First Student Permit
Generally 15 Months
If the academic year is shorter than 15 months, the permit is granted for the duration of studies plus 3 months.
🇵🇱 Poland
Student Residence
Study & Live in Poland
← Back to Poland
Poland provides a dedicated Temporary Residence Permit for qualifying third-country nationals who intend to commence or continue full-time higher education or education at a doctoral school in Poland.
The Student Residence pathway allows international students to legally reside in Poland while completing qualifying studies and can provide important opportunities for employment, European student mobility and post-graduation residence.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international students in assessing Polish residence requirements and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
What is Student Residence?
The official Polish immigration pathway is the TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION.
It is designed for qualifying third-country nationals whose principal purpose of residence in Poland is to:
- Commence Studies
- Continue Studies
The studies must justify residence in Poland for more than 3 months at an eligible Polish higher-education institution.
Qualifying Studies
The Student Residence Permit can generally apply to:
- Full-Time First-Cycle Studies
- Full-Time Second-Cycle Studies
- Full-Time Long-Cycle Master's Studies
- Education at a Doctoral School
- Certain Qualifying Preparatory Courses
- Certain EU Mobility Study Programmes
Part-Time & Other Education
Not every university programme qualifies for the Student Residence Permit. Certain forms of education are generally treated as 'Education' rather than qualifying 'Studies' for this particular permit.
- Part-Time Higher Education
- Postgraduate Studies
- MBA Programmes
- Certain Language Courses
- Other Forms of Education
A different Temporary Residence Permit based on 'Other Circumstances' may therefore be required.
General Requirements
The applicant must study at a qualifying Polish higher-education institution that is approved to admit foreign students and not subject to a decision prohibiting such admission.
- Admission: Must demonstrate genuine admission to or continuation of qualifying studies.
- Tuition Fees: Where required, evidence of payment for the semester or academic year must be provided.
- Financial Resources: Sufficient funds to cover living expenses, return travel, and tuition costs.
- Health Insurance: Qualifying Polish public coverage or private insurance covering medical treatment in Poland.
Residence Permit Duration
EU Mobility Programmes
Up to 2 Years
For students beginning studies under qualifying EU or multilateral mobility programmes.
Doctoral School
Up to 2.5 Years
For persons beginning qualifying education at a doctoral school.
Subsequent Permits
Up to 3 Years
Subsequent permits cover the duration of studies plus 3 months (or 6 months for doctoral students).
Working While Studying
One of the important advantages of the qualifying Polish Student Residence Permit is access to the Polish labour market.
After obtaining the qualifying residence permit for full-time studies, the student can generally work in Poland without a separate work permit.
Holders can also have access to conducting business activity through registration in CEIDG under the applicable rules.
The student's principal immigration purpose remains studies; employment should not undermine the genuine study purpose.
Intra-EU Student Mobility
Qualifying students can benefit from intra-EU student mobility for up to 360 days, allowing them to continue or supplement studies in another participating EU Member State.
Similarly, third-country nationals studying in another EU Member State may complete part of their qualifying studies in Poland under separate mobility requirements.
After Graduation
After completing qualifying studies, a graduate may potentially obtain a separate Temporary Residence Permit for the purpose of seeking employment or preparing to conduct business activity.
This special graduate residence permit is generally granted once for a period of 9 months to establish a professional future in Poland.
- Transition to Employment: Switch to 'Temporary Residence & Work' or 'EU Blue Card'.
- Transition to Business: Assess 'Business Activity Residence' requirements.
Obligations & Status Changes
The residence permit is based on genuine studies. Changes such as discontinuing studies or removal from the student list can affect the legal basis for residence.
Students are required to notify the competent Voivode in writing within 15 working days if they cease studying.
Comparison of Pathways
Student vs. Education
Student Residence is designed primarily for full-time Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral school programs.
Education (Other Circumstances) can apply to part-time studies, postgraduate courses, MBA programs, and language courses.
Student vs. Blue Card
Student Residence is based on qualifying education.
EU Blue Card is based on highly qualified professional employment and subject to qualification and salary requirements.
Practical Examples
International Bachelor Student
A third-country national admitted to a full-time Bachelor's programme demonstrates admission, tuition payment, financial resources, and healthcare. They may potentially qualify for Student Residence.
MBA Student
An MBA programme is not automatically treated as qualifying full-time higher education for the dedicated Student Residence Permit. The applicant may instead need 'Temporary Residence Due to Other Circumstances'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study part-time with this permit?
The dedicated Student Residence Permit is generally designed for qualifying full-time studies. For part-time studies, a different residence pathway is typically used.
Our Process
- 01
1. Study Assessment
We review the applicant's university, programme and form of study.
- 02
2. University Eligibility
The institution's eligibility to host international students is assessed.
- 03
3. Admission Documentation
University admission and student documentation is reviewed.
- 04
4. Financial Assessment
Required financial resources, tuition and return-travel funds are assessed.
- 05
5. Healthcare
Qualifying healthcare coverage is reviewed.
- 06
6. Immigration Documentation
Passport, university, financial and supporting documentation is coordinated.
- 07
7. Residence Application
The Polish Student Residence procedure is coordinated through the appropriate immigration process.
- 08
8. Residence Card
Following approval, applicable residence-card formalities are completed.
- 09
9. Employment & Mobility
Where relevant, employment rights and EU student mobility possibilities are assessed.
- 10
10. Post-Graduation Strategy
Before graduation, potential graduate residence, employment, or business options are reviewed.
Related Polish Pathways
Study & Build Your Future in Poland
International Education & Residence
Poland provides international students with opportunities to combine European higher education with legal residence, employment possibilities and post-graduation career options.
CETO can assess the applicant's study programme and residence requirements and coordinate the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.