Poland Visa Guide for Non-EU Citizens - Complete 2024

1. INTRODUCTION & VISA-FREE TRAVEL

Who Can Enter Poland Without a Visa?

Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Poland visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes:

• United States, Canada, United Kingdom
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
• Singapore, Israel, UAE, Brazil, Argentina
• And many other countries

Who NEEDS a Visa?

You must obtain a visa if:

• Your country is NOT on the visa-exempt list
• You plan to stay longer than 90 days (even if from visa-exempt country)
• You want to work in Poland (regardless of nationality)
• You want to study in Poland for more than 3 months
• You want to establish or operate a business in Poland

2. TYPES OF POLISH VISAS

Type A - Airport Transit Visa

Purpose: Transiting through Polish airport international zones without entering Poland

Who needs it: Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka

Does NOT allow: Entry into Poland or Schengen Area

Type C - Schengen Short-Term Visa

Validity: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Suitable for:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Business meetings and conferences
• Visiting family and friends
• Short-term medical treatment
• Cultural events and sports competitions
• Short courses and training (under 90 days)

Travel privileges: Access to all 27 Schengen countries

Work/Study: NOT permitted on this visa

Fee: €80 (adults), €40 (children 6-12), FREE (under 6)

Type D - National Long-Term Visa

Validity: More than 90 days, up to 1 year

Suitable for:

• Employment and work assignments
• University studies and education programs
• Business establishment and entrepreneurship
• Family reunification
• Long-term medical treatment

Travel privileges: Residence in Poland + travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days per 180-day period

Extension: Can be converted to Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) before expiry

Fee: €135 (all applicants)

3. UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

Additional Documents by Purpose

Purpose	Additional Documents
Tourism	Tour itinerary, hotel bookings, travel history
Business	Invitation from Polish company, conference registration, business relationship proof
Work	Work permit, employment contract, qualifications (See Section 6)
Studies	University acceptance letter, tuition payment proof (See Section 7)
Business Setup	Company registration, business plan, capital proof (See Section 8)

4. APPLICATION PROCESS (STEP-BY-STEP)

1Determine Correct Visa Type

Identify the appropriate visa based on your primary purpose and duration of stay.

2Find Your Polish Consulate

Locate the embassy/consulate for your area: www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/polands-missions-abroad

3Register Online

Create account at E-Konsulat: secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl

Note: Some countries (India, Russia, Turkey, China) use VFS Global visa centers.

4Schedule Appointment

Book appointment online. Apply 1-2 months before travel date.

5Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents. Translate to Polish/English if needed.

6Attend Appointment

Submit documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints + photo), pay fee, attend interview if required.

7Wait for Processing

Standard: 15 days. May extend to 60 days in complex cases.

8Collect Passport

Receive passport with visa. Check all details immediately for errors.

5. VISA FEES & PROCESSING TIMES

Current Visa Fees (Effective June 2024)

Visa Type	Adult	Child 6-12	Under 6
Type A - Airport Transit	€80	€40	FREE
Type C - Schengen	€80	€40	FREE
Type D - National	€135	€135	€135

Fee Exemptions

• Children under 6 years (Type C only)
• Students and teachers on school trips
• Researchers for scientific purposes
• Family members of EU/EEA citizens
• Humanitarian cases

Processing Times

Visa Type	Standard	Maximum
Type C - Schengen	15 calendar days	Up to 60 days
Type D - National	15 working days	Up to 60 days

6. WORK VISA - COMPLETE GUIDE

Understanding the Two-Step Process

Step 1: Work Permit (Applied by Employer)

What: Authorization document allowing you to work legally

Who applies: Your Polish employer

Where: Voivodeship Office (Provincial Office)

Processing time: 1-2 months

Validity: Specific to job, employer, and time period (usually duration of contract, up to 3 years)

Step 2: Work Visa (Applied by Employee)

What: Document allowing you to enter and reside in Poland

Who applies: You (the employee)

Where: Polish embassy/consulate in your home country

Processing time: 15-60 days

Fee: €135

Types of Work Permits

Type	Description	Validity
Type A	Most common. For employment contract with Polish employer	Up to 3 years
Type B	For board members of Polish companies (6+ months residence)	As specified
Type C	Delegated by foreign employer to Polish branch (30+ days)	As specified
Type D	For export services (foreign employer, no Polish branch)	As specified
Type E	Delegated to Poland by foreign employer (90+ days in 6 months)	As specified
Type S	Agriculture, hunting, fishing, accommodation work	As specified

Work Permit Application (By Employer)

Required by Employer:

