The Office for Foreigners has issued a reminder that the last documents issued to European Union (EU) citizens and their family members based on the templates in force before August 2, 2021, which remained valid under the transitional provisions of the Act of December 10, 2020, will expire on August 3, 2026.
Holders of a certificate of registration of residence as an EU citizen (paper document), a document confirming the right of permanent residence, a residence card for an EU citizen’s family member, or a permanent residence card for an EU citizen’s family member, issued according to the templates in force before August 2, 2021, should submit an appropriate application for a new document to the voivode responsible for their place of residence.
After August 3, 2026, these documents will expire, and the authorities encourage holders to submit an application for a new document before that date.
The expiration of the above documents will not mean the loss of the right of residence or the right of permanent residence in Poland. As long as the EU citizen meets the conditions for the right of residence in Poland, they have the right of residence in that country, and their family members can exercise the derived right of residence in that territory. The right of permanent residence will also not be lost due to the expiration of the document confirming the acquisition of this right. These documents are declaratory in nature only.
Also after August 3, 2026, EU citizens and their family members will be able to apply for a new certificate of registration of residence as an EU citizen, a new document confirming the right of permanent residence, a new residence card, or a new permanent residence card due to the expiration of their existing documents.
EU citizens will not have to reapply for registration of residence as an EU citizen or for a document confirming the right of permanent residence, and their family members will not have to reapply for a residence card or permanent residence card.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.