Lost residence card: reporting the loss, replacement and travel

This instruction is about the Polish residence card, not a passport or visa. The loss of the plastic in itself does not make the valid residence permit expired. But confirming status and crossing the border without a card is becoming more difficult. Find the saved copy of the map and the decision of the voivode: you will need the name of the body, the number of the document and the reason for staying.

Report the loss or damage to the card issuing authority within three days. Submit the replacement request within 14 days of the occurrence of the reason for the replacement. Notification does not replace a declaration. For a regular card issued by the Voivode, start with the Aliens Department. If the document has been issued by another authority, for example in the international protection procedure, use that procedure.

Record the date and circumstances of the loss. In case of theft, report to the police and keep the receipt. It is a useful document for the case, but a visit to the police does not replace the notification of the authority that issued the card. Notification should be submitted on the provided form, not just a short message in the messenger.

• Completed form issue/exchange of residence card.
• Two photographs and valid passport: copy, original for verification.
• Proof of payment and documents explaining the reason for the replacement.
• A copy of the residence decision and the lost card, if you have them.

On the Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców in Gdansk page there is a form and payment buttons. The basic fee is PLN 100; for the first loss or destruction due to the fault of the owner – PLN 200, for the next – PLN 300. The benefit depends on the grounds and supporting documents. Use the payment details of your body: the UdSC account is not a common account of all voivodships.

The above list is based on the Gdansk instruction. In another voivodeship, check the way of filing and registration for fingerprints on the page specifically for card replacement; do not choose the queue for a new authorization just because both services call "home map». After accepting the documents, make a call and clarify how to get a ready card.

Do not consider the loss certificate as a new travel document. Before buying a ticket, clarify the possibility of returning to your passport, visa and citizenship with the competent authority. It is especially risky to rely on a photo of the card in the phone. If the old card you found has already been replaced, do not use two documents: inform the issuing authority and follow the return instructions.

In order not to repeat the situation, keep the card number, the scan of the decision and the department contacts separate from the wallet. Once filed, save the proof of service of the application; it will allow you to ask for the delay without starting the procedure over again.

• Notice and replacement periods
• Documents, forms and current duties in Gdansk

• Karta pobytu: what the plastic residence card confirms
• The voivode: who decides a residence case
• Pomorski Urząd Wojewódzki: where foreign nationals can get help in Gdańsk
• Sworn translations: how to order and check your documents
• e-Doręczenia for individuals: create an address and receive official letters