• Completed work permit application form
• Signed employment contract (employee + employer)
• Proof of company registration and legal status
• Tax registration certificate
• Financial statements/proof of economic activity
• Labor market test results (proving no qualified EU workers available)
• Copy of employee's passport and qualifications

Work Visa Application (By Employee)

After receiving work permit from employer, you need:

• Completed visa application form (E-Konsulat)
• Valid passport (3+ months validity)
• Two passport photos (35mm × 40mm)
• Original work permit from Voivodeship Office
• Signed employment contract (original)
• Employer's company registration certificate
• Educational certificates and diplomas (translated)
• Professional qualifications/work certificates
• Detailed CV/resume
• Travel health insurance (€30,000 minimum)
• Proof of accommodation in Poland
• Bank statements/financial proof
• Criminal background check from home country
• Flight reservations

After Arriving in Poland

Within 45 days before visa expires:

Apply for Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) at local Voivodeship Office

• Cost: €76 (340 PLN)
• First permit duration: 3 months to 3 years
• Renewal: Up to 3 years each time
• Processing: 1-3 months

EU Blue Card (For Highly Qualified Professionals)

7. STUDENT VISA - COMPLETE GUIDE

Types of Student Visas

Type C - Short-Term (Under 90 Days)

For: Language courses, exchange programs, short training

Duration: Up to 90 days within 180 days

Fee: €80

Type D - National Student Visa (90+ Days)

For: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD programs

Duration: Up to 1 year (renewable)

Fee: €135

Work allowed: YES! No separate work permit needed

Eligibility Requirements

• Acceptance to full-time program at Polish university
• Sufficient funds: 701 PLN/month living + 2,500 PLN return travel
• Health insurance (€30,000 minimum)
• Language proficiency (English or Polish)
• Clean criminal record

Required Documents

Application Process

1. Apply to Polish universities (6-8 months before start)
2. Receive acceptance letter
3. Register on E-Konsulat (appointments open Tuesdays/Fridays 3 PM)
4. Schedule appointment at embassy/consulate
5. Prepare and translate all documents
6. Attend appointment, submit documents, provide biometrics
7. Pay €135 visa fee
8. Wait 15-60 days for processing
9. Collect passport with visa

Temporary Residence Permit for Students

Working While Studying

Top Polish Universities

University	QS Rank 2024	Location
University of Warsaw	264	Warsaw
Jagiellonian University	304	Krakow

Tuition: €500 - €8,000/year

Living costs: ~$7,000/year

8. BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEUR VISA GUIDE

Starting a Business in Poland - Complete Process

1Register Your Company

Two main options:

• Sole Proprietorship: Register in CEIDG (simpler, for individuals)
• LLC (Sp. z o.o.): Register in KRS (more complex, requires capital)

Registration can be online or in-person. Must complete within 6 months.

2Open Business Bank Account

Required for operations and proof of capital.

3Register with Tax Office

Within 21 days. Obtain NIP (tax ID number).

4Apply for Business Visa (Type D)

Based on registered company. Valid 6 months to 1 year.

5Start Operations

Within 6 months, meet criteria for residence permit.

6Apply for TRP for Business

Before visa expires.

Business Visa - Required Documents

• Visa application form (E-Konsulat)
• Valid passport (3+ months)
• Two passport photos
• Company registration certificate (CEIDG/KRS)
• Company statute/articles of association
• Proof of registered office address
• Detailed business plan:
  • Business description
  • Market analysis
  • Financial projections
  • Expected revenue
  • Job creation plans
• Proof of business capital/investment
• Bank statements
• Business premises lease or ownership proof
• Professional qualifications and experience
• CV showing business background
• Health insurance (€30,000)
• Accommodation proof
• Financial means proof
• Criminal background check

TRP for Business - Criteria (Must Meet ONE)

Option	Requirement
Revenue	Generate 12× average monthly regional income
Employment	Employ 2+ Polish/EU citizens full-time for 1+ year
Investment	Business plan + capital showing growth potential

Business Immigration Costs

Item	Cost
Company Registration (LLC)	€500 - €1,500
Business Visa (Type D)	€135
TRP Application	€76
Professional Services	€3,000 - €5,000
Business Capital	€5,000+

Poland.Business Harbour Program

Startup Visa Program

Eligibility:

• Innovative business idea
• Growth potential
• Contribution to Polish economy
• Financial stability

Benefits:

• Simplified application
• Access to EU market (447M consumers)
• Lower costs than Western Europe
• Growing tech ecosystem
• Family members can join

9. AFTER RECEIVING YOUR VISA

Check Visa Details Immediately

Verify:

• Name spelling, date of birth, passport number
• Visa validity dates (from-to)
• Number of entries (single, double, multiple)
• Duration of stay allowed
• Visa type and purpose code

Upon Arrival in Poland

Border guards may request:

• Employment contract/university letter
• Invitation letter
• Proof of funds
• Hotel reservations
• Return ticket
• Insurance certificate

Registration Requirements (Long-Term Stays)

For Type D visa holders:

• Within 4 days: Register residence address at municipal office
• Immediately: Obtain PESEL number (Polish ID number)
• Within 21 days: Register with tax office (if working/business)

Important Rules

90/180 Rule (Schengen Short-Term)

For visa-free or Type C visa: Maximum 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Use Schengen calculator to track days.

