New electronic filing rules for Poland residence permits start April 27

Poland makes MOS portal the default for residence permits

How the filing system works now

Poland’s Office for Foreigners now routes most in-country residence-permit applications through MOS 2.0, the online Case Handling Module. Temporary, permanent and EU long-term resident permits are generally filed electronically and voivodeship offices have largely stopped taking paper applications for those categories.

Paper filings that weren't physically received by the office before April 27, 2026 are left without consideration. The posting date doesn't save them.

Who has to use it

The change affects expats, remote workers, family members and other long-stay foreigners who need a Polish residence card. It doesn't replace visa applications, work permits issued to employers or every specialized residence category, which still use separate channels or can remain outside MOS in some cases.

Applicants still have to show up in person later for biometrics and, when asked, original documents. So the filing step is online, but the process isn't fully remote.

What applicants need to do

Users need a new MOS account and must log in through login.gov.pl, which typically requires a PESEL number and a Trusted Profile or other accepted e-ID. Applications are signed electronically, documents are uploaded as scans and standard state fees still apply.

MOS itself is free, but residence-permit and residence-card fees remain. Read our full Poland guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more policy changes.