When to submit an application?
- You apply for a duplicate of the Pole's Card if your Pole's Card is lost or damaged.
- You submit an application for a replacement of the Pole's Card in the event of a change in personal data, e.g. a change of name or surname.
Where to submit an application?
Booking an appointment to submit an application for a replacement/duplicate of the Pole's Card from 20 January 2025 will be possible via the website https://bezkolejki.eu/ouw
If you have made a reservation online, please arrive 10 minutes in advance at your chosen time to collect your ticket from the Ticket Machine.
What documents should I submit?
- application in 1 copy, completed in accordance with the instructions
- 1 biometric photo,
- a photocopy of a valid identity document (the original is available for inspection upon acceptance of the application)
- confirmation of registration for temporary or permanent residence in the Opole Voivodeship
Documents needed to exchange the Pole's Card:
- documents confirming the change of personal data (originals)
What should I know?
The Pole's Card is a document confirming belonging to the Polish Nation.
The holder of the Pole's Card is exempt from:
- consular fees for accepting and considering an application for a national visa in order to exercise the rights resulting from the possession of the Pole's Card
- consular fees for accepting the application and preparing documentation for granting Polish citizenship
- obligation to have a work permit
The holder of the Pole's Card has the right to:
- taking up and performing work without a work permit
- taking up and running a business on the same terms as Polish citizens
- education at a doctoral school, undertaking and pursuing studies and other forms of education, as well as participating in scientific activities
- using forms of education in accordance with the principles specified in the Education Law Act
- use of health care services in emergency situations
- 37% discount on public rail transport on passenger, express and fast trains
- free admission to state museums
- assistance of a consul, within the scope of his competence and in accordance with and respect for international customs and law, in a situation of threat to life or safety
Pole's Card:
- does not mean the acquisition of Polish citizenship or confirmation of Polish origin within the meaning of separate provisions
- it is not a document authorizing the crossing of the border or settling in the territory of the Republic of Poland
The Pole’s Card is replaced/duplicated by:
- outside Poland - the consul responsible for your place of residence in your country of origin
- in Poland - the voivode competent for your place of residence in Poland.
The Pole's Card is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. A Pole's Card issued to a person over 65 is valid for an indefinite period. A Pole's Card issued to a minor is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued, but no longer than one year after the minor reaches the age of majority.
How to receive a duplicate of the Pole's Card?
You collect a duplicate copy of the Pole's Card in person at the Foreigners' Service Center of the Opole Voivodeship Office, Department of Citizens' and Foreigners' Affairs .
A Pole's Card for a minor is collected by the parent/ legal representative .
To collect the Pole's Card, take with you a valid travel document and your previous Pole's Card, if issued.