Poland Guide: Visas & Permits

Which documents do you need when going abroad? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving abroad.

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  Who needs a visa to visit Poland

  Requirements and exceptions

  Whether or not you need a visa to visit Poland depends on several different things: including your nationality, why you are going there, how long you will be staying, as well as other things like family relations and your employment status.

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  Polish short-stay visas

  Transit, Tourist and Business

  Before travelling to Poland, make sure you either don’t need a visa or have all the required visas and documentation; otherwise you will probably be refused entry on arrival.

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  Work permits

  Working legally in Poland

  Since Poland has joined the European Union, its rules and regulations regarding labour mobility are changing as they come into line with EU directives.

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  Studying in Poland

  How to get a study visa

  Students who are planning to come and study in Poland for longer than 90 days need a study visa in some cases. It is recommended you find out about requirements and start the application process well in advance of the start of your period of planned study in Poland.

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  Residence permit

  How to become resident in Poland

  You can get a temporary residence (karta pobytu) in Poland if you can demonstrate that you will be staying in Poland for more than 3 months in order to work, study or for family reasons (e.g. marriage to a Polish citizen).

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  Registration in Poland

  How to register in Poland

  Registration (zameldowanie) is very important in Poland. You need to register for a temporary stay (before you can apply for a permanent stay), and then for a residence permit (karta pobytu), for the authorities, banks and for the fiscal authorities.

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  Polish citizenship

  How to become a Polish national

  Foreigners legally resident in Poland for a certain amount of time (depending on their status) can apply to become a Polish citizen. Different factors are taken into account for eligibility for nationalization in Poland.

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  Driving in Poland

  What licence do you need to drive legally?

  If you have an EU driving licence, you can use it to drive in Poland. If you are from outside of the EU you will have to obtain an International Driving Licence to drive in Poland.

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