Immigration to Poland. How to Move to Poland?

The material will be useful for:

• Specialists and employees planning to immigrate to Poland under employment contracts,
• Entrepreneurs and investors considering business immigration and relocation of their business,
• Students choosing Polish universities and wishing to stay in Poland after graduation,
• People with Polish roots (diaspora) interested in repatriation programs and a second passport,
• Refugees and displaced persons seeking asylum or protection in Poland,
• Families moving as part of family reunification,
• People of faith and religious figures who value the ability to freely practice their religion.

Grounds for Moving to Poland

Polish immigration law provides for several legal grounds for relocation. Each category has its own visa and document requirements, as well as rights and restrictions. Below are the main immigration paths.

Refugee Status and Asylum (International Protection)

Poland, as an EU member, adheres to international standards for granting asylum to persons persecuted in their homeland. If a foreigner has well-founded fears of persecution (based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a social group), they may apply for refugee status or subsidiary protection in Poland. The application is usually submitted directly at the border or already on Polish territory (for example, at a foreigners' affairs center).

Current realities. Since 2022, Poland has faced the largest influx of refugees in its history – more than 3 million displaced people from Ukraine have arrived, fleeing the war. Most Ukrainians in Poland received a special temporary protection status (within the EU’s decision), which grants the right to reside, work, access healthcare, and education. Initially, temporary protection was introduced for one year, but it has been repeatedly extended. As of 2024, this mechanism has been extended at least until March 4, 2026, and at the EU level, a decision was made on its possible continuation until 2027. This means that Ukrainian refugees and certain other categories of displaced persons can legally remain in Poland without a residence permit.

For refugees from other countries, the procedure is standard – submitting an application for refugee status (status uchodźcy) or subsidiary protection (ochrona uzupełniająca). While the case is under consideration, the applicant is usually issued a temporary foreigner’s identity document. Recognized refugees receive the right to reside (residence permit) and work on par with citizens. However, it should be noted that Polish asylum policy is tightening. The new Migration Strategic Plan 2025–2030 grants the government the right, in emergencies, to suspend the acceptance of new asylum applications. This reflects the Polish authorities’ desire to control the influx of migrants for national security and social stability purposes.

Refugee status is a complex path of immigration to Poland that requires proof of serious threats to your life in your home country. Alternatives for people from safe countries may include other grounds – study, work, marriage, etc.

Repatriation Based on Polish Roots (Pole’s Card)

For descendants of Polish emigrants and members of the Polish diaspora, there are special programs for returning to their historical homeland. Poland values its connection with compatriots abroad and offers them simplified relocation opportunities.

Pole’s Card. The key instrument is the Pole’s Card – a document officially confirming a foreigner’s belonging to the Polish nation. It can be obtained by persons who have at least one parent or grandparent (or two great-grandparents) who were Polish or held Polish citizenship, and who have maintained a connection with Polish culture and language. The holder of a Pole’s Card does not automatically receive citizenship or a residence permit in Poland, but enjoys a number of benefits: the right to work without a permit, free education in state universities, the ability to conduct business on equal terms with citizens, and most importantly – they can quickly obtain a permanent residence permit. Since 2022, Pole’s Card holders are allowed to apply for permanent residence directly, bypassing the temporary residence stage. In addition, after one year of living with permanent residence based on a Pole’s Card, one can apply for Polish citizenship through an accelerated procedure. Thus, for people with Polish roots, this is one of the fastest ways to fully relocate and naturalize.

Repatriation. Separately, there is a Repatriation Program, aimed mainly at descendants of Poles living in former USSR countries (in Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Siberia, etc.) whose ancestors ended up there as a result of deportations or migrations. Repatriates are granted a special national visa type “D” for entry, and upon arrival, they receive permanent resident status. The Polish state assists repatriates with housing and integration. Commissions at consulates periodically select candidates for this program. The condition is documented proof of Polish roots and the preservation of Polish identity.

