Auranik

MINOR CHILD, FOREIGNER SPONSOR

A minor child joining a foreigner parent already living in Poland

Same sponsor-eligibility test as a foreigner-sponsored spouse, plus the child's own documents -- birth certificate freshness matters here.

Auranik provides administrative information, document-preparation tools and consulting support. We are not a government authority and do not make decisions on residence, work permits or visas. Results are informational and depend on the dates and circumstances entered.

This application is completed and signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian on the child’s behalf -- not by the child.

First: does the sponsoring parent qualify?

This is the same sponsor-eligibility test as a foreigner-sponsored spouse: the parent already living in Poland must hold one of the statuses below, plus sufficient income, health insurance, and secured accommodation for the family.

  • A permanent residence permit
  • EU long-term resident status
  • Refugee status
  • Subsidiary protection
  • Humanitarian-stay consent
  • A temporary residence permit held continuously for at least 2 years, with the most recent grant at least 1 year

Some other temporary-permit categories may also qualify -- confirm the sponsor’s exact permit type with the office rather than assuming.

Does the sponsoring parent hold one of these statuses?

Official source

Ustawa z dnia 12 grudnia 2013 r. o cudzoziemcach, Art. 159

Art. 159 - Przesłanki obligatoryjnego udzielenia zezwolenia na pobyt czasowy w celu połączenia się z rodziną

Verified:
18 August 2026
Status:
Verified
View official source

Check the birth certificate's freshness

Widely-observed practice expects a birth certificate copy issued no earlier than 90 days before submission, with a sworn Polish translation if it was issued abroad.

Preparation checklist

Temporary Residence Checklist — Minor Child Joining a Foreigner Sponsor

0 of 8 documents ready

  • Child's birth certificate

    Confirms the parent-child relationship forming the basis of the application. Widely-observed practice expects a copy issued no earlier than 3 months before submission.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorOriginalTranslation required Not an official form

  • Copy of the sponsoring parent's residence permit or decision

    The same sponsor-eligibility test as spouse family reunification applies -- the parent must hold a qualifying residence status.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorCopy Not an official form

  • Evidence of parental custody / authority

    Confirms the applying parent (or legal guardian) has the authority to act for the child, especially where the other parent is not part of the application.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorCopy Not an official form

  • Consent from the other parent, where applicable

    Requested where parental authority is shared and the other parent is not applying alongside the child.

    Situation-dependentPrepared by: SponsorCopy Not an official form

  • Evidence of the sponsor's income, health insurance, and accommodation

    Same granting conditions as the sponsor test for a spouse -- income sufficient for the family, health insurance, and secured accommodation in Poland.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorCopy Not an official form

  • Copy of the child's valid travel document

    Standard identification requirement for the application.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorCopy Not an official form

  • Current biometric photograph of the child

    Standard photo requirement for the residence card that would be issued.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorOriginal Not an official form

  • Proof of payment of the application fee

    Required alongside the application; confirm the current amount with the competent office before paying.

    RequiredPrepared by: SponsorCopy Not an official form

This route depends on the sponsoring parent’s exact circumstances -- a personal review can save time before you submit.