Overstaying Consequences

• Fines and penalties
• Deportation
• Entry ban (1-10 years)
• Future visa difficulties

10. COMMON REJECTION REASONS & APPEALS

Visa Rejection Rate: ~17%

Common Rejection Reasons

• Incomplete documentation - Missing required documents
• Insufficient funds - Cannot demonstrate adequate financial means
• Invalid insurance - Doesn't meet €30,000 minimum or coverage requirements
• Unclear purpose - Purpose not properly justified or documented
• Previous violations - Overstays or immigration issues
• Suspicion of overstay intent - Insufficient ties to home country
• Invalid passport - Doesn't meet validity requirements
• False information - Incorrect or misleading statements
• Criminal record - Serious criminal history
• Security concerns - Flagged in security databases

If Your Visa Is Rejected

Reapplying After Rejection

• Address ALL rejection reasons
• Provide additional supporting documents
• Strengthen weak points (finances, ties to home, purpose)
• Consider professional immigration consultant
• Must pay new visa fee

11. USEFUL RESOURCES & CONTACTS

Resource	Website
Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs	www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy
E-Konsulat (Visa Applications)	secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl
Find Polish Consulate	www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/polands-missions-abroad
Office for Foreigners	udsc.gov.pl/en
Study in Poland	study.gov.pl
Business Registration	biznes.gov.pl/en
VFS Global (Visa Centers)	vfsglobal.com
Schengen Visa Calculator	schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator

Emergency Contacts in Poland

• Emergency: 112 (universal)
• Police: 997
• Ambulance: 999
• Fire: 998

12. FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How far in advance can I apply?

A: Up to 6 months before travel for Type C, up to 3 months for Type D. Recommended: 1-2 months before travel.

Q: Can I work on a tourist visa?

A: NO. Tourist visas strictly prohibit employment. You need work permit + work visa.

Q: Can students work in Poland?

A: YES! Type D student visa holders can work WITHOUT separate work permit. No hour restrictions during holidays.

Q: What if I need to stay longer than 90 days but I'm from visa-exempt country?

A: Apply for Type D national visa before 90-day period expires.

Q: Can I extend my visa?

A: Type C only in exceptional circumstances (force majeure, humanitarian reasons). Type D converts to Temporary Residence Permit.

Q: Is insurance mandatory?

A: YES. €30,000 minimum coverage for medical emergencies, valid throughout Schengen Area.

Q: Do I need confirmed flight ticket?

A: Most consulates accept flight reservations. Check with your specific consulate.

Q: What if visa is denied?

A: Appeal within 14 days. Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Address all rejection reasons before reapplying.

Q: Can I enter other Schengen countries with Polish visa?

A: YES. Polish Schengen visa allows travel throughout Schengen Area. Poland should be main destination.

Q: How long does processing take?

A: Standard 15 days, up to 60 days in complex cases. Apply early!

Q: Can I start business on tourist visa?

A: NO. You need business visa (Type D) and proper company registration.

Q: How long to get work visa?

A: Total 2-4 months. Work permit (employer): 1-2 months. Work visa (you): 15-60 days.

Q: Can I bring my family?

A: YES. Immediate family (spouse, children) can apply for dependent visas once you have residence permit.

Q: What's the fastest way to get business visa?

A: Register company first, then apply for Type D business visa with complete documentation. 15-60 days processing.

Q: Do I need to speak Polish?

A: Not required for most visas, but helpful. Many jobs and universities offer English language options.

Q: What's ETIAS?

A: Electronic authorization (not visa) starting 2026 for visa-exempt travelers. Simple online application.

Q: Can I apply if I have criminal record?

A: Depends on severity. You must disclose all criminal history. Serious offenses may result in rejection.

Q: Where do I apply - embassy or VFS?

A: Depends on country. India, Russia, Turkey, China use VFS Global. Others use embassy/consulate directly.

Q: Can I get permanent residence?

A: YES. After 5 years of continuous temporary residence with stable income (maximum 10 months abroad total).