In 2023, discussions began on tightening the requirements for the Pole’s Card, for example, mandatory confirmation of Polish language proficiency at level B1 or higher and more thorough verification of Polish roots. Nevertheless, Polish roots still give a significant advantage for immigration.

Labor Immigration (Work in Poland)

Labor immigration is one of the most common and in-demand ways to move to Poland for citizens of Asian, African, and other countries. Poland is experiencing economic growth accompanied by a labor shortage in many sectors – from IT and engineering to construction and agriculture.

Right to work for foreigners. If you are not a citizen of the EU or Switzerland (who have the right to free employment), then to legally work in Poland you usually need two key documents: a national visa for entry (category D, if you are going for more than 90 days) and a work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) or a temporary residence and work permit (jednolite zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i pracę). Typically, the process is as follows: first, you find a Polish employer, they arrange a work permit for you (or make a statement of intent to employ a foreigner – oświadczenie – for citizens of certain countries for a short period of up to 24 months), after which, based on this document, you obtain a D work visa at a Polish consulate. Upon arrival in Poland, you must apply for a temporary residence permit with the right to work.

Reforms 2025. On June 1, 2025, a new law on the employment of foreigners came into force, significantly changing the procedures for issuing work permits. The authorities aim to simplify bureaucracy while strengthening control. Here are the main changes:

• Digitalization of the process: applications for work permits are now submitted online via an electronic system. Document exchange with voivodeship offices has moved to electronic format, which should speed up case processing.
• Abolition of the labor market test: previously, obtaining a work permit required a labor market test – the employment office confirmed the absence of suitable local candidates. This outdated and lengthy procedure has now been abolished. Instead, a targeted mechanism has been introduced: the starosta (head of the county office) may establish a list of professions in which, in the event of a local crisis – for example, mass layoffs – no permits will be issued to foreigners. Thus, if there is a surplus of unemployed people in a specific profession in the region, a foreigner may be denied a permit.
• New obligations for employers: deadlines have been shortened for when an employer must notify the authorities if a foreigner does not start work or has been dismissed (notification is now required within 2 months). For violations – such as illegal employment – increased fines of up to 50,000 PLN have been introduced.
• Restrictions on remote work: without special permission, only occasional remote work by a foreigner is now allowed. A permanent remote mode will require a separate permit to prevent abuse.
• Other innovations: the list of types of stay that do not grant the right to work has been expanded (for example, working is not allowed while on a tourist or Schengen visa), and the practice of extending old permits has been abolished – instead, you must always apply for a new one.

Labor immigration remains the leading relocation channel. Poland is interested in foreign workers – this is evidenced by the fact that for 7 consecutive years it has issued more residence permits for labor migrants than any other EU country. In 2025, the rules became stricter in terms of control, but many bureaucratic barriers were removed. The key to success is to find a reliable employer, prepare all the documents, and strictly comply with the employment conditions. Then moving to Poland for work will be successful, opening up prospects for a European career and subsequent obtaining of a temporary residence permit, permanent residence, and citizenship.

Business Immigration and Investors

Poland is an attractive jurisdiction for doing business due to its market, geographical location, and EU membership. Foreign entrepreneurs can use starting a business in Poland as a basis for immigration. There are several scenarios:

Registering a company and managing it. A foreigner has the right to establish a company in Poland (the most popular form is sp. z o.o., similar to an LLC) or acquire a share in an existing business. If you are a member of the management board of a Polish legal entity (director, manager), you can obtain a temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting business activity. A residence permit for business managers is usually issued for 1–3 years with the possibility of extension. An important condition is that the company must carry out real activities and bring economic benefits (for example, have income, create jobs). The new 2025 amendments clarified the requirements: to extend a business-based residence permit, the company must show a certain level of profit or employ at least the required number of Polish employees. Thus, immigration through business is aimed at active investors ready to develop a company in Poland.

