Before you leave

Administrative preparations:

Whether you’re moving from a neighbouring country or a different continent, prepare for the immigration and work permit process well in advance. This process can be complicated and can take up to three months, so starting as early as possible is recommended. For updated procedures and regulations on Polish visas and work permits, contact the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country before relocating.

Visa and documents:

Citizens from the European Union and the European Economic Area do not require a visa to enter and stay in Poland for less than three months. The only requirement for entry is either a passport or identity card that is valid for at least 90 days following the departure date. However, while identity cards are accepted at all points of entry to Poland, the local authorities may not accept them when applying for a residence permit; so if you’re an EU citizen and wish to reside and work in Poland longterm, it’s best to have a passport. As an active participant in the Schengen visa agreement, which facilitates the free and unhindered movement of holders of Schengen visas throughout the 25 countries included in the regime, any visa or residence permit issued by one of the Schengen States is also valid in Poland.

For tourist or business travel of up to 90 days in duration, Poland also extends the no-visa entrance courtesy to a group of nations including Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and dozens of others worldwide. The complete list of visa-exempt nations can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website, www.msz.gov.pl.

Applying for a visa is mandatory for citizens of many countries, including Russia, Albania, Belarus, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Moldova, Montenegro, Macedonia and India. Visa options depend on the purpose and duration of your stay, but visas for tourists and business visits are often grouped together under the collective terms ‘regular visas’ and ‘short stay visas’. Visas for short stays are issued in one of two categories, for either tourism or business. The duration of the short-term tourist visa is based on the applicant’s requirements and the length of time granted can vary from one day to several weeks or more, but not over 90 days.

Business visas are designed for people entering Poland in order to engage in business activities, but do not authorise the holder to gain employment. Holders of this temporary visa may attend various business functions but may not be paid during their stay in the country. All applicants must have a valid passport, travel itinerary and proof of:

• adequate prospective accommodation in Poland
• health insurance / coverage for medical treatment
• financial means to stay in Poland

Additionally, for business visas the applicant must include a letter from the employer giving details of the purpose and duration of the trip, as well as a letter of invitation from a Polish company.

Individuals who plan to take up employment or to stay longer than three months (for example, as an employee, student or non-employed resident) will also need to apply for various types of visas.

Family members are entitled to apply for the same type of visa for the same period as the principal visa applicant. The application process is the same as for the head of the family, and all visa paperwork should be submitted at the same time. The required documents for application are:

• proof of family relationship in the form of birth and / or marriage certificate
• proof of accommodation, health insurance and sufficient financial resources

When moving to Poland as a family, be prepared to provide a range of documents and records, as schools and universities will require these. Before you move, contact your child’s current and previous schools and request authorised copies of all their certificates and diplomas. Also bring along birth certificates and medical records, as these will come in handy when applying for various permits. Here is a checklist of documents you’ll need to bring with you for a long-term stay in Poland:

• Valid passport, national identity card and visa
• Birth certificates of all family members
• Children’s school records
• University diploma and certificates of skills
• Driving licence
• Marriage certificate
• Medical records
• Inventory of personal effects shipped
• Car documents