Entry and Visas

EU nationals can enter Poland with a valid travel document or other document confirming their identity and citizenship. However, if they intend to stay for more than 3 months, they are required to apply for a residence permit or temporary residence permit.

Citizens of the US, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other countries can enter Poland without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. The visa requirements for Poland are shown on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

All non-EU citizens entering Poland must hold a passport with validity exceeding the required date of departure from Poland by at least 3 months.

It is normal practice for Polish immigration officials to ask for evidence of sufficient financial resources and health insurance to cover the duration of stay in Poland.

Residence Permits

Residence permits are normally granted to EU citizens who plan to work in Poland for more than 12 months, or who can provide evidence of health insurance and sufficient resources to support themselves in Poland without resort to public funds. Permits are normally issued for an initial period of 5 years, and are renewable for further 5 year terms. Temporary residence permits are issued to EU citizens who intend to work or to be self-employed in Poland for a period of up to 12 months. Family members are also covered by the permits.

Applications for residence permits must be made to the local authority of the administrative district where the person intends to stay, enclosing travel documents or other documents confirming the applicant's identity and nationality, evidence of a job offer or job contract in Poland, and documents confirming the relationship of dependents to the main applicant, such as marriage and birth certificates.

Work Permits

The citizens of Ireland, Sweden and Great Britain are allowed to work in Poland without having to apply for a work permit (residence visa for the purpose of employment). However, on joining the EU Poland applied transitional conditions on the employment in Poland of the nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Spain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Portugal and Italy, who still need to apply for permits.

The nationals of other countries are required to obtain a residence visa for the purpose of employment, from the Polish Consul in their home country, submitting a valid 'work promise certificate' . This certificate must first be obtained by the prospective employer from the Local Labour Office. Residence visas for the purpose of employment are only issued for a maximum of one year, but may be renewed.

In issuing work permits, priority is given to EU citizens over the citizens of other countries, while certain jobs in the public sector are reserved for Polish nationals.

Permanent Residence and Citizenship

Applicants for permanent residence must have lived in Poland for at least three years, be able to demonstrate family or economic ties with Poland, and have secured accommodation and a source of income in Poland.

It is possible to apply for citizenship of Poland after having lived in the country as a permanent resident for at least five years. Citizenship is also granted on the basis of descent, birth and marriage. The Polish government does not recognize dual citizenship.