Family reunification
First check the status of the family member already in Poland. Not every permit immediately supports family reunification. A spouse's or minor child's route depends on the relationship, the sponsor's documents and where the applicant is currently staying.
Conditions
What needs checking
Residence for a spouse and children joining a foreign national in Poland.
The sponsoring family member holds a status that permits reunification.
Marriage or parentage is documented; a child's age and parental responsibility are established.
Applicable income, insurance and accommodation requirements, and any exceptions, are checked.
Compare
How the routes differ
This comparison helps focus a case review. It does not replace checking every condition of the selected procedure.
| Route | Key question | Example evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Family reunification | The sponsoring family member holds a status that permits reunification. | Income, insurance and housing evidence where required. |
| Family of a Polish citizen | For a spouse: a valid marriage to a Polish citizen, recognised by Polish law. | Evidence of family life and the Polish citizen's residence in Poland. |
Documents
Start preparing your documents
This is a preparation guide, not an exhaustive official checklist. Confirm the form, submission method, translations and authentication of foreign documents for the particular procedure.
Discuss my situation- Family members' passports and the sponsor's residence decisions.
- Marriage or birth certificate with required translations and authentication.
- Income, insurance and housing evidence where required.
- For a child: custody documents and consents; for an application from abroad: authority to act.
INFOCOM
What support can cover
The scope, cost and any representative's involvement are agreed separately. Official fees, translations and other expenses are clarified before work begins.
Support pricing- Reviewing the sponsor's eligibility for reunification.
- A separate document list for each family member.
- Planning the sequence of applications and reviewing family records.
Process
From your circumstances to the next step
Identify the route
Your current status, purpose of stay and previous decisions determine the focus of the review.
Gather evidence
Use the route-specific document list. Flag missing documents and inconsistencies in personal details.
Prepare submission
Follow the authority's current procedure. Keep proof of submission; the applicant completes any required personal steps.
Respond to requests
Check official correspondence, response deadlines and any need to update documents when circumstances change.
Review the decision
Check its wording, subsequent obligations and, where necessary, the appeal procedure.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can the family apply while abroad?
A separate procedure exists for cases provided for by law. The Poland-based family member's authority and documents need to be checked.
Is an unmarried partner treated as a spouse?
No. Living together may require another legal basis and additional evidence.
Does every family permit allow work?
No. Work rights depend on the specific legal basis of the decision, not the informal label 'family card'.
Other routes
You may also consider
Family of a Polish citizen
Temporary residence for a spouse and assessment of other family situations.
Explore routeResidence through employment
Residence and work under a contract with an employer in Poland.
Explore routeOther permanent residence routes
Family circumstances, protection and other statutory grounds.
Explore routeINFOCOM
Start with your circumstances
Tell us the route and context. Prepare an enquiry without promises about the outcome or decision time.