Visas and Invitations

When Do You Need a Visa for Poland?

As a general rule, if you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you will need a visa to enter Poland.

However, there are exceptions: citizens of certain countries can benefit from visa-free travel for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Always check the current rules applicable to citizens of your country on the website of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Polish consulate. Remember that even under visa-free travel, you must meet specific entry conditions.

Types of Visas to Poland – Which One to Choose?

There are two main types of visas issued by Polish consulates:

• Schengen Visa (Type C):
  • Purpose: Intended for short-term stays, the total duration of which does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Issued for tourism, visits, business trips (meetings, conferences), participation in cultural or sporting events, short courses.
  • Scope: Entitles travel throughout the entire Schengen Area – 90/180 days
• National Visa (Type D):
  • Purpose: Intended for long-term stays, lasting longer than 90 days but up to a maximum of 1 year. Most often issued for work, studies, research, internship, volunteering, or for family reunification when you plan to subsequently apply for a residence permit in Poland.
  • Scope: Primarily entitles stay in Poland, but usually also allows short trips within the Schengen Area – 90/180 days

Choosing the correct visa type is crucial and depends on the main purpose and planned duration of your stay. We can help you determine which visa you should apply for.

The Role of an Invitation in the Visa Process

An invitation from a person or institution in Poland can be a very helpful document when applying for a visa. There are two types:

• Simple Invitation Letter: Written, for example, by a family member, friend, or business partner. It confirms the purpose of your visit and may include a declaration of providing accommodation. It serves as supporting documentation.
• Invitation Registered at the Voivodeship Office: This is an official document for which the inviting party in Poland (e.g., family member, company) applies for registration. Having such an invitation offers significant benefits for you:
  • It provides strong evidence for the consul confirming the purpose of your arrival.
  • If the inviting party declared coverage of your living costs and/or accommodation, it might exempt you from needing to present your own proof of sufficient financial means or hotel reservations.
  • It significantly strengthens your visa application and increases the chances of a positive decision.

Remember, it is the inviting party in Poland who must handle the formalities related to registering the invitation. Our Law Firm can assist them with this process.

How to Apply for a Visa? The General Process for You

The visa application procedure typically proceeds as follows:

1. Where to Apply: You submit your application at the Polish consulate or embassy in the country where you legally reside. In some countries, applications are accepted by external visa application centres cooperating with the consulate.
2. When to Apply: Apply well in advance – the process can take from several days to several weeks, or longer in complex cases.
3. Required Documents (Examples): The list may vary depending on the country and purpose of visit, but usually includes:
   • Completed and signed visa application form.
   • Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area/Poland, with at least 2 blank pages).
   • Current biometric photo.
   • Travel medical insurance (with adequate coverage, e.g., min. EUR 30,000 for Schengen visa).
   • Documents confirming the purpose of travel (e.g., invitation, hotel reservation, flight ticket, university acceptance letter, work contract/permit).
   • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of stay and return (e.g., bank statements), unless covered by a registered invitation.
   • Visa fee.
4. Consular Interview: The consul may invite you for an interview to clarify details of your trip.
5. Waiting for the Decision.

How Can We Help You Obtain a Visa?

While we cannot guarantee a visa (the decision always rests with the consul), our support can significantly increase your chances:

• Assessing Your Situation: We help you choose the correct visa type and determine the list of required documents.
• Document Verification: We check your documents for formal and substantive correctness before submission.
• Support for the Inviting Party: We assist your family or company in Poland in preparing and registering an official invitation to strengthen your application.
• Preparation for a Potential Interview at the consulate.
• Assistance in Case of Refusal: If you receive a negative decision, we analyze the reasons and help prepare a request for reconsideration (appeal).