Social assistance for people in difficulty in Poland
Learn what the welfare centre can offer, how the social worker’s visit works and which centre covers where you live.
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
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.
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At a glance
Each regional office sets its own booking routine
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
Learn what the welfare centre can offer, how the social worker’s visit works and which centre covers where you live.
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Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Cologne, Duisburg, and Frankfurt am Main
Most offices in Liège, Brussels, and Aalst
Most offices in A Coruña, Alicante, and Almería
Most offices in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht
Where to next
See which regional offices hand over residence cards and take fingerprints, and how each one arranges visits.
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