Investment in real estate. Unlike some Southern European countries, Poland does not grant automatic residence permits for purchasing real estate. Buying an apartment or house is your right – foreigners (except for agricultural land and forests) are allowed to purchase real estate in Poland. However, real estate alone is not grounds for immigration. Nevertheless, owning housing in Poland will be a plus when considering your case (for example, proof of residence or financial solvency). Many businesspeople combine both: they open a company and purchase property, which demonstrates to the local Polish authorities their serious intention to stay in the country.

Poland is interested in investors but expects the businessperson to genuinely invest and contribute to the economy. Business immigration to Poland is suitable for those who already have entrepreneurial experience and resources. For small businesses, this path is possible (many foreigners successfully open restaurants, service companies, IT startups), but you need to realistically assess the costs and Polish competition. If your business is virtual (for example, you are a freelancer or IT entrepreneur without an office), there is an option to obtain a residence permit as a person performing work under a power of attorney or managing a company without an employment contract – Polish law provides for this under certain conditions.

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Education in Poland (Student Immigration)

Education in Poland is a popular relocation channel for young people. Polish universities are part of the European Higher Education Area, offer programs in English, and have relatively low tuition fees compared to Western Europe.

If you are admitted to an accredited Polish university (higher school, polytechnic, academy), you can obtain a national student visa (type D) for the period of study. Most often, the visa is granted for 1 year with annual renewal (upon providing a certificate of continued study). Upon arrival, a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study is usually issued (residence card for 1 year, then extended until the end of studies). A student residence permit gives the right to work without a separate permit for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays – allowing students to earn extra income.

Changes 2025: Poland has tightened the rules for foreign students to prevent abuse of student visas (when people come ostensibly to study but in fact only work). The new legislation introduced the following measures:

• Educational institutions are required to immediately notify the migration authorities if a foreign student is expelled or has stopped studying. As a result, the student’s residence permit is automatically canceled. Previously, dishonest students could remain enrolled for years without attending classes – now this is impossible.
• A restriction has been introduced whereby some categories of visas no longer allow you to change your status to a work residence permit after arrival. That is, if you entered as a student under a certain program, you will not be able to immediately switch to worker status without leaving the country.
• Language requirements: previously, graduates of Polish universities could obtain permanent residence or citizenship by presenting a diploma of completing studies in Polish as proof of language proficiency. Now this loophole is closed – the diploma is no longer accepted as proof of knowledge of Polish. You must take the standard state language exam. In addition, to extend a student residence permit, the authorities may require proof of academic performance and knowledge of the language of instruction at level B2 or higher.

Despite these strict measures, Poland remains favorable for bona fide students. After graduation, a foreign graduate of a Polish university has the right to obtain a temporary residence permit for job searching (for 9 months) or immediately a work permit if they have a job offer. Many students remain in the country, finding work in their field – a European-standard diploma helps in this regard.

Family Reunification and Marriage

Immigration on family grounds is a common and straightforward path. If you have a close relative legally residing in Poland, you can join them.

Marriage to a Polish citizen. The spouse of a Polish citizen has the right to a residence permit. Immediately after marriage, you can apply for a temporary residence permit on the basis of family reunification. Usually, the first card is issued for 1 year, then extended for 2 years. After 3 years of marriage to a citizen (and 2 years of continuous residence in Poland), a foreigner has the right to apply for permanent residence, and then for citizenship (with a certificate of Polish language knowledge at level B1). Marriage offers significant immigration advantages, but be prepared to prove at the interview that it is not fictitious.

Family reunification. Foreigners holding a temporary or permanent residence permit in Poland can invite family members to join them. Family members include: spouse, minor children (their own or the spouse’s), as well as dependents (for example, elderly parents) – at the discretion of the authorities. The main applicant (residing in Poland) must have a stable income and housing sufficient to support the family. They submit an application to the voivodeship office for family reunification. After approval, family members receive national visas for entry and, already in Poland, apply for a residence permit for a family member of a foreigner. Such a residence permit is usually issued for the duration of the main applicant’s permit (but no more than 2–3 years with extension). Family members with this status have the right to study, work, and access healthcare.

