From 2017, holders of Pole's Cards will find it easier to settle in Poland
Thanks to the amendments adopted by the Senate, holders of Pole's Cards will be able to obtain a residence permit (Karta Stałego Pobytu) in Poland free of charge, and after a year of residence – to apply for Polish citizenship. In addition, it is provided that holders of a Pole's Card will be able to apply for a cash allowance to cover living expenses for 9 months. Moreover, they will be able to receive subsidies for renting housing, intensive Polish language courses or professional courses.
The law also provides financial assistance for family members of Card holders. In addition, holders of Pole's Cards will be exempt from consular fees for visas and other applications. A novelty will also be that an application for a Pole's Card can be submitted not only at Polish consulates, but also at voivodeship offices in Poland.
This program will come into effect in 2017. According to estimates by the Polish Ministry of Interior, thanks to the updated law, several tens of thousands of Poles and persons of Polish origin from the eastern lands of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth may come to the country.