Residence Card in Poland - Where the Document is Issued Fastest in 2025.

Many foreigners who want to legally reside and work in Poland often face long queues to obtain a residence card. However, new data suggests that in some regions of the country, waiting times for the card are decreasing.

How the Waiting Time for a Residence Card in Poland Has Changed

A residence card is a document that allows foreigners to legally stay in Poland. It also permits them to work if it has the appropriate mark.

For example, in Lower Silesia Voivodeship, where Wroclaw is located, the average waiting time for a residence card from January to April was 284 days. This is 201 days less than the same period last year.

However, in other regions, the situation has worsened. The longest wait for obtaining a card is in the following voivodeships:

1. Opole - 619 days;
2. Kuyavian-Pomeranian - 621 days;
3. Silesian - 651 days.

How Long You Have to Wait in Other Voivodeships

In most regions, the waiting time is also increasing - in some places it has risen by more than 160 days. For example, in 2025, the waiting times for the residence card look as follows:

• Małopolskie Voivodeship - 175 days;
• Warmian-Masurian - 188 days;
• Lublin - 221 days;
• Subcarpathian - 222 days;
• Podlaskie - 244 days;
• Masovian - 250 days;
• Swietokrzyskie - 275 days;
• Lower Silesian - 284 days;
• Łódź - 325 days;
• Greater Poland - 359 days;
• West Pomeranian - 453 days;
• Lubusz - 470 days;
• Pomeranian - 475 days;
• Opole - 619 days;
• Kuyavian-Pomeranian - 621 days;
• Silesian - 651 days.

Therefore, if you have submitted documents to obtain a temporary residence card or intend to do so, it is worth knowing that waiting times depend on the specific region. The procedure can take from half a year to almost two years. This is important to consider when planning work, studies, or moving.

It is worth remembering that Ukrainians are allowed to stay in the Schengen Zone without a visa for 90 days within 6 months. However, some individuals violate this term, not understanding the potential consequences.

Additionally, Poland has a convenient public transport system that includes a single ticket for buses, trams, subways, trolleybuses, and trains.

Changes in the waiting times for obtaining a temporary residence card in Poland reflect various expectations for foreigners in different regions of the country. Some areas show improvement, while others face increased waiting times. This is important for those planning to relocate or work in Poland.