How do I get permanent residence in Poland?

Poland's permanent residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt stały) is an indefinite national status with several eligibility routes. These include a general route based on continuous lawful residence, an accelerated route for people of Polish origin and for holders of the Karta Polaka (Pole's Card), and a route for spouses of Polish citizens who meet the required marriage and residence conditions. Separately, the EU long-term resident permit is available after five years of continuous legal residence. Both are decided by the voivode; the physical residence card is renewed periodically even though the status itself is indefinite.