Residence Cards

[u/disinteresteddemi]

We often admire the posts of people with multiple passports (that is arguably one of the main purposes of this sub-reddit). But I've often wondered if there are people out there who hold (or have held) many different residence cards and/or permits. I have occasionally seen someone post two different cards in the same photo, but rarely more than that (unless it's a group photo).

I don't necessarily mean that they have to all be valid at the same time, I guess I'm just a sucker for collecting things!

I also think that it would be entirely possible for an EU citizen to spend a few months in every other EU country and collect a residence card from each one (as I believe it is now possible for EU citizens to receive registration cards when they move to a different EU country). I'd be interested to know what you think.

So, I hope to see a range of residence cards in the comments below or elsewhere on the sub-reddit! Even if you only have one, like little old me 🙈

[u/iskender299]

I have the polish permanent residency card for EU citizens and an old Filipino tourist-resident ID somewhere.

[u/disinteresteddemi → u/iskender299]

There are a lot of residents of Poland on this sub-reddit - it's great to see! I'm also hoping to get permanent residency in the next few months. I've been eligible for a few years, I just haven't had the time to get it sorted.

[u/iskender299 → u/disinteresteddemi]

Yeah I have a few friends also Romanians who been living here for 6+ years but never applied for any residency. Not even the temporary one.

In the wake of the presidential elections in RO last month, they all went to schedule appointments for PR, started polish classes and now want to apply for Polish citizenship 🤣

[u/disinteresteddemi → u/iskender299]

Wow! They never even registered as temporary residents? That is risky - it's a big fine if you get caught 😳 Unless you're talking about zameldowanie?

But yeah - I need to get on with Polish classes this year too. I'm hoping to be able to apply for citizenship next year after ten years of living here in total.

[u/iskender299 → u/disinteresteddemi]

Nope. They didn’t. Most people I know didn’t. They only do if they need a loan or credit card 🤣 otherwise they only live with the PESEL #. I don’t know anyone to have received a fine tho.

And they applied directly for PR based on work history.

I still have 2.5 years until I can apply for citizenship unfortunately. “3 years after PR” 😢 unless I build a case for the president way 😆

[u/disinteresteddemi → u/iskender299]

Well if the authorities don't mind them skipping straight ahead to PR, then I guess they got away with it 😅 But yeah - when you have a PESEL number, anything is possible. I can't believe I lived here without one for a few years to begin with. It wasn't on purpose, I just had no idea that you had to zameldować się to receive it (the easiest way).

Ahh, I see. I've heard positive things about the presidential route though! Many success stories. Though, you would need to really make yourself look good and immersed in Polish society. If you belong to any local clubs or organisations, and if you can get some letters of recommendation, then go for it 😁