When Ukrainians need a visa to Poland in 2026: current requirements and rules

The visa-free regime between Ukraine and Poland is in effect, but it does not cover all cases. Find out in which situations Ukrainians need a national D-type visa, what types of Polish visas exist in 2026, and what documents need to be prepared to successfully obtain an entry permit

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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In 2026, Poland remains one of the most popular countries among Ukrainians for work, study, business and family reunification. Despite the fact that the visa-free regime continues to operate, it covers only a limited range of cases. In other situations, a Polish national visa is required. The current requirements and procedure for obtaining a Polish visa for Ukrainians in this article.

Not sure what type of visa you need? Visit Ukraine's lawyers can help you determine and obtain the right visa – contact us for a consultation!

