You appeal against the voivode's refusal to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of delivery of the decision (Art. 129 § 2 of the Code of Administrative Procedure). The appeal is free; you file it at the voivodeship office that issued the decision — in person, by registered post or via e-Doręczenia, not through MOS.
How to count the deadline
- The deadline is 14 days from the day you received the decision (not the date on it). If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day.
- What counts is the day you post the registered letter at Poczta Polska or send it via e-Doręczenia (Art. 57 § 5) — not the day it reaches the office.
- A decision sent via e-Doręczenia that you do not open is deemed delivered after 14 days.
- Missed the deadline through no fault of your own (e.g. illness, hospital)? Within 7 days of the obstacle ending, file a request to restore the deadline together with the appeal (Art. 58).
How to file
- The appeal is addressed to the Head of UdSC (ul. Taborowa 33, 02-699 Warszawa) but filed at the office that issued the decision: in person (with an entry stamp on your copy), by registered post or via e-Doręczenia with a trusted profile, personal or qualified signature. Not through MOS.
- In the text: which decision you appeal (date, number), what you disagree with and what you ask for; attach the missing documents. An appeal filed on time suspends enforcement of the decision.
- The appeal needs no detailed reasoning (Art. 128), but concrete arguments and new documents removing the reason for refusal (e.g. an up-to-date Annex 1, a tenancy agreement, insurance) improve your chances.
- An attorney attaches the power of attorney and proof of paying 17 zł (not payable by a spouse, parent, child or sibling).
How long it takes and what next
- The Head of UdSC has 90 days to decide the appeal (Art. 112a(4), 210(3) and 222d(3) of the Act on Foreigners). The Art. 100d suspension applies only to voivodes — not to the Head of UdSC.
- If you filed the application during a legal stay and without formal gaps, your stay is legal during the appeal as well — until the decision becomes final (Art. 108 of the Act on Foreigners).
- A decision of the Head of UdSC can be challenged by a complaint to the WSA in Warsaw — within 30 days of delivery, via the Head of UdSC.
- Appeal status: UdSC hotline +48 47 721 76 75 (Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00).
In the PL360• app
PL360• clients can prepare a draft appeal with AI: the assistant reads the decision and prepares the text on the template for the right voivodeship. AI files nothing — you check, sign and file the appeal (or your consultant does after review).
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal against a residence card decision?
14 days from delivery of the decision (not from the date on it). If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day.
Where do I file the appeal?
At the voivodeship office that issued the decision — in person, by registered post or via e-Doręczenia. It is addressed to the Head of the Office for Foreigners. Not through MOS.
Is the appeal free?
Yes. Only an attorney pays 17 zł for the power of attorney (not close family).
How long does the appeal take?
The Head of UdSC has 90 days; Art. 100d does not apply. Check the status on the UdSC hotline +48 47 721 76 75 (Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00).
Can I stay in Poland during the appeal?
If you filed the application during a legal stay and without formal gaps — yes, until the decision becomes final (Art. 108 of the Act on Foreigners).
What if I missed the appeal deadline?
If it was not your fault — within 7 days of the obstacle ending, file a request to restore the deadline together with the appeal (Art. 58).
For information only; this is not legal advice.