Temporary Residence Permit for the Purpose of Running a Business
A temporary residence permit for the purpose of running a business is a document that allows foreigners to legally reside in Poland and run a company or hold a position in a company. This solution is intended for people who plan to develop their business for more than 3 months and want to have a stable legal basis for their stay.
This Permit Also Covers Situations Where a Foreigner:
- serves as a member of the management board of a limited liability company (sp. z o.o.) or joint-stock company (S.A.) they established or in which they own shares/stocks;
- is a general partner in a limited partnership (sp. k.) or limited joint-stock partnership (S.K.A.);
- acts as a commercial proxy (prokurent).
Legal Basis
To fully understand why such a permit exists and what it means, it is worth referring to the relevant regulations. The rules are clearly defined and stem from the Act on Foreigners of 2013 and implementing regulations.
- Act of December 12, 2013, on Foreigners.
- Implementing acts (regulations) governing, in particular, fees, deadlines, and required documents.
Who Can Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for Business Purposes?
Not every foreigner can immediately establish a business in Poland. The Act specifies situations in which this right is granted.
Eligible to Apply are Foreigners Who:
- run a sole proprietorship,
- serve as a member of the management board of a limited liability or joint-stock company,
- are general partners in limited partnerships or limited joint-stock partnerships,
- hold shares/stocks in companies and actively participate in them,
- have been appointed as a commercial proxy.
Requirements and Documents
Preparing a complete set of documents is the key to success. Authorities carefully verify applications, so it is important to know in advance what must be submitted.
- application for the permit with the relevant attachment,
- recent biometric photographs,
- valid passport and copies of the personal data pages,
- documents confirming income and stable means of support,
- health insurance,
- confirmation of residence in Poland,
- company or corporate documents,
- certificates of no arrears from ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) and the Tax Office.
Detailed List of Requirements
| Requirement type | What is usually required |
| Application form | Application for a temporary residence permit (Polish-language form), sometimes with attachment No. 1 if concerning board members or proxies. |
| Biometric photographs | 4 current, color photos, size approx. 35×45 mm, light background. |
| Travel document | Valid passport (original and copies). |
| Income / financial means | Documents confirming income, e.g., from the tax year preceding application, at least 12 times the average monthly wage in the given voivodeship. |
| Health insurance | Proof of entitlement to healthcare services – e.g., ZUS document or insurance policy. |
| Place of residence | Address, lease agreement, or another document proving actual residence. |
| Company documents | If run through a company: articles of association / notarial deed / documents confirming board function / shares / stocks. |
| No arrears | Certificates from ZUS and the Tax Office confirming no arrears in contributions/taxes. |
Deadlines, submission, and costs
Applying is a multi-stage process. It is worth knowing when and where to submit documents, and what costs are involved.
When to Apply?
No later than the last day of legal stay in Poland.
How to Submit?
In person, via a voivodeship office delegation, by post (postal operator), or electronically via the MOS system (Case Handling Module for Foreigners).
Fingerprints
Required – after applying, you will usually be summoned to appear in person for fingerprinting.
Processing Time
Varies depending on the voivodeship office and completeness of the documents. Often requires formal supplements, which may prolong the process.
Fees
- application fee for temporary residence permit: 340 PLN
- residence card issuance fee: 100 PLN
Most Common Mistakes and What to Watch Out for
- Incomplete forms or language mistakes (forms must be completed in Polish).
- Incorrect or missing financial documents (e.g., unverified income, missing PIT/CIT certificates).
- Missing proof of residence (lease agreement, etc.).
- Failure to comply with deadlines: replying to summons, fingerprinting, submitting missing documents – failing to do so may result in the application being “left unconsidered.”
Benefits of a Temporary Residence Permit for the Purpose of Running a Business
Thanks to this permit, you gain not only the right of residence but also legal stability and the ability to freely develop your business in Poland. It opens doors to the labor market, banks, and builds your image as a legal and trustworthy entrepreneur.
- Legal long-term stay in Poland; avoiding the risk of illegal residence.
- Ability to run a business as an entrepreneur or as a company partner/board member.
- Access to public institutions, banks, VAT, etc. (depending on the business form).
- Legal stability – easier to plan business growth.
How Migration Matters Can Help
If you feel overwhelmed by formalities or want to be sure your company setup and documents are correct, here’s what we can offer:
- Situation analysis – we check if you meet all formal requirements.
- Document preparation – application, attachments, translations, and financial documents.
- Verification with authorities – checking documents with the Tax Office, ZUS, and other institutions to avoid missing paperwork.
- Full assistance – submitting the application, receiving the decision, and advice if the authority requests additional documents.
Do you want us to help in your case? Contact us – we’ll advise, prepare the documents, and guide you through the entire process.
If you plan to run a business in Poland long-term, a temporary residence permit for the purpose of business is a key document.
Remember: the better prepared your application, the faster your case will be resolved.