At Legal Immigration Poland, we specialize in assisting foreigners with immigration matters, even in the most challenging situations. One of our recent successes involved helping a client who had a criminal record in Poland obtain a 3-year temporary residence work permit in Poland based on work. Given the strict current immigration policies in Poland regarding individuals with a criminal history, this was a remarkable achievement.
The Challenge: Criminal Record in Poland and High Risk of Rejection
Our client had a criminal record in Poland, what causes high risk of reqection on TRC in Poland applications since polish immigration law remains very strict when assessing applicants with a criminal record.
Under current regulations, a criminal record in Poland can be a ground for denial of a residence permit or even deportation, as authorities assess whether an individual poses a threat to public security. With Poland tightening its immigration policies for 2025–2030, the risk of rejection for applicants with a criminal past has increased even further.
Our Strategy: Proving That Our Client Deserved to Stay
Knowing the complexity of this case, our immigration specialist took a strategic approach to demonstrate that our client posed no risk and deserved the opportunity to continue living and working in Poland. Our actions included:
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Comprehensive Legal Argumentation: We have carefully reviewed the details of the criminal case in Poland and prepared a detailed explanation of our client’s situation, emphasizing his rehabilitation and law-abiding behavior since the conclusion of the case.
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Engaging with Authorities: We proactively communicated with the Immigration Office in Szczecin, providing legal justifications and responding to any concerns raised during the review process.
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Additional Administrative Review: Due to the criminal record in Poland, the immigration office initiated a special additional administrative assessment to evaluate any risks. We assisted in providing:
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A full explanation of the case outcome.
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Documentation proving that the client had fulfilled all legal obligations related to the case.
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Evidence that they were now a responsible, law-abiding resident of Poland.
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Direct Negotiations: Our specialist had direct discussions with immigration officers, addressing any uncertainties and reinforcing our client’s eligibility for a residence permit.
The Outcome: A 3-Year Work TRC in Poland Approved
Despite the high risk of rejection, our legal expertise and well-prepared case convinced the West Pomeranian Voivode to grant our client a temporary residence permit in Poland based on work for the maximum period of 3 years.
Please see below the decision of the Voivode.
What This Case Teaches Us
This success story highlights the importance of professional legal support when dealing with immigration matters involving a past criminal record. Key takeaways include:
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A completed criminal case can still affect immigration applications, but it does not automatically mean rejection.
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Each case is unique—proper legal representation can help prove rehabilitation and compliance with the law.
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Poland’s immigration laws are becoming stricter, making it even more critical to seek expert assistance in such situations.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges obtaining a residence permit in Poland due to a past legal issue, our firm is here to help. What is more, if you have an ongoing criminal case in Poland our polish licensed attorney Patryk Przeździecki will be happy to help you with the whole process!