🌍 INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-EU STUDENTS STUDYING IN AN EU COUNTRY AND COMING TO POLAND (GDAŃSK)

1. Entry into Poland

If you are a non-EU citizen but already hold a residence permit from another EU country (because you study there), you may not always need a separate Polish visa – it depends on the type of permit you have.

• If you have a valid residence card issued by another EU or Schengen country, you can enter Poland without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• If your study stay in Poland is longer than 90 days (e.g. a full academic year), you must apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland after arrival.
• If you have a national visa (type D) from another EU country, check whether it allows entry to Poland – most are not valid for study purposes in Poland.

Always check with your international office or the nearest Polish consulate before travelling.

2. Temporary residence permit for study purposes

If you stay in Poland for more than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit for studies within your legal stay period.

Where to apply:
Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Gdańsk
Department for Foreigners
ul. Okopowa 21/27, 80-810 Gdańsk
www.gov.pl/web/uw-pomorski

Documents required:

• Completed application form for a temporary residence permit
• 4 recent photographs
• Valid passport and copy of all pages with stamps/visas
• Copy of your residence card or visa from your EU host country
• Letter of acceptance or confirmation from your Polish university
• Proof of accommodation in Gdańsk (rental agreement or dormitory letter)
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement or scholarship confirmation)
• Proof of health insurance covering your stay in Poland
• Confirmation of payment of the residence permit fee (340 PLN)

3. Address registration (Meldunek)

All foreigners staying in Poland for more than 30 days must register their address at the local district office (Urząd Dzielnicy).

Required documents:

• Passport
• Visa or residence card
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or dormitory confirmation)

4. Health insurance

You must have valid health insurance for your entire stay in Poland.

• If you have EU-based insurance (for example, from your host university), make sure it covers Poland.
• If not, buy private medical insurance valid in Poland or sign a voluntary insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ).

5. PESEL number

Not required by law, but often useful for practical matters such as:

• Opening a bank account
• Signing a rental contract
• Accessing healthcare

You can apply for a PESEL number at the City Hall after registering your address (meldunek).

6. After your stay

When your study or exchange period ends, you must leave Poland before your residence permit or legal stay expires.

If you wish to continue studying, doing an internship, or working, you can apply for a new residence permit before your current one expires.