Poland Immigration
- Move One Relocations
- Jan 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 10
1. Reminder for EU Citizens Residing in Poland
On August 2, 2021, Poland introduced the option of obtaining Residence Cards for European Union citizens. These plastic cards, featuring the holder’s photo and signature, replaced the previous paper Residence Registration Certificates.
The change was part of an amendment to the Act on the Entry, Stay, and Exit from the Territory of the Republic of Poland by Citizens of EU Member States and their Family Members, aimed at standardizing documents issued to foreigners temporarily residing in Poland.
Important Details:
• Paper Residence Registration Certificates issued before August 2, 2021, remain valid until their expiration date but must be exchanged for plastic cards no later than August 3, 2026.
• Failure to exchange the certificates by the deadline will require EU citizens to complete the full application process for the plastic Residence Card.
Need Assistance? Move One specializes in supporting EU citizens with documentation and relocation services in Poland. Contact us today for a smooth, hassle-free process.
2. Changes to Minimum Wage and Income Criteria in Poland for 2025
Effective January 1, 2025, Poland’s minimum wage and hourly rate will increase, impacting employees, self-employed individuals, contractors, and foreign nationals residing in Poland.
Key Changes to Minimum Wage:
Monthly Minimum Wage: Increased from 4,300 PLN to 4,666 PLN gross.
Hourly Minimum Rate: Increased from 28.10 PLN to 30.50 PLN gross (applicable to civil law contracts such as Mandate Contracts).
New Income Criteria for Foreign Nationals: The minimum wage increase will affect income thresholds for benefits and legal residency permits:
Criteria | 2025 | 2022–2024 | 2020–2021 |
Single-person household | 1,010 PLN net/month | 760 PLN | 701 PLN |
Per person in a family | 823 PLN net/month | 600 PLN | 528 PLN |
Criteria for Blue Card Applications: To qualify for an EU Blue Card, foreign nationals must earn at least 150% of the previous year’s average salary in the national economy. While the average salary for 2024 will be published in February 2025, applying before the new threshold is announced allows applicants to qualify based on the 2023 average salary. The minimum threshold will likely increase once the 2024 data is released.
3. Polish Travel Document - Regulations for Belarusian Citizens Extended Until June 30, 2025
Belarusian citizens residing in Poland can obtain Polish Travel Documents for foreigners more easily, thanks to regulations introduced on July 1, 2023, by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. These changes reflect Poland’s active support for the Belarusian community.
As a result, Belarusian citizens are exempt from paying the fee for issuing a Polish Travel Document and can apply for such a document if:
The foreigner lost their travel document, the document has been damaged, expired, or they have never had a travel document;
The foreigner holds a permanent Residence Permit, a Long-Term EU Resident Permit, consent for stay on humanitarian grounds, subsidiary protection, or a Temporary Residence permit (in the latter case, regardless of the reason for granting the permit).
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to benefit from these favourable conditions!
If you need assistance, Move One can help make the process seamless. Contact us today!
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