Europe – Poland Visa – Long Stay

1. What is the process for obtaining a long-stay visa for Poland?


The process for obtaining a long-stay visa for Poland includes the following steps:

1. Determine the type of visa needed: The first step is to determine which type of long-stay visa is required. This will depend on the purpose of your stay in Poland, such as work, study, or family reunification.

2. Gather required documents: Once you have determined the type of visa needed, you will need to gather all necessary documents. These typically include a valid passport, completed application form, proof of accommodation in Poland, and proof of financial means to support your stay.

3. Make an appointment: Next, you will need to make an appointment at the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country.

4. Submit application and pay fees: At your appointment, you will be required to submit your application and pay any applicable fees.

5. Attend an interview: Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.

6. Wait for processing: It can take several weeks for the visa to be processed and approved. You can track the status of your application online.

7. Collect your visa: Once your visa has been approved, you will need to collect it from the embassy or consulate where you applied.

8. Register with local authorities: After entering Poland with your long-stay visa, you will need to register with local authorities within 90 days.

Note: The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances. It is recommended to contact the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country for specific instructions and guidance on the application process.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Poland long-stay visa?


The requirements for obtaining a Poland long-stay visa include:

1. Completed visa application form: You must fill out the visa application form completely and accurately, and sign it.

2. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Poland, with at least two empty pages.

3. Proof of purpose of travel: This could include a letter of invitation from a Polish employer, educational institution or family member, or documentation of an internship, work contract or studies.

4. Financial means: You must provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Poland, such as bank statements, sponsorship letters or pay slips.

5. Travel medical insurance: You must have valid travel medical insurance with coverage for at least 30,000 euros for the duration of your stay in Poland.

6. Biometric photo: You will need to provide one recent color photograph (not older than six months) that meets biometric standards.

7. Accommodation confirmation: You must provide proof of accommodation during your stay in Poland, such as hotel reservations or a rental agreement.

8. Background checks: Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may need to provide criminal record checks or other background checks from your home country or previous countries of residence.

9. Health certificate: If you are planning to stay in Poland for more than three months, you will need to provide a health certificate from a doctor certifying that you have no infectious disease.

10. Visa fee payment receipt: You will need to pay the appropriate visa fee before submitting your application, and provide a receipt as proof of payment.

Please note that additional documents may be required depending on the purpose and length of your stay in Poland. It is recommended to check with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements before applying for a long-stay visa.

3. How long can I stay in Poland with a long-stay visa?


If you are a non-EU citizen, you can stay in Poland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a long-stay visa. However, this may also depend on the type of visa you have been granted and the purpose of your stay in Poland. After that period, you may need to apply for a residence permit if you wish to stay longer.

4. Can I work with a Poland long-stay visa?

There are certain types of long-stay visas that allow the holder to work in Poland. These include visas for employment, economic activity, and intra-corporate transfers. However, it is important to note that a visa alone does not give the holder the right to work in Poland. Additional permits or authorizations may be required depending on the type of work and the duration of stay. It is recommended to check with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements pertaining to your situation.

5. Do I need to have travel insurance for my stay in Poland?

It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for any trip to Poland. This will provide coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, lost baggage, and trip cancellations. It is always best to prepare for the unexpected and having travel insurance can help protect you and your finances during your stay in Poland.

6. Can I apply for a Polish residency permit after my long-stay visa expires?


No, you cannot apply for a Polish residency permit after your long-stay visa expires. Your visa must still be valid at the time of application for a residency permit. If your visa is due to expire soon and you wish to stay in Poland longer, you should apply for a residence permit before your visa expires.

7. How do I find out which documents are needed for my long-stay visa application?


The required documents for a long-stay visa application vary depending on the specific country and type of visa you are applying for. It is best to consult with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit as they will have detailed information on their visa application requirements. Generally, some common documents that may be required include:

1. A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
2. Completed visa application form
3. Passport-sized photos
4. Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or sponsorship letter
5. Health insurance coverage
6. Proof of purpose of travel, such as a job offer, study acceptance letter, or family ties in the country
7. Police clearance certificate
8. Travel itinerary and accommodation bookings
9. Vaccination certificates
10. Any additional documents specified by the embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that some countries may also require documents to be translated into their official language and/or certified by a notary public.

Additionally, it is recommended to apply for your long-stay visa well in advance and provide all necessary documents accurately and completely to avoid any delays or complications in the application process.

8. Is there an age limit for applying for a Poland long-stay visa?


Yes, the age limit for applying for a Poland long-stay visa varies depending on the type of visa and the purpose of travel.

For example, the minimum age for applying for a work visa is 18 years old, while for a study visa it may be 16 years old. On the other hand, there is typically no maximum age limit for most types of long-stay visas.

However, some visa categories may have specific age restrictions or requirements, such as retirement visas or family reunion visas. It is best to consult with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country of residence to confirm any age limits or requirements for the specific long-stay visa you are interested in.

9. Can I bring my family members with me on a long-stay visa to Poland?


Yes, you can bring your family members with you on a long-stay visa to Poland. However, they will have to apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you (spouse, children, etc.). They will also need to meet all the necessary requirements and provide supporting documents for their visa application. It is important to note that having a family member accompany you does not guarantee that they will also be granted a visa. Each application will be evaluated individually by the Polish authorities.

