ABOUTfrom March 5, 2026, foreigners submitting applications for legalization of stay in Poland, they must take into account a new, significant financial risk. If the voivode rejects an application for a residence card or visa, the paid stamp duty will not be refunded. The changes are intended to curb the practice of submitting so-called “empty applications,” but will hit all applicants in the pocket..
Why has the refund of the residence card fee been abolished?
The amendment to the Act on Foreigners, which came into force just a few days ago (March 5, 2026) introduces a real revolution in the field of stamp duties. According to the new regulations, the money will no longer be refunded if the office’s decision is negative or if the proceedings are discontinued (for example, due to formal deficiencies that the applicant failed to complete within the specified time). Currently, a key tool for every foreigner is MOS portal (Case Management Module), where you need to fill out forms online.
Importantly, the new rules are universal and apply to all foreigners, regardless of citizenship or stateless status. The changes apply to applications for temporary and permanent residence, as well as long-term EU resident status.
The vanishing stamp duty for foreigners 2026 – how much exactly will you lose?
Stamp duty can be a significant burden, so any refusal now represents a significant blow to a migrant’s household budget. For a standard temporary residence permit, the fee ranges from PLN 85 to PLN 440. Permanent residence permits are significantly more expensive, with the fee of PLN 640 irrevocably forfeited. Meanwhile, replacing a work permit costs around PLN 220.
The changes also affect visas
The new restrictions don’t just stop at residence cards. The amended law also affects those attempting to extend national visas – in this case, a refusal means a loss of PLN 406. When extending a Schengen visa, the equivalent of EUR 30 is forfeited.
People applying for a Schengen visa directly at the border to the Border Guard commander must also be aware of the risk. If the application is rejected, the state will retain the fee, which ranges from €40 to €160.
Important exception: what about older applications?
Fortunately, the law is not retroactive. The restrictions apply only to cases initiated after the regulations came into force, meaning those filed on or after March 5, 2026. If a foreigner submitted their documents even one day before that date, they retain the full right to apply for a refund under the old, much more lenient rules.
Sourcesabout: Gov.pl/MOS portal
Author: Plu xury
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