If you want to move to Poland in 2025 without any problems, you should start preparing in advance. There are a number of issues to take care of, including housing, kindergarten/school for children, visas, and residence permits for future prospects. However, getting a residence card has many nuances and one of them is the required minimum income.
It's no secret that foreigners can get a residence card to Poland on different grounds. Most of them require applicants to specify a minimum income and prove it. What is the minimum income required to obtain a Polish residence card in 2025? We will look at this question in detail in today's article.
Income criterion in Poland – what is it?
We suggest starting with the definition of the term income criterion, which in Poland is known as kryterium dochodowe. In simple words, it is people's income that is necessary to receive certain benefits, allowances, or other advantages.
Let's understand the income criterion with a real example. Families who have children who need special care can count on help from the state. However, you can get help if the family income per person is not more than 764 PLN. In general, there are quite a few programs in Poland to help citizens and foreigners, for example, «Dobry Start».
What is the current minimum income in Poland in 2025?
As you may have already realized, experts estimate the minimum income threshold per person or per family. Here is what the minimum income applies in Poland from January 1, 2025:
If you are a foreigner who lives alone – 1010 PLN (after tax) per month.
If you are a foreigner who lives with your family, the minimum income per person – 823 PLN (after tax) per month.
In other words, if there are 4 people in your family (husband, wife, and two children), the total minimum income per family is 3292 PLN. Please note that this amount is net, i.e. everything that remains in your hands after tax deduction. If there are several people working in the family, then the total income is counted.
The link between the residence card and the minimum income
Poland tries to grant residence permits only to foreigners who have proven their ability to pay. Why? The state seeks to reduce the number of low-income people, thus saving on various social benefits. That is why, when you apply for a residence card, you are asked to prove your income.
As a rule, the income criterion is important if you receive a visit card on such grounds as study, family reunification, volunteering, scientific activity and so on. Until a few years ago, a minimum was set at 776 PLN.
What should you know about a working residence card?
Obviously, most foreigners move to Poland for one purpose - employment. Poland attracts people from neighboring countries with a huge number of jobs and decent salaries. Therefore, you may have wondered what the minimum income should be in order to obtain a work permit.
This type of residence permit works a little differently. At the beginning of 2022 the rules changed and now the criterion of profitability does not matter in the issue of obtaining a residence card for work. The most important thing is to have the appropriate documents and an invitation from the employer with the specified salary. It is very important that you are paid not less than the minimum wage in Poland. Recall that from January 1, 2025 the minimum wage in Poland is 4666 PLN gross and 3510 PLN after tax. You can read more specifics about getting a work-related visit card in our article.
Where to get help with applying for a Polish residence card in 2025?
As you may have already realized, there are quite a few types of residence permits available today, which differ in terms, requirements and purposes. If you want to move to Poland and get legalized here as soon as possible, you need professional help. Our aksis migration agents will gladly consider your case, offer you the best solution and get to work. Obtaining a residence card in 2025 with aksis is the easiest way to legally move to Poland!
