MOS Poland: A Complete Guide for Foreigners Applying for Residence and Work Permits
If you are planning to live, work, or study in Poland, you will eventually deal with the immigration process. Until recently, handling applications meant lots of paperwork, long queues, and confusion about documents. To improve this experience, the Polish Office for Foreigners created a modern online platform called MOS – Moduł Obsługi Spraw (Case Handling Module).
The MOS portal is located at:
https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
This guide explains what MOS is, how it works, what you can do on the platform, and why it is becoming an essential tool for foreigners in Poland.
1. What Is MOS Poland?
MOS is an online portal designed to support foreigners in preparing applications and documents related to legal stay in Poland. Instead of searching through complicated laws or outdated forms, MOS gives you a clear, user-friendly space where you can:
- Learn about the type of residence permit you need
- Fill in official forms online
- Get step-by-step guidance
- Avoid common mistakes
- Access multilingual help
The portal is still growing, but it already makes immigration procedures easier and more transparent.
2. Why MOS Was Created
The main goal of MOS is to simplify communication between foreigners and Polish authorities. Many people struggled because:
- Forms were challenging to understand
- Rules changed often
- Information was scattered across different websites.
- Minor mistakes caused delays
- Foreigners often needed translations or explanations
MOS solves these problems by offering:
- Digital forms
- Instructions for every field
- Multiple languages (Polish, English, Ukrainian, Russian, French, Vietnamese, Arabic)
- Examples, checklists, FAQs
- Clear explanations of procedures
In short, MOS helps you understand what to do before you visit the office.
3. What You Can Do on MOS Poland
Although applications still need to be submitted physically or by post, MOS prepares everything for you. Here's what the portal currently offers:
3.1 Fill Out Online Application Forms
You can complete forms for:
- Temporary residence permits
- Permanent residence permits
- EU long-term resident permits
- Seasonal and work-related permits
- Visa extension forms
- Residence card renewal
- Power of attorney
- Additional legal declarations
After you finish, you can download, print, and sign the documents—ready to submit to the voivodeship office.
3.2 Find Out Which Permit Is Right for You
If you are unsure which type of stay to apply for, MOS provides simple questions and suggestions to help you choose. Whether you're in Poland for work, business, studies, or family, the system enables you to select the correct procedure.
3.3 Avoid Mistakes Before Submission
MOS highlights common errors and explains how to fix them. This is helpful because many rejections in Poland happen due to missing pages, wrong attachments, or incorrectly filled fields.
The portal teaches you how to prepare:
- Your passport copy
- Employment documents
- Contracts
- Photos
- Insurance
- Accommodation proof
With MOS, you can double-check everything before handing it in.
3.4 Access FAQs, Legal Information, and Tips
The portal includes:
- Step-by-step guides
- Detailed answers to common questions
- Legal basis for each procedure
- Checklists for documents
- Video tutorials (in development)
This is very helpful for first-time applicants or people who do not speak Polish.
4. How MOS Works (Step-by-Step)
Here's how most foreigners use the MOS system:
1. Create an account on MOS
Provide your email and basic information.
2. Choose the type of application
The system will guide you based on your purpose of stay.
3. Fill out the form online
You'll see explanations for every field.
4. Download and print the document
MOS cannot fully submit it online yet, but this feature will come soon.
5. Sign the form and collect required attachments
6. Submit your application
At the appropriate Voivodeship Office or by registered mail.
7. Respond to any additional requests from the office
You may receive notifications to bring extra documents.
5. Who Should Use MOS Poland?
MOS is useful for:
- Foreign workers applying for a temporary residence & work permit
- Students applying for a student residence permit
- People joining family members
- Entrepreneurs staying for business reasons
- EU citizens completing registration
- Non-EU citizens preparing visa extensions
- Employers supporting foreign employees
Anyone dealing with migration procedures in Poland benefits from its guidance.
6. Advantages of Using the MOS Portal
1. Saves time – everything is in one place
2. Reduces mistakes – clear explanations
3. Multilingual – easy for non-Polish speakers
4. Better understanding of procedures
5. Helps prepare documents correctly
6. Ensures your application is complete
7. Free to use
7. MOS Features Still in Development
The Polish Office for Foreigners is continuously expanding the platform. Future updates will include: Complete online submission of applications.
- Online payments
- Appointment scheduling
- Automatic notifications about case updates
- Faster communication with voivodeship offices
Once complete, MOS will become a full digital gateway for all immigration procedures in Poland.
8. Final Thoughts
MOS Poland is a significant improvement for foreigners who want to stay legally in the country. It helps you understand the rules, prepare your documents correctly, and avoid delays. Though applications still need physical submission, MOS already makes the process simpler, more transparent, and less stressful.
If you are applying for a residence permit or planning a long-term stay in Poland, the MOS portal should be your first stop.
20 FAQs About MOS Poland (With Official Government Links)
1. What is MOS Poland?
MOS (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) is an online portal that helps foreigners prepare applications for residence and related permits.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
2. Who manages the MOS portal?
MOS is developed and maintained by the Office for Foreigners (UDSC) in Poland.
Official Link: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc
3. Can I submit my residence permit application entirely online through MOS?
Not yet. You prepare the forms online, then print and submit them to your Voivodeship Office.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/wniosek
4. Is MOS free to use?
Yes, the MOS portal is entirely free for all users.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
5. Do I need an account to use MOS?
Yes, creating an account allows access to digital forms and helpful tools.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/
6. In which languages is MOS available?
MOS supports Polish, English, Ukrainian, Russian, French, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
7. What types of applications can I prepare on MOS?
You can prepare applications for:
- Temporary residence
- Permanent residence
- EU long-term residence
- Visa extensions
- Residence card replacement
- Notification forms
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/wniosek
8. Can MOS help me select the proper residence permit?
Yes. MOS includes a questionnaire that helps you choose the correct procedure.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/pl/ankieta
9. Does MOS help prevent mistakes in applications?
Yes, MOS gives tips, examples, and explanations to avoid common errors.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
10. Can employers use MOS for employee documentation?
Employers can use MOS to prepare certain forms related to foreign worker procedures.
