Family Reunification in Poland: Essential Information for Bringing Your Loved Ones

A temporary residence permit in Poland for the purpose of family reunification offers a key benefit—the right to work without needing separate authorizations. Nevertheless, the reunification process demands careful preparation and thorough knowledge of all legal requirements even before your family members arrive.

Preparing for the Application: What You Need to Know

Before beginning the family reunification process, assess your readiness across three essential areas.

1. Verify Your Legal Status in Poland

Not every foreigner can apply for family reunification. Eligibility applies to those who hold:

• a permanent residence permit;
• EU long-term resident status;
• a temporary residence permit (under certain conditions);
• refugee status or subsidiary protection.

For holders of temporary residence permits, additional conditions apply — such as residing in Poland for at least two years and having a valid permit issued for no less than one year.

2. Demonstrate Financial Stability

You must prove that you can financially support your family. Polish law requires stable and regular income — at least 823 PLN net per family member. For a family of three, this means approximately 2,469 PLN plus housing costs. Documents accepted as proof include:

• employment contract;
• bank statements;
• tax declarations.

3. Confirm Suitable Housing and Medical Insurance

You must provide proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed) and valid medical insurance covering all family members in Poland. The insurance document must be in Polish and valid at the time of decision — ideally longer. Note: accident insurance is not accepted as health insurance.

Documents Required for Family Reunification in Poland

• Application form for temporary residence;
• Four color photos (45×35 mm) taken within the last six months;
• Copy of the passport (all filled pages) plus the original for verification;
• Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate);
• Proof of your legal residence in Poland;
• Proof of payment for application fee;
• Lease agreement or property ownership document;
• Proof of stable income;
• Medical insurance confirmation.

If you are reuniting with your spouse, include evidence of shared life such as joint photos, shared rental contracts, bills, or bank account statements.

Translation and Notarization of Foreign Documents

• Translation into Polish by a sworn translator;
• Notarized copies of documents;
• Apostille or legalization at the Polish consulate (if applicable).

Additional Documents for Children

Submit your child’s birth certificate (with apostille and translation) and documents required for obtaining a residence card based on the parent’s residence status.

After Approval: What Happens Next

After receiving a positive decision from the Voivode, your family members should apply for a national type D visa. Once they arrive in Poland, they must register their place of residence (meldunek), obtain a PESEL number, and open a bank account.

Helping Your Family Adapt in Poland

After successful reunification, focus on ensuring your family’s smooth adaptation — healthcare registration, children’s education, and integration into the local community.

Medical Insurance and Access to NFZ

If you work legally in Poland, your employer provides health insurance. You can include your dependents — spouse and children under 18 (or up to 26 if they are students, with no age limit for children with disabilities). To access healthcare, register at a clinic contracted with NFZ (National Health Fund).

Language Courses and School Integration

Since September 2024, children under temporary protection from Ukraine must attend Polish schools, where they receive at least four hours of Polish lessons per week and support from intercultural assistants. Adults are encouraged to join Polish language courses for faster adaptation and integration.

Conclusion

Family reunification in Poland is not just a legal procedure — it’s a life-changing process that requires preparation, financial stability, and emotional readiness. With proper documentation, housing, and medical coverage, your family can confidently begin a new chapter in Poland. The effort invested in preparation will reward you with the comfort of being together again.