Do you want to relocate to Poland or are you thinking of going for a vacation in that beautiful European country?
Situated in central Europe, its official name is the Republic of Poland. Blessed with bustling cities, diverse landscapes, and an increasing economy, it has become a home to millions of expats. With vast planes, a diverse climate and soaring mountains, the country has a diverse landscape and good-hearted people. Although its official language is Polish, English, French, Dutch are some of the many other languages spoken by the residents. The population of Poland is estimated to be about 38 million people.
Despite its sad history of domination, Poland has overcome its difficult years and have grown to be a recognized member of the EU. The bustling urban cities and the serene countryside of Poland make the country irresistible to explore. Poland has several industries, an expanding economy and a stable standard of living, so foreigners love to move there. To stay in Poland as a legal resident, the migration policy department requires that a person must have a permit/visa.
Polish visa types
- Airport Transit Visas (A)
- Short-Stay (Schengen) Visas (C)
- National Long-Stay Visas (D)
Airport Transit Visas
Airport Transit visas are issued to passengers in an airplane going to the third country, which requires taking a connecting flight at an airport situated on Poland’s territory. Usually, applying for this type of visa requires a flight ticket before travelling.
Short-term Visa
Short-term visits require a Schengen visa to travel with, within the countries in the Schengen area. Poland falls under the area. The visas may be valid for 90 days but to legally work in any part of the country, one needs to apply for a work permit too. Short stay visas are granted to people going to Poland for a short vacation of three months, participation in sports, cultural events, a family visit, short business trips, short study in any Poland institution, etc. Since countries of the Schengen area allow the usage of a Schengen visa issued by any of the members, with this type of visa, you can travel into the 26 countries within the three months.
Long-term Visa
A long-term visa (D) allows expats to live for a longer time than the short-term visas. The requirements are; a passport, Visa payment receipt, purpose of the visit, the application form, etc. To live comfortably, a work permit must be obtained and submitted with the visa application. This type of visa is granted to persons looking to stay for more than three months, usually a year or more. To work in Poland while using this visa, a person must apply for a work permit. The study visa, which is a type of long-term visas enable students who have gained admission into a recognised Poland institution to work while studying. With a work visa, anyone can work in Poland provided he/she meet the requirements of the job.
Anyone planning to reside in Poland for longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary resident permit regardless of the purpose of stay. EU or Swiss Citizens do not require a visa to stay in Poland for a maximum of 90 days, provided they do not intend to stay longer. If a non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss person wants to reside and work in Poland legally, he/she has to apply for a valid long stay visa at a Polish Embassy or Consulate before moving to Poland. However, specific third country citizens do not require a visa when they are looking to stay for less than 90 days without working.
Residence permit
After arriving in Poland, anyone who wants to live longer needs to apply for a temporary residence permit to stay longer than 90 days. The following are the documents required to apply for this permit: application form, passport, work contract, etc.
A residence permit is granted based on the duration of your stay and the satisfaction of some conditions such as employment, education and establishment of a company. After living in Poland over a prolonged period, it is possible to apply for a settlement permit or a long-term EC residence permit. After submitting their residence permit application, you will receive a residence card. Your valid residence card serves as confirmation of your identity during your stay in Poland. After applying for a residence permit from abroad, one may wait up to three days to receive the residence card upon entry.
