How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Poland Through Education: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learning Polish with Together: Education and Legalization in Poland
At Together, learning Polish is more than just acquiring a new language—it's your pathway to legalizing your stay in Poland.
Our school is an officially registered lifelong learning institution, listed in the Registry of Educational Entities. We hold all the necessary accreditations and licenses, including the authorization to conduct state-certified Polish language exams at levels B1, B2, and C1.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Poland through education.
At Together, learning Polish is more than just acquiring a new language—it's your pathway to legalizing your stay in Poland.
Our school is an officially registered lifelong learning institution, listed in the Registry of Educational Entities. We hold all the necessary accreditations and licenses, including the authorization to conduct state-certified Polish language exams at levels B1, B2, and C1.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Poland through education.
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Poland Through Education: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Legal Status: The First Step to Obtaining a Residence Permit.
Before you can apply for a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) based on education, you must have legal status in Poland. This means staying in the country on a valid visa or another lawful basis. It’s important to note that both a national visa (type D) and a Schengen visa (type C) are acceptable, provided they are still valid.
Without valid documentation, submitting an application for a residence permit is not possible. Ensuring your legal status is the essential first step in the process.
What Documents Are Required to Obtain a Residence Permit for Education?
To apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) based on education, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents. The most crucial ones are those that verify your enrollment and participation in an accredited educational program:
Additional Documents Required:
How Much Does a Residence Permit Cost?
The cost of obtaining a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) in Poland includes two main fees:
Which Course Should You Choose?
The right course depends on your goals and personal circumstances. Here are the main options:
1. Annual Course
If your main goal is obtaining a residence permit, and you want to avoid the risk of your permit expiring before your course ends, the 18-month course is the safest option. For faster language immersion, consider adding the intensive module as part of the annual course.
Before you can apply for a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) based on education, you must have legal status in Poland. This means staying in the country on a valid visa or another lawful basis. It’s important to note that both a national visa (type D) and a Schengen visa (type C) are acceptable, provided they are still valid.
Without valid documentation, submitting an application for a residence permit is not possible. Ensuring your legal status is the essential first step in the process.
What Documents Are Required to Obtain a Residence Permit for Education?
To apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) based on education, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents. The most crucial ones are those that verify your enrollment and participation in an accredited educational program:
- Proof of Enrollment – Confirms that you are actively attending the course.
- Payment Confirmation – Shows that at least 60% of the total course fee has been paid.
- Class Schedule – Demonstrates the structure and consistency of your studies.
Additional Documents Required:
- Completed Application Form – Properly filled out and signed.
- Copies of All Passport Pages – Including those with stamps and visas.
- 4 Recent Photos – Must meet official requirements.
- Health Insurance – Coverage of at least €30,000 for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of Accommodation – Such as a rental agreement or a certificate of residence.
- Proof of Financial Means – A bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover: living expenses (800 PLN per month), return travel expenses.
How Much Does a Residence Permit Cost?
The cost of obtaining a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) in Poland includes two main fees:
- Application Fee (Stamp Duty): 340 PLN.
- Residence Card Issuance Fee: 100 PLN.
Which Course Should You Choose?
The right course depends on your goals and personal circumstances. Here are the main options:
1. Annual Course
- Format: Group classes twice a week in the evenings.
- Additional Activities: Conversation clubs, workshops, and excursions 2-3 times a week.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for those who want to learn Polish at a moderate pace while planning to extend their stay in Poland.
- Format:
- First month: Classes 5 days a week in the morning.
- Afterward: Group classes twice a week in the evenings.
- Additional Activities: Conversation clubs, workshops, and excursions 2-3 times a week.
- Who It’s For: Perfect for those looking to adapt quickly and start communicating in Polish as soon as possible.
- Recommended for: Those applying for a residence permit (Karta Pobytu).
- Why:
- The residence permit process can take up to 5 months.
- An 18-month course covers the entire application period and provides extra time for using the residence card.
If your main goal is obtaining a residence permit, and you want to avoid the risk of your permit expiring before your course ends, the 18-month course is the safest option. For faster language immersion, consider adding the intensive module as part of the annual course.
Below, We’ve Answered the Most Common Questions About Applying for a TRC
1. Online
Most voivodeship offices offer online appointment booking via their official websites. Below are the links for the main regions:
In some voivodeships, you can book your appointment by calling the respective office.
