Moving to Poland usually means sorting out a residence permit — temporary, permanent, or the EU long-term resident card. Permits can be revoked, and that’s stressful. This clear, step-by-step guide explains when authorities may cancel your card, the likely consequences, and exactly what to do if you receive an official notice. Read carefully — this is essential for anyone living here legally.

1) Temporary residence card — common reasons for cancellation

A temporary residence permit (karta pobytu na czas określony) can be revoked when:

• The original purpose no longer exists — e.g., you were a student but are no longer enrolled, or the company sponsoring your stay closed.

• You stop meeting permit conditions — job ended, employer lost permission, scholarship cancelled.

• Public order / security concerns — authorities assess you as a threat.

• Fraud or false information in the application (fake documents, withheld facts).

• Serious financial problems — unpaid taxes or major undeclared income.

• Failure to follow legally required medical orders (rare; e.g., mandatory treatment for certain infectious diseases where law applies).

2) Permanent residence (stały pobyt) — when it can be lost

Permanent residence gives broader rights, but can still be cancelled for reasons like:

• Very long absence from Poland (commonly leaving the country for many years — check exact time limits in law).

• Fraudulent application or false declarations at the time of grant.

• Criminal conviction with a long prison term (serious intentional crimes).

• Threats to national security or public order.

• Loss of refugee / subsidiary protection if your permanent stay was linked to those grounds.

• Family breakdown — in narrow cases where status depended on marriage (context matters; authorities look case-by-case).

3) EU long-term resident card — how revocation works

The EU long-term resident status is valuable but conditional. It can be withdrawn if:

• The card was obtained illegally or via fake documents.

• You are judged dangerous to national security or defence.

• You lived outside Poland for over 6 years (or exceeded EU-allowed absences).

• You obtained the same EU long-term status in another Member State (not permitted).

• You lost refugee / additional protection that formed the original basis.

If you receive a notice of intended cancellation — act immediately

1. Don’t panic. Read the decision carefully — it must state legal grounds and appeal deadline.

2. Collect and secure all documents proving your situation: passport, residence decision, employment contract, payslips, enrollment letter, tax receipts, health records.

3. File an appeal (odwołanie) within the deadline shown in the decision — the notice explains the timeline. Missing the deadline can forfeit your right to appeal.

4. Get legal help right away: an immigration lawyer or an NGO experienced with foreigners’ cases will strengthen your response.

5. Submit new evidence promptly (employer letters, enrollment confirmations, bank statements, medical certificates).

6. Avoid leaving Poland while the case is unresolved without legal advice — departure can complicate appeals or trigger a deportation order.

How to reduce the risk of cancellation — practical prevention

• Keep your purpose of stay valid. If you change jobs or stop studying, inform immigration authorities and ask what to do next.

• Update your address and status with the Voivode / immigration office whenever something changes.

• Pay taxes and avoid debts. Tax arrears often trigger checks.

• Never submit forged documents or hide facts — honesty prevents legal problems.

• Follow legally required medical orders where applicable.

• Track expiry dates and apply for renewals well before deadlines.

What happens if your card is canceled — real consequences

• You may lose the right to stay and be ordered to leave / face deportation.

• Entry bans or fines may be imposed.

• You’ll likely lose access to benefits (public health coverage, some social services, bank services).

• Future immigration attempts in Poland or the EU may become harder.

• Employment and housing options may be affected while status is unresolved.

Quick resource list — where to look for help

• Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców / Voivode office — authority handling residence permits.

• Immigration lawyers and NGOs that assist foreign residents (search locally).

• Your university or employer — can provide proof of enrollment/employment quickly.

• Medical clinics — for health documentation if needed.

Final words

Residence cards can be revoked for many reasons — from life-changes to serious legal violations. Your best protection: transparency, up-to-date paperwork, tax compliance, and fast action if you receive official notification. If you get a cancellation notice — read it carefully, gather evidence, appeal on time, and get legal support.

Have questions or a case you want help with? Drop a comment or DM us and we’ll point you to local resources and NGOs that can assist. Stay informed — and act fast if needed. 🇵🇱