Poland issues Schengen visas (Type A and C) and National visas (Type D). A National Visa allows a stay of more than 90 days and up to 1 year, while a Schengen Visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
βοΈ Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
This visa allows you to stay only in the international transit area of a Polish airport while waiting for your connecting flight.
It does not allow you to enter Poland or the Schengen Area.
π Schengen Visa (Type C)
A Schengen Visa is intended for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It also allows travel within the whole Schengen Area.
Common purposes:
- Tourism
- Visiting Family Or Friends
- Business Trips
- Medical Treatment
- Cultural Or Sports Events
- Short-Term Studies
πΌ National Visa (Type D)
A National Visa is intended for stays longer than 90 days for up to 1 year. It also allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period during its validity.
π· National Work Visa
Issued to foreigners who have:
- A Work Permit
- A Declaration Of Employment
- A Seasonal Work Permit
Main visa categories include:
- D05 β Non-seasonal work based on a Declaration of Employment
- D05a β Seasonal work
- D06 β Work based on a Work Permit
π National Student Visa
Issued to foreigners accepted by:
- Universities
- Liceum
- Language Courses
Usually issued for full-time studies lasting more than 90 days.
π¨βπ©βπ§ National Family Reunification Visa
Issued to family members of people legally living in Poland.
Usually available for:
- Spouses
- Minor Children
- Other Eligible Family Members Under Polish Law
π΅π± National Visa for Karta Polaka Holders
Available to foreigners who already possess a valid Karta Polaka.
Benefits include:
- Free National Visa
- Multiple Entry
- Right To Work Without A Work Permit
π€ National Humanitarian Visa
Issued for humanitarian reasons, state interests or international obligations.
It may be granted to people who cannot safely return to their country or whose situation requires humanitarian protection.
π National Transport Visa
Issued to professional drivers and transport workers entering Poland for international road transport activities, where applicable under Polish regulations.
π₯ Medical Treatment Visa (Schengen or National)
Issued to foreigners travelling to Poland for:
- Medical Treatment
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Specialist Medical Care
Applicants must provide documents confirming the planned treatment.
πΌ Business Visa (Schengen)
Issued to foreigners visiting Poland for business purposes such as:
- Business Meetings
- Negotiations
- Conferences
- Trade Fairs
- Commercial Cooperation
It does not automatically authorize employment in Poland.
βοΈ Religious Activities Visa (Schengen or National)
Issued to foreigners travelling to Poland to perform religious activities or participate in religious organizations.
π Cultural, Scientific and Sports Visa (Schengen or National)
Issued to people travelling to Poland for:
- Cultural Events
- Scientific Research
- Conferences
- Sports Competitions
- Educational Exchanges
π How to Choose the Right Visa
- Type A For Airport Transit Only
- Type C For Stays Up To 90 Days
- Type D For Stays Longer Than 90 Days
The purpose of your trip determines which visa category you should apply for.