Legalization in Poland

Legalization of stay in Poland provides the opportunity to work, study, and live in the country legally. There are several ways to legalize one’s status, each corresponding to specific goals and circumstances. Below are the main paths of legalization and their features.

Work Visa

The work visa (type D) is intended for foreigners planning to work in Poland. The process of obtaining a work visa includes several stages:

1. Find an employer in Poland — To obtain a work visa, you must first find an employer in Poland who is willing to arrange a work permit for you. The employer must be registered in Poland and have the legal right to hire foreigners.
2. Employer submits an application for a work permit — The employer submits an application to the Office for Foreigners or the Voivodeship Office to obtain a work permit for a foreign worker. During the application process, the employer provides information about the vacancy and justification for hiring a foreign employee.
3. After obtaining the work permit — After receiving the work permit, you can apply for a work visa at the Polish consulate in your country. The visa is issued based on confirmation of the employment contract and other documents.

Features:

1. The work visa is issued for a period corresponding to your employment contract, but no more than 3 years.
2. To extend the visa, you must demonstrate the continuation of work and compliance with the contract terms.
3. The work visa allows you to work only for the employer who provided the permit.

Residence Permit Based on Work

If you are already in Poland and have a work visa, you can obtain a residence permit. The residence permit can be temporary or permanent.

Features:

1. Temporary residence permit — Issued for up to 3 years and can be extended if certain conditions are met, such as continued work and compliance with visa requirements.
2. Permanent residence permit — Granted to those who have lived in Poland based on a temporary residence permit for a certain period (usually 5 years) and have met additional requirements, such as knowledge of the Polish language.

Student Visa

If you plan to study in Poland, you will need a student visa (type D).

Features:

1. The student visa is issued for the duration of the study course.
2. Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours per week).
3. You must confirm financial viability to cover the costs of study and living.

Visa Based on Family Reunification

If you have close relatives legally residing in Poland, you can obtain a visa for family reunification.

Features:

1. The family reunification visa allows you to reside in Poland and, in some cases, work.
2. You must document your family ties and the purpose of the family reunification.

Visa for Entrepreneurs

For those planning to open a business in Poland, a visa for entrepreneurs is available.

Features:

1. You must register a business in Poland and present a business plan and financial forecasts.
2. The visa is issued for a period corresponding to the business plan and can be extended if conditions are met.

Permanent Residence

To obtain permanent residence in Poland, you must:

1. Live in Poland based on a temporary residence permit for a certain period (usually 5 years).
2. Document knowledge of the Polish language and integration into Polish society.

Features:

1. Permanent residence allows you to live and work in Poland without needing to renew the visa.
2. Provides access to social services and rights, such as participation in elections.

Citizenship

To obtain Polish citizenship, you must:

1. Reside in Poland based on permanent residency.
2. Meet the requirements for knowledge of the Polish language and integration into Polish society.
3. Submit an application for citizenship to the relevant authorities.

Features:

1. Citizenship grants a full set of rights and obligations, including the right to vote and obtain a Polish passport.

Conclusion

The process of legalization in Poland can vary depending on your goals and circumstances. It is important to carefully prepare all necessary documents, comply with Polish legislation, and seek consultation from professional lawyers if needed. Legalization ensures stability and legality of your stay in Poland and opens opportunities for work, study, and living in this country.