Official Link: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en
11. Does MOS communicate directly with Voivodeship Offices?
MOS prepares documents, but submission and processing remain with the Voivodeship Office.
Find Offices: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/list-of-voivodship-offices
12. Can I track my application status in MOS?
No. MOS is used to prepare applications, not to track case progress.
Voivodeship Offices handle tracking.
Info: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/foreigners-in-poland
13. Does MOS explain every section of the form?
Yes. Each form includes guidance to help you fill it out correctly.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/wniosek
14. Can I upload documents to MOS?
Currently, MOS does not accept uploads. You prepare forms online and submit them separately.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
15. What do I do after printing the MOS form?
Sign it, attach all required documents, and submit it to the Voivode.
Procedure Info: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en
16. Can MOS be used from outside Poland?
Yes, the portal is accessible worldwide.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
17. Can I apply for a work permit (Type A) through MOS?
Voivodeship Offices issue work permits; MOS is mainly for residence-related forms.
Work Permit Info: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/temporary-residence-and-work-permit
18. What if I don't understand a question on the MOS form?
Use the built-in explanations or contact legal immigration experts.
General Info: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
19. Is MOS applicable for first-time applicants?
Yes. MOS provides structured instructions, multilingual support, and beginner-friendly guidance.
Official Link: https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/oportalu
20. How can AtoZ Serwis Plus help with MOS applications?
AtoZ Serwis Plus offers document preparation, application review, submission guidance, and full support through your residence or work-permit process.
Company Info: https://atozserwisplus.com
Portal Information
The MOS (Cases Handling Module) portal was created with a view to preparing the possibility of filling in and submitting applications for residence on-line by foreigners and providing them with the necessary knowledge in the field of migration procedures
We will continue to develop the portal, update it and supplement it with new information and functionalities, but now you already can:
thanks to the “Read the information” section:
check what are the residence options in the situation you are in
- in the “Read the information” section there is a special questionnaire, the questions of which lead to personalized information, "tailored" to your needs;
get acquainted with the information package on the procedures regulating the entry, stay and departure of foreigners from Poland
- if you know what your residence situation is and are looking for specific information, you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with them in several categories in the “Read the information” section;
thanks to the “Avoid mistakes” section:
get access to databases of frequently asked questions
- issues of the general database will allow you to dispel doubts about procedures, and the information contained in the technical base will let you use the portal correctly;
avoid mistakes
- in connection with learning about the most common mistakes made by clients at various stages of the procedures;
access checklists of procedures
- verify that you have completed all steps leading to obtaining a residence permit;
get access to instructional videos and publications of the OFF and other institutions
- thus broaden and consolidate knowledge about the procedures;
thanks to the “Fill out an application or prepare a pleading” section (*service with limited availability for users not logged in):
fill in online application forms in the following cases: temporary residence permits and permanent residence permits and send them to the competent voivode
- Currently, after sending the application to MOS, printing and signing it, you must present a paper version during a personal visit in the voivodeship office, but in the future, the portal will fully provide the possibility of submitting the application in electronic form.
- When completing the electronic application form in MOS, where possible, you have the choice of content from drop-down lists.
- To complete the application correctly, you can use contextual help translated into foreign languages available in MOS.
- You can also take advantage of the security measures against leaving empty fields when filling in the above-mentioned applications - which eliminates the risk of leaving the application unprocessed.
use active PDF forms
- to be completed electronically after downloading from MOS
download and then fill in by hand other application forms related to the legalization of stay
See instructions for preparing applications in the above-mentioned cases with the help of MOS - available here.
thanks to the “Law” section:
- know the content of the provisions specific to a given procedure - procedures described in the information section have had relevant provisions assigned. The portal provides access to legal acts relevant to migration cases under various categories;
thanks to the “Contact” section
- get access to contact details, contact forms and queuing systems of voivodes and the Head of the Office for Foreigners and contact the Data Protection Officer at the Office for Foreigners;
- we also provide technical assistance related to the operation of the portal;
thanks to the “News” section:
- stay up to date with the most important information regarding the functioning of the Office for Foreigners and other migration authorities as well as MOS itself;
- find out about planned changes to the regulations and those that have come into force.
MOS is run by the Head of the Office for Foreigners. The Office for Foreigners is a government administration body competent, inter alia, in cases related to residence permits (as a second instance authority).
Using MOS is free of charge.
The portal was created as part of the project “Modernization of Pobyt v.2 System in the scope of creating a case handling module No. 1/8-2018/BK-FAMI” and co-financed by the National Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund Program “Safe Harbour”. More information about the project.
Information posted on the MOS portal does not constitute a source of law. Authors have taken due care to ensure that it complies with the applicable regulations. In case of identifying any non-compliance, please inform the relevant authority. Information in Polish, may differ from the information in foreign languages. Due to the extent of the translations and the nature of the content, updates in foreign languages will be published with a delay.
Information relates to typical cases that may occur frequently and may not be fully applicable to individual cases. Depending on the specific case, the number and type of documents that may be requested by the administrative authorities in the course of the proceedings may differ from those provided. In case of doubt, please contact the voivode responsible for the matter in question, or any other authority as appropriate.
