Poland has become a preferred destination for many expatriates looking to reunite with their families. Whether you are joining a spouse, child, or other close relatives, Poland offers a structured immigration process to ensure that families can live together legally. With a high standard of living, affordable healthcare, and access to the European Union, Poland provides a stable and welcoming environment for families.
Reuniting with family members in Poland requires fulfilling legal requirements, including obtaining the right visa, residence permit, and registration. Understanding these steps will make the process smoother and help ensure that your relocation to Poland is successful.
Here is a step by step guide on how to move to Poland for family Reunification.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Family Reunification
Family reunification in Poland is available for foreign nationals who have immediate family members legally residing in Poland. Eligible family members include:
Spouses of Polish citizens or legal residents
Children (minor and dependent children of legal residents)
Parents of a Polish citizen (in certain cases)
Other dependent family members (subject to approval based on humanitarian reasons)
It is essential to verify your eligibility before applying, as different rules may apply depending on your relationship and the legal status of the family member residing in Poland.
Step 2: Apply for a Family Reunification Visa
If you are not from an EU country, you will likely need to apply for a national visa (Type D Visa) to enter Poland for family reunification. You must submit your visa application at the Polish consulate or embassy in your home country.
Commonly required documents include:
A valid passport
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other legal documents)
Proof of residence of the family member in Poland (e.g., residence permit, Polish citizenship proof)
Proof of financial means to support yourself in Poland
Health insurance
Visa application form and fee payment
The visa processing time varies depending on the Polish consulate and the complexity of the application, so applying well in advance is advisable. If you need assistance with your visa process, make sure to reach out to us for assistance.
Step 3: Travel to Poland and Register Your Stay
Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Poland and begin the registration process. If you plan to stay for more than three months, you must register your address with the local city hall (Urząd Miasta).
EU family members should apply for a residence card confirming their right to stay.
Non-EU family members should proceed with applying for a temporary residence permit (karta pobytu).
Step 4: Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
For long-term family reunification, non-EU nationals must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in their place of residence. This permit allows family members to stay in Poland for more than one year.
To apply, you will need:
Completed residence permit application form
Passport and visa
Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor documents)
Proof of accommodation in Poland
Health insurance confirmation
Temporary residence permits are typically issued for up to three years and can be renewed. If you need assistance with your TRC process, make sure to reach out to us for assistance.
Step 5: Obtain a PESEL Number
A PESEL number is a national identification number required for various services in Poland, including healthcare and banking.
To get a PESEL number:
Visit the local city hall (Urząd Miasta)
Submit your passport, residence permit, and proof of address
Complete the application form
Having a PESEL number simplifies many administrative procedures, so applying early is recommended. If you need assistance with your PESEL, make sure to reach out to us for assistance.
Step 6: Access Healthcare and Social Benefits
Once you have obtained your residence permit, you may be eligible for Poland’s public healthcare system (NFZ - Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) if your family member is already contributing through employment. Alternatively, you can opt for private health insurance for better access to medical services.
You may also qualify for social benefits, including child allowances or family-related support, depending on your residency status and financial situation.
Step 7: Open a Bank Account
A Polish bank account is essential for managing finances, receiving salaries, and handling daily expenses.
Most banks require:
A valid passport
PESEL number (recommended but not always required)
Proof of residence in Poland
Popular banks in Poland include PKO Bank Polski, mBank, Santander Bank Polska, and ING Bank.
Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residence (If Eligible)
After legally residing in Poland for a few years, family members may become eligible to apply for permanent residence or an EU long-term residence permit.
Eligibility criteria include:
Continuous legal residence in Poland for at least five years
Stable financial situation
Proof of integration (e.g., Polish language proficiency, employment, or community involvement)
Permanent residence allows for indefinite stay and access to nearly all rights of Polish citizens, except for voting rights. If you need assistance with your Permanent Residence process, make sure to reach out to us for assistance.
Step 9: Apply for Polish Citizenship (Optional)
If you have lived in Poland for a significant time and meet integration requirements, you may apply for Polish citizenship through:
Naturalization (after several years of legal residence)
Marriage to a Polish citizen (under specific conditions)
Descent (if you have Polish ancestry and can prove it)
Citizenship grants full rights, including the ability to work anywhere in the EU without restrictions.
Step 10: Integrate into Polish Society
Moving to a new country involves adapting to a different culture and lifestyle. Some key tips to help you integrate into Polish society include:
Learning basic Polish phrases to improve communication
Joining local community events or expat groups to build a social network
Enrolling children in international or local schools
Understanding Polish customs and traditions
Poland offers a welcoming environment for foreign families, and engaging with the local culture can make the transition smoother.
Move to Poland for family reunification - Summary
Family reunification in Poland is a structured process that allows foreign nationals to join their loved ones legally. Whether you are moving as a spouse, child, or dependent relative, following these steps ensures a successful and stress-free relocation.
If you want to know other methods of relocating to Poland, check out our complete guide.
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