3. In Person at the Office
If online booking is unavailable, check whether the office accepts walk-ins. You may need to queue in person to submit your application.
4. Important Notes
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation with the date, time, and location of your appointment.
Most voivodeship offices offer online appointment booking via their official websites. Below are the links for the main regions:
- Mazowieckie Voivodeship (Warsaw)
- Małopolskie Voivodeship (Kraków)
- Dolnośląskie Voivodeship (Wrocław)
- Łódzkie Voivodeship (Łódź)
In some voivodeships, you can book your appointment by calling the respective office.
3. In Person at the Office
If online booking is unavailable, check whether the office accepts walk-ins. You may need to queue in person to submit your application.
4. Important Notes
- For in-person submission: Bring your completed application form and all required documents.
- If you’re short on time: You can mail your application. However, you will be called to the office later to provide fingerprints.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation with the date, time, and location of your appointment.
The official basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit through educational courses is called:
"Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy ze względu na inne okoliczności – w celu podjęcia lub kontynuacji nauki, w tym studiów niestacjonarnych, podyplomowych, kursów językowych oraz innych form kształcenia."
This permit applies to various forms of education, including part-time studies, postgraduate programs, language courses, and other types of training.
For more detailed information, visit the official government website:
mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl – Temporary Residence for Education
"Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy ze względu na inne okoliczności – w celu podjęcia lub kontynuacji nauki, w tym studiów niestacjonarnych, podyplomowych, kursów językowych oraz innych form kształcenia."
This permit applies to various forms of education, including part-time studies, postgraduate programs, language courses, and other types of training.
For more detailed information, visit the official government website:
mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl – Temporary Residence for Education
You can fill out the application form online by visiting the official platform: mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. Before you begin, you’ll need to create an account.
To help you complete the form correctly, here’s an official video tutorial provided by the Office for Foreigners: Watch the video here.
To help you complete the form correctly, here’s an official video tutorial provided by the Office for Foreigners: Watch the video here.
- Language Requirement. The form must be filled out in Polish.
- Preparation. Read the entire form and instructions carefully before you start filling it out.
- Consistency with Passport. Make sure all personal details match exactly with those in your passport.
- Purpose of Stay. Clearly state the purpose of your stay, such as education.
- Signature.The form must be personally signed by the applicant. For minors, the form must be signed by their legal representative.
- Attachments. Include all required documents, such as: passport copy, photos, proof of financial means, health insurance. Ensure the list of attachments in the form matches the actual documents provided.
- Irrelevant Sections. If a section does not apply to your situation, write "Nie dotyczy" (Not applicable).
- Method of Completion. The form can be filled out either by hand or on a computer. If filling it out by hand, ensure your handwriting is clear and legible.
- Incorrect Passport Information
- Missing Signature or Date
- Skipped Mandatory Fields
- Mismatch Between Form and Supporting Documents
Yes, copies of documents can be submitted, but they must meet specific requirements. All copies must be certified, meaning their authenticity must be verified against the originals.
You can certify copies in two ways:
You can certify copies in two ways:
- At the voivodeship office when submitting your documents.
- Notarized by a notary in Poland.
Yes, if your supporting documents are not in Polish (e.g., bank statements, insurance), they must be translated into Polish. The translation must be done by a sworn translator registered in Poland.
Note: Passport details do not require translation.
Note: Passport details do not require translation.
Yes, you can submit your application by mail, especially if you’re unable to file it in person before your legal stay expires.
Important: The submission date is considered the date of mailing. Make sure to send your application via registered mail with a return receipt and keep the confirmation of posting as proof.
Important: The submission date is considered the date of mailing. Make sure to send your application via registered mail with a return receipt and keep the confirmation of posting as proof.
You must submit your residence permit application by the last day of your legal stay. If you cannot apply in person, send your application by mail through Poczta Polska. The submission date will be the postmark date.
The official processing time is up to 60 days from the date a complete set of documents is submitted.However, if additional checks or documents are required, this period may be extended.
In practice, the process often takes 3 to 6 months, and in some cases, even longer, particularly in larger voivodeships due to high workload.
In practice, the process often takes 3 to 6 months, and in some cases, even longer, particularly in larger voivodeships due to high workload.
1. Via the MOS Portal
Log in to your account at mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. In the "My Applications" section, you’ll find the current status of your case.
