Visa requirements

Poland

General visa requirements for travelling to Poland. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (EU Blue Card - Highly Qualified Workers)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
Visa D: 15-30 working days; Blue Card residence permit: 1-3 months
Fee
EUR 135 (National Visa D) + PLN 440 (residence permit)
Validity
Visa D up to 1 year; then EU Blue Card residence permit valid for duration of contract plus 3 months, maximum 4 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified third-country nationals. As of June 2025 reforms, the minimum employment contract duration has been reduced from one year to six months. Applicants with at least three years of relevant work experience can qualify, particularly in high-demand sectors like IT, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, even without a university degree. The salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland (or 1.2 times for shortage occupations). The Blue Card holder enters on a Visa D and then applies for the Blue Card residence permit at the local voivodeship office after arrival.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with high qualifications.

  • Employment

    Must have an employment contract of at least 6 months duration with salary at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland (1.2 times for shortage occupations). Higher education degree or 3 years relevant professional experience in high-demand sectors.

    Required status: Employment contract meeting Blue Card salary requirements

  • Financial

    Employment contract must meet minimum salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card.

    Minimum funds: 1.5x average gross salary (or 1.2x for shortage occupations)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Rental agreement or employer-provided housing; Must cover full stay: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: National visa D and EU Blue Card application; Form url: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 135 (visa) + PLN 440 (Blue Card residence permit)

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain employment contract meeting Blue Card salary requirements. Gather passport, photos, qualifications, CV, insurance, and accommodation proof.

  2. Online application

    Apply for Visa D via e-Konsulat system.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Polish embassy or consulate.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay Visa D fee of EUR 135.

  5. Document submission

    Submit Visa D documents in person.

  6. Biometrics

    Provide biometric data.

  7. Processing wait

    Wait for Visa D processing (15-30 working days). After arrival in Poland, apply for EU Blue Card residence permit at the voivodeship office (1-3 months processing).

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with Visa D sticker. After arriving in Poland, collect EU Blue Card residence card from voivodeship office.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (National Visa D - Work)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
15 working days standard, up to 30 days; work permit processing 3-6 months by voivodeship office
Fee
EUR 135 (National Visa D fee since June 2024)
Validity
Up to 1 year (Visa D); then apply for temporary residence and work permit valid up to 3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

National Visa D for employment in Poland. The employer must first obtain a work permit from the local voivodeship office before the employee applies for a visa. As of June 1, 2025, the labor market test is no longer required; instead, local authorities may create lists of professions for which work permits will not be issued, prioritizing Polish citizens. Work permits are valid up to 3 years for standard employees, or up to 5 years if the foreigner serves on the management board of a legal entity with over 25 employees. All work permit and declaration processes are moving online. Since June 26, 2024, all applications for Polish work visas must be submitted electronically through the e-Konsulat system.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who have a valid work permit or employer's declaration issued by a Polish employer.

  • Employment

    Must have a valid work permit issued by the voivodeship office, or an employer's declaration of intent to entrust work. The employer must apply for the work permit before the visa application.

    Required status: Valid work permit or employer's declaration

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be entering Poland for the purpose of employment as specified in the work permit.

    Includes
    • Employment
  • Criminal record

    Must not pose a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Rental agreement, employer-provided housing, or host declaration; Must cover full stay: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: National visa D application form; Form url: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 135

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Employer obtains work permit from voivodeship office. Employee gathers passport, photos, work permit, employment contract, insurance, and accommodation proof.

  2. Online application

    Submit the national visa D application electronically through the e-Konsulat system (https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/).

  3. Appointment booking

    Book an appointment at the Polish embassy or consulate via e-Konsulat.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay the national visa D application fee of EUR 135.

  5. Document submission

    Submit all documents in person at the embassy or consulate.

  6. Biometrics

    Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

  7. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing, typically 15 working days, up to 30 days.

  8. Visa collection

    Collect your passport with the visa D sticker.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.