As a researcher you have three different possible paths for legalisation of stay in Poland:
- Temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting scientific research
- EU Blue Card (for highly qualified employees)
- Temporary work and residence permit
Read more below.
1.Temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting scientific research
Temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting research is granted to a foreigner who is a scientist, with at least the professional title corresponding to the Polish master’s degree, or equivalent, allowing access to at least doctoral studies.
The purpose of stay in Poland is to conduct research or development work under contract for carrying out a research project concluded with a research unit, which has been accredited by the Ministry of Interior and Administration (UW is on the list).
What documents are needed to submit?
- Agreement/ work contract for carrying out a research project
- A written statement of a research institution, in which it obliges itself to take the responsibility for reimbursing the costs related to the stay and return incurred by the Polish authorities. The financial responsibility of the research organisation will end at the latest six months after the termination of the agreement
- 2 copies of the application for a temporary residence permit (main application and annex 4). The application should be completed, registered and printed out on the inPol website. – choose the form: Conducting research or development from the Temporary residence permit section.
- 4 recent colour photographs
- A valid travel document (passport, 2 photocopies)
- Documents confirming having health insurance ((If you are already employed at the UW, this document should be received from the Human Resources Office)
- A document confirming accommodation in Poland (for example a lease agreement),
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the costs of living and return travel to the country of origin or residence (read more here)
- Fee payment confirmation (PLN 340)*
*340 PLN at the time of submission of the application and 100 PLN for the residence card upon receipt of the decision (more information).
Documents drawn up in a foreign language should be submitted together with their translations into Polish made by a sworn translator.
You can search the sworn translator through the website of the Ministry of Justice.
This permit is issued for stays of minimum 3 months and for a maximum period of 3 years. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a new permit. The permit is granted for the same duration as the work contract.
More information on how to submit your documents.
2. EU Blue Card (for highly qualified employees)
The EU Blue Card for Researchers is issued to highly qualified researchers from non-EU countries who want to work in an authorized research organization in an EU member state.
Who can get an EU Blue Card for Research?
- You have at least a Master’s Degree or equivalent obtained from an educational institution in the EU or a recognized institution abroad
- You have a work contract or an offer for highly qualified employment in the EU for at least one year
- Your monthly salary cannot be lower than 150% of average salary in Poland from the year prior to submitting the application for residence permit (for application submitted from February 2024 – 10 792,50 PLN/month gross)
What documents are needed to submit?
- Employment contract valid for at least one year,
- 2 copies of the application form for the residence permit (main application and annexes 1 and 2) – completed, registered and printed out from the inPOL website
- 4 recent colour photographs
- 2 copies of valid travel document (passport)
- Proof you meet the required educational requirements. Diplomas, qualifications, etc.
- Health insurance confirmation (If you are already employed at the UW, this document should be received from the Human Resources Office)
- Certificate of having no tax obligations (issued by a relevant tax office)
- Personal income tax return form (PIT) that was submitted to the tax office along with confirmation of submission (UPO form), but only if you have worked in Poland in the previous year
- A written statement of a research institution that a foreign scientist hired at a Polish university is not required to have a work permit (based on art. 325 of the Act of High Education)
- Fee payment confirmation (PLN 440)* (more on fees)
*440 PLN at the time of submission of the application and 100 PLN for the residence card upon receipt of the decision. More information about fees.
3.Temporary work and residence permit
This type of residence permit is issued for various types of jobs. You need to submit the following documents:
- 2 copies of the application form for a temporary residence permit (main application and annex 1, which should be filled in by the employer (UW). You should complete it, register and print out from the inPOL website (choose the form called: Performance of a paid activity from the Temporary residence permit section).
- 4 recent colour photographs
- 2 copies of valid travel document (passport)f
- Employment contract, including information about salary’s amount – at least PLN 4 300/month gross (from July 1, 2024, but even if you’ve applied earlier – make sure that the salary listed in Annex1 is not lower than the new national minimum of PLN 4,300/month gross).
- Documents confirming having health insurance (If you are already employed at the UW, this document should be received from the Human Resources Office)
- Certificate of having no tax obligations (issued by a relevant tax office)
- Personal income tax return form (PIT) that was submitted to the tax office along with confirmation of submission (UPO form), but only if you have worked in Poland in the previous year
- Fee payment confirmation (PLN 440)*
*440 PLN at the time of submission of the application and 100 PLN for the residence card upon receipt of the decision. More information about fees.
Useful tips
You can read some useful tips, which might be helpful in the process of legalisation of stay.
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Our website may contain links to external resources; Welcome Point is not responsible for the content or operation of any such external content or websites.
