Legalisation of stay in Poland

When you arrive in Poland on a student visa, you should apply for a temporary residence permit. Your visa will normally be valid for one or two semesters of studies, and during this time, you need to at least lodge an application. While your application is being considered,d you are legally entitled to stay in Poland; however, you should take the necessary steps to obtain the temporary residence permit as soon as possible. The permit will be confirmed with the issuing of your Residence Card which you will need to present to the Warsaw University of Technology employees. 

IMPORTANT: While you are waiting for the results of your application for a temporary residence permit, you cannot leave the territory of Poland. 

Temporary Residence Permit

Temporary residence permit is issued for a maximum of 3 years. However, the period of validity of the permit may be shorter. Temporary residence permits are not automatically prolonged if you keep residing in Poland. When your permit expires or when you change your purpose of stay you will have to apply for a new permit before the previous one expires. If you do not apply for a new permit, you must leave the territory of Poland before the expiration date on your Residence Card (Karta Pobytu). 

NOTE: If you have been granted a temporary residence permit, it is your duty to inform the voivodeship that issued your permit about the cessation of the reason for granting the permit within 15 days. If you do not submit a new application indicating the new circumstances of your stay in Poland, the voivodeship will start the procedure of withdrawing your permit, because the purpose of your stay, which you declared when submitting the application for temporary residence, has ceased. If you fail to do so, the voivode may refuse to grant another temporary residence permit.

The procedure of legalization for temporary stay is conducted at Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki - the Mazovian Voivodeship Office.

Procedure

There are a variety of ways you can lodge your application for the temporary residence permit. You can submit the application in person at the office, via the registry office (al. Solidarności 81, entrance "F", ticket C) or through the post office. However, you will have to appear in the office for the collection of your fingerprints. If you fail to come to the office when requested, your application will not be considered, and you will become an illegal immigrant. 

Documents that you have to submit (for detailed information, please visit the website of Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki):

2 copies of ‘Wniosek’/application form for each of 2 systems (MOS and InPol) – in total 4 copies;

4 recent colour photographs;

2 photocopies of a valid travel document, e.g. passport, original for inspection;

Confirmation of payment of the stamp duty of 340 PLN.

Confirmation from the university of acceptance for studies or continuation of studies (new form introduced in October 2019);
Proof of payment of tuition fees (bank transfer confirmation together with statement from the University stating tuition fee amount and the actual payment);
Documents confirming valid health insurance (covering 3 months after the date of issue of the temporary residence permit);
Evidence of sufficient financial funds to cover the costs of living (1010 PLN per each month of your stay if you are single in Poland) and return travel to your country of origin or residence (e.g. 2500 PLN) and housing costs for each month of your stay and the cost of tuition fees for the entire current academic year and the next semester of the next academic year; proven by bank statement, credit card statement or scholarship certificate (e.g. from NAWA) confirming the granting of a scholarship for free studies and the monthly amount of the scholarschip; 

For more information, please visit the websites listed below, sections: First year student or Student next year:

https://en.migrant.wsc.mazowieckie.pl/pl/procedury/studia-stacjonarne

https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/informacje/na-studia_EN/dokumenty_EN

Transcripts of records; e.g. from the 1st semester of your studies, when there are any exams already taken;

Proof of place of residence (e.g. lease agreement with fees on utilities or certificate of accommodation from the Dormitory)

Statement on number of financial dependants 

Useful information

If you are 1st year student, you will be granted Temporary Residence Permit for a period of 15 months maximum. 

As a full time student you are legally allowed to work in Poland during your studies and after graduation alike. 

If your application for Temporary Residence Permit is rejected written appeal letter should be lodged within 14 days from the date of receipt of the decision; you might need to consult a lawyer on how to prepare the documents for the appeal.  

Disclaimer:

Please note that the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

The number and type of documents that may be requested by the Mazovian Voivodeship Office in the course of proceedings may differ from those listed above, depending on the specific case.