Our lawyers proficient in immigration law play a crucial role in facilitating the process of relocating to Poland from New Zealand. They offer invaluable expertise in navigating complex visa regulations, residency requirements, and legal procedures. From assisting with visa applications to guiding residency permits and citizenship eligibility, our Polish immigration lawyers ensure that individuals and families have a smooth and legally sound transition to Poland.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Immigration support availability for New Zealanders (YES/NO) | Yes, through our specialized Polish immigration lawyers. |
Entry visa requirements for New Zealand nationals | Visas are not required for stays of less than 90 days. |
Relocation options | Business, employment, and study are options through which New Zealanders can move to Poland. |
| Temporary residence options | Employment and study. |
| Permanent residence requirements | – 4 years for skilled workers, – 5 years for other categories of immigrants. |
| Access to EU long-term residency for New Zealanders (YES/NO) | Yes, New Zealanders can obtain EU residency by moving to Poland. |
| Timeframe to obtain a temporary residence permit (approx.) | 2 to 4 months. |
| Documents required for temporary residency for New Zealanders in Poland | – valid passport, – health insurance, – application form, – proof of residential address, – proof of self-sustenance. |
| Post-arrival registration with the authorities requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, within 4 working days after arrival. |
| Temporary residence permit validity | 3 months to 3 years, depending on the reason for issuance. |
| Citizenship living requirements | 3 years based on permanent residency. |
| Citizenship documents | – valid passport, – valid residence permit, – birth certificate, – proof of income earned in Poland, – marriage certificate (if applicable). |
| Access to family sponsorship visa (YES/NO) | Yes. |
| Dual citizenship availability (YES/NO) | Yes, in both countries. |
| Poland – New Zealand double tax treaty (YES/NO) | Yes, since 2005. |
Their in-depth knowledge of Poland’s immigration laws and procedures helps streamline the process, minimize potential complications, and maximize the chances of a successful migration.
Table of Contents
Visas to move to Poland from New Zealand
To move to Poland from New Zealand, you will typically need to obtain the appropriate visa for your intended purpose of stay. Here’s an overview of the visa options available on which you can relocate to Poland from New Zealand:
- Work visa: If you have a job offer from a Polish employer, you can apply for a work visa. The employer usually initiates this process by obtaining a work permit for you. Our lawyers can assist you with the Poland migration on this visa.
- Student visa: If you plan to relocate to Poland from New Zealand and study there, you will need to apply for a student visa. You must first be accepted into a Polish educational institution before applying for this visa.
- Family reunification visa: If you have family members who are Polish citizens or legal residents, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa to join them in Poland. If you are eligible to immigrate to Poland from New Zealand, our lawyers can assist you.
- Business visa: If you intend to conduct business activities in Poland, you may apply for a business visa. This could include attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities.
- Visitor visa: New Zealand citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Poland. For short stays in the Schengen area/ Poland, there is a maximum of 90 days every 180 days.
- Long-term EU residence permit: New Zealand citizens can also apply for a long-term EU residence permit. Typical eligibility requires at least 5 years of uninterrupted residence in Poland.
It’s important to carefully review the specific requirements and application procedures for each type of visa before relocation to Poland from New Zealand. Consult our immigration lawyers in Poland for detailed information and assistance with the visa application process. They will ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria for your chosen visa category.
You can also seek help from our lawyers in other matters that require legal insight. For instance, our lawyers can address any concerns or questions you may have regarding the Polish permanent residency application, such as residency rights, obligations, and privileges. They will work diligently to navigate any complexities or challenges that may arise, striving to achieve a successful outcome for your permanent residency status in Poland.
Employment-based immigration to Poland from New Zealand
Poland is a great country to work in, considering it is an emerging economy with many new sectors of activity. When you relocate to Poland from New Zealand, however, there are specific formalities to comply with, considering you are a non-EU national.
Here are your options if you plan to move to Poland from New Zealand based on employment:
- you must first secure a job that must be confirmed through a valid employment contract;
- you must also acquire health insurance before coming to Poland;
- make sure your passport is valid at the time of arrival.
With respect to the types of work visas you can obtain, they are categorized into:https://www.immigration-poland.com/working-visa-poland/
- short-term permits, also known as C-type visas;
- long-term permits, also known as national D visas.
The main advantage of moving here this way is that you will also be granted a Polish residence permit alongside the work visa. With respect to the validity of both documents, it ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the duration of your employment contract. Please note that you cannot extend a temporary residence visa, as this document will go through the re-application process.
Our immigration lawyers in Poland can assist with vetting your labor contract and with the formalities for obtaining your residence card if you have been offered a job here.
How to immigrate to Poland from New Zealand as a businessperson
There are two ways to relocate to Poland from New Zealand if you are a businessperson:
- the regular Polish immigration pathway, through which you can apply for a temporary residence visa and then start your own business;
- the investor visa, through which the company’s annual income reaches a certain threshold compared to the average wage in Poland, or the company demonstrates real and sustainable economic activity, followed by the same business registration procedure.
In both situations, you will first be granted temporary residency, followed by permanent one after 3 years, and Polish citizenship after 2 years of permanent residency.
The main difference between the two options is that in the case of the investor visa, you can move to Poland from New Zealand with your close family on a single application.
Feel free to inquire about both variants with our Polish immigration lawyers.
Visa application fee and payment methods
The official visa fees for New Zealand citizens are currently PLN 394 (NZD 184) for a Schengen visa (type C) and PLN 873 (NZD 408) for a national visa (type D). The standard processing time is approximately 15 calendar days, according to the Polish Embassy. However, if additional document scrutiny is required, the processing period may extend to 30 days. In urgent situations with valid justifications, a decision can be expedited within three working days.
If you are moving to Poland, our lawyers can give you a brief insight into the budget you should have based on your visa type.
Registering your address and obtaining a PESEL number in Poland
After arriving in Poland and obtaining a temporary residence permit, if you are a non-EU citizen, you are required to register your address of residence (a procedure called meldunek) with the competent local authority if you intend to reside in Poland for more than 30 days.
Following this registration or a separate application, you can also obtain a PESEL number, which is a personal identification number required for most administrative activities, including employment, paying taxes, accessing healthcare, and opening a bank account.
If you are considering immigrating to Poland from New Zealand, the PESEL number is essential for legal and administrative integration, as it is used in all public and private systems. For example, employers need this number to register employees with the social security system, and public institutions use it to verify residents’ identities. In many cases, obtaining a PESEL is one of the first recommended administrative steps after settling in Poland.
Therefore, if you are interested in obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit, our immigration lawyers in Polandcan assist you with the entire legal process.
Poland immigration statistics
Please find below some statistics regarding the immigration rate in Poland:
- the number of foreigners registered for social insurance increased by the end of 2025, reaching a total number of 1.26 million people;
- immigrants represent approximately 7% of the total number of people with social insurance in Poland;
- in 2025-2026, the largest immigrant groups were made up of 139,000 Belarusians and about 862,000 Ukrainians;
- there were also approximately 23,000 Indians and about 27,000 Georgians living in Poland by the beginning of 2026.
It is necessary to have such statistics in mind before you plan to immigrate to Poland from New Zealand. This information can assist you in making informed decisions. Our lawyers can assist you if you need more data in this regard.
Moreover, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal if you are planning to acquire citizenship in Poland. With a deep understanding of Polish citizenship laws and procedures, our legal experts provide comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. From advising on eligibility criteria to assisting with the preparation of required documentation and navigating the application process, our lawyers ensure that you are supported at every step. Contact our lawyers for legal services.
