Poland's MOS residence permit portal goes fully digital April 27
Poland switched on its fully digital residence permit system on April 27, 2026, ending paper applications for temporary, permanent, and EU long-term permits. All applications must now be filed online.
Poland's Office for Foreigners (UdSC) activated its Moduł Obsługi Spraw (MOS) platform at midnight on April 27, 2026, marking the end of paper-based residence permit applications. From that moment, anyone seeking a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, or long-term EU resident permit must apply exclusively through the online portal.
What changed on April 27
Paper applications mailed but not physically received by provincial offices before the April 27 cut-off will not be considered. Officials say this prevents duplicate cases and helps clear backlogs that in some provinces exceeded 12 months. The MOS system requires applicants to upload scans of passports, labor contracts, and proof of accommodation. You'll still need to visit a voivodeship office in person to provide fingerprints, sign documents, and collect your physical residence card.
What this means for you
If you're applying for or renewing a residence permit, you must create a MOS account and file digitally. The portal currently lacks an English interface, so non-Polish speakers may need assistance navigating the screens. New hires can no longer courier paper files from abroad—onboarding timelines must now include lead-time for document scans and electronic signatures. The government says the digital shift will speed adjudications by several weeks and create a tamper-proof audit trail, but you should plan for a learning curve if this is your first digital filing. Companies hiring large volumes of seasonal workers will eventually be able to bulk-upload applications via API later in 2026.
