On 27 April 2026, a new system for submitting residence permit applications in Poland – MOS 2.0 – was launched. Although presented as a step towards digitalisation, it introduces significant changes and potential challenges for applicants. Importantly, it covers only the initial stage of the process.
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What is MOS 2.0 and what applications does it affect?
MOS 2.0, officially called MOS V2, is the new online portal for residence applications in Poland. It was introduced on 27 April 2026.
The new system handles only applications for a temporary residence permit and a long-term EU residence permit.
It does not cover applications for a permanent residence permit, citizenship, visas, tolerated stay, international protection, ICT, and some types of family reunification.
An important thing to note is that all old MOS accounts were not transferred to the new system. All old accounts have been erased. If you sent a request for an appointment to submit the application in person, it will no longer be recognized, and you will have to apply using the new system.
However, if you successfully submitted the application before 27 April 2026 (either in person or by post), then your case is ongoing and will be processed normally.
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What are the main differences between the previous residence permit application and the new MOS 2.0 system?
Here is a short summary of the differences between MOS 2.0 and the way applications were submitted before:
- You can no longer submit the application in paper form. If you submit it in paper form, then the office may either leave the application unprocessed or request that it be properly submitted online, which can risk missing legal deadlines.
- The application must be submitted electronically, using your personal account at https://www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/
- To submit the application, you need a Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile). Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) is a free electronic identification tool in Poland that allows users to securely access public administration systems and sign documents online. To register a Profil Zaufany, you need a PESEL number.
- The new application form is much more extensive. It requires more information and supporting documents than before.
- The application also requires you to write a detailed justification for the residence permit.
- Different language versions of the application form are available, but most answers in the form are in Polish only. The answers also do not seem to be easy to copy for translation, since the text is interactive.
- The application requires you to upload your digital photo, and the file must have exact dimensions of 684×883 pixels. You may also add other documents to the application, but the application form can be submitted without them, and you can decide to add them later during the process.
- If your application is based on work or studies, then the process of submitting the application has an additional step before you can submit it, since it requires your employer or university to receive and sign an attachment to the application online. Depending on the employer or university, this step may take some time, so it is recommended to submit the application in advance to avoid missing the deadline.
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Does the new system allow tracking of the case progress?
No, the new system does not provide you with any ability to track the progress of your application or see its current status. It also does not provide you with any information on the name of the inspector assigned to your case.
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Can you receive a confirmation that you submitted an application? How can you prove your case is in progress?
The voivodeship offices declare that they no longer issue written confirmations (see announcement here: LINK).
Instead, once you submit an application in the new system, you will be able to download a so-called “UPO confirmation”. UPO (Urzędowe Poświadczenie Odbioru) is an electronic acknowledgment that a document or application has been successfully submitted to a public authority system. It serves as formal proof of the date and time of application submission and is universally recognized by Polish authorities.
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Does the new system cover the entire process?
The new system covers only the initial submission of the application. All the rest of the process remains the same as it was before.
The letters from the Voivodeship Office will not be delivered through MOS. As before, they can be delivered by post or electronically (eDoręczenie).
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Is it still possible to be represented by an attorney during the application process?
Yes, you can be represented normally by an attorney during the entire application process, up until you receive the residence permit card. If you are being represented by an attorney, the Voivodeship Office is legally obligated to send any and all letters to the attorney’s address, who can reply to their requests. Even if they send a letter to your address by mistake, it cannot have any negative consequences for you.
The only change here is that the attorney cannot submit the initial application from his/her MOS account. The application has to be submitted from your personal MOS account, and the attorney can help you do this correctly.
Do you need professional assistance with applying for a residence permit?
Feel free to contact us and take advantage of our services.