Student residence card
All you need is acceptance to study and the correct documents.
We'll help you get your student card quickly and easily!
Our advantages
Multilingualism
Our employees speak various languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian and Polish.
Speed and efficiency
Optimized processes allow us to provide services quickly, without unnecessary delays, and we are physically present in two locations, serving the ENTIRE territory of Poland simultaneously.
High level of trust
Over 20,000 candidates have already successfully used our services.
Individual approach
We take into account the needs of each client and candidate, offering personalized solutions.
Comprehensive service
From the first call to the start of work, we are always nearby to resolve all issues.
Legal protection
Our clients receive confidence in the legality and reliability of all procedures.
Student Residence Card in Poland – What is it?
A residence card based on studies is one of the legal ways to legalize your stay for foreigners who have chosen Poland for higher education. This card grants the right to reside in the country and opens up numerous opportunities for development.
Unlike a regular visa, which has a limited validity, a karta pobytu allows you not only to study but also to find official employment. It confirms your legal status and eliminates the need to regularly cross the border to extend your stay. This allows you to fully focus on your student life without worrying about formalities.
Advantages of a Student Karta Pobytu
A residence permit from study opens a wide range of opportunities for international students:
- Legal employment without permits. Since 2018, students enrolled in full-time university programs have the right to work full-time without additional permits, providing an excellent opportunity for financial independence.
- Free border crossing. This document allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area without a visa, making student life even more exciting and flexible.
- Access to social services. Holders of a legalized residence permit can access social and educational services, just like Polish citizens.
After completing their education, this residence permit can be applied for a work permit, allowing you to stay in the country and build a career.
Steps to Obtaining a Student Residence Card for Foreigners in Poland
The process of obtaining a permit includes several important steps that must be completed in the prescribed manner:
- Enroll in a Polish educational institution authorized to accept foreigners.
- Obtain official confirmation of enrollment (original or electronic version).
- Provide proof of financial means.
- Have a valid passport and Polish health insurance.
- Register your place of residence (zameldowanie) at an address in Poland.
- Pay the state fee in the amount stipulated by law.
Submitting your application can be done in person or through a representative. It’s best to contact a specialist who can assist you with every step. It’s recommended to submit your documents early to avoid delays.
Validity and extension of the student card
A student residence card in Poland is usually issued for the duration of your studies. If you continue your education, you must apply for an annual renewal. To do this, you must:
- Provide an official university letter confirming continued studies.
- Confirm availability of funds for maintenance.
- Have valid health insurance.
- Maintain registered residence.
- Have no criminal record or immigration violations.
If you’re transferring from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree, this is also grounds for continuation.
How long does it take to process a student card application?
The processing time depends on the region and the workload of the inspectorate:
- In large cities (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw), the wait can be from 6 to 12 months.
- In smaller cities, the process is sometimes faster—4-7 months.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents lead to delays.
- If the inspectorate requires additional documents, the processing time is extended.
- Students who submit applications immediately after admission have a better chance of being processed quickly.
If you plan to study at a Polish university, it’s best to begin the application process several months in advance. This will ensure you’re ready before the exam period begins and avoid any problems with legalization later.
It’s important to carefully check all the documents, as missing even one will affect the processing time.
Common Application Mistakes
Obtaining a student residence card seems like a simple process, but in practice, many foreigners make mistakes that lead to delays, additional costs, and refusals. Even minor flaws in the documents can result in the inspectorate suspending the application for a month. The most common mistakes are:
- Invalid or out-of-date health insurance. Many students submit insurance that expires before the scheduled review period. The Inspectorate requires that the policy be valid for at least the entire application review period (sometimes up to a year). If it expires early, a new policy must be submitted, which delays the process.
- Insufficient financial support. The Inspectorate requires proof of sufficient funds. It is preferable to have a standing balance or an official translated certificate from a sponsor.
- Outdated or incorrectly completed university certificates. Written confirmation of enrollment must be an original or an official electronic version, stamped and signed. If it does not include the duration of study, the form (full-time/part-time), or a QR code for verification, the Inspectorate may reject your application.
- Incorrect translation, missing apostille. All documents in a foreign language must be translated by a certified Polish translator. Self-translations are not accepted.
- Requesting a visa after it expires. Many students wait too long, and their national visa (Type D) expires. You can only submit a request if you are in valid status.
Engaging with support specialists significantly simplifies the entire process. Professional consultants are familiar with the current requirements of each inspection, will help you prepare your application package correctly, avoid errors, and monitor deadlines. This not only saves time and stress, but also increases your chances of successfully and quickly obtaining your residence card.
Our team
Free consultation
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How we work
Telephone consultation
During the first telephone conversation, you will receive the most suitable option for solving your request.
Signing the contract and payment for your safety
The first steps to resolve your request begin after the contract has been signed by both parties and you have made payment to the company's official account.
Implementation of services
We fill out all the necessary documents, contact the uzhend, and expedite the implementation process as quickly as possible.
Obtaining new documents
We'll notify you when your document is ready and record your receipt. We'll then see you happy with your new documents.
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Questions and answers
What is a student residence card and how is it different from a visa?
+A residence permit is a document confirming a foreign student’s legal residence in Poland for the duration of their studies. Unlike a visa, which only permits entry and short-term stay, this type of residence permit provides full proof of identity. The student is also exempt from visa restrictions for travel within the Schengen Area.
Who is eligible to receive a student residence card?
+This card is available to foreigners studying full-time at a Polish university. Official proof from the institution confirming acceptance or continuation of studies, as well as the availability of financial means and health insurance, is also required. The application must be submitted at the voivodeship office.
For how long is a student residence card issued?
+The first time, it is traditionally valid for up to 15 months. Subsequent applications may be issued for a longer period, depending on the length of the exam sessions. It is important that the validity of the document (for example, a grade book or a university transcript) should not exceed the length of time the student remains at the university.
Is it possible to work with a student residence card?
+Yes, students acquire the right to work without a separate permit. This applies to full-time employment. Work must not interfere with studies, and the student must comply with the terms and conditions specified in the contract with the employer. Part-time employment is the most common option.
Is it possible to leave Poland while waiting for the results of the application?
+Yes, but only if your passport has a stamp confirming your submission. This confirms your legal residence in Poland. Without it, returning may be problematic. It is recommended to avoid long trips until a decision is received to avoid complicating the application process.
What to do if a student is rejected?
+If denied, the student has the right to file an appeal within 14 days of receiving the decision. The appeal should include additional clarifications and corrections of any preliminary errors. In complex cases, it’s recommended to consult a lawyer or specialist who specializes in such cases—this will increase the chances of a favorable decision.
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