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Residence card in Białystok: Podlaski Urząd Wojewódzki
Where to go, how to apply and book, and how long the PUW in Białystok really takes, from the office's own figures. Every fact links to its official source.
Where the foreigners department is
Residence permits for people who live in Podlasie (podlaskie) are decided by the Podlaski Urząd Wojewódzki (Podlaskie Voivodeship Office) in Białystok. These are the addresses and numbers the office publishes for foreigners.
- Podlaski Urząd Wojewódzki (office address)
- ul. Mickiewicza 3, 15-213 Białystok
- Foreigners section helpline
- 85 743 96 00
- [email protected]
Opening hours change often, so check them on the office page before you go.
Reviews and questions from applicants
Experiences from people who applied at this office, and the questions they ask. These are personal reports, not official figures.
How to apply and book a visit
Since 27 April 2026, applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and EU long-term residence are filed only online, in the MOS system. Paper applications for these permits that reach an office after that date are left unexamined. A few cases still go on paper, for example an intra-company transfer, or family reunification when the family member is outside Poland. The old MOS was switched off on 17 April 2026, so an account from before then does not work: you need a new one.
In Białystok: Applications go through MOS. The office then sends a written summons to give fingerprints on a set day and hour. Replacing a card, collecting a card or a travel document is done without a queue ticket, at desk 5 in the foreigners' hall.
How long a residence card takes in Białystok
No official figure for Białystok yet. The office has not sent the figures yet. We have asked again. We add the numbers to this page and to our monthly report as soon as they arrive.
Until then, the reader reports on our community board are the best guide we can offer. We only show a median for an office once 5 people have reported a decision.
By law the office should normally decide a temporary residence case within 60 days, but deadlines in residence cases are suspended until 4 March 2027.
Common problems and what to do
- Fingerprints more than a year later. The office says the summons for fingerprints comes more than 12 months after you file, and that this time is approximate and can get longer. Plan travel and job changes with that in mind.
- The old MOS account does not work. The new MOS started on 27 April 2026 and needs a new account, signed in through login.gov.pl. Accounts from the old system were closed.
- Letters you never received. Offices send requests for missing documents and the card collection date to the contact details in your application. The Warsaw office, for example, uses e-Doręczenia (electronic delivery). Keep your e-mail and address current and check them.
- More than 60 days and no decision. This is common. Deadlines in residence cases are suspended until 4 March 2027. Check your status, keep your other deadlines in order, and read what you can do while you wait.
Questions people ask
Where do I apply for a residence card in Białystok?
You file the application online in MOS. The case is handled by the Podlaski Urząd Wojewódzki (Podlaskie Voivodeship Office). Its foreigners department is at ul. Mickiewicza 3, 15-213 Białystok.
How long does a residence card take in Białystok?
The PUW has not yet sent us official figures. Reader reports are on the EEP community board, and we add the office figures when they arrive.
Can I still apply on paper?
Not for temporary, permanent or EU long-term residence. Since 27 April 2026 these applications are filed only online in MOS, and paper ones are left unexamined. A few exceptions remain, such as an intra-company transfer.
Official sources and how we checked
Last checked: 14 November 2026. On 14 November 2026 we read the office pages listed here and copied addresses, numbers and booking links exactly as published. We have no official waiting times from this office yet. We do not use agency or forum estimates on this page.
- PUW on gov.pl: rules for applications and card collection
- PUW on gov.pl: contact
- PUW on gov.pl: foreigners
- Pomorski Urząd Wojewódzki, Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców: MOS notice
- Lubelski Urząd Wojewódzki: MOS information (Act of 21 Nov 2025, Dz. U. 2025 item 1794)
- Dolnośląski Urząd Wojewódzki: notice on the new MOS
- Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki, Migrant WSC: systems you need
- Podkarpacki Urząd Wojewódzki: deadlines for residence decisions
General information, not legal advice. The office decides your case. Found a mistake? Tell us and we fix it in the open.
