---
title: "Poland Student permit requirements 2026: 15-month stay"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/study/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-11
---

Poland · Student

# Poland Student permit

**First stay:** 1 yr 3 mo

Temporary residence permit for studies (and national D visa up to one year)

First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **First stay:** 1 yr 3 mo (First permit for 15 months; renewed for the study period plus 3 months, up to 3 years at a time and not beyond the end of studies.)
- **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.)
- **Work:** Yes (Work in Poland is allowed without a work permit after obtaining the residence permit.)

## Key facts

Student permit is a student route for Poland. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.

- **Government fees:** PLN 340 ≈ $87 · PLN 100 ≈ $25
- **Processing:** Up to 60 days
- **First stay:** 1 yr 3 mo

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fees PLN 440 ≈ $110 in total (2 fees); decision: up to 60 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: PLN 340 ≈ $87 · PLN 100 ≈ $25**

- PLN 340 (≈ $87) Stamp duty for the temporary residence permit.
- PLN 100 (≈ $25) Fee for issuing the residence card.

**Renewal: Renewable**

First permit for 15 months; renewed for the study period plus 3 months, not beyond the end of studies.

[NAWA](https://study.gov.pl/visa-application)

**Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence**

Study time counts at 50% toward the 5-year long-term EU resident permit.

[Official migration authority](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/permit-for-residence-of-a-long-term-eu-resident)

**Citizenship: After 3 years as a permanent resident**

Citizenship by recognition needs 3 years of uninterrupted residence on a permanent or long-term EU resident permit, plus stable income, housing and Polish language proof.

[Dolnoslaski Voivodeship Office, Wroclaw](https://www.gov.pl/web/dolnoslaski-uw/uznanie-za-obywatela-polskiego)

**Processing: Up to 60 days**

Decisions on temporary residence permits are due within 60 days of a complete file and, where required, the fingerprint visit.

[Voivodeship Office](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/d51458b2-d839-4a42-8557-9a2a8c7dd936)

**Where to apply: Inside the country**

Enter on a national D visa from abroad, then apply for the study permit in Poland through MOS.

[NAWA](https://study.gov.pl/visa-application)

**Presence rules: Absence limits**

For permanent or long-term status, absences must stay under 6 months at a time and 10 months in total over the qualifying period.

[Official migration authority](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/permit-for-residence-of-a-long-term-eu-resident)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Needs a place at a school or university in Poland
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The main purpose of stay is full-time studies lasting more than three months.
- The institution is approved by the Minister of Interior, or is exempt from approval and not barred from admitting foreigners.

#### What you must show

- The applicant has proof of payment of tuition fees, or of exemption from them.
- First-year students show funds for at least 15 months in Poland after housing costs, plus the return ticket and study costs.
- Later-year students show the same funds for the study period, up to 3 years.
- The stamp duty is PLN 340 (≈ $87) and the residence card fee is PLN 100 (≈ $25).

#### Documents

- The university certificate is signed by the Rector or an authorised person on the current form.
- Proof of health insurance and a declaration on housing costs; Belarusian citizens need no housing declaration.
- Continuing students add an authorised copy of the evaluation card.
- One digital photo and scans of the whole travel document.

#### Steps

1. Enter Poland on a national D visa, valid up to one year, from a Polish consulate.
2. Apply in the MOS portal before the visa or legal stay ends.
3. The university receives an email link and completes Appendix No. 5 in MOS, after which the applicant can sign and submit.
4. Download the confirmation of receipt (UPO) and attend the fingerprint appointment.

#### After you arrive

- First-year students receive a 15-month permit; later years are granted for the study period plus 3 months, at most 3 years.
- Work in Poland is allowed without a work permit after obtaining the permit.
- The holder reports to the governor within 15 business days if the reason for the permit ends.

## What happens at day 183

How Poland decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **15 months at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in a tax year** Staying in Poland more than 183 days in the tax year makes the person a Polish tax resident.
- **Foreign-source income:** Persons resident in Poland for tax purposes have unlimited tax liability and settle all income in Poland, earned both in Poland and abroad, using the treaty exemption or credit method for foreign-source income.

[All tax rules for Poland](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026

## What you need to arrange

- **Health insurance** Proof of health insurance and a declaration on housing costs
- **Accommodation** First-year students show funds for at least 15 months in Poland after housing costs, plus the return ticket and study costs

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

**Full official text**

Students enter on a national D visa valid up to one year, then apply in the MOS portal for a temporary residence permit for full-time studies; the university completes an appendix online. The first permit is granted for 15 months. (sources 1, 2, 3)

#### What you must show and pay

- A fee of PLN 340 (≈ $87) · Stamp duty for the temporary residence permit. (source 2)
- A fee of PLN 100 (≈ $25) · Fee for issuing the residence card. (source 3)

