Residence Card for Seafarers
Residence card for seafarers: your start to legal status and career opportunities in Poland
Seafarers are specialists working in an international environment and facing unique challenges. If you are a seafarer and wish to develop your career in Poland, obtaining a residence card for seafarers will be the key to stability, legal status, and many additional opportunities. Poland, with its access to the sea and developed shipping industry, offers excellent conditions for living and working for seafarers.
What is a Residence Card for Seafarers?
A residence card for seafarers is a type of residence permit that allows foreigners to legally stay in Poland. Seafarers working on Polish ships or cooperating with Polish shipping companies can obtain this document to ensure their legal status, free movement, and access to the rights granted to residents of the country.
Benefits of a Residence Card for Seafarers
- Legal stay: A residence card grants the right to stay in Poland without needing to periodically renew a visa, even if you frequently make international trips.
- Free employment: This document allows you to work on Polish-flagged vessels without additional permits.
- Travel within the Schengen Area: You will be able to travel to EU countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without obtaining a visa.
- Social benefits: With a residence card, you gain access to healthcare, social programs, and the pension system in Poland.
- Long-term prospects: A residence card may serve as a basis for obtaining a permanent residence card or even Polish citizenship.
Get a free consultation
Submit your request, and we will help you navigate the complexities of legalizing your stay, employment, and business registration in Poland. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions, assess your situation, and suggest the best course of action to achieve your goals. Fill out the form, and we will contact you at a convenient time.
How to Obtain a Residence Card for Seafarers?
Gathering necessary documents:
To submit your application, you will need to gather:
- A foreign passport and its copies;
- A contract with a Polish employer (e.g., a shipping company);
- Proof of your address of residence;
- Documents confirming stable income;
- Health insurance for the entire duration of your stay;
- Passport-sized photo.
Submitting the application:
Documents are submitted to the voivodeship office in your area of residence in Poland.
Waiting for a decision:
The review process may take from 3 to 6 months. During this period, you will be issued a temporary document confirming your application submission.
Receiving the residence card:
After your application is approved, you will receive a card, the validity of which depends on your employment contract (up to 3 years).
Who Can Apply for a Residence Card for Seafarers?
To apply for a residence card for seafarers, the following conditions must be met:
- You must be employed on a Polish ship or with a Polish shipping company;
- You must have a stable income sufficient to cover living expenses in Poland;
- You must confirm that you have accommodation in Poland (rent or ownership);
- You must have no legal violations in Poland or other countries, which will be verified during the application process.
Get a free consultation
Submit your request, and we will help you navigate the complexities of legalizing your stay, employment, and business registration in Poland. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions, assess your situation, and suggest the best course of action to achieve your goals. Fill out the form, and we will contact you at a convenient time.
Specifics of Obtaining a Residence Card for Seafarers
- Frequent trips: Since seafarers are often at sea, it is important to plan the time for submitting documents and interviews in advance to avoid delays.
- Income proof: Your income must be stable and sufficient to support your life in Poland. Bank statements or certificates from your employer can serve as strong proof.
- Legal support: To speed up the application process and avoid errors, it is recommended to seek assistance from immigration law specialists.
Poland as a Country of Opportunities for Seafarers
Poland is not only a country with a rich maritime history but also one of the key players in the international shipping market. Working on Polish ships, you gain:
- Stable working conditions in accordance with European legislation;
- Access to social benefits;
- Career growth opportunities in the significant shipping industry.
A residence card for seafarers is your tool for legal residence and professional growth in Poland. This document opens doors to stable employment, social protection, and long-term opportunities.
If you want to develop your career in Poland’s shipping sector and ensure comfortable living in the country, contact the ERA Consulting specialists. They will analyze your situation, offer professional assistance in preparing and submitting documents, and guide you through every stage of the review process. This will help you avoid negative consequences related to the refusal of a residence card for seafarers.