International Relations

VISA AND RESIDENCE FORMALITIES NON-EU AND NON-EFTA CITIZENS

Every foreigner who is not a citizen of a country with which the Republic of Poland has concluded an agreement on the abolition of the visa obligation has to apply for a visa in advance in order to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland.  The authorities competent to issue visas outside the territory of the Republic of Poland are the Polish Consuls. The visa you will apply for as a student-to-be, entitle a foreigner to stay in Poland no longer than 6 months within a period of 12 months.

Countries, whose citizens can enter the Republic of Poland and stay within its borders up to 90 days without an obligation to apply for a visa (a stay longer than 90 days requires the legalisation of residence): Andorra,  Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brasilia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong-Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zeeland, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Salvador, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Uruguay, USA, Vatican, Venezuela.

If you are planning to stay more than 6 months (in case of visa holders) or more than 3 months (in case of those who do not have to apply for a visa), instead of prolonging the visa or applying for it, you have to apply for temporary residence permit. The formalities usually take a longer time, so it is highly advisible to take care of them as soon as you arrive in Poland.

Detailed info

• Temporary Residence Permit