Planning a move to Poland or an extended stay in 2026? Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Kraków, the business opportunities in Warsaw, or the tech scene in Wrocław, Poland has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats, students, and remote workers alike.

Poland offers a range of visa options depending on your citizenship and purpose of stay. This guide explains what you need to know before making the move.

Visa requirements for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can live, work, and study in Poland without needing a visa.

What this means

• No visa required: You can enter Poland with your valid passport or national ID.

• Stay and registration: If you stay for more than 3 months, you must register your residence with the local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki).

• Employment freedom: You can work or open a business without additional permits.

Visa options for non-Europeans

If you’re not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you’ll need a visa or residence permit depending on how long you plan to stay and what you’ll be doing in Poland. Here are the main options for 2026:

1. Schengen Visa (Type C – Short Stay)

Who it’s for: Tourists, business visitors, or short-term travelers.

Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries.

Requirements:

• Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your stay)

• Proof of funds and accommodation

• Return or onward flight ticket

• Health insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)

How to apply: Through the Polish consulate in your country of residence.

2. National Visa (Type D – Long Stay)

Who it’s for: People staying in Poland for more than 90 days, such as students, employees, or family members of Polish residents.

Duration: Valid for up to 1 year, with the option to apply for a residence card (Karta Pobytu) to stay longer.

Requirements:

• Purpose of stay (e.g., employment, study, or family)

• Proof of sufficient income

• Health insurance

• Accommodation details

3. Work Visa and Temporary Residence Permit

Who it’s for: Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Polish employer.

Requirements:

• A valid work permit (issued by the Voivodeship Office)

• Employment contract or job offer

• Proof of qualifications and clean criminal record

• Health insurance

Duration: Usually issued for 1–3 years and renewable.

Process:

1. The employer applies for a work permit on your behalf.

2. You apply for a Type D visa or residence permit after approval.

4. Poland Digital Nomad Visa (expected in 2026)

Who it’s for: Remote workers employed by companies outside Poland or freelancers with international clients.

Expected requirements (based on EU nomad frameworks):

• Proof of remote employment or freelance work

• Minimum income (expected €2,000–€2,500 per month)

• Health insurance valid in PolandProof of accommodation

Duration: Expected to be 1 year, renewable.

The Polish government is preparing this visa as part of its 2026 digitalization initiative to attract foreign professionals, especially in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk.

5. Student Visa

Who it’s for: Non-EU students accepted to accredited Polish universities or educational programs.

Requirements:

• Letter of acceptance from a Polish institution

• Proof of financial means (approx. €8,000–€10,000 per year)

• Proof of accommodation and health insurance

• No criminal record

Duration: Matches your study period and renewable annually.

6. Business or Startup Visa

Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs looking to start or invest in a business in Poland.

Requirements:

• Viable business plan

• Proof of sufficient capital

• Registration in Poland’s National Court Register (KRS)

• Proof of income or expected profitability

Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable.

This visa can lead to permanent residency if the business contributes positively to the Polish economy.

Required documentation for Polish visas

Most visa applications in Poland require:

• Completed visa application form

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond your stay)

• Passport-sized photos

• Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)

• Proof of accommodation (rental, invitation, or hotel booking)

• Health insurance valid in Poland

• Police clearance certificate

• Visa-specific documents (job offer, university letter, business registration, etc.)

Visa costs in Poland (2026 estimates)

Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Long-term residency and citizenship

• Permanent residence: You can apply after 5 years of continuous legal stay (or 2 years if married to a Polish citizen).

• Citizenship: Eligible after 10 years of residence, or 3 years if married to a Polish national.

• Dual citizenship: Poland generally allows dual citizenship, though it’s not formally recognized, you’ll be treated as a Polish citizen while in the country.

Final notes on Polish visas

Poland is one of Europe’s most affordable and welcoming destinations for expats. With a growing economy, rich culture, and an improving visa framework, it’s an excellent place to live, work, or study in 2026.

Whether you’re a professional relocating for work, a student starting your studies, or a digital nomad seeking balance between cost and quality of life, Poland offers something for everyone.

Make sure to plan ahead, gather your documents early, and stay updated on the upcoming digital nomad visa regulations. Your Polish adventure could be just around the corner!