#### Requirements

- The main purpose of stay is full-time studies lasting more than three months. (source 2)
- The institution is approved by the Minister of Interior, or is exempt from approval and not barred from admitting foreigners. (source 2)
- The applicant has proof of payment of tuition fees, or of exemption from them. (source 2)
- First-year students show funds for at least 15 months in Poland after housing costs, plus the return ticket and study costs. (source 2)
- Later-year students show the same funds for the study period, up to 3 years. (source 2)
- The stamp duty is PLN 340 (≈ $87) and the residence card fee is PLN 100 (≈ $25). (sources 2, 3)
- The university certificate is signed by the Rector or an authorised person on the current form. (source 2)
- Proof of health insurance and a declaration on housing costs; Belarusian citizens need no housing declaration. (source 2)
- Continuing students add an authorised copy of the evaluation card. (source 2)
- One digital photo and scans of the whole travel document. (source 2)
- Enter Poland on a national D visa, valid up to one year, from a Polish consulate. (source 1)
- Apply in the MOS portal before the visa or legal stay ends. (source 2)
- The university receives an email link and completes Appendix No. 5 in MOS, after which the applicant can sign and submit. (source 2)
- Download the confirmation of receipt (UPO) and attend the fingerprint appointment. (source 2)
- First-year students receive a 15-month permit; later years are granted for the study period plus 3 months, at most 3 years. (sources 2, 1)
- Work in Poland is allowed without a work permit after obtaining the permit. (source 2)
- The holder reports to the governor within 15 business days if the reason for the permit ends. (source 2)

#### Stay

- First permit for 15 months; renewed for the study period plus 3 months, up to 3 years at a time and not beyond the end of studies.
- Initial permitted stay: 15 months.
- Visa validity: 12 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

#### Work

Work in Poland is allowed without a work permit after obtaining the residence permit.

Checked 2026-10-11

## Official sources

1. [Study in Poland: visa and application (study.gov.pl)](https://study.gov.pl/visa-application) · NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Full-time studies: temporary residence permit procedure](https://migrant.poznan.uw.gov.pl/en/procedury/full-time-studies) · Department for Foreigners, Wielkopolska Voivodeship Office in Poznan · checked 2026-10-10
3. [MOS online application system: questions and answers](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/mos-QA) · Office for Foreigners (gov.pl/udsc-en) · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Permit for residence of a long-term EU resident](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/permit-for-residence-of-a-long-term-eu-resident) · Official migration authority · checked 2026-10-10
5. [Uznanie za obywatela polskiego (service card approved 28 May 2026)](https://www.gov.pl/web/dolnoslaski-uw/uznanie-za-obywatela-polskiego) · Dolnoslaski Voivodeship Office, Wroclaw · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i prace - Karta informacyjna (decision within 60 days)](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/d51458b2-d839-4a42-8557-9a2a8c7dd936) · Voivodeship Office (gov.pl information card) · checked 2026-10-11

## Student permit and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Student permit | – | 1.3 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/student-higher-ed-91/) Portugal | Needs income of €920+ a month ≈ $1,030 | 3 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Internship permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/internship-residence/) Spain | – | 1 yr, renewable | – |
| [D3 study visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/d3-study-research/) Georgia | – | 1 yr, renewable | No |
| [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/study-visa/) Italy | Needs savings of €10k+ a year ≈ $11k | – | Yes |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Student permit?

A fee of PLN 340 (≈ $87). Stamp duty for the temporary residence permit. A fee of PLN 100 (≈ $25). Fee for issuing the residence card.

### How long can I stay on the Student permit?

First permit for 15 months; renewed for the study period plus 3 months, up to 3 years at a time and not beyond the end of studies.

### How long does the Student permit take to process?

Decisions on temporary residence permits are due within 60 days of a complete file and, where required, the fingerprint visit.

### Can I work on the Student permit?

Yes. Work in Poland is allowed without a work permit after obtaining the residence permit.

### Who can apply for the Student permit?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

### Does the Student permit lead to permanent residence in Poland?

Time on the Student permit counts toward permanent residence in Poland, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Student permit counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 3 years as a permanent resident.

### How are Student permit holders taxed in Poland?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Student permit. The standard rules apply: 12% on the tax base up to PLN 120,000 (≈ $30,600) and 32% on the excess; tax-reducing amount PLN 3,600 (≈ $920) (page updated 24 June 2026).

## More in Poland

[Business activity permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/business-activity/) [Work permit (single permit)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/temporary-work/) [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/eu-blue-card/) [Polish citizenship confirmation](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/citizenship-confirmation-by-descent/) [Graduate job-search permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/poland/graduate-job-search/)

## Study visas elsewhere

[🇩🇪 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/student-16b/) [🇫🇷 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/student-residence/) [🇬🇧 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/student-visa/) [🇳🇱 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/student-residence/) [🇦🇱 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/albania/student/) [🇲🇪 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/student/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-11 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Study in Poland: visa and application (study.gov.pl)](https://study.gov.pl/visa-application) · NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Full-time studies: temporary residence permit procedure](https://migrant.poznan.uw.gov.pl/en/procedury/full-time-studies) · Department for Foreigners, Wielkopolska Voivodeship Office in Poznan · checked 2026-10-10
3. [MOS online application system: questions and answers](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/mos-QA) · Office for Foreigners (gov.pl/udsc-en) · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Permit for residence of a long-term EU resident](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en/permit-for-residence-of-a-long-term-eu-resident) · Official migration authority · checked 2026-10-10
5. [Uznanie za obywatela polskiego (service card approved 28 May 2026)](https://www.gov.pl/web/dolnoslaski-uw/uznanie-za-obywatela-polskiego) · Dolnoslaski Voivodeship Office, Wroclaw · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i prace - Karta informacyjna (decision within 60 days)](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/d51458b2-d839-4a42-8557-9a2a8c7dd936) · Voivodeship Office (gov.pl information card) · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.