The President of Poland has signed amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainians. Find out how the conditions for obtaining a family reunification residence permit have changed and what other innovations are available for Ukrainian citizens

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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President Andrzej Duda has signed an amendment to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in connection with the Armed Conflict in Ukraine. It provides for, among other things, the possibility to apply for a residence card for family reunification.  

Read more about the types of residence cards, their advantages, conditions for obtaining them, and the documents required for this purpose in this article.

New conditions for obtaining a family reunification residence card in Poland

According to the Statute of May 15, 2024 on the adoption of the ordinance on the population of Ukraine in connection with the conflict on the territory of the Republic of Poland or other ordinances, changes are made to the general procedure for obtaining a residence card for family reunification, as well as residence cards on other grounds. The Statute will come into force on July 1, 2024.

The amended version of Article 159 of the Act on foreigners (dated 12 December 2013) stipulates that a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification is granted to a foreigner if he/she arrives in the territory of the Republic of Poland or stays in this territory for the purpose of family reunification and is a family member of a foreigner residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland:

— on the basis of a permanent residence permit (zezwolenie na osiedlenie się / pobyt stały)

— at least for 2 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit, including immediately before applying for a temporary residence permit for a family member - on the basis of a permit issued to him/her for a period of stay of at least 1 year (karta czasowego pobytu).

— on the basis of a temporary residence permit issued for the purpose of conducting scientific research. 

— on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of performing work in a profession requiring high qualifications (blue card). 

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Other requirements for obtaining a family reunification residence card

In addition, a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification is granted to a foreigner if he/she meets all the following conditions and has

— health insurance within the meaning of the Act of August 27, 2004 on healthcare services financed from public funds or proof of coverage of treatment costs in the territory of the Republic of Poland by an insurer

— a stable and regular source of income sufficient to cover the costs of maintaining himself/herself and his/her dependent family members. 

— a secure place of residence in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Which family member can receive a residence card?

A family member who may apply for a residence card upon family reunification is considered to be:

1. A person who is married to a foreigner in a marriage recognized by the legislation of the Republic of Poland;

2. A minor child of a foreigner and a person married to him/her in a marriage recognized by the legislation of the Republic of Poland, including an adopted child;

3. A minor child of a foreigner, including an adopted child, who is dependent on him/her and over whom the foreigner actually exercises parental care;

4. A minor child of the person referred to in subparagraph 1, including an adopted child who is dependent on him/her and over whom the person actually exercises parental care.

Please note that only the family member who will receive this card can apply for this type of residence card in person. This rule does not apply only to children under 6 years of age. 

Do you need advice on obtaining a residence card in Poland? Our experts will help you understand the new requirements and submit the documents correctly. Ensure a legal stay in Poland for yourself and your family. Apply for professional help by following this link!

We remind you! Among other things, the new amendments to the law provide for changes in the rules for extending temporary protection. Read what rules will apply and how Ukrainians can extend their protection and stay in Poland in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

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