Obtain a Poland Student Visa

As a foreign person wishing to study in Poland, one can apply for a student visa. The need to obtain a Poland student visa will depend on the nationality of the applicant; for example, the citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not have to apply for a visa when moving to Poland for study purposes, but they will need to register their residency after living here for a period of minimum three months (or 90 days).

Students who are citizens of countries outside the EU and the EEA will generally be required to apply for a Poland student visa, following the standard application procedure. Below, we will present the main aspects foreign students should take into consideration, but you can also rely on the services of our immigration lawyer in Poland for extensive information regarding this matter.

Types of visas in Poland for students 

You can get two main types of study visas for Poland immigration: C type (Schengen visa) and D type (National visa). Here’s a brief overview of each:

C-type visa (Schengen visa)

• Purpose: The Schengen visa (type C) is designed for short-term stays in the Schengen Area, which includes Poland.
• Duration: It allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Suitability: This type of visa may be suitable for short courses, workshops, conferences, or other brief study-related activities.

D-type visa (national visa for the purpose of studies)

• Purpose: The National visa (type D) is specifically for individuals intending to pursue long-term studies or full-time academic programs in Poland.
• Duration: It typically covers the entire duration of the academic program or a specified period.
• Suitability: This visa is appropriate for students enrolled in degree programs, language courses, or other extended study programs in Poland.

It’s crucial to note that Polish study visa regulations can change, and it’s advisable to check with our lawyers for the most current information and specific requirements.

What are the basic requirements when applying for a Poland student visa?

As a non-EU or non-EEA student interested in moving to Poland for study purposes, it is necessary to verify the process for the issuance of the visa prior to registering at a local university, as the visa must be obtained before arriving here. One of the first conditions for obtaining a Poland student visa is to have finished secondary education and to have a certificate attesting to this. Other basic requirements are the following:

• The applicant must have a baccalaureate diploma recognized at an international level or at a European level;
• If the secondary education certification is only recognized in the country where the person graduated, then the document must be legally recognized by a Polish diplomatic mission, as per the Poland migration law;
• The applicant must prepare a Poland student visa application form;
• He or she must have a valid passport that has a validity date that is at least three months longer than the date at which the person will depart Poland;
• He or she must have an official letter of acceptance issued by a Polish university;
• The person must add a CV and the diplomas and certificates obtained in his or her country.

Besides these, the applicant must provide evidence of having proficiency in the language in which the courses will be held in Poland. Having health insurance is also necessary and the complete application file must also contain the proof that the person paid the visa application fee. The person must provide information on his or her accommodation in Poland as well.

Given the fact that the student will enroll in studies that will have a duration of more than three months, he or she should also verify the conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit. With regard to this matter, you can easily obtain in-depth information from our immigration lawyer in Poland.

Additionally, we may assist you in requesting Polish permanent residence. Citizens from all over the world who choose Poland as their new home can use our immigration lawyers’ services. One of the EU’s developing economies, it offers numerous opportunities for success across a range of industries.

Our immigration attorneys are also at the service of permanent residents seeking to apply for Polish citizenship. They can offer guidance to foreign nationals who desire to immigrate with their family or come here and establish themselves. If you need support, feel free to consult us for personalized advice.

How can one obtain a residence permit in Poland?

As mentioned above, a foreign student applying for a Poland student visa will also have to apply for a residence permit. The permit is issued for a period of 15 months in the case of those enrolled in university studies and it can be renewed for a period of up to three years.

In order to obtain a residence permit, the student must provide information on his or her current address in Poland, the purpose of stay, proof of having sufficient financial means, and health insurance.

Residence permit requirements for non-EU/EU students in Poland 

Every non-European Union (EU) student intending to move to Poland for studies is required to obtain a temporary residence permit. Once granted, this permit is accompanied by a temporary residence card—an identification card verifying the holder’s legal residence. This card, when presented alongside the travel document, permits multiple entries into Poland.

The initial temporary residence permit is issued for a duration of 15 months. It is subject to renewal, with each renewal extending the permit for periods of up to 3 years, provided it does not surpass the remaining duration of the student’s ongoing studies. Applications for the temporary residence card should be submitted during the legal stay in Poland, following the arrival but before the expiration of the initial visa. 

For European Union students, the process differs. They are not required to apply for temporary residence permits. As EU citizens, they only need to register their stay with the local voivodship office within 90 days of arriving in Poland. Upon registration, they receive a cost-free certificate with an indefinite validity period, serving as proof of their right to stay in Poland. 

Besides temporary, if you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit in Poland, our lawyers can assist you. 

How can our Polish lawyers help you with your student visa application?

Our Polish immigration lawyers can play a crucial role in helping individuals acquire a student visa through their expertise in navigating complex legal processes. Here are ways in which they can assist you with Poland migration:

1. Understanding visa requirements: Our immigration lawyers can provide detailed information about the specific requirements for obtaining a student visa in Poland. They will guide you through the necessary documentation, ensuring that you meet all the criteria set by Polish immigration authorities.
2. Application assistance: Our lawyers can assist you in completing and submitting the visa application accurately. They will ensure that all necessary forms are properly filled out, and supporting documents are attached as per the requirements.
3. Legal advice: Our attorneys can offer legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances. They can help you understand the implications of the Polish student visa application process, providing insights into potential challenges and solutions.
4. Communication with authorities: Also, our lawyers can act as intermediaries between you and the immigration authorities. They can communicate on your behalf, addressing any concerns or inquiries that may arise during the processing of your immigration to Poland.
5. Re-apply and denial assistance: If your visa application is denied, our immigration lawyers can assist you in the re-application process. They will review the reasons for the denial, help you understand your options, and work towards resolving any issues that led to the rejection.
6. Timely updates: Our lawyers can keep you informed about the progress of your Polish student visa application. They can monitor the status, anticipate potential delays, and provide timely updates, ensuring that you are well-informed throughout the process.
7. Legal representation: In cases where legal representation is required, such as interviews or hearings, our immigration lawyers can represent you. Their expertise can be invaluable in presenting your case professionally and addressing any concerns raised by immigration officials.
8. Post-visa support: Even after obtaining the student visa in Poland, our immigration lawyers can provide guidance on complying with visa conditions, extending your stay, or transitioning to other visa categories if needed.

Our Polish immigration lawyers can significantly enhance your chances of a successful student visa application by leveraging their legal knowledge and experience in immigration matters.

How many foreign students are in Poland?

Studying in Poland as a foreign student has become more and more attractive in the last decade, considering the growing numbers of foreign persons interested in tertiary education here. Although the majority of foreign students arrive from EU countries, there are numerous students from outside the EU, in which case the Poland student visa will be needed. Concerning the number of students interested in studying here, we present the following:

• the number of foreign students moving to Poland has been constantly increasing since 2005 when a new education program was launched by the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland;
• in 2020, the number of foreign students was 84,700;
• in 2021, their number increased to 89,400;
• during the academic year 2022/2023, more than 105,000 international students enrolled in Polish universities, marking a nearly 94 percent growth in the observed timeframe.

As a foreign student, you can decide to relocate and apply for a residence permit in Poland, if you are looking for a long-time stay. Moreover, our immigration lawyers can also help you apply for citizenship in Poland.

Contact us for more information about our services.