On our hotline in May, the most frequently asked questions were about residence permits in Poland and the exchange of foreign driver's licenses.

How to obtain a residence permit in Poland?

Depending on the type of residence permit, the requirements and the list of documents that must be submitted with the completed application vary. We distinguish between temporary residence, long-term EU resident, permanent residence.

You can find detailed information on the requirements, filling out applications, required documents, fees and deadlines at the links below:

Additional information such as filing an application with the Mazovian Provincial Office or issuing/exchanging residence cards can be found here.

Exchange of a foreign driver’s license for a Polish one

A person holding a valid national driver’s license issued by a member state of the European Union, EFTA, the Swiss Confederation, a state party to the Convention on Road Traffic, may, upon application, obtain a Polish driver’s license of the appropriate category. If a driving license issued abroad contains a certain restriction, it is taken into account in the issued license.

What should you do?

  1. Fill out an application for a driver’s license.
  2. Attach the required documents to the application.
  3. Come to the delegation of the Office of Administration and Civil Affairs of the district where you live. Submit the completed application with the required attachments.
  4. You will get information on whether you can already collect it at the relevant office or on the website info-car.pl.
  5. Pick up your driver’s license – bring your identity document and foreign driver’s license with you to the visit.

List of required documents:

  1. Application for a driver’s license – forms are available at the office or on the website.
  2. Current photograph (35*45mm)
  3. Photocopy of foreign driver’s license (original for inspection) with translation into Polish made or certified by a sworn translator or competent consul of the Republic of Poland
  4. Passport, temporary alien’s identity certificate, residence card, Polish alien’s identity document or permit for tolerated stay
  5. A document that confirms the address of registration, for example, an identity card, a residence card or a certificate of registration for permanent or temporary residence.
  6. If you are a foreigner: a residence card, visa or other document that confirms your legal stay in Poland, or a certificate that you have been studying for at least 6 months.
  7. Proof of stamp duty (PLN 100)

In individual cases, the official may require additional documents.

For a detailed description of the procedure for exchanging a foreign driver’s license for a Polish one in Warsaw, click here.