Karta Pobytu in Krakow 2026: Documents, Filing Process, Pickup
Since April 27, 2026, applications go through the national MOS portal only, not in person at the voivodeship office. An in-person visit is required at two points: fingerprinting when summoned, and picking up the finished card. Here is the exact process for Krakow and Lesser Poland Voivodeship.
Office:
Małopolski Urząd Wojewódzki
Appointments:
mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl (online, no visit needed)
Booking card pickup
okp.muw.pl
Real processing time 2026
3-5 months
Pickup address
ul. Przy Rondzie 6, Kraków, Sala obsługi nr 2
Ready notification
SMS to the phone number on the application
Filing process
Stage 1. File through MOS
- Go to mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl and create an account via login.gov.pl (requires a Trusted Profile or electronic signature).
- Fill in the application for your permit type. Available in 7 languages, including English.
- Attach a digital photo, scans of all passport pages, proof of payment.
- Sign the application electronically.
- Fees: 340 to 640 PLN for the permit. The 100 PLN card fee can be paid later, at pickup.
Stage 2. Office summons
After filing, the office summons you for fingerprinting. The office sets the date. Bring your original passport.
Stage 3. Card pickup
- Lesser Poland Voivodeship notifies you the card is ready by SMS to the phone number on the application, not by email.
- Book pickup through okp.muw.pl.
- Visit Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców, ul. Przy Rondzie 6, Sala obsługi nr 2, Monday to Friday 7:00 AM-3:00 PM.
- Bring your passport and previous residence card, if you had one. You can show proof of card-fee payment right at pickup.
Documents
Base package: always required
- Digital photo 35x45 mm, white background, JPG, minimum 684x883 px.
- Scans of all passport pages.
- Rental agreement or owner's statement (oświadczenie właściciela).
- Proof of payment for the permit fee.
- Health insurance for the full permit period, or proof your employer pays ZUS.
Based on work or incubator
- Employment or B2B contract, in Polish or with a sworn translation.
- Income confirmation from your employer or incubator.
- If via an incubator: contract plus invoices and payments from the last 3 months.
- ZUS no-arrears certificate via e-ZUS.
Lesser Poland Voivodeship specifics
Krakow notifies by SMS, not email, make sure the phone number on your application is current and yours, the system ties the notification to one number. The 100 PLN card fee can be paid later, right at pickup, rather than in advance.
First residence card in Poland: what to know
1. Work and business grounds
Different grounds apply to incubator participants, IT specialists and company owners. We explain which fits your case.
2. Family and study grounds
Requirements differ for family members and students. We walk you through what each needs.
3. Consulting support
We check your document set, explain the timeline, and answer questions as they come up.
We review your situation, go through the document list with you, and explain each step. Accounting and legal income are on us.
Long-term status: how it works
1. Permanent Residence (Pobyt Stały)
Different rules apply to Pole's Card holders and those with Polish roots. We explain the requirements.
2. EU long-term resident
Years of residence in Poland count toward EU long-term status. We explain how the count works.
3. Looking ahead
We explain how permanent status differs from temporary and which documents are usually reviewed. Timeline: from 6 months.
We go through the requirements for permanent status with you, check your document set, and explain what the office reviews at each stage.
Blue Card: what the requirements are
1. Qualifications & Experience
The Blue Card requires a degree or five years of professional experience. We explain how it is assessed.
2. Contract & Income
There are salary thresholds and contract requirements. We explain what they are for the current year.
3. Employer side
We explain what the employer needs to prepare and in what order.
We go through the Blue Card requirements for you and your family. Timeline: 3–6 months.
Basic Documents for Life in Poland
1. PESEL & Meldunek
Where to apply, what documents are needed, and how long it takes.
2. Profil Zaufany
How foreign certificates are recognised in Poland and when a sworn translation is required. We do the translations ourselves.
3. Document Transcription (USC)
How foreign certificates are recognised in Poland and when a sworn translation is required. We do the translations ourselves.
We explain the paperwork side in plain terms, and take the accounting off your hands.
Three reasons applications get returned
Incorrect address
Address in the application does not match the rental agreement.
Outdated Certificates
Certificates older than 3 months on the filing date.
Personal details
Name in the translation does not match the passport letter for letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
3-5 months from filing through MOS.
No. Since April 27, 2026 applications are filed online through MOS, no visit and no booking required.
By SMS to the phone number on your application. Krakow does not use email for this notification.
Consulting support
Document check
Time Savings
No more searching for answers in chats. We monitor the case and respond to office requests.
Legal Expertise
We find legal solutions even for the most unconventional and complex cases.
Deadline Control
We monitor case timelines and submit documents promptly to minimize delays.
Full Transparency
We provide clear reports at every stage so you always know the status and next steps.
Handle it with FBA