Temporary residence permit for studies / visa

Temporary Residence Permit for Studies in Poland (TRC for Student)

Are you considering a visa or a residence permit for a student? If you are studying or planning to study in Poland, current migration regulations define "study" as education provided by a university. This includes full-time studies (first-cycle, second-cycle, or uniform master's studies) and doctoral schools. In specific legal cases, a preparatory course may also qualify you for a TRC for student purposes.

To obtain this permit, you must submit documents confirming admission, residence, financial means, and health insurance.

1. General Information on TRC for Student

A temporary residence permit for a student allows a foreigner to stay legally in Poland for the duration of their university education.

What you will receive:

• A decision from the Voivode granting the permit.
• A residence card – a crucial document confirming your identity and legal stay.

Did you know that with a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study, you can run a sole proprietorship and work anywhere without a separate work permit?

The residence card, combined with your passport, grants you the right to cross the border multiple times without a visa and travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Period of validity:

• First permit for a student: Maximum of 15 months.
• Subsequent permits: Maximum of 3 years (not exceeding the study duration plus 3 months).

2. Who Can Obtain a Permit? Conditions and Requirements

You are eligible for a TRC for student if you meet specific basic, financial, and health conditions.

Basic Conditions:

You must be undertaking or continuing studies at a unit approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (most public and private Polish universities). Eligible studies include:

• First-cycle studies;
• Second-cycle studies;
• Unified master's studies;
• Third-cycle (doctoral) studies;
• Preparatory courses for studies (for citizens of selected countries).

Financial and Residential Requirements:

• Financial Resources: You must prove sufficient funds to cover living costs in Poland (accommodation, daily expenses) and return travel to your home country.
• Health Insurance: You must have valid insurance covering treatment in Poland.
• Accommodation: You must have secured housing (confirmed by a rental agreement, dormitory certificate, or property deed).

Where to submit the application:

Submit your application for a residence permit for a student in person or by post to the Voivodeship Office competent for your region of residence. This must be done no later than the last day of your legal stay in Poland.

3. Procedure Course for TRC for Student

Step 1: Document Preparation

Obtain a confirmation of acceptance from your university and ensure you are enrolled. Prepare all mandatory documents listed in Section 4.

Step 2: Application Submission

Complete the "Application for Granting a Temporary Residence Permit". Bring all originals and copies of your documents, along with 2 current biometric photos (not older than 6 months).

• Fingerprints: You must provide fingerprints at the Voivodeship office. If applying by post, you will be summoned to provide them later.

Step 3: Payment

The fee for the permit (340 PLN) and the card (100 PLN) must be paid in advance. Attach proof of payment to your application. Failure to pay will result in a payment demand.

Step 4: Waiting for a Decision

The office will review your application for the TRC for student. If documents are missing, you will be asked to complete them.

Step 5: Collecting the Card

After a positive decision (temporary residence permit for a student) is issued, you will collect your residence card in person.

4. Required Documents for Student TRC

WARNING: Absence of any document will result in a request to complete it. Failure to do so risks a negative decision.

Mandatory Documents:

• Application form for temporary residence permit.
• Copy of passport/travel document (original for inspection).
• 2 biometric photographs.
• Proof of payment (340 PLN + 100 PLN).
• University Certificate: Signed by the rector/authorized person confirming acceptance/continuation, field of study, duration, and no outstanding tuition.

Accommodation Documents:

• Proof of residence (e.g., rental agreement, property deed).
• Proof of accommodation costs (e.g., utility bills, rent amount).

Financial Documents:

You must prove you have resources for living, housing, and return travel. Examples include bank statements, scholarship certificates, or a sponsor declaration.

Required Amounts:

• Living costs: 776 PLN (person in family) or 1,010 PLN (single household) per month.
• Monthly accommodation costs.
• Return travel: One-time amount of 2,500 PLN (for non-EU origin).

Health Insurance Documents:

• ZUS registration confirmation, OR
• Private policy covering min. 30,000 EUR hospitalization costs, OR
• NFZ contract and payment confirmation.

5. Fees

The total cost for the residence permit for a student procedure is detailed below:

Fees can be paid at a recipient bank, via the Internet, or at a Polish Post Office branch.

6. Reasons for Refusal of Permit

The Voivode may refuse a TRC for student if:

• You do not meet substantive conditions (not accepted to studies, or studies do not justify a stay > 3 months).
• You fail to submit missing documents within the deadline.
• Public safety concerns: Your stay threatens security or your data is in registries of dangerous persons.
• False documents: Submitting forged/altered documents or false information.
• The university operates mainly to facilitate illegal migration.

7. Student Obligations During Stay

Once you hold a temporary residence permit for a student, you are obligated to:

• Notify the Voivode if you resign, are removed from the student list, change universities, or change residence.
• Maintain valid health insurance.
• Pay tuition fees on time.

8. Our Services

We offer comprehensive support for your TRC for student application, including:

• advice on obtaining a temporary residence permit
• representation in the case of granting a temporary residence permit
• advice in preparing documents required for your application for TRC
• preparing appeals and requests for reconsideration of the case
• representation in a court (if needed)
• comprehensive legal service in the field of immigration law regarding visas or residence permits

Summary: Step by Step

• Obtain acceptance confirmation from the university.
• Prepare all required documents (see list above).
• Pay for the permit.
• Submit application at the Voivodeship office.
• Wait for the decision.
• Receive decision and residence card.
• Remember your obligations during your stay.