The situation
The Polish government has published plans for the treatment of UK nationals residing in Poland, to take effect after March 29, 2019 in case of a no-deal Brexit scenario.
A closer look
The published plans include the following details:
- Transition period. There would be a 12-month transition period, commencing on March 30, 2019, during which time UK nationals already residing in Poland would be required to apply for a residence permit.
- Residence of five years or more. UK nationals residing in Poland for five years or longer as of March 29, 2019 would be able to apply for a permanent residence permit under the same requirements as for qualifying EU nationals.
- Residence under five years. UK nationals residing in Poland for a period shorter than five years as of March 29, 2019 would be able to apply for a special three-year temporary residence permit. After this period, permit holders would need to qualify for a standard national permit type under the same eligibility criteria as non-EU nationals.
Impact
UK nationals who will continue to work and reside in Poland past March 29, 2019 should ensure that they take the necessary steps to obtain any documents required to register or apply for immigration status. UK nationals should also contact their local immigration offices to see if they are able to register or apply for their proper immigration status prior to Brexit Day.
Background
The plans are a part of the government’s contingency planning in case no Brexit deal is concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom before March 29, 2019.
Other EU Member States, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, have also announced contingency plans.
Looking ahead
Further details of the government plans have yet to be announced; all plans must receive final approval from the Polish parliament. Fragomen will provide updates on the situation as they become available.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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