LEGAL MATTERS

What is a temporary residence permit for studies?

A temporary residence permit for studies is a residence permit issued to third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) and stateless persons who wish to begin or continue their studies in Poland.

This permit applies to students enrolled in:

• First-cycle studies (Bachelor’s degree)
• Second-cycle studies (Master’s degree)
• Long-cycle Master’s studies
• Doctoral school / PhD studies
• Preparatory courses for full-time studies

You must submit your application no later than the last day of your legal stay (visa / visa-free period / residence permit validity)

Required documents at the application stage

In order to apply for a temporary residence permit, the following documents must be prepared:

1) Completed and printed application form:

1. Register or log in to your account in MOS.
2. Choose: “Temporary residence permit”.
3. Carefully follow instructions.
4. After completing the form, print it, sign it by hand and submit it with attachments.

Find out how to register and fill in the form here https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/wniosek

2) 4 up-to-date passport-size photographs

3) Valid passport (original + copy of ALL pages)

4) Proof of payment of stamp duty

• Stamp fee – PLN 340
• Paid to: Urząd Miasta Lublin, Wydział Podatków (Lublin City Hall, Department of Taxes)
• Account no.: 95 1240 2092 9329 9200 0620 0000
• Payment title: opłata za wydanie zezwolenia na pobyt czasowy + applicant’s name and surname

If you do not submit the above documents, your application may not be processed.

Supporting documents

Although some documents can be submitted later if requested, submitting complete documentation at the beginning significantly speeds up the process.

1) Certificate of admission or continuation of studies issued by the university

2) Health Insurance

• Public health insurance (NFZ), or
• Private insurance covering medical treatment in Poland

3) Rental agreement or dormitory contract

4) Proof of sufficient financial means

You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Poland, tuition fees (if applicable) and return travel to your home country.

Documents may include:

• Bank statement
• Certificate of credit card limit
• Scholarship confirmation
• Employment certificate with salary information
• Traveller’s cheque

The required financial means are calculated as follows:

1. Living expenses in Poland:

• PLN 776 per month - for a person living alone
• PLN 600 per month per person - for individuals living in a family household

2. Return travel costs to the country of origin or residence:

• PLN 200 - if returning to a neighbouring country of Poland
• PLN 500 - if returning to another EU country that does not share a border with Poland
• PLN 2,500 - if returning to a country outside the European Union

Proof of payment of the tuition fee (if the foreign student undertakes or continues studies for a fee).

Where to submit

Lublin Voivodeship Office Department for Foreigners
ul. Czechowska 15, 20-072 Lublin

During submission, you will:

• Show your passport
• Submit required documents
• Provide fingerprints

If any of the above documents are missing, the you will be requested to submit them within 14 days of receiving the notice. Failure to do so will result in the application not being processed.

Travel During the Waiting Period

The passport stamp:

• Does NOT allow travel within the Schengen Area.
• Allows return to your home country.
• To re-enter Poland:
  1. You must have a visa (if required),
  2. Meet visa-free entry conditions.

If returning visa-free, you may stay in Poland until the decision becomes final - even if more than 90 days pass.

Decision

Once your temporary residence permit is approved, you will need to complete the payment and pick up your residence card at the Voivodeship Office.

• Card fee: PLN 50
• Payable to: Lubelski Urząd Wojewódzki w Lublinie, Biuro Organizacji, Kadr i Budżetu (Lublin Voievodship Office, Department for Organisations, Presonnel, and the Budget)
• Account number: 67 1010 1339 0055 0022 3100 0000
• Payment title: opłata za wydanie karty pobytu + applicant’s full name

Proof of payment must be presented when collecting the card.

In case of questions, you can contact Welcome Point at LUT at the following address: Nadbystrzycka 42, Dormitory No. 1, room N6

If you who don't have either the residence permit nor a visa issued by another Schengen country or are not coverd by the visa-free movement, they need to apply for a visa to Poland before arrival. Visas to Poland are issued by Polish embassies/consulates located in different countries.

Based on the foreigner's purpose of stay (research, work or study) short-term or long-term visa can be issued. Additionally, visas can be issued for single or multiple entries. Multiple entry visa allows foreigners to travel multiple times between Poland and their country of origin.

Visa allows you to travel within the territory of other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period, during the validity period of the visa.

How to apply?

First of all, you should find the Polish embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence where you will apply for visa. You should check the list of the required documents on the embassy's website or by contacting the consular office directly.

Depending on the visa purpose, the following documents may be required:

• a hosting agreement/work contract/ a scholarship agreement / admission document to the study or PhD program,
• documents proving necessary financial resources,
• travel medical insurance and document proving health insurance on the territory of Poland,
• address of stay in Poland, acommodation,
• travel document e.g. passport,
• photograph,
• visa fee (typically 80 euro),
• if you are coming with your family members, documents proving family ties  such as marriage and birth certificates.

The documents and the duration of visa procedure may slightly differ depending on the country where the visa application is submitted. We recommend contacting the embassy/consulate for the full list of the required documents. 

If you are studying in Poland and need assistance from your home country, you can contact your country’s embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that most embassies and many consulates are located in Warsaw.

This index will help you find the contact information and locations of foreign diplomatic missions in Poland, so you know exactly where to turn if you need consular support during your studies.

In Lublin there are organizations that offer free legal support for refugees and migrants:

Baobab - find out more info about working hours here: Legal advice - Baobab

The Rule of Law Institute Foundation (for people who can't afford a lawer or legal advice) - find out more info about working hours here: Instytut na Rzecz Państwa Prawa