Do I need to provide original documents after submitting an application through MOS?

How it works after the introduction of MOS 2

From 27 April 2026, applications for temporary residence permits, permanent residence permits, and EU long-term resident status must be submitted exclusively electronically through the MOS 2 portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl). Submission requires a profil zaufany or a qualified electronic signature (ustawa z dnia 21 listopada 2025 r., Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1794; MOS 2 launch date per MSWiA announcement — 27 April 2026).

When submitting the application, scans/digital copies of documents are attached — paper originals are not sent by post. Paper applications sent by post after this date will be left without consideration (exceptions: ICT and long-term ICT mobility, family reunification, and family members of Polish/EU/UK citizens when the foreigner is residing outside Poland).

When the office will request originals

Submitting scans electronically does not remove the obligation to present originals. In practice, the wojewoda:

• verifies the original passport and source documents during an in-person visit for fingerprint collection for the residence card,
• requests the submission of originals or supplementary documents in the course of proceedings.

If the wojewoda determines that the application cannot be properly processed without a specific document, they will issue a request to supply it within a period of no less than 7 days, failing which the application will be left without consideration (art. 64 § 2 KPA). The deadline stated in the request must be met.

Why this matters for lawful residence

If the application was submitted on time and without formal deficiencies, residence is lawful from the date of submission until the decision becomes final (art. 108 ustawy o cudzoziemcach). From 27 April 2026, there is no longer a stempel in the passport — the confirmation is a zaświadczenie issued by the wojewoda. However, failure to supply a missing document within the deadline may result in the application being left without consideration, in which case the protection under art. 108 does not arise.

What case law says

The case law of the Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny in Wrocław consistently demonstrates how strictly deadlines for remedying deficiencies and submitting correct documents are applied. In cases I SAB/Wr 111/26 and III SAB/Wr 157/26, the court dismissed complaints due to failure to remedy formal deficiencies within the prescribed 7-day period. In case III SAB/Wr 150/26, submitting a copy was insufficient — the document was not properly authenticated, which also resulted in dismissal. The practical takeaway: the form and timing of submitted documents have real consequences.

Next steps

Before submitting your application through MOS 2, prepare clear scans of all documents and keep the originals available for presentation. Respond immediately to any request from the wojewoda — the deadline runs from the date of service.