Can I bring my spouse and minor children with me based on the obtained work permit?

Bringing Your Family to Poland on a Work Permit

If you have obtained a work permit to work in Poland, you may be able to bring your spouse and minor children to live with you. However, this process involves specific requirements and procedures that you must follow.

Legal Basis

The possibility of family reunification is primarily governed by Polish law on foreigners, specifically the Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners (Ustawa o Cudzoziemcach). This act outlines the conditions under which family members of foreign nationals residing in Poland can also obtain residence permits.

Conditions for Family Reunification

To bring your spouse and minor children to Poland, you generally need to meet the following conditions:

  • Legal Residence: You must have a valid residence permit that allows you to live in Poland for a specified period. A work permit is usually the basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu Czasowego).
  • Stable and Regular Income: You need to demonstrate that you have a stable and regular income sufficient to cover the living expenses of your family members without needing to rely on social assistance. The exact amount is determined by Polish law and is updated periodically.
  • Health Insurance: You must have health insurance coverage for yourself and your family members. This can be either public health insurance (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) or private health insurance.
  • Adequate Accommodation: You need to have suitable accommodation for your family, meaning a place where everyone can live under decent conditions.

Required Documents

Your family members will need to apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. The following documents are typically required:

  • Application Form: Completed application form for a temporary residence permit.
  • Passport Copies: Copies of valid passports of all family members.
  • Marriage Certificate: Official marriage certificate (if applying for a spouse).
  • Birth Certificates: Birth certificates of children.
  • Your Residence Permit: A copy of your valid residence permit (Karta Pobytu).
  • Proof of Income: Documents proving your stable and regular income (e.g., employment contract, salary slips).
  • Health Insurance Proof: Proof of health insurance coverage.
  • Accommodation Proof: Documents confirming your accommodation (e.g., rental agreement, property ownership documents).
  • Photos: Passport-sized photos of each applicant.
  • Other Documents: Any other documents that may be required by the specific Voivodeship (province) office handling the application.

Application Process

The application for a temporary residence permit for family members is submitted to the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) competent for your place of residence in Poland. The process generally involves the following steps:

  • Application Submission: Submit the required documents to the Voivodeship Office.
  • Waiting Period: Await the processing of the application. The processing time can vary.
  • Decision: Receive a decision on the application. If approved, you will receive a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) for your family members.

Important Considerations

  • Visa Requirements: Depending on the nationality of your family members, they may need to obtain a visa to enter Poland initially. Check the visa requirements applicable to their citizenship.
  • Work Permits for Spouse: If your spouse intends to work in Poland, they may also need to obtain a work permit, depending on their nationality and the regulations in force at the time.
  • Updates to Regulations: Immigration laws and regulations can change, so it is crucial to check the most current information on the official websites of the Polish government or consult with an immigration lawyer.

Official Resources

  • Act on Foreigners (Ustawa o Cudzoziemcach): You can find the consolidated text of the Act on Foreigners on the website of the Sejm (Polish Parliament): http://prawo.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20130001650 (Note: This is the main legal act, but it is in Polish).
  • Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców (Office for Foreigners): The official website provides information in Polish and English: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc
  • Voivodeship Offices: The websites of the individual Voivodeship Offices provide detailed information on the application process and required documents. You can find a list of these offices through the central government portal.

Disclaimer: Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change. Always verify the most up-to-date information with the official sources mentioned above or consult with a qualified legal professional.

Origin: https://driver-work.com/docs/can-i-bring-my-spouse-and-minor-children-with-me-based-on-the-obtained-work-permit-5/