The cost of a residence case is not one universal “card fee”. Separate the public charges from any professional service fee and from outside costs such as translations. Then check the assumptions behind the total.
The main public charges
| Item | Example or standard amount | What changes the total |
|---|---|---|
| Standard temporary residence and work permit | 440 PLN | A different legal basis can have a different fee |
| Residence for studies | 340 PLN | Confirm the actual education-related route |
| Issuing a residence card | Standard 100 PLN | A statutory reduction or exemption may apply |
| Chargeable power of attorney | Generally 17 PLN per relevant relationship | Exemptions and the number of chargeable appointments matter |
See the work-permit fee explanation, study guidance, card fee information and stamp-duty guidance. The document-fee regulation provides for a 50% reduction in qualifying circumstances, supported by the required evidence. Do not assume that every person attending any course qualifies automatically.
Why quotes can show 574 or 424 PLN
A worked example for a work case is 440 + 100 + 34 = 574 PLN, where 34 represents two chargeable powers of attorney at 17 PLN each. A study example is 340 + 50 + 34 = 424 PLN, where the reduced card fee applies and the same two-charge assumption is used.
These are examples with stated assumptions, not mandatory totals for every applicant or confirmation that every STAYLEGAL case has two chargeable appointments. Without the reduction, or with a different representation arrangement, the calculation changes.
Keep payments separate and identifiable
Use the current payment instructions of the office and relevant municipality. The permit charge and card payment may go to different accounts. Save the proof, applicant details and purpose of each transfer. Do not copy a bank account from a guide for another voivodeship.
What a private service fee covers
STAYLEGAL’s current price list separates its own service from government charges. The agreed scope should explain document preparation, employer or university coordination, representation, appointments and any separate work after a decision. An appeal or a new case should not be assumed to be included unless agreed.
When comparing offers, ask whether the amount is the full price payable, what tax treatment applies, how instalments work and which outside costs remain. A cheap initial document review and full case management are different purchases.
Prepare your budget
Write four lines: public charges, professional fee, expected outside costs and possible separate proceedings. Confirm each unknown before signing. You can use official information and prepare an application independently; paid support is a choice about help with your case, not a fee for access to the public MOS system.