Children born in Poland. A child born in Poland to foreign parents does not automatically acquire citizenship (Poland applies the right of blood, not soil). However, a residence card can be requested for the newborn based on the parents’ status. If one parent is a Polish citizen, the child automatically becomes a citizen.

The family route is in many ways the most comfortable in terms of adaptation, as you already have a close person integrated into Polish life. However, there are nuances here too: for example, if you are moving to join a foreign spouse, they must have an income not lower than the established minimum for each family member and their own housing or a rental with sufficient space.

Special Cases, Religious Immigration

Let’s take a closer look at immigration for people of faith and religious figures for religious reasons. Poland is a country with deep religious traditions (predominantly Catholic), but the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. For foreigners wishing to move for religious reasons, the following options are possible:

• Missionaries and clergy. Church ministers (priests, monastics, missionaries) can obtain a residence permit under other circumstances – in connection with performing religious activities. Polish legislation provides for a temporary stay category for clergy and members of religious communities who arrive at the invitation of a Polish religious organization. For example, if you are invited by a diocese or a religious order to serve in Poland, you apply for a temporary residence permit on this basis. Such a residence permit is usually issued for 1–2 years with renewal for the duration of your mission. Advantage: religious figures are exempt from the need to obtain a work permit, meaning they can carry out their duties legally without unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Asylum for religious reasons. If you are persecuted for your faith in your country, Poland may grant you asylum. Protection on religious grounds is one of the bases for refugee status. In the past, Poland has accepted groups of refugees for religious reasons (for example, Christians from Middle Eastern countries). If recognized as a refugee, you will be able to freely practice your religion in Poland.
• Religious communities and adaptation. For many believers, it is important to have their community in the new place. In Poland, in addition to the dominant Catholic Church, there are Orthodox parishes, Protestant congregations, Muslim organizations (mainly Tatar and immigrant communities), and Jewish communities in major cities. Polish society is fairly tolerant towards religion: about 90% of Poles consider themselves believers. People of faith can count on the support of the church: Catholic charitable organizations actively help, for example, Ukrainian refugees, regardless of denomination.

Before moving, find contacts of your religious community in Poland. This could be a church, mosque, synagogue, or center where your language is spoken. Having spiritual support will significantly speed up your social integration. Legally, immigration to Poland for religious figures requires an official petition from the host party (religious organization). If you are an ordinary parishioner, religion does not grant special immigration privileges but can serve as moral support in the new society.

Immigration to Poland today is a realistic and achievable plan if you prepare well and choose the right path.

The Relocation Process: Documents, Housing, Adaptation

Once you have decided on the grounds for immigration, a series of practical steps begins. Moving to another country is a project that requires careful planning. Below we describe step-by-step the process of moving to Poland, from preparing documents to settling in your new place.

Relocation plan to Poland:

1. Analyze grounds and requirements. Determine which category you qualify for: work, study, marriage, Polish roots, etc. Study the official requirements for a visa or residence permit, deadlines, and required documents.
2. Collect documents. Prepare your passport (with sufficient validity), certificates (birth, marriage), diplomas, criminal record checks (if needed), financial documents (bank statements, proof of income). Get notarized translations of all important papers into Polish. Obtain your invitation or basis: an employment contract, proof of admission to a university, work permit, letter from a relative about housing support, etc.
3. Apply for a visa. Make an appointment at the Polish consulate and submit your set of documents for a national visa type D (or a Schengen visa C if your plan is to enter and then change status, which can be risky). Pay the consular fee, attend the interview, and wait for a decision. Note that for some categories (e.g., Pole’s Card) a D visa is issued free of charge.
4. Enter Poland and handle initial matters. After receiving the visa – buy tickets and arrive. The first priority is to arrange housing (if not arranged in advance). Within 4 days of arrival, you must register your place of residence (meldunek) at the gmina/urząd – this procedure is free and may be required for further steps. It is also advisable to obtain a PESEL (Polish identification number) – since 2022, foreigners can obtain PESEL legally for access to services (e.g., healthcare, banking, etc.).
5. Apply for a residence permit. If you plan to stay long-term (beyond your visa term), apply for a temporary residence permit (karta pobytu) on your grounds. Applications are accepted by the voivodeship foreigners’ affairs office where you live. Do this no later than the last day of your legal stay! When applying, you will get a stamp in your passport, which extends your legal stay until a decision is made. During the waiting period (which can take several months), you can stay in Poland legally.

