Under Directive 2004/38/EC, EU citizens and their family members enjoy the right of residence in any EU member state. However, when residing in another member state for more than three months, registration formalities must be completed.
In Poland, this means EU nationals must complete EU registration if they wish to stay longer than three months. While no work authorisation is required for EU citizens—who enjoy the same labour market access as Polish nationals—registration is a legal obligation.
An EU national can register in Poland if they meet one of the following conditions:
A replacement application is also required if:
While the national deadline is 3 August 2026, practices may vary by local Immigration Offices. For example:
Common documentation requests may include:
Given these complexities, EU nationals should plan early and consider consulting an immigration professional to ensure a smooth application or replacement process.
In Poland, this means EU nationals must complete EU registration if they wish to stay longer than three months. While no work authorisation is required for EU citizens—who enjoy the same labour market access as Polish nationals—registration is a legal obligation.
Who Qualifies for an EU Registration Certificate in Poland?
An EU national can register in Poland if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Are employed or self-employed in Poland.
- Have sufficient financial means to support themselves and family members, ensuring they will not become a burden on public services.
- Are studying in Poland.
- Are married to a Polish national.
Replacement of Registration Certificates: Deadlines and Requirements
- Registration certificates are valid for 10 years under current law.
- Certificates issued before 1 August 2021 did not include an expiry date, but these are now deemed valid only until 3 August 2026.
- After this date, holders must replace their old certificate with the new version issued under the Act of 10 December 2020.
A replacement application is also required if:
- Personal data has changed.
- The document is damaged.
- The facial image has changed significantly.
- The document has expired.
Poland-Specific Considerations
While the national deadline is 3 August 2026, practices may vary by local Immigration Offices. For example:
- The Warsaw Immigration Office recommends filing applications six to eight weeks before the deadline.
- Other offices may impose slightly different expectations for supporting documentation, despite the law’s more relaxed requirements for replacement compared to the initial application.
Common documentation requests may include:
- Updated employment verification letters.
- Current student status certificates.
- Other fresh proof confirming the ongoing basis of stay in Poland.
Practical Challenges
- Inconsistent practices across jurisdictions: Local Immigration Offices may apply requirements differently.
- Limited advance publication: Polish authorities rarely publish updated guidance, which can complicate preparation.
- Case-by-case review: Applications may depend heavily on the documentation provided at the time of filing.
Given these complexities, EU nationals should plan early and consider consulting an immigration professional to ensure a smooth application or replacement process.
. The process isn’t too hard, but the regional variations can really slow things down. Warsaw’s office is already scheduling months out!
