A stamp placed in a foreigner's passport after applying for a residence permit is a confirmation of the correct submission of an application for a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or residence of a long-term EU resident. In order for a foreigner to receive the stamp, he or she must submit an application without formal deficiencies during the period of legal residence in Poland.

From that moment, the stay is considered legal until the decision to grant a temporary residence permit is issued and becomes final. Thus, the stay will be legal even if the current residence title expires while the decision is pending. However, the stamp is not a travel document and does not entitle the holder to cross the border. If the validity of the residence documents has expired, the foreigner cannot travel outside the territory of Poland. He or she should wait for the issuance of the residence decision and collection of a residence card in order to travel freely.

Find more in the PRO HR October 2023