2. In-Person Visit
Visit the Foreigners’ Department of the voivodeship office where you submitted your application. Bring a valid ID and your application receipt.
3. By Phone
Call your voivodeship office. Contact information is available on the official website of your voivodeship. Provide your case number (sygnatura sprawy) from the receipt.
4. By Email
Email the voivodeship office, including your case number and personal details.
The email address can usually be found on the office's website.
Log in to your account at mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. In the "My Applications" section, you’ll find the current status of your case.
2. In-Person Visit
Visit the Foreigners’ Department of the voivodeship office where you submitted your application. Bring a valid ID and your application receipt.
3. By Phone
Call your voivodeship office. Contact information is available on the official website of your voivodeship. Provide your case number (sygnatura sprawy) from the receipt.
4. By Email
Email the voivodeship office, including your case number and personal details.
The email address can usually be found on the office's website.
- W trakcie rozpatrywania: Your application is being processed.
- Brakujące dokumenty: Additional documents are required. You’ll need to submit the requested documents within the specified timeframe.
- Decyzja została wydana: A decision has been made. Wait for the official letter with the outcome.
Stamp Duty Amount
Full name of the applicant.
Purpose of payment: "Opłata skarbowa za rozpatrzenie wniosku o kartę pobytu".
Case number (if known) or the type of application.
- 340 PLN – for processing the application.
- 100 PLN – for issuing the residence card.
- Bank Transfer. Find the bank account details on your regional Foreigners’ Department website.
- Cash Payment. Pay directly at the voivodeship office cashier's desk. Keep the receipt as proof.
- Postal Transfer. Make the payment via Poczta Polska. Provide the required details and keep the receipt.
Full name of the applicant.
Purpose of payment: "Opłata skarbowa za rozpatrzenie wniosku o kartę pobytu".
Case number (if known) or the type of application.
Yes, in some cases, you can request a refund of the stamp duty if your application was rejected or left without consideration. Submit a refund request to the same voivodeship office where you filed your initial application.
What to Include in Your Request?
The office must process the refund within 30 days from the date of approving your refund request.
What to Include in Your Request?
- Your personal details (name, surname, address).
- Reason for refund (e.g., application rejected or withdrawn).
- Bank account details for the refund.
- Copy of the payment receipt for the stamp duty.
- Decision letter rejecting your application or other relevant documentation.
The office must process the refund within 30 days from the date of approving your refund request.
If you lose your residence card, follow these steps:
- Report the Loss. Notify the voivodeship office where your card was issued as soon as possible.
- Apply for a Replacement. Submit an application for a replacement card. You’ll need to provide a valid ID and explain the circumstances of the loss.
- Pay the Fee. The replacement fee is 100 PLN. Attach the payment receipt to your application.
The required amount depends on your destination country. According to Polish immigration regulations, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your return trip to your country of origin or permanent residence.
Neighboring Countries (Europe, CIS)
Neighboring Countries (Europe, CIS)
- Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and other nearby countries:
- 200 to 500 PLN, depending on distance and mode of transport (bus or train).
- Spain, Portugal, UK, Ireland, Greece:
- Approximately 1,000–1,500 PLN (economy-class airfare).
- Egypt, Morocco, South Africa:
- 2,000 to 4,000 PLN for a flight.
- India, China, Vietnam, Japan:
- 2,500 to 5,000 PLN for an economy-class ticket.
- USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina:
- 3,000 to 6,000 PLN.
- Australia, New Zealand:
- Around 5,000–8,000 PLN.
- Bank statement showing the required balance.
- Ticket receipt (if already purchased).
- Letter from your employer or another document confirming your income.
We create standards Together
Prepare and pass the national or TELC exam with Together!
Together Polish Language School is an official examination center. This is a great honor for us and provides our students with the opportunity to learn at an institution that offers professional preparation for this crucial exam
Dual Polish language exam at B1 and B2 level. TELC certificate is accepted for long term residence application. Held every month at all schools.
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The basis of our success are well-qualified teachers and methodologists, who are passionate about intercultural communication and adjust their teaching methods to the needs of the students. Our communicative approach focuses on use of language and building self-confidence, by creating a motivating and friendly atmosphere. By constantly searching for innovative methods, we have achieved a effective teaching methods, which find their confirmation in our student's opinions and their great exam results!
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