Poland•EuropeTemporary Residence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons
At a Glance
1–4 months
Free
3 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Enable Belarusian nationals to obtain a 3-year temporary residence permit for humanitarian reasons with full work authorization.
The Temporary Residence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons is Poland's discretionary pathway for Belarusian nationals who hold a valid D21 humanitarian visa and face obstacles preventing return to Belarus. It grants three years of legal residence for individuals unable to repatriate due to safety or humanitarian crises, without formal asylum proceedings.
Granted once for exactly three years and non-renewable, this permit requires applicants to transition to another residence category to remain beyond that period. There is no application fee (PLN 0). Spouses and dependents may reside and work without restrictions. Processing via the MOS portal typically takes 30–120 days.
This visa is ideal for Belarusian nationals stranded in Poland due to political instability or humanitarian crises, who have obtained a D21 visa and seek a stable, fee-free pathway to formal residence without pursuing formal asylum.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Eligible Nationalities (1)
BelarusConversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
PolandPR-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit
PolandRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a citizen of Belarus.
Must be legally staying in Poland on a national visa issued for humanitarian reasons (marked 'D 21').
Must intend to stay in Poland for more than 3 months.
Must submit the application in person to provide fingerprints.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Online application form submitted via MOS portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl).
Scans or photographs of all pages of valid travel document (passport).
One digital biometric photograph (35mm x 45mm, colour, taken within 6 months).
Valid D21 national visa (must be held directly before submitting the application).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Stamp duty waived (PLN 0) — humanitarian exemption reflecting applicant's vulnerability
- Full labor market access for the permit holder without requiring a separate work permit
- Permits remote work throughout the entire 3-year period
- Pathway to permanent residence or EU long-term resident status upon permit expiry
- Dual intent allowed — can pursue permanent residency while holding the permit
- 3-year duration providing stable legal status and residency documentation
- Polish travel document for foreigners available during permit validity
Worth Knowing
- Only available to Belarus citizens with an active D21 humanitarian national visa
- Non-renewable — granted once for 3 years; must secure next status before expiry
- Application must be filed while D21 visa is still valid; cannot apply after it expires
- Processing time varies by voivodeship (30–120 days); in-person submission required for fingerprints
- Must hold active D21 national humanitarian visa at time of application to the MOS portal
Application Process
Create an account at login.gov.pl and set up a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany).
Obtain a PESEL number if not yet assigned.
Log in to the MOS portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) via Trusted Profile.
Complete the online application form for a temporary residence permit (selecting 'other circumstances' and 'humanitarian reasons - visa D21').
Upload scans of all travel document pages and one digital biometric photograph.
Sign the application electronically using your Trusted Profile.
Submit the application through MOS no later than the last day of your legal D21 visa stay.
Download the Official Acknowledgement of Receipt (UPO).
Await summons for an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints and complete additional documents.
Await the decision and issuance of the residence card.
Related visas
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Humanitarian visas in other countries
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