# Karta Pobytu in Poland

> Pillar guide for foreigners explaining what karta pobytu is, what it is not, how it relates to work, MOS applications, documents, waiting time and job changes.

HTML page: https://www.zarobto.pl/en/guides/karta-pobytu-poland

## Quick Answer

Karta pobytu is a Polish residence card issued to foreigners who have obtained a relevant residence permit or residence status in Poland.

It confirms residence status, but it does not automatically mean that you can perform every type of work.

Work rights depend on citizenship, permit type, decision, card annotations and work basis.

## What It Is Not

Karta pobytu is not the same as a visa.

Karta pobytu is not the same as PESEL.

Karta pobytu is not always the same as a work permit.

Meldunek is not a work permit.

## MOS and Timing

Since 27 April 2026, applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and long-term EU resident status are submitted electronically through MOS, unless an exception applies.

Waiting times can be long and differ by voivodeship, case type, completeness, employer response and office workload.

Prepare early, keep UPO and confirmations, and verify current fees and document lists on official sources.

## Voivodeship Rule

You generally apply to the voivode competent for your actual place of stay or residence.

Do not submit in another voivodeship only because it seems faster if you do not actually live there.

Do not use a fake address.

## Disclaimer

ZarobTo is an educational website. Calculators and analyses are simplified estimates and do not constitute legal, tax, accounting, immigration, financial or career advice.

## FAQ

### Does karta pobytu allow work in Poland?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on permit type, decision, card annotations and work basis.

### Can I work on B2B with karta pobytu?

Do not assume this automatically. B2B is self-employment and may be treated differently from employment.

## Links

- [HTML page](https://www.zarobto.pl/en/guides/karta-pobytu-poland)
- [Can I legally work in Poland?](https://www.zarobto.pl/en/guides/can-i-legally-work-in-poland)
- [Manage your Polish contract](https://www.zarobto.pl/en/guides/how-to-manage-my-contract-in-poland)
- [Gross-net salary calculator](https://www.zarobto.pl/en/calculators/gross-net-salary-poland)
- [B2B calculator](https://www.zarobto.pl/en/calculators/b2b-vs-employment-contract)
- [MOS](https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/)
- [Office for Foreigners](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en)