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How to apply for a Poland visa?

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Poland
How to apply for a Poland visa?

Poland is a unique country with a rich culture and history, stunning landscapes, and magnificent architecture. Before planning a trip to this country, be sure to find out if you need a visa. Read more about the visa application process in our article.

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Poland is a unique country with a rich culture and history, stunning landscapes and wonderful architecture. This European country offers tourists many museums, seaside resorts and charming old towns. There are 14 UNESCO world heritage sites in the country. Also, the economy and the labor market are quite developed here. Moderate prices in Poland attract many tourists and expats to the country.
However, before planning a trip to Poland, be sure to find out whether you need a visa.
Who needs a visa before traveling to Poland? How to apply for a visa to Poland? Details in our material.

Do I need a visa to Poland?


You do not need a visa to Poland if:
  • Your country is part of the EU/EEA countries or any Schengen country (Latvia, Germany, France, etc.).
  • Your country of residence has a visa-free agreement with Schengen (Ukraine, USA, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia).

If you are a citizen of a country that does not have a visa-free agreement (eg India, China, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, etc.), you need to apply for a visa to visit Poland.

Importantly! Even if you can visit Poland without a visa for short-term trips, when it comes to work or study, a visa is required for all non-EU citizens.

Types of Polish visas


There are different types of visas in Poland, depending on the purpose of your trip to the country:
  • Schengen visa – suitable for those travelers who plan to stay in Poland for less than 90 days, for example, for the purpose of tourism, visiting relatives, participating in a business event or even medical treatment. On the basis of this permit, you can visit all countries of the Schengen Agreement during the validity period of the visa.
  • Transit visa in Poland - allows its holder to enter the international transit zone of a Polish airport to change flights. It is aimed at passengers traveling to a third country, but whose flight flies through Poland.
  • Work visa to Poland – for those who want to work in the country. To obtain a permit, you need to find an employer who will submit a request for a work permit on your behalf to the local voivodship administration. There are different types of work permits, depending on the duration and nature of your work. You can only start working after your employer has given you a work permit.
  • Student visa to Poland – citizens of non-EU countries who have been accepted to a university in Poland must obtain a Polish student visa and residence permit.
  • Family visa to Poland - those who want to join their husband, wife or parents need to apply for a Polish family visa. The family visa is valid for 2 years and during this time you are allowed to work in Poland. You must provide proof of your marital status, such as a marriage certificate (for spouses) or a birth/adoption certificate (for minor children).

How to apply for a visa to Poland?


To apply for a Polish visa, you must:
  1. Contact the nearest Polish embassy or consulate and make an appointment.
  2. Prepare the necessary documents according to the list (approximate list below)
  3. Apply for a visa. You may also need to have a visa interview on the day of your visit.
  4. Wait for the decision. It can take several weeks to process your visa application, so make sure you apply well in advance of your trip.

List of documents for obtaining a Polish visa


  • Poland visa application. You must fill out the form completely and sign it at the end.
  • Two passport size photos of you.
  • Copy of passport. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of entry
  • Cover Letter. You may be required to write a letter describing the purpose of your trip, what you are going to do in Poland, etc.
  • Confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds to ensure your stay in Poland (bank account statement of income for the last 6 months).
  • Paid visa fee.

Additional documents for different types of visas:

Schengen visa
  • A travel insurance policy that meets Schengen visa requirements (€30,000 coverage throughout the Schengen area).
  • Confirmation of residence in Poland (reservation of hotels, apartments, etc.).
  • Booking tickets to and from Poland.

Family visa
  • Confirmation of family relationships (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).

Work visa

Student visa
  • Confirmation of school/university enrollment.

What if my visa application is rejected?


Your Polish visa may be rejected even if you have completed all the application steps correctly. If your visa application is rejected, you can appeal within 8 weeks. Common reasons for visa refusal:
- Insufficient documentation.
- The embassy believes that you cannot afford your trip.
- The embassy believes that you can stay in Poland illegally.

If you want to stay in Poland for longer than three months (90 days), you need to apply for a D visa and then for a residence permit.




Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World


For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.




How can foreigners find legal employment in Poland in 2023? Read here.

Work permit in Poland: a detailed guide.

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