship, a new card must be obtained.

Feedback from our clients

Tanya Zhovna Profile Picture

Tanya Zhovna

09/02/2026

I want to sincerely thank Latwy Start and especially Olga for the excellent work and support at every step.

Olga is a true professional and at the same time a very caring, attentive person. From the very start she guided me step by step: she helped me gather the documents and explained everything in detail, and then took on all the organizational matters and completely removed the stress that usually comes with such procedures.

I'm very happy to recommend her to anyone who values professionalism, reliability and a human touch. And I will absolutely turn to her again.

Max Profile Picture

Max

27/01/2026

I got my permanent residence card (karta stałego pobytu) with the help of Latwy Start, based on my Polish roots. I didn't really look into it myself. They told me which documents were needed and where to go. Got it all done, and now the card is in my hands.

Denis Litvinov Profile Picture

Denis Litvinov

15/01/2026

Łatwy Start is a great choice for an IT specialist, everything runs like clockwork. A big plus is the full transparency about how invoicing (faktury) and payments are handled.

ALEXANDR Profile Picture

ALEXANDR

28/12/2025

I was applying for a permanent residence card (karta stałego pobytu), and Krystyna guided me through it. Everything was fine: a friendly attitude, all the information provided on time, and clear, detailed explanations. The whole process went smoothly and without any unnecessary stress.

Дарина Дробышевская Profile Picture

Daryna Drobyshevska

03/12/2025

I want to leave a review about Latwy Start, and specifically about working with Olga. She is a true professional and a very pleasant person.

Olga helped me at every stage: from gathering the documents, where she constantly advised me and sent examples of how to fill them in so everything would be perfect, all the way to the visit to the urząd (office), where she went with me and completely took away the stress that comes with the procedure.

After I submitted the application, Olga kept me regularly updated on the status of my case and did everything she could to have it processed faster.

I'm incredibly happy with her work and will definitely turn to her again. Today I picked up my first card, valid for 3 years, and I know for sure - without Olga I wouldn't have managed!☺️

Vladimir Drobyshevsky Profile Picture

Vladimir Drobyshevsky

28/11/2025

I'd like to leave a positive review about this company's services. My curator was Olga. I got my residence card (karta pobytu) and I liked everything: I received information about all the details, Olga answered every question, even the silliest ones) Nothing was forgotten, the result - the card - is in hand, I recommend them!

Svitlana Profile Picture

Svitlana

21/11/2025

I’m really thankful to Olga for all her help. From answering the questions to receiving the residence permit. The process was smooth and there was no stress. That took only 5 months from application to obtainment.

Damien Vice Profile Picture

Damien Vice

02/11/2025

I'm giving 1 star. I was planning to start working with them through the incubator. I sent 3 messages - by email and through the form on the site, messaged them on Instagram, made 2 calls (no answer). I wasted a week waiting. They simply ignored me. How can you trust this service if the foundation can't even reply to a message and send documents to review. Waiting for an explanation.

Andrii Melnychuk Profile Picture

Andrii Melnychuk

26/08/2025

I highly recommend Łatwy Start! Thanks to them, my two kids and I received 3-year residence cards without any stress. Special thanks to manager Kristina — she was extremely helpful and even managed to speed up the process for my children. Excellent service, very satisfied!

Zadowoleni klienci Łatwy Start z decyzjami