Fingerprints for a residence permit in Poland

Applying through MOS is online, but one step still happens in person: a visit to the voivodeship office for fingerprints. Here is what the visit is for and what to expect.

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Why fingerprints are needed

Official information

Fingerprints are taken in order to issue the residence card. The Mazowieckie office states that giving fingerprints is a necessary step for applicants over 6 years old.

When the appointment happens

Official information

After you submit through MOS, the voivode handling your case asks you to appear in person. MOS does not schedule this visit. The voivodeship office does.

PolandEase explanation

There is no official fixed number of days between submitting and being invited. It depends on the office. You cannot bring the date forward from inside MOS.

The invitation is a formal summons (wezwanie). It states the date, time and place.

What to bring

Official information

The Office for Foreigners says that at this visit you present your original passport and documents and, if necessary, supply any missing documents. In Mazowieckie the summons includes the list of documents required from you.

PolandEase explanation

We do not publish a universal checklist, because the list depends on your permit and your office. Go by your summons. It is sensible to also have the summons itself and your UPO with you, on paper or on your phone.

What happens during the visit

Official information

  • Your fingerprints are taken.
  • You give a specimen signature.
  • You show your original passport and the originals of your documents.
  • If something is missing from the application, you may be asked to supply it.

What happens afterwards

The office continues processing the case. You wait for either a request for more documents or the decision. To follow progress, see MOS application status explained.

In Warsaw? See MOS fingerprints in Warsaw.

Polish phrases useful during the appointment

PolandEase explanation

Staff may or may not speak English. These are our own suggested phrases, not official wording.

  • Dzień dobry, mam wezwanie na odciski palców.Hello, I have a summons for fingerprints.
  • Mam wizytę na godzinę dziesiątą.I have an appointment at ten o’clock.
  • To jest mój paszport.This is my passport.
  • Gdzie mam podpisać?Where should I sign?
  • Czy muszę jeszcze coś dostarczyć?Do I need to provide anything else?
  • Przepraszam, nie rozumiem. Czy może pan / pani powtórzyć wolniej?Sorry, I don’t understand. Could you repeat that more slowly? (pan to a man, pani to a woman)
  • Czy możemy mówić po angielsku?Can we speak English?

Words you are likely to hear or see:

  • odciski linii papilarnych / odciski palcówfingerprints (formal / everyday)
  • wezwaniesummons, the letter inviting you to the office
  • wzór podpisuspecimen signature
  • numer sprawycase number
  • braki formalneformal deficiencies: something missing from the application
  • Proszę przyłożyć palec.Please place your finger (on the scanner).