Do I need a profil zaufany to submit an application through MOS 2?

Legal basis

The requirement to submit residence applications electronically stems from the Act of 21 November 2025 (Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1794). According to the MSWiA announcement, the MOS 2 portal (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl) launches on 27 April 2026. From that date, applications for a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, and EU long-term resident status must be submitted exclusively electronically.

How to sign the application

To submit an application through MOS 2, you must authenticate yourself and sign the form using one of two methods:

• profil zaufany (the most common option for persons holding a PESEL number), or
• kwalifikowany podpis elektroniczny.

This means that profil zaufany is not the only requirement — it is one of two permitted methods. If you have a kwalifikowany podpis elektroniczny, a profil zaufany is not necessary.

What confirms submission of the application

After successfully submitting an application through MOS 2, there is no longer a stempel in the passport. Proof of submission and lawful residence during the proceedings is provided by a zaświadczenie issued by the wojewoda (art. 108 ustawy o cudzoziemcach as worded from 27 April 2026).

Exceptions — when paper forms still apply

Certain categories of applications are still submitted on paper:

• ICT and long-term ICT mobility,
• family reunification,
• a family member of a Polish/EU/UK citizen where the foreigner resides outside Poland.

Outside these exceptions, paper applications sent by post after 27 April 2026 will not be considered.

Next steps

Before the application deadline, it is worth setting up a profil zaufany well in advance — obtaining one requires identity verification (e.g. through online banking or at a designated confirmation point). Not having a valid signing method on the day your lawful residence expires may prevent you from submitting the application on time.