Legalization of an international student’s stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland is a multi-stage process. Therefore, it is a priority before starting your studies.
International students should legalize their stay for education.
Students can legalize their stay in two ways – they can apply for a visa or a temporary residence permit.
Legalization for citizens of Ukraine
The stay of a citizen of Ukraine, who arrived legally on the territory of the Republic of Poland in the period from February 24, 2022 and declares his intention to stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland, is considered legal until June 30, 2024. This also applies to citizens of Ukraine holding a Pole's Card.
If the last day of validity of a national visa of a citizen of Ukraine, who stayed in Poland on its basis before February 24, 2022, falls within the period from February 24, 2022, the period of stay on the basis of this visa and the period of validity of this visa are extended by law until June 30, 2024. In this case, a new visa sticker is not placed in the travel document. A national visa during the period of extension of the period of stay and the period of validity shall not authorize border crossing.
Visa
Schengen Visa ("C")
Schengen Visa ("C") is a short-stay visa issued for the stay up to 90 days in 180 days. This type of visa owner is entitled to enter Poland's territory and travel freely within the Schengen area.
National visa ("D")
National visa ("D") it is a long-stay visa entitling its owner to entry and continuous stay on the territory of Poland for a period of up to one year. This type of visa also allows travelling freely within the Schengen area for 90 days in 180 days.
Student visa
A visa with the annotation "student" can only be obtained by full-time students or those going to Poland to take a preparatory course for university studies.
When applying for a national visa with the annotation "student", you must submit:
- a certificate from the unit conducting the studies on enrollment or continuation of studies.
- proof of payment of study fees, if you are taking up studies on a fee basis.
- a document confirming that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of living and return travel to your country of origin or residence, or the cost of transit to a third country that grants entry, and the cost of your studies.
Temporary residence permit
EU citizens
Citizens of European Union Member Countries can enter Polish territory based on having a valid travel document (passport/ID card).
Requirements for a temporary residence permit for EU citizens: www.malopolska.uw.gov.pl
Third-country citizens (non-EU)
Non-EU citizens are entitled to enter Polish territory based on having:
- valid travel document,
- visa, if it is required,
- justified purpose and conditions of their intended stay and proof they have sufficient means of subsistence for the planned stay and a return journey to their country of origin or that they are capable of obtaining such means lawfully,
- appropriate health insurance.
Requirements for a temporary residence permit
- as a part of full-time studies and doctoral studies for non-EU citizens
- as a part of part-time studies and other forms of education for non-EU citizens
Documents that Jagiellonian University can issue for submission to the relevant authorities in the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit:
- certificate of admission,
- confirmation of tuition fee payment,
- housing confirmation.
All the formalities regarding the legalization of stay should be settled at the Polish Consulate in the student's country of living (visa matter) or Wydział Spraw Cudzoziemców Małopolskiego Urzędu Wojewódzkiego w Krakowie – Foreigner's Affairs Unit (temporary residence permit matter).
International students should register their temporary residence in Poland at Wydział Spraw Administracyjnych, Referat Ewidencji Ludności, (Administrative Affaires Division) at al. Powstania Warszawskiego 10, or if they are residents of the district of Podgórze, at ul. Wieliczka 28A. To register the stay, a student needs to collect a form signed by an authorized person from the administration office of your dormitory, fill it out and go to the above address with a valid passport.
Persons living in private apartments must provide a lease agreement or the owner's consent for registering their residence on a particular form. For more information please contact Wydział Spraw Administracyjnych, Referat Ewidencji Ludności, (Administrative Affaires Division) at al. Powstania Warszawskiego 10, or for residents of the district of Podgórze, at ul. Wieliczka 28A.
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