The right to family reunification in Poland allows certain foreigners to obtain temporary residence permits for their family members. Eligible individuals include spouses whose marriages are recognized by Polish law, minor children (biological, adopted, or under their parental authority), and legal guardians of unaccompanied minors granted refugee or subsidiary protection status. Family members can join the foreigner in Poland if the foreigner holds a permanent residence permit, long-term EU resident's permit, refugee status, subsidiary protection, or has been residing in Poland for at least two years on various temporary residence permits. Other eligible situations include permits for scientific research, high-qualification professions (Blue Card), intra-corporate transfers, long-term mobility, or humanitarian reasons.
Note - If the foreigner seeking family reunification is currently outside of Poland, the application for a temporary residence permit must be submitted by a spouse or parent residing in Poland, with written consent from the foreigner abroad. This consent acts as a power of attorney for the proceeding. Once the temporary residence permit is granted, the family member can apply for a visa at the relevant Polish embassy or consulate and collect their residence card in person in Poland.
Note - If the foreigner in Poland does not meet the specified conditions, such as having a visa or a temporary residence permit for less than two years, their family member may apply for a temporary residence permit under different circumstances, as outlined in the "Other Circumstances" section.
Note - In cases of divorce, separation, or widowhood, where the foreigner was married to a resident of Poland under Polish law, or in the event of the death of a parent or minor child who was a foreigner residing in Poland under specified conditions, a temporary residence permit for family reunification may be granted for up to three years. The applicant must demonstrate stable income, medical insurance, and a place of residence in Poland.
Documents Required
For a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification, along with the standard documents mentioned in the "Temporary Residence - General Information" section, additional documents are required:
- Proof of residency in Poland, which could include a rental agreement, lending agreement, or a hotel reservation certificate.
- Documents verifying the familial relationship recognized by Polish law, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.
- Evidence of the sponsoring foreigner's legal residency status in Poland, like a decision on permanent residence.
- Confirmation of a stable and sufficient income to cover living expenses for both the applicant and any dependent family members. This could entail the spouse's employment contract along with a declaration of dependents.
- Health insurance documentation or proof of coverage for medical expenses in Poland, such as a printout from ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) - ZUS ZCNA.
- For spouses, evidence of cohabitation and shared household responsibilities, including joint photos, a shared rental agreement, or property ownership documents.
It's essential to note that this list may not be exhaustive, as the required documents can vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the specific requirements of the immigration office where the application is being processed.