10. Will I need to provide proof of sufficient funds during my stay in Poland with a long-stay visa?


Yes, you will need to provide proof of sufficient funds (usually in the form of a bank statement or proof of income) during your stay in Poland with a long-stay visa. This is to ensure that you are able to support yourself financially during your time in the country. The exact amount required may vary depending on your circumstances and the length of your stay. It is best to check with the Polish embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

11. Are there any specific requirements for students applying for a Poland long-stay education visa?


Yes, there are specific requirements for students applying for a Poland long-stay education visa, including:

1. Acceptance letter from a recognized Polish educational institution: Students must have an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Poland to apply for a long-stay education visa.

2. Valid passport: Students must have a valid passport with at least 3 months remaining before its expiration date.

3. Completed visa application form: Students need to complete the appropriate visa application form and sign it.

4. Proof of sufficient funds: Students must provide evidence that they have enough funds to cover their living expenses during their studies in Poland.

5. Health insurance: Students must have valid health insurance coverage for their entire stay in Poland.

6. Proof of accommodation: Students must provide proof of accommodation arrangements during their stay in Poland, such as a rental contract or dormitory reservation.

7. Educational documents: Students must submit copies of their educational documents, such as high school diploma or university transcripts, along with certified translations into Polish or English if the original documents are not in one of these languages.

8. Language proficiency certificate: Non-EU students may be required to provide proof of proficiency in Polish or English, depending on the language of instruction at their chosen institution.

9. Visa application fee: A non-refundable visa application fee is required when submitting the visa application.

10. Employment intention statement (optional): If the student intends to work while studying in Poland, they may need to provide a statement expressing this intention and explain how it will not affect their studies.

11. Medical certificate: Some students may be asked to submit a medical certificate confirming they do not have any medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health during their stay in Poland.

12. Do I need to have accommodations booked before applying for a long-stay visa to Poland?


No, you do not need to have accommodations booked before applying for a long-stay visa to Poland. However, you will need to provide proof of accommodation or a written statement from your sponsor if you are staying with family or friends. It is recommended to have accommodations arranged before your arrival in Poland.

13. Can I apply for a business visa if I want to start a company in Poland?


Yes, you can apply for a business visa if you want to start a company in Poland. As a non-EU citizen, you will need to fulfill certain requirements such as having sufficient funds to support your stay in Poland and providing a detailed business plan. You may also need to obtain additional permits or licenses depending on the type of business you want to establish. It is recommended to consult with the Polish embassy or consulate in your country before applying for a business visa.

14.Mandatory interview available or not?


It depends on the organization and the nature of the interview. In some cases, an interview may be mandatory for all applicants, while in others it may only be required for certain positions or at the discretion of the hiring manager. Additionally, some organizations may offer alternative methods of evaluation such as video interviews or written assessments rather than traditional face-to-face interviews.

15.What should be the validity period of my passport while applying for a Polish Visa?


The validity period of your passport should be at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in Poland. However, it is recommended to have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining in order to avoid any potential issues with travel or visa approvals.

16.Is there any specific health requirements or vaccinations needed before entering/long staying in Poland?

Yes, there are no specific health requirements or vaccinations needed for visitors or long-staying individuals in Poland; however, it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. Those planning to work in healthcare or have close contact with animals may need additional vaccinations. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before traveling for specific recommendations.

17.Can I enter other Schengen countries with my Polish Long Stay Visa?


Yes, you can use your Polish Long Stay Visa to enter other Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is known as the “90/180 rule,” which allows holders of long stay visas from one Schengen country to travel to other Schengen countries for tourism or business purposes without obtaining another visa.

However, you must still fulfill the entry requirements of each individual Schengen country you wish to visit, such as presenting a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. It is important to note that the purpose of your trip must still align with the reason for which your Polish Long Stay Visa was issued.

Additionally, if you wish to stay in another Schengen country for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit from that country’s immigration authorities.

It is always recommended to check the specific entry requirements of the Schengen country you plan on visiting before traveling.

18.Is it possible to extend the duration of stay on my Polish Long Stay Visa?


Yes, it is possible to extend the duration of stay on your Polish Long Stay Visa in certain circumstances. You may be able to apply for an extension if you have a valid reason, such as unforeseen medical treatment or changes in your personal circumstances that require you to stay longer. In order to apply for an extension, you will need to contact the relevant immigration authorities in Poland and provide documentation supporting your request. The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the authorities and there is no guarantee that it will be approved. It is important to note that your visa must still be valid when you apply for an extension.

19.What is the processing time of a Long Stay Visa application to Poland?

The processing time for a Long Stay Visa application to Poland can vary depending on the individual’s country of residence and the volume of applications being processed at the time. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months for the application to be processed and a decision to be made. It is recommended to submit the application well in advance of your intended travel date.

20.Will having previous criminal convictions affect my chances of obtaining a Polish Long Stay Visa?


It is possible that having previous criminal convictions may affect your chances of obtaining a Polish Long Stay Visa. Each visa application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and factors such as criminal history may be taken into consideration by the issuing authorities. It is best to consult with a visa attorney or contact the Polish consulate for specific guidance related to your situation.