Legal Stay
Legal Stay
Once admitted to the Medical University of Warsaw, students are responsible for ensuring they meet all the legal requirements as international students.
The legalisation of a foreigner's residence in Poland is a multi-stage process. It would be best if you were concerned about it before you start your studies.
International students have two options for legalising their stay in Poland – applying for a visa or a residence card. Students are also required to have health insurance coverage while studying in Poland.
Entry Requirements for EU Citizens or EEA/EFTA Citizens
EEA/EFTA citizens are nationals of one of the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Students who are citizens of the European Union (EU) or the EEA/EFTA do not need to apply for a visa.
However, they must register with the Voivodship (Provincial) Office within 90 days of arrival.
In Warsaw it is:
Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki w Warszawie
Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców
ul. Marszałkowska 3/5
00-624 Warszawa
en.migrant.wsc.mazowieckie.pl
Note – you must keep an eye on the deadline and register before the expiry of 90 days from the date of entry!
Entry Requirements for Non-EU Citizens
As a general rule, you would need a visa to enter Poland.
All students who are Non-EU citizens may apply for D- type national visa.
A D-type national visa permits to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland and to stay continuously or for several successive times in this territory for a total duration of more than 90 days during the period of validity of the visa, but not longer than one year.
The basic steps to obtain a visa:
1. Find a Polish Consulate/ consular section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland that can process your application.
You can use the search engine of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Poland.
2. Read ALL the information concerning visa application on the consulate’s website carefully and follow ALL the instructions. Supporting documents may differ depending on where a visa application is submitted. For more details, please get in touch with the relevant consular post.
3. Set a visa appointment with the consulate. In most cases, you will have to register through the website
4. Prepare the necessary documents, including the application form, travel document (passport), biometric photo, health insurance, sufficient means to support yourself, and documents confirming the purpose of your stay. Verify required documents on the consulate’s website.
5. Submit all the documents, including a printed and signed application form and the visa fee.
Early submission of visa documents is advisable as the procedure may take considerable time in some countries.
However, foreigners from several countries are exempted from a visa requirement when entering Schengen Area for the periods not exceeding 90 days within 180 days: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Salvador, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican and Venezuela.
Citizens of the above countries have a second option to legalise their stay in the first year of study: Temporary Residence Permit.
Please note: After you arrive in Poland, you have 90 days to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. Failing to do so may result in your deportation. Therefore we advise you to start your application as soon as possible.