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New Visa Act 2025 – What does it mean for foreigners studying in Poland?

On April 4, 2025, a significant act concerning changes to Poland's visa system was enacted, directly impacting foreigners planning their studies and stay in Poland. Here are the key changes you should know:
New rules for recognizing foreign educational documents. According to the new regulations, certificates obtained in EU, OECD, and EFTA countries will be automatically recognized in Poland as proof of secondary education. Certificates from other countries will require administrative recognition and will not automatically qualify holders to apply for university admission.
Limits on foreign student admissions. New regulations impose a limit on the number of foreign students at Polish universities—up to a maximum of 50% of total students. Universities are required to thoroughly verify the language proficiency (minimum level B2) and educational documents of candidates from outside the EU.

Legalization of stay – What about Schengen visas?

Many questions have recently arisen about the legalization of stay for individuals holding visas issued by other Schengen countries. Interest has focused on the amendment to Article 116 of the Foreigners Act. The revised article (Article 116(1)(7-9)) clearly states that the office will refuse to initiate proceedings only in cases where the application is for a temporary residence and work permit. Here’s a direct excerpt from the new law:
Proceedings for granting a temporary residence and work permit shall not be initiated if the foreigner:

  • is staying in the Republic of Poland on the basis of a long-term visa (Article 18 of the Schengen Convention) issued by another Schengen state, unless the foreigner is exercising mobility rights in Poland, or
  • is staying on the basis of a residence permit issued by another Schengen state, unless the foreigner is exercising mobility rights in Poland, or
  • is staying on the basis of an entry permit (Article 32(1)).
The key phrase here is "temporary residence and work permit." This does not apply to temporary residence permits for studying or attending Polish language courses. Practically, this means that participants of our language courses can continue to legally secure their stay in Poland without obstacles.
Changes in visa procedures for students. The new law requires that student visa applicants holding educational documents from countries not automatically recognized must present written confirmation from the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), stating that they are eligible to commence studies in Poland.

Mandatory language proficiency confirmation – level B2.

According to the new law (articles 5e and 5f), every university is obliged to verify proficiency in Polish or a foreign language (depending on the language of instruction) at a level no lower than B2. Excerpt from the act:
Uczelnia dokonuje weryfikacji (...) na podstawie dokumentu poświadczającego znajomość języka – na poziomie biegłości nie niższym niż B2. Rodzaje dokumentów określi rozporządzenie Ministra Nauki.
Although the detailed types of documents will be specified by the Ministry shortly, it is already clear that the state-recognized language certificate at level B2 will be the primary accepted document. At Together language school, you can prepare for and pass the official state certification exam, ensuring compliance with university requirements.

What about post-secondary schools (szkoły policealne) ?

Article 5 of the new Foreigners Act explicitly states that the certificate of completion from a post-secondary school is no longer recognized as proof of Polish language proficiency. This means the practice of using a post-secondary school diploma as proof of language proficiency for citizenship or residency applications has ended. Furthermore, to even enroll in public or private post-secondary schools, it is now mandatory to present a Polish language proficiency certificate at a minimum level of B1, in line with Article 11a paragraph 2 of the Act on the Polish Language.
Article 7.
"5a. Persons referred to in paragraphs 3 and 5 may attend public and non-public post-secondary schools provided that they submit a certificate of proficiency in Polish language, as specified in Article 11a paragraph 2 of the Act of 7 October 1999 on the Polish Language (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1556 and ...), confirming proficiency at a level no lower than B1."
Article 11, paragraph 2 of the Act of 7 October 1999 on the Polish language states as follows:
A certificate of proficiency in the Polish language is issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language after passing an official examination.
This leaves no room for discussion: to start learning at a post-secondary school, you must hold an official state certificate of Polish language proficiency at least at level B1!
Universities will also be required to regularly report detailed data on their foreign students to the POL-on system, enabling more effective control over the legality of their stay. The new law permits revoking accreditation or imposing a ban on admitting foreign nationals for institutions that violate regulations or operate primarily to facilitate the illegal stay of foreigners in Poland.
Тhe knowledge of the new laws and regulations will help you calmly plan your stay and education in Poland, everything with accordance with the new law.
2025-06-04 17:10