Studying, Working and Living in Poland: What Do You Need to Know?

Are you considering continuing your studies or starting a professional experience in Poland? Before making your decision, it is important to understand how to choose a university, what the work and residence requirements are, and how to plan your budget. ElWijha guides you through these aspects, from university admission and scholarships to housing, insurance and family reunification, helping you understand your options and prepare for your next step.

Requirements vary according to your nationality, the purpose of your journey and its duration. Short stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the length of stay authorised by your visa.

A national D visa allows you to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, within the period granted and for a maximum of one year. If you wish to stay longer, you must take the appropriate steps before your legal stay expires.

Choose your subject and language of instruction, then check the university’s requirements regarding qualifications, language, documents, fees and application deadlines. Tuition fees and exemptions vary according to your status, institution and programme.

Your secondary school qualification may require a statement from the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, “NAWA”, confirming that it qualifies you to apply for admission to higher education. The statement is issued free of charge through the SYRENA electronic system, with exceptions depending on the qualification and any previous recognition.

NAWA offers scholarship programmes for international students, with requirements that vary according to nationality, study level and programme.

Read the scholarship announcement to find out which expenses are covered, what documents are required and when applications close, then calculate the costs you will need to cover yourself.

To work legally, you need a residence basis that permits employment and a work permit or a legal exemption. A job offer or a signed contract alone is not enough.

Before accepting an offer, check the salary, working hours, contract type, any deductions for housing or transport, and the procedures your employer will handle.

Your eligibility to operate as a sole trader depends on your nationality and residence status. The legal business structures available vary according to your circumstances.

Residence for business purposes has separate requirements: registering a company does not automatically grant a right of residence.

Family reunification depends on the family relationship and the type and duration of the residence permit held by the person living in Poland. Not all temporary residence permits qualify under the same conditions.

Depending on the route, requirements include evidence of the family relationship, financial resources, insurance and accommodation. Different rules apply to the families of Polish citizens and European Union citizens.

Plan a budget covering rent, the security deposit, bills, food, transport, insurance and tuition fees. If you are a student, ask your university about the availability and cost of student accommodation before travelling.

Public healthcare coverage is not automatic simply because you live in Poland. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for voluntary insurance through the National Health Fund, “NFZ”, with registration at the Social Insurance Institution, “ZUS”, and payment of contributions. Also check that your coverage meets your visa or residence permit requirements.

An EU long-term resident permit generally requires five years of qualifying legal and continuous residence, along with stable income, health insurance and proof of Polish language proficiency through accepted documents, including a certificate at B1 level or above.

Periods of residence under a study visa or residence permit for studies count at half their duration towards this route. Meeting the residence period alone does not guarantee the permit.

Does university admission guarantee a visa?

No. You must meet all visa requirements applicable to your circumstances; admission alone is not enough.

Can a student work without a work permit?

A full-time student may qualify for an exemption if the residence and university requirements are met. The institution must be approved to admit international students, or exempt from approval and not subject to a decision prohibiting their admission. The exemption does not automatically cover every course or study status.

Can graduates stay after completing their studies?

An eligible graduate of a Polish institution can apply for a residence permit to seek employment or conduct business activity, granted once for nine months. The application must be submitted during a legal stay, directly after graduation, while meeting the insurance, accommodation and financial requirements.