Poland to Introduce New “Foreigners Support Card” from January 2026

Date: 12 August 2025
By: NexAsia News Desk

From January 1, 2026, immigrants living legally in Poland will be able to apply for a brand-new Foreigners Support Card — a government initiative designed to make everyday life easier for non-Polish residents.

The Ministry of Family and Social Policy announced the program after receiving feedback from immigrant communities across the country. The card will work as an official identification, discount card, and access key to various government services — all in one.

What Is the Foreigners Support Card?

The Foreigners Support Card will be a small plastic card (similar to a bank card) containing:

Your photo
Your full name
Your PESEL number (or temporary ID for those without PESEL)
A QR code that government offices and selected service providers can scan for quick verification

This will be linked directly to the Ministry’s database so officials can instantly confirm your residence status, work permit validity, and other basic records — meaning less paperwork when dealing with offices.

Main Benefits for Immigrants

Easier Government Paperwork
No need to carry multiple documents for different offices. Your card will have your residency and work details digitally linked, reducing the need for repeated verification.
Discounts on Public Transport
In many cities (like Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk), cardholders will get a 10–30% discount on monthly bus, tram, and metro passes.
Priority Access in Integration Centres
The card will work as a “fast pass” in Poland’s newly opened Foreigner Integration Centres — helping you get quicker language course registration, job support, and legal advice.
Healthcare Access Without Extra ID
If you are registered in NFZ (National Health Fund), hospitals and clinics will be able to verify your coverage instantly through the card — no more carrying extra papers.
Bank Account Opening Made Easier
Partner banks will accept the card as one of the main documents for opening an account, reducing the need for extra notarized translations of your passport.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for the card if:

You have a valid residence permit (temporary, permanent, or long-term EU)
You are working legally, studying, or running a business in Poland
You have been living in Poland for at least 6 months

How to Apply

Online Application via the new portal obcokrajowiec.gov.pl (expected to open in December 2025).
In-Person Application at your local Voivodeship Office or Integration Centre.
Required documents:
- Passport
- Residence card (Karta Pobytu) or valid visa
- Proof of address in Poland
- Recent passport-size photo

The card will be free of charge for the first issue. Replacements (for loss/damage) will cost 30 PLN.

Why This Matters for Immigrants

Many immigrants in Poland have long complained about complicated bureaucracy, language barriers, and the need to carry multiple documents. This card could:

Save time in offices and hospitals
Reduce misunderstandings when dealing with authorities
Help integrate newcomers into society faster

“This is a step forward,” says Farhan Ali, a Bangladeshi restaurant worker in Warsaw. “I often have to take a day off work just to submit papers at different places. If one card can do it all, it will be a big relief.”

Important Notes

The card does not replace your residence permit — you still need to keep that valid.
Discounts and benefits will depend on agreements between the government and local city authorities.
The government is considering adding emergency contact information on the card for safety.