Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, Poland, Warsaw, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, Visa & Entry Requirements by Country

Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Warsaw, Poland

1. Schengen Visa for Non-EU Citizens

Required for non-EU citizens planning to stay in the Schengen area, including Poland. Allows multiple entries within a 90-day period.
  • Application Process: Involves submitting an application at the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Validity Duration: Visas can be valid for up to 5 years, depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances.
  • Documents Required: Typical documents include a passport, application form, photos, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, travel health insurance, and invitation letter if applicable.

2. Polish National Visa for Long-Term Stay

For individuals intending to live in Poland for more than 90 days. Requires a specific purpose such as work, study, or family reunification.
  • Purpose of Stay: Must have a clear and valid reason for staying in Poland long-term.
  • Application Process: Usually applies at the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. Requires additional documents such as a criminal record certificate and proof of language skills.
  • Validity Duration: Visas can be issued for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.

3. Business Visa for Short-Term Business Activities

For individuals engaging in short-term business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences in Warsaw.
  • Invitation Letter: Requires an invitation letter from a Polish company, detailing the nature of your intended business activities.
  • Application Process: Usually applies at the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. May involve additional documents such as a detailed itinerary and financial statements.
  • Validity Duration: Visas can be issued for up to 90 days, depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances.

4. Transit Visa for Traveling Through Warsaw

Required if you are not a citizen of a country that is visa-exempt and your final destination is outside the Schengen area.
  • Validity Duration: Transit visas can be issued for up to 5 days, depending on your travel plans.
  • Application Process: Applies at the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. Requires a valid visa for your final destination and proof of onward travel.
  • Transit Time: You must be able to demonstrate that you will remain within the airport during your transit time.

5. Polish eVisa for Short-Term Visits

Online application process available for eligible countries, valid for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
  • Ease of Application: Applications can be submitted online, making the process quicker and more convenient.
  • Validity Duration: Visas can be issued for up to 30 days, depending on your travel plans.
  • Eligible Countries: Not all countries are eligible for the eVisa. Check the official Polish government website for a complete list.

6. Working Holiday Visa for Young Travelers

Allows young travelers to work and travel in Poland for up to one year.
  • Age Limitations: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • Application Process: Involves both a Polish and Australian embassy or consulate, depending on your nationality.
  • Job Opportunities: Allows you to take advantage of job opportunities while traveling and experiencing Poland's culture.

7. Student Visa for Long-Term Studies

For individuals planning to study at a higher education institution in Warsaw.
  • Acceptance Letter: Requires an acceptance letter from the Polish university or college where you plan to study.
  • Application Process: Usually applies at the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. Requires additional documents such as a health certificate and proof of financial means.
  • Validity Duration: Visas can be issued for the duration of your studies, with the possibility of renewal.

8. Polish Residence Permit for Long-Term Residents

For individuals planning to live in Poland long-term who do not qualify for a visa.
  • Purpose of Stay: Must have a clear and valid reason for staying in Poland long-term, such as family ties or retirement.
  • Application Process: Applies at the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as a criminal record certificate and proof of financial means.
  • Validity Duration: Permits can be issued for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal.

9. Polish Family Reunification Permit

For family members of EU citizens or Polish nationals planning to live in Poland.
  • EU Citizenship: Applies to family members of EU citizens, not just Polish nationals.
  • Application Process: Involves the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
  • Validity Duration: Permits can be issued for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal.

10. Polish Citizenship by Descent

For individuals who have Polish ancestry and wish to apply for Polish citizenship.
  • Ancestry Requirements: Applicants must prove their Polish descent through official documents.
  • Language Proficiency: Requires a basic knowledge of the Polish language and culture.
  • Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Poland for a specific period before applying for citizenship.

11. Polish Citizenship by Naturalization

For individuals who have lived in Poland for a significant period and wish to apply for Polish citizenship.
  • Residency Requirements: Applicants must have resided in Poland for a specific number of years before applying for citizenship.
  • Language Proficiency: Requires a good knowledge of the Polish language and culture.
  • Application Process: Involves the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as a criminal record certificate.

12. Polish Residence Card for Long-Term EU Residents

For EU citizens who have resided in Poland long-term and wish to acquire a residence card.
  • Residency Requirements: Applicants must have resided in Poland for a specific number of years.
  • Application Process: Involves the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as proof of financial means.
  • Validity Duration: Cards can be issued for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal.

13. Polish Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens

For family members of EU citizens who have resided in Poland long-term and wish to acquire a residence card.
  • Family Relationship: Applicants must be a family member of an EU citizen.
  • Residency Requirements: Applicants must have resided in Poland for a specific number of years.
  • Application Process: Involves the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as proof of financial means.

14. Polish e-Residence Permit

An electronic residence permit for non-EU citizens who have a valid Polish visa and are working in Poland.
  • Electronic Format: The permit is stored electronically, making it more convenient to carry.
  • Application Process: Applies through the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as a work contract.
  • Validity Duration: Permits can be issued for the duration of your employment contract, with the possibility of renewal.

15. Polish Green Card for Long-Term EU Residents

A permanent residence permit for long-term EU residents who wish to remain in Poland.
  • Residency Requirements: Applicants must have resided in Poland for a specific number of years.
  • Application Process: Involves the local Office for Foreigners in Poland. Requires additional documents such as proof of financial means.
  • Validity Duration: Cards are permanent and do not require renewal.