Benefits for Pole's Card holders

Financial support can be given to those foreigners who apply for a permanent residence permit to a relevant voivode on the basis of being a Pole’s Card holder. Within three months’ time of this application, a foreigner needs to apply for a benefit, which can be used for covering the costs of settling and securing livelihood in Poland. The benefit can be given to a foreigner, as well as their spouse and minor children residing with them in Poland. There is no stamp duty for filing an application form asking for a permanent residence permit on the grounds of Pole’s Card, but the benefit application costs PLN 10.

The benefit is provided for the period of up to 9 months and amounts to:

• In the first three months:

1. 50 percent of a minimum wage in the year the application is filed, for a foreigner and their spouse;
2. 50 percent of the sum above for every minor child under the custody of a foreigner or their spouse.

• In the next months (4-9): 60 percent of these sums respectively.

The final decision is made by a voivode, but the payouts are provided by county head (starosta) office’s, either in cash windows or via bank transfer. If a foreigner moves, the starosta office providing the benefit does not change.

Forms need to be filed after making an appointment for a specific day and hour. Necessary documents include: Pole’s Card, birth certificate, valid travel document (with a stamp confirming crossing the border), documents confirming family relations (in the case of spouse and/or minor children benefit – birth and/or marriage certificates, valid travel documents), confirmation of intention to settle in Poland, e.g. apartment rental contract, registered address (meldunek), confirmation of schooling (if applicable to children).