Extending the validity of the Pole’s Card

• •     An application to extend the validity of the Pole’s Card may be submitted no earlier than 6 months before its expiry date.
  •    An application to extend the validity of the Pole’s Card granted to a minor (application submitted after reaching the age of majority) may be submitted no earlier than 6 months before its expiry date and no later than 3 months before its expiry date.

 Appointments for submitting applications for the extension of the validity of the Pole’s Card from 20 January 2025 will be made via the website https://bezkolejki.eu/ouw)

When booking via the online system, please arrive 10 minutes earlier than the agreed time to collect your ticket from the ticket machine.

• •    one copy of the application, completed in accordance with the instructions application form
  •    one biometric photograph
  •    a photocopy of a valid identity document (the original must be presented when submitting the application)
  •    confirmation of registered residence for a temporary or permanent stay in the Opole Province.
• Documents required to extend the validity of the Pole’s Card granted to a minor (application submitted after reaching the age of majority):
  •    a written declaration of belonging to the Polish Nation submitted during the application process in the presence of an office employee
  •    documents confirming the knowledge of the Polish language:
  -     a certificate of proficiency in Polish as a foreign language issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language after passing a relevant exam or
  -    a certificate of graduation from a school or university in Poland or 
  -    a certificate of graduation from a school abroad with Polish being the language of instruction (original document for inspection).
  If you do not hold any of the above-mentioned documents, your knowledge of Polish will be assessed during an interview when accepting your application for the extension of validity of the Pole’s Card.

The Pole's Card is a document confirming affiliation with the Polish Nation.
The holder of the Pole’s Card is exempt from:
•    consular fees for accepting and processing applications for national visas for the purpose of exercising the rights arising from possession of the Pole’s Card
•    consular fees for accepting applications and preparing documentation for the granting of Polish citizenship
•    the work permit requirement.
The holder of the Pole’s Card has the right to:
•    take up and perform work without a work permit,
•    take up and perform economic activity on the same terms as Polish citizens,
•    education at a doctoral school, undertaking and completing studies and other forms of education, as well as participating in scientific activities,
•    undertake forms of education on the terms specified in the act – Education Law,
•    use of emergency healthcare services,
•    a 37% discount on public rail transport for passengers, fast and express trains,
•    free admission to state museums,
•    assistance from the consul, within the scope of his or her competence and in accordance with and respecting international customs and law, in situations threatening life or safety.
The Pole’s Card:
•    does not mean acquisition of Polish citizenship or confirmation of Polish origin within the meaning of separate regulations,
•    is not a document entitling you to cross the border or settle in the territory of the Republic of Poland.
The Pole’s Card is issued:
•    outside Poland – by the consul competent for your place of residence in your country of origin,
•    in Poland – by the Voivode competent for your place of residence in Poland.
The Pole’s Card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The Pole’s Card granted to a person over 65 years of age is valid for an indefinite period. The Pole’s Card granted to a minor is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, but no longer than one year after the minor reaches the age of majority.

The Pole’s Card is issued after a positive decision on its granting has been made.

The Pole’s Card shall be collected in person at the Foreigners’ Service Centre of the Opole Provincial Office.
The Pole’s Card for minors is collected by a parent/legal guardian.
You can book an appointment to collect your Pole’s Card in advance via the website https://bezkolejki.eu/ouw)
To collect your Pole’s Card, bring a valid travel document and your previous Pole’s Card if one was issued.

Check if your Pole’s Card is ready for collection by calling 77 45 24 305.