Give fingerprints and collect your residence card in Poland

Both steps happen at the regional office that handled your case

In Poland the residence card is called karta pobytu and comes from the foreigners’ department of the regional government office. You usually give fingerprints when the office summons you, then collect the finished card in person. The fingerprints stored on the card are checked at pickup, so take your passport and any earlier card.

How it works

Give biometrics or collect a residence card

Book the appointment for fingerprints, a photo or collecting your residence card.

After you apply for a residence permit, or once it is approved, you may need a separate appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken or to collect your card. Follow the instructions in your letter or e-mail, as the location can differ from the office that handled your application. Bring your passport, the letter or appointment confirmation and, if requested, proof that you paid the fee. Your card is usually ready a few weeks after the biometrics appointment.

Also searched as

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At a glance

Offices
19 offices in 19 cities
Book online
At 10 of 19 offices
Apply online
Not offered

Each regional office sets its own booking routine

Where to give fingerprints and pick up your card

Some offices ask you to book pickup online once the card is ready, others call you in or hand cards over at a hall. Your summons or the status of your case shows which visit you need.

Related services

Other everyday services in Poland

Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

Residence card and fingerprint offices in Poland

See which regional offices hand over residence cards and take fingerprints, and how each one arranges visits.

Residence card offices in Poland