A residence card for students is a document that allows a foreigner to legally stay in Poland during their studies. This document is particularly important for non-EU citizens who plan to study in Poland and wish to remain in the country for an extended period. If you fall into this group, this article will be of special interest to you—we will discuss in detail the requirements you need to meet to apply for a residence card in Poland. You will also learn about the application process, and we’ll share practical tips to help make the entire procedure easier.
Who can apply for a temporary residence card for students?
The temporary residence card for students is intended for foreigners from countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. Citizens of EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not need to apply for a residence permit in Poland. They have the right to move and reside freely in our country based on their ID document (and for stays longer than 3 months, based on a residence registration certificate—for more details, refer to one of our articles). Other foreigners who wish to legally reside and study in Poland must apply for a residence card
To apply for a temporary residence card for students, you must first be admitted to a Polish university or another educational institution. Additionally, you must meet other formal requirements, such as having sufficient financial resources to support yourself in Poland and health insurance.
Residence card for students – required documents
To apply, you need to prepare a set of required documents for the student residence card, which confirm that you meet all the necessary criteria. The most important documents include:
- Completed application form – This is the primary document containing all your personal details, such as your name, surname, nationality, address, and purpose of stay. The form must be filled out accurately and without errors.
- Passport – It must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned end date of your stay in Poland. A copy of the passport is required, including the page with personal data and every page containing stamps or a valid visa, which serves as the basis for your stay in Poland.
- Four passport-sized photos – The photos must have been taken no more than 6 months before submitting the application and must meet specific requirements, such as appropriate size and face positioning.
- Certificate of admission to studies – This document is issued by the university and confirms that you have been accepted into a specific program. It also includes details about the form and duration of the studies, which are necessary for a positive residency decision.
- Certificate of tuition fees – This document is also issued by the university. It specifies the tuition amount and confirms that you have paid the required fees.
- Proof of accommodation – This could be, for instance, a rental agreement for an apartment or a dormitory room.
- Proof of financial resources – You must document that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of living in Poland by providing, for example, a bank statement, employment contract, or scholarship confirmation.
- Health insurance – Every foreigner staying in Poland must have health insurance that provides access to medical care in Poland. You can obtain it directly from the National Health Fund (NFZ) or a private insurer.
- Payment confirmation for the application fee – Two fees are required: PLN 340 for the residence permit and PLN 100 for issuing the temporary residence card. Payment confirmations must be attached to the application.
Residence card for students – application procedure
The application must be submitted to the appropriate voivodeship office handling foreigner matters. In Poland, this is typically the Department for Foreigners in voivodeship offices. Remember that the application should be submitted in person or via mail no later than the last day of your legal stay. This will help you avoid a situation where your stay in Poland is considered illegal.
After submitting the application, an official will verify all documents for the student residence card. If you meet all the requirements and your documentation is complete, you will receive a residence card that allows you to stay legally in Poland for 15 months (for the first student residence card) or until the completion of your studies (for subsequent permits).
Tips for students
- Submit the application on time – Remember to apply for the student temporary residence card well in advance. Submitting it at the last minute may result in an inability to travel abroad and negative consequences, such as illegal stay.
- Ensure document accuracy – It is essential that all documents are complete and meet the requirements. Incorrect or outdated documents for the student residence card may lead to a negative decision or delays in processing.
- Health insurance – This is a mandatory element of every application. Without it, obtaining a residence card will not be possible, so ensure you have your insurance before submitting your application. If you are unsure how to obtain it, contact us.
- Interrupting studies – If you decide to discontinue your studies, you must notify the voivodeship office within 30 days of ending your education.
Temporary residence card for students – summary
The student residence card in Poland is a document that enables you to study and reside legally in Poland. The process of obtaining it requires fulfilling several key requirements, such as being admitted to studies, having sufficient financial resources, and health insurance. If you are concerned about handling the process on your own, contact us. Over the years, we have successfully obtained thousands of temporary residence permits for students. Additionally, our KartaPobytu application provides you with unlimited access to consultations with our specialists, who will answer any questions you may have during the process.
