Family Reunification Permit in Poland

Who can apply

A non-EU national who holds a temporary residence permit, permanent residence, or EU long-term residence in Poland can apply for family reunification for:

• Spouse (husband or wife).
• Minor children (under 18, including adopted).
• Parents of a minor child who is legally staying in Poland.

EU/EEA nationals use a different procedure (registration of residence, not a permit) to bring family members.

Requirements for the sponsor

The sponsoring family member must demonstrate:

• Stable and regular income of at least 776 PLN net per month per family member (including themselves). This amount is indexed — check the current figure on the MOS portal.
• Health insurance (NFZ or private) for all family members.
• Accommodation — a rental contract or property deed showing sufficient living space.

Required documents

• Application form for each family member.
• Valid passports of the sponsor and each family member.
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children) with apostille and sworn translation if issued abroad.
• Sponsor's residence card or permanent residence card.
• Proof of the sponsor's income (employment contract, tax returns, bank statements).
• Proof of health insurance for all family members.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Biometric photographs (4 per applicant).
• Stamp duty — 340 PLN per family member (verify current rate).
• Residence card fee — 100 PLN per card.

Application process

Submit through the MOS portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) or in person at the voivode office. Processing takes 1–6 months depending on the voivodeship and case complexity.

After approval

Family members receive a temporary residence card valid for up to 3 years (or the remaining validity of the sponsor's permit, whichever is shorter). The spouse has unrestricted work access — no separate work permit required. Children can attend school and the spouse can register a business.

Practical tips

• Family members should enter Poland on a visa or visa-free regime; they cannot start the residence application from inside Poland if they entered illegally.
• If your permit is close to expiring, renew before applying for family reunification — the family permit duration cannot exceed yours.
• All foreign documents must carry an apostille and be translated by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły).