If you’re an international student studying in Wrocław, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) to stay in Poland after your visa expires.

This card lets you live in Poland legally and travel freely within the Schengen Area — so it’s definitely worth getting!

When to Apply

You must apply before your visa expires — the latest you can do this is on the last day of your visa’s validity.
However, we recommend submitting your application at least 30 days in advance, so everything goes smoothly.

Where to Apply

Lower Silesian Voivodeship Office (Dolnośląski Urząd Wojewódzki)
Department for Foreigners
Address: pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 50-153 Wrocław

How to Book an Appointment

1. Visit https://www.duw.pl
2. Go to Foreigners → Residence Permits → Book an Appointment, or go directly to https://wizyta.duw.pl/
3. Choose a date and time for your visit.

Tip: If you can’t find a free slot, don’t worry! Check the website every day — new appointments appear regularly.

What to Prepare

Before you go to the office, make sure you have all the required documents:

• Completed application form (available on the DUW website)
• 4 recent photos (35×45 mm, face looking straight ahead)
• Passport (original + copies of all pages with entries)
• Proof of payment of the application fee
  (payment details available on the DUW website – pay to the Wrocław City Office)
• Certificate from the university confirming your admission or continuation of studies
  (request it from your Dean’s Office at least 2 weeks before your appointment)
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or dormitory confirmation)
• Proof of financial means (for example, a bank statement)
• Health insurance (public NFZ or private coverage)

On the Day of Your Appointment

• Bring all original documents and copies.
• Your fingerprints will be collected during the visit.
• The officer will accept your application and give you a confirmation of submission — keep this document safe!
  It allows you to stay legally in Poland while your application is being processed, even if your visa expires.

After Submitting the Application

• The office might contact you to provide additional documents — check your email and mailbox regularly.
• Processing can take a few months, so please be patient.
• Once your application is approved, you’ll receive information about when and where to collect your residence card.

Useful Tips

Always check the latest updates on https://www.duw.pl/pl/cudzoziemcy.

Make copies of everything you submit.

Keep your submission confirmation — it proves your legal stay in Poland.

If you change your address or phone number, inform the Voivodeship Office as soon as possible.

Remember: the Dean’s Office is not the Voivodeship Office — we can only provide the documents confirming your student status.

For more information, visit: https://przybysz.duw.pl/en/foreigners-stay/temporary-residence-permits/studies/