After obtaining the residence card, you have almost the same rights as citizens: you can live at your address, change jobs (with some restrictions if the card is tied to an employer), and travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a half-year. However, do not forget to renew the document on time if you plan to stay beyond its validity.

Finding Housing in Poland

One of the first priorities upon arrival will be resolving your housing situation. Depending on your means and preferences, there are options:

• Renting housing. Most immigrants start with renting an apartment. The rental market is developed: you can find studios, large apartments, or houses. Prices vary by city: Warsaw and Krakow are the most expensive, small towns significantly cheaper. Rental agreements are usually for 12 months (less often for 6 or monthly). The standard deposit is one month’s rent. Be sure to include in the contract the possibility of official registration at the address (meldunek) – the owner must agree to this, otherwise it will be harder to access certain services or get a residence card.
• Buying property. If funds allow, purchasing an apartment will give you stability. For foreign buyers from outside the EU, a permit from the Ministry of Interior is required to buy property only if it is a plot of land (a house with land or land for construction). Apartments in multi-family buildings do not require permits – you can freely buy an apartment in Poland upon arrival (even on a visa).
• Social and temporary housing. Refugees and displaced persons may be provided with temporary accommodation (hostels, centers) by the Polish government and charitable organizations. However, conditions in such places are not comfortable for most people, even from war zones.

Buying property in Poland does not grant the right to a residence permit, so if you plan immigration through investment – combine it with starting a business or another basis.

Adaptation and Integration into Polish Society

An aspect often overlooked in legal instructions is human adaptation in a new place. Poland can differ significantly from your home country in language, culture, and lifestyle. Even if all documents are obtained, integration lies ahead. Here are key points:

• Language and culture. Learning Polish is perhaps the decisive factor for successful integration. Without Polish, you will be severely limited in communication, especially outside major cities. Enroll in language courses, practice with colleagues and neighbors. Poles appreciate when foreigners try to speak Polish. In addition, for permanent residence and Polish citizenship, you must pass a language exam (usually at level B1 or B2 from 2025). It is also useful to learn cultural norms: Polish holidays, traditions, history – this will help you better understand those around you and make local friends.
• Social life and community. Try not to isolate yourself in an immigrant ghetto. Poland is, of course, much more multicultural now than 20 years ago (among young people, almost 7% are foreigners), but the main language and culture remain local. Engage in community life: attend city events, join a gym, take your children (if any) to local kindergarten/school.
• Work and career growth. If you came for work, use the opportunity to develop: take professional courses on site in Poland, acquire new skills. Polish employers value initiative. This will not only increase your income but also root you in the country – you will become a valuable specialist in the market. If you are still looking for work, prepare a CV in Polish and English, and register on job sites (Pracuj.pl, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Rules and laws. Compliance with local laws is essential for a comfortable life. Familiarize yourself with basic things: traffic rules (if you drive), norms for dealing with officials, deadlines for paying bills and taxes. Poland has a relatively low level of corruption, and it is customary to register everything officially and pay on time. For example, if you change your address – notify the urząd; if you get a new job – make sure you have a permit; do not violate visa regulations. Remember that violations of immigration rules can lead to deportation or fines, especially from 2025, when control has tightened.

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Status Legalization: TRP, PRP, Citizenship

By "legalization" we mean obtaining long-term residence statuses – a temporary residence permit, then permanent residence, and, if desired, citizenship. Let’s briefly go over how this path looks in Poland:

• Temporary Residence Permit (TRP, Polish pobyt czasowy). This is the first thing an immigrant arriving for a long stay receives. TRP is issued for up to 3 years (more often 1–2 years) and is tied to the purpose (work, study, family, etc.). Changing the purpose of stay is not always easy – often you need to submit a new application. TRP can be renewed multiple times if the grounds remain valid. While living on TRP, you keep your foreign citizenship but have the right to live and work in Poland legally. TRP also allows you to travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days.
• Permanent Residence Permit (PRP, Polish pobyt stały). After a certain period of continuous residence on TRP, you can apply for permanent resident status. Usually, the period is 5 years continuously (for spouses of citizens – 3 years of marriage + 2 years in Poland). You can also apply directly for PRP based on Polish origin or repatriation. PRP is issued indefinitely (the card itself must be replaced every 10 years) and gives almost all the rights of a citizen, except the right to vote and hold certain public offices. An important advantage: with PRP you obtain EU long-term resident status, meaning you can later move to another EU country under its conditions without starting the path from scratch.
• Polish Citizenship. Having PRP, after a certain period you can naturalize. Standard – 3 years after obtaining PRP (and 8–10 years of total legal residence in Poland). But there are accelerated options: marriage to a citizen (~3 years), Polish origin (with a Pole’s Card – sometimes after ~1 year of PRP). Requirements – pass the Polish language exam (level B1, state certificate), have stable income and housing. The decision on citizenship is made by the President of Poland (upon the voivode’s application), so the procedure can take up to a year. Poland allows dual citizenship only with certain countries, so check whether your country will let you keep your first passport.

The migration strategy after 2025 and beyond envisions higher integration requirements for those wishing to stay in Poland permanently. More complex citizenship exams and verification of knowledge of Polish norms and values are possible.

Legalization is a gradual process. Do not try to skip stages illegally (for example, overstaying a tourist visa – this is a dead end). It is better to plan long term: obtain TRP, then PRP, and citizenship – as a bonus to an already established life. Thousands of immigrants successfully go through this path in Poland every year.

Conclusions

Immigration to Poland today is a realistic and achievable plan if you prepare well and choose the right path. We have reviewed the main relocation options: work, business, study, family ties, Polish origin, and asylum. Each route has its own advantages and requirements, but all lead to the same goal – obtaining a residence permit, and later permanent status and citizenship.

Thanks to the 2025 reforms, some bureaucratic barriers in Poland have been removed, but at the same time, control over compliance with immigration rules has been strengthened. Poland’s new policy focuses on security, selectivity, and immigrant integration. This means that honest and motivated newcomers will find many opportunities here, while loopholes (sham marriages, fake studies, illegal work) are being closed.

If you are considering relocation, approach it responsibly. Study the legislation, gather reliable information (preferably from official sources or expert consultations). Poland is a rule-of-law country, and complying with all procedures will pay off with the stability of your status. Do not skimp on the quality of document translations, do not overstay visas, and comply with voivodeship office requirements – then immigration authorities will be favorable towards you.

At the same time, prepare for life in a new country not only legally but also mentally. Learn at least the basics of Polish in advance – it will greatly ease your start. Plan a financial cushion for the first few months, preferably six months ahead, as settling in may be challenging. Connect with people who have already gone through this path – their experience is invaluable.

To sum up. How to move to Poland? Choose a legal route, prepare the necessary documents, follow the rules, and actively integrate. Our guide will help you avoid common mistakes and speed up your path to your dream. Good luck with your immigration journey – szczęśliwej drogi!

The material was prepared by InvestHaven specialists. All materials on immigration and real estate investment on the website and blog at www.InvestHaven.co are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute direct guidance, financial, legal, or investment advice. For relocation planning (including PRP, TRP, or citizenship applications) and real estate investments, please contact the InvestHaven team specialists.

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