Europe
Poland immigration and visa guide
Poland is Central Europe’s major tech powerhouse, providing the Single Work and Residence Permit, EU Blue Card, and Poland Business Harbour initiative.
Office for Foreigners (UDSC) & Voivodship Offices (Urząd Wojewódzki)
- Processing time
- 8 – 20 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Poland
Key requirements
- Employment contract (Umowa o pracę or B2B) with a company registered in Poland
- Labor market test (Informacja starosty) unless exempted (e.g. shortage list, EU Blue Card, graduates)
- Submission to the relevant Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) based on residence
How to apply for a Poland visa: step by step
- 1
Consular Visa / In-Country Voivodeship Filing
Submit Annex 1 (Załącznik nr 1) completed by employer to Urząd Wojewódzki.
1 - 3 months
- 2
Fingerprinting & Passport Stamp
Attend appointment for biometric fingerprinting, receiving official red stamp (stempel) legalizing stay.
4 - 8 weeks
- 3
Decyzja & Karta Pobytu Issuance
Receive positive governor decision (Decyzja) and collect physical plastic Karta Pobytu card.
1 - 2 months post-decyzja
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is a Karta Pobytu in Poland?
A Karta Pobytu (Residence Card) is the identity card confirming your legal temporary or permanent residence status in Poland, granting visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Zone for up to 90 days per 180-day period.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Poland. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Office for Foreigners (UDSC) & Voivodship Offices (Urząd Wojewódzki)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Office for Foreigners (UDSC) & Voivodship Offices (Urząd Wojewódzki) on the official website before applying.