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Family remains one of the most reliable grounds for obtaining legal residence in Poland. However, in 2026–2027 it is important to understand that the right to family reunification depends not only on family ties, but also on the migration status of the person who already resides in the country.

If a spouse or family member is a Polish citizen, the procedure is significantly simpler. The main requirement is to confirm that the family relationship is genuine. The Voivodeship Office has the right to verify joint residence, documents, photographs, and other evidence proving that the marriage is not fictitious.

If the inviting party is a foreigner, additional requirements apply. As a rule, they must hold a permanent residence permit, EU long-term resident status, international protection, or have been residing in Poland for at least two years on the basis of consecutive temporary residence permits, with the current permit issued for at least one year.

Family reunification documents are most commonly obtained for:

• a spouse;
• minor children;
• in certain cases, other close relatives, if provided for by law and special circumstances are confirmed.

It is important to remember that the application must be submitted before the end of the period of legal stay in Poland. All foreign documents, including marriage or birth certificates, must be submitted with a sworn translation into Polish, and in some cases an apostille or document legalization is required.

Main conclusion: in 2026–2027, family reunification remains one of the most stable ways to legalize your stay in Poland. However, the success of the procedure directly depends on choosing the correct legal basis, preparing a complete set of documents, and complying with the requirements of the Act on Foreigners. Preparing the documents in advance significantly increases the chances of receiving a positive decision.