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.
Your Guide to Legalization Matters
Supporting the entire legalization process from your first residence card to citizenship
Obtaining your first Residence Card in Poland
1. Work & Business- based permits
We help business incubator participants, IT specialists, and business owners (JDG, spółka) obtain Blue Cards and TRC.
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Timeline: from 6 months
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Basic Documents for Life in Poland
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We activate your ePUAP access so you can sign contracts and pay taxes online from home.
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We register foreign certificates in Poland, provide sworn translations, and transfer data to the Polish Registry Office.
We take care of the entire "paperwork" part of your adaptation. Start living and working in Poland without the bureaucracy.
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.
You have 14 days to file an odwołanie with the Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców. FBA helps prepare the appeal.
Your legalization is our responsibility
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