Europe – Poland Visa – Residence Permit

1. Do I need a visa to visit Poland?

Yes, most travelers will need a visa to visit Poland. The specific requirements and process for obtaining a visa vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of some countries may be eligible for visa-free entry or can obtain a visa upon arrival. It is important to check with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country to determine the exact visa requirements for your situation.

2. How do I apply for a Polish visa?
To apply for a Polish visa, you will need to submit an application and supporting documents at a Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. The specific requirements and process may vary slightly depending on the type of visa you are applying for (e.g. tourist, business), but generally you will need:

– A valid passport
– Completed visa application form
– Two passport-sized photos
– Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight bookings
– Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Poland
– Travel medical insurance
– Letter of invitation or hotel reservation (if applicable)
– Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your trip

3. How long does it take to get a Polish visa?
The processing time for a Polish visa can vary depending on your nationality and the volume of applications being processed at the embassy/consulate where you apply. On average, it can take between 1-4 weeks.

4. What is the duration of stay allowed with a Polish visa?
The duration of stay allowed with a Polish visa depends on the type of visa issued and can range from 90 days within a 180-day period (Schengen tourist visas) to longer periods for other types such as business or student visas.

5. Can I work while on a Polish tourist/visitor’s visa?
No, visitors/tourists are not permitted to engage in any kind of employment while on a tourist/visitor’s visa in Poland. If you wish to work in Poland, you will need to obtain a work visa. Additionally, limited and specific jobs may require additional permits or visas.

6. Can I extend my Polish visa?
In most cases, it is not possible to extend a tourist/visitor’s visa in Poland. If you wish to stay longer than your allotted time, you will need to apply for a new visa.

7. Can I visit other countries on a Polish visa?
Yes, depending on the type of visa you have been issued, you may be able to travel to other countries within the Schengen area (26 European countries with open borders) while on a Polish visa. It is important to check the restrictions and limitations of your specific visa before traveling outside of Poland.

8. What are the consequences of overstaying my Polish visa?
Overstaying your Polish visa can result in fines, deportation, and difficulties with obtaining future visas or entering the country again in the future. It is important to adhere to the requirements and duration specified on your visa. If you know that you will need more time in Poland than allowed by your visa, it is best to apply for an extension or another type of visa before your current one expires.

9. Do children need a separate Polish visa?
Yes, children will need their own separate visas if they are traveling with parents or guardians who require visas as well. The application process and required documents may vary depending on the child’s age and nationality.

10. Are there any exceptions or special circumstances for obtaining a Polish visa?
The requirements for obtaining a Polish visa may vary depending on individual circumstances such as age, health conditions, purpose of visit, etc. It is important to consult with the nearest Polish embassy or consulate for specific information regarding your situation.

2. How do I apply for a Polish visa?


To apply for a Polish visa, follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of visa you need: The type of visa you need will depend on your purpose of travel to Poland, such as tourism, business, study, or work.

2. Fill out the application form: You can download the application form from the website of the Polish embassy or consulate in your country.

3. Gather required documents: Typical required documents include a valid passport, recent passport-size photographs, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation in Poland, travel insurance, bank statements to prove sufficient funds for your trip and any other specific documents depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

4. Make an appointment: Most embassies and consulates require appointments to be made prior to submitting your application. Check their website for instructions on how to schedule an appointment.

5. Submit your application and pay the fee: On the day of your appointment, submit your completed application form and supporting documents at the embassy/consulate. You will also be required to pay a non-refundable fee for processing your visa application.

6. Attend an interview (if required): Depending on your nationality and purpose of visit, you may be required to attend an interview at the embassy/consulate.

7. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a Polish visa can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on your country of residence.

8. Collect your passport and visa: If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped in it. If it is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining why.

Note: It is recommended that you start the visa application process well in advance before your intended date of travel as it can take some time for processing and approval.

3. What documents are required for a Polish visa application?


The specific documents needed for a Polish visa application may vary based on your nationality and purpose of travel. However, some common documents that are required include:

1. A completed visa application form
2. A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay in Poland
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs
4. Travel medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Poland
5. Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of stay in Poland (e.g. bank statements or sponsor’s letter)
6. Proof of accommodation in Poland (hotel reservation, rental agreement, etc.)
7. Round-trip flight reservation or other proof of transport out of Poland
8. Letter of invitation from a host in Poland, if applicable
9. Copies of previous Schengen visas, if any
10.Consent from parents/guardians for minors traveling alone.
11.Tourist itinerary or detailed travel plan.

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel, such as:

– For business trips: an invitation letter from a company in Poland and proof of business activities.
– For study/training purposes: enrollment confirmation from a Polish educational institution.
– For employment purposes: work permit and employment contract.
– For visiting family or friends: invitation letter from the host/sponsor and their proof of legal residence in Poland.
– For medical treatment: medical certificate from a recognized healthcare institution in Poland and proof of sufficient funds for treatment.

It is recommended to consult with the nearest Polish embassy or consulate for a complete list of required documents based on your specific situation before submitting your visa application.

4. What is the processing time for a Polish visa application?


The processing time for a Polish visa application can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed. Generally, it takes around 15 working days to process a Schengen visa application, while long-term visas may take up to 30 days or more. It is recommended to apply for a Polish visa at least 4-6 weeks before your planned trip to allow for enough processing time. However, it is always best to check with the specific Polish embassy or consulate in your country for their specific processing times.

5. Can I apply for a visa online or do I need to go in person to the embassy/consulate?


The application process for a visa can vary depending on the country you are applying to and your nationality. In some cases, it is possible to apply for a visa online through a country’s embassy or consulate website. In other cases, you may need to apply in person at an embassy or consulate. It is important to check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for their specific application process and requirements.

6. Is there an age limit for applying for a Polish visa?

There is no specific age limit for applying for a Polish visa. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and provide all necessary documentation regardless of their age. Children under 6 years old may not need to provide biometric data.

7. Can I extend my Polish visa if I want to stay longer than the specified duration of stay?

Yes, you can extend your Polish visa if you want to stay longer than the specified duration of stay. You must apply for an extension at least 15 days before your current visa expires. The decision to extend your visa is at the discretion of the Polish authorities and will be based on valid reasons for staying longer. You may be asked to provide additional documentation and pay a fee for the extension. It is important to note that an extended visa does not change the purpose of your travel or allow you to work in Poland unless it was originally authorized for such activities.

8. How much does it cost to obtain a Polish visa?


The cost of obtaining a Polish visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for, as well as your nationality. Generally, the fee can range from 60-80 euros for a short term Schengen visa and up to 160 euros for a long term or multiple entry visa. For a complete list of fees, it is best to check with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country. Additionally, there may be additional fees for services such as visa application centers, courier services or priority processing.

9. Can I work while on a short-term tourist or business visa in Poland?

No, it is not allowed to work while on a short-term tourist or business visa in Poland. These types of visas are intended for tourism and business-related activities only and do not permit any type of employment. If you wish to work in Poland, you will need to obtain a valid work visa or residence permit.

10. What is the minimum amount of funds required to show for a Polish tourist/business visa?


There is no specific minimum amount of funds required for a Polish tourist/business visa. The amount may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and the purpose of their trip. Generally, applicants are expected to have enough funds to cover their travel expenses including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses. It is recommended to provide proof of sufficient funds through recent bank statements, pay slips or other sources of income.

11. Do minors also need visas to visit Poland?

Yes, minors also need visas to visit Poland, unless they are citizens of a country that has a visa exemption agreement with Poland. Minors may also need additional documents such as a consent letter from their parents or guardians authorizing their travel. It is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for minors with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country.

12. Is travel medical insurance mandatory for obtaining a Polish visa?

It depends on the purpose of your trip and your country of origin. Generally, applicants for a Polish visa are required to have travel medical insurance that covers potential medical expenses and repatriation costs in case of emergency. However, exemptions may apply for certain countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements with Poland. It is best to check with the Polish Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific requirements.

13. How long can I stay in Poland on a Schengen tourist/business visa?

A Schengen tourist or business visa allows visitors to stay in Poland (and other Schengen countries) for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. This means that you can travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days, but the total number of days cannot exceed 90 within a period of 180 days. Once this time period is over, you must leave the Schengen area for at least 90 days before returning.

14. Can I get a refund if my Polish visa application is rejected?

If your Polish visa application is rejected, you may be eligible for a refund of the visa application fee. This is dependent on the policies of the specific embassy or consulate where you applied. It is recommended that you contact the relevant embassy or consulate for more information about their refund policies. In some cases, the visa application fee may not be refunded, but any service fees paid to a third party (such as a visa processing agency) may be refundable.

15. Do I need to make an appointment at the consulate/embassy to submit my Polish visa application?


Yes, you will typically need to make an appointment in advance at the consulate or embassy to submit your Polish visa application. This can usually be done through the consulate or embassy’s website or by contacting them directly. It is important to make an appointment as early as possible, as there may be a waiting time for appointments and the processing of your application may take several weeks.

16. Are there any specific requirements depending on the purpose of my trip (tourism, business, study, etc.)?


Yes, specific requirements may vary depending on the purpose of your trip. For example:

1. Tourism: You may need to provide proof of your travel plans and accommodations, as well as sufficient funds for your trip.

2. Business: You may need to provide a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your trip and confirming that you will be returning to your job after the visit.

3. Study: You may need to provide acceptance letters from the educational institution you will be attending and proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.

4. Work: You may need to obtain a work visa or permit before entering the country, depending on the duration and nature of your employment.

5. Medical treatment: You may need to provide a medical diagnosis and an invitation from a hospital or doctor in order to enter for medical treatment purposes.

It is important to research and understand the specific requirements for your intended purpose of travel before applying for a visa.

17. Will having a previous criminal record affect my chances of obtaining a Polish visa?

Having a previous criminal record may affect your chances of obtaining a Polish visa. Visa applications require a thorough background check, and any past criminal convictions may raise concerns about the purpose of your travel or your potential risk to national security. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, and the final decision will be made by the Polish consulate or embassy. If you have a previous criminal record, it is important to disclose this information in your visa application and provide any relevant documentation or explanation. The consulate or embassy may request additional information or conduct an interview before making their decision. It is ultimately up to their discretion whether they approve your visa application.

18. What happens if my passport expires before the end of my planned stay in Poland with my valid visa?


If your passport expires before the end of your planned stay in Poland, you will need to renew it before traveling. Your visa is linked to your current passport, so it will also become invalid if your passport expires. You may also be required to obtain a new visa with your renewed passport before traveling to Poland. It is important to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your planned stay in Poland.

19. If I have previously been denied entry into Poland or any other Schengen country, will this affect my chances of getting a new Schengen Visa now?

Yes, previous denials of entry into Poland or any other Schengen country may affect your chances of getting a new Schengen Visa. When considering visa applications, the Polish authorities and other Schengen member states take into account an applicant’s past travel history, including any previous denials, as part of their assessment process. If you have been previously denied entry, it is important to ensure that your current visa application satisfies all requirements and addresses any concerns that may have led to your previous denial.

20.Do EU citizens need residence permits to live and work in Poland after Brexit?


Yes, EU citizens will need residence permits to live and work in Poland after Brexit. As of December 31, 2020, EU citizens will no longer have the automatic right to live and work in Poland and will therefore need to apply for a residence permit following the rules and procedures set by the Polish government.