Residence and formalities for students in Europe

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enter with an ID card or passport – no visa is needed. If you stay in Poland for longer than 3 months, you must register your residence with the voivode (the regional government office) for your place of residence – at the latest on the day after 3 months have passed since your arrival. You apply in person. As a student you attach a certificate from your university, proof of health insurance and a written statement that you have enough money to support yourself. Registration and the certificate are free, and the certificate is valid for 10 years. Note: NAWA describes the certificate as having unlimited validity – if this matters to you, check the current rule with the voivode's office.

Students from outside the EU/EEA usually enter on a national (D-type) visa for study. You apply at a Polish consulate; NAWA says the decision takes up to 15 days, but getting an appointment can take much longer, so start early. You will need, among other things, your admission letter, health insurance and proof of funds. Once in Poland – and before your visa expires – you apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study at the voivode's office; since 27 April 2025 applications are submitted online only, through the MOS system. The first permit for first-year students is issued for 15 months, later ones for the length of your studies plus 3 months (up to 3 years). You have to show that after paying for accommodation you have more than PLN 1,010 a month if you live alone (PLN 823 per person in a family), plus money for your journey home (2026).

Health insurance: if you are insured in another EU country, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Students from outside the EU can buy private insurance before arriving or sign a voluntary insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ) – according to NAWA, this costs around €15 a month for students.