Legal residence in Poland
Citizens of the European Union member states - in the case of a stay shorter than three months, there are no formal requirements as regards legal stay in Poland. However, since your studies last longer than 3 months, it is necessary to register your stay. This must be done at the West Pomerania Provincial Office in Szczecin. Detailed information on where and how to register is available <here>.
Citizens of countries outside the EU, in order to enter and stay in Poland, should have a valid travel document (passport) and a visa (if required).
If you entered Poland with a C or D visa you must be very careful no to miss the date of its expiration. An application for extension of a visa must be filed at least one month before the end of its validity period. This can only be done outside Poland - at the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in your home country. There is also a possibility of booking a date and filing and application online at www.e-konsulat.gov.pl. Please remember that you cannot extend your visa in Poland - this can happen only in exceptional situations (hospitalisation, serious illness).
In order to stay and study in Poland for a period longer than specified in the visa, you can also apply for temporary residence permit.
Temporary Residence Card
Work - full-time students may undertake work without any permit; part-time students need a work permit.
Permanent Residence Card
Work - it is possible to undertake work without any permit; based on the card issued in Poland, it is possible to undertake work legally in other countries outside Poland; it is possible to conduct business activity on the same principles as for Polish citizens.
Polish Card (Karta Polaka)
Please note that Polish Card does not authorise its holder to cross the border or to stay legally within the territory of Poland. It only signifies the cultural belonging to the Polish nation.
Rights:
- it is possible to apply for exemption from the fee for receiving and examination of an application for a national visa or a refund of this fee;
- it is possible to undertake studies on the same principles as for Polish citizens;
- the right to apply for scholarship benefits;
- 37% discounts for railway transport;
- free entry to state museums;
- students with a valid Pole's Card are insured with NFZ by the University.