Student Residence Card in Poland
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What is a student residence card
A student residence card (residence card for study purposes, zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy w celu studiów) is a temporary residence permit for foreigners who have been admitted to, or are continuing, full-time studies at a Polish university. The application is submitted to the Urząd Wojewódzki at the place of study, via the MOS portal. The card does not automatically grant a work permit — the right to work depends on the form of study and the status of the university (see below).
Who can get the card
- Enrollment in full-time studies (studia stacjonarne) at the first, second, or third level (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) or in long-cycle master's programs at a recognized Polish university
- Tuition paid for the current period (if the studies are fee-based)
- Documented funds for living expenses and the return trip to the country of origin
- A registered place of residence in Poland
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Valid health insurance
How long is the card issued for
The first permit is issued for 15 months (or for the duration of the academic year/program + 3 months, if the circumstance underlying the application justifies a shorter period of stay). When continuing studies, subsequent cards may be issued for the remaining duration of the program, but for no more than 3 years in total.
Can I work while studying
Important: as of December 1, 2025, the right to work without a separate work permit applies only to full-time students at universities holding officially approved status (public universities, military and departmental institutions, or institutions that have undergone an approval procedure by the Minister of Internal Affairs). The employer is required to independently verify the university's status, not just the fact of student status. For part-time students (niestacjonarne), this exemption has never applied — as before, they need a regular work permit or a notification of work assignment.
For those who were already legally working before December 1, 2025 under the previous rules, a transitional period applies — work may continue under the previous conditions until June 30, 2026. New employment after December 1, 2025 already requires compliance with the new rules.
What documents are needed
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A foreign passport - An application (wniosek) — since 2026, submitted via the MOS portal
- A certificate from the university confirming enrollment or continuation of studies (since 2026, universities may attach it to the application electronically)
- Proof of tuition payment (if fee-based)
- Proof of funds for living expenses and the return trip
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Health insurance - Proof of registered residence in Poland
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A biometric photo
How the application procedure works
- Obtaining a certificate of enrollment/continuation of studies from the university
- Creating an account in the MOS system and setting up an e-Doręczenia electronic address (mandatory for applications submitted through the new MOS portal starting April 27, 2026 — all correspondence with the authority, including the biometrics appointment and card collection, goes only through this electronic mailbox)
- Filling out and submitting the application with the package of documents
- Paying the fees
- Attending biometrics upon notice via e-Doręczenia
- Waiting for the voivode's decision
- Collecting the residence card
What happens after graduation
Graduates of Polish universities are entitled to obtain a separate one-year residence card to seek employment in Poland after completing their studies — there is no need to leave the country immediately or immediately look for another basis for legalization.
Reasons for refusal and appeal
A refusal can be appealed — the appeal is filed with the Head of the Office for Foreigners through the voivode, within 14 days of receiving the decision. Common reasons for refusal: insufficient proof of funds for living expenses, issues with the university's status, an incomplete package of documents, or non-compliance of the form of study with the requirements (switching to part-time studies disqualifies the applicant from this type of card).
What changed in the rules in 2025–2026
- Since December 1, 2025, new application forms for residence permits have been in effect, including for the student residence card
- Since December 1, 2025, students' right to work without a permit depends on the university's approved status, not just the fact of studying — with a transitional period until June 30, 2026
- Since April 27, 2026, applications and all correspondence with the authority are conducted only electronically — via the MOS portal and e-Doręczenia
- Since spring 2026, universities have been able to attach the enrollment/continuation certificate to the application electronically, without a paper original
Can I work if I am a part-time student?
No, the exemption from needing a separate work permit applies only to full-time students — part-time students need a regular work permit or a notification of work assignment, just like any other foreigner.
What happens if I switch from full-time to part-time studies?
This changes the basis for your stay — a card issued for full-time studies no longer matches your current situation, and a new application under a different basis may be required.
Can I stay in Poland after defending my thesis to look for a job?
Yes, graduates of Polish universities can obtain a separate one-year residence card specifically for job-seeking after completing their studies.