What international protection covers
In Polish law, "international protection" (ochrona międzynarodowa) covers two related statuses:
- Refugee status — granted when you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your country of origin on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group.
- Subsidiary protection — granted when you do not meet the strict refugee definition, but returning would expose you to a real risk of serious harm (death penalty, torture, indiscriminate violence in armed conflict).
Separately, Polish law also recognises humanitarian stay and tolerated stay, which can apply when protection is refused but return would still breach your fundamental rights. We assess which status best fits your situation.
Who can apply
Any foreigner physically present in Poland — or at the Polish border — can request international protection. You do not need to hold a visa or a valid residence document to apply. In practice the application is made to the Border Guard (Straż Graniczna), and the case is then decided by the Head of the Office for Foreigners (Szef Urzędu do Spraw Cudzoziemców).
Your rights during the procedure
- The right to remain legally in Poland while your case is examined.
- The right to a temporary identity certificate (TZTC) confirming your status as an applicant.
- The right to accommodation, food and basic medical care in a reception centre, or a social allowance if you live outside.
- The right to be interviewed in a language you understand, with an interpreter provided.
- The right to be represented by a lawyer at every stage of the procedure.
- Access to the labour market after a defined period if your case is still pending and the delay is not attributable to you.
How the procedure unfolds
- Application. A formal request is registered with the Border Guard, together with your identity documents and an initial written account of the risks you face.
- Reception and identification. Fingerprints and photographs are taken; you receive your applicant certificate.
- Substantive interview. A caseworker from the Office for Foreigners hears your story in detail. This interview is the heart of the case — preparation matters.
- Decision. The Office issues a written decision granting refugee status, subsidiary protection, humanitarian or tolerated stay, or refusing protection.
- Appeal. A negative decision can be appealed to the Refugee Board (Rada do Spraw Uchodźców), and then to the administrative court.
How we can help
International protection cases are not paperwork exercises — they turn on how clearly and credibly your story is presented, and how carefully the country situation is documented. Our role is to:
- Listen to your account in private and help you structure it for the interview.
- Gather supporting evidence — country reports, medical documents, prior threats, communications from your country of origin.
- Prepare you for the substantive interview so you are not surprised by the questions or the format.
- Attend key stages of the procedure with you.
- Draft appeals within the strict statutory deadlines if the first decision is negative.
Confidentiality and respect
Everything you tell us is protected by legal professional privilege. Your story is not shared with employers, family members, or your country of origin. We know that recounting what happened is difficult — we work at your pace, with an interpreter when needed, and without judgement.
If you are unsure whether international protection is the right path for you, reach out confidentially. A first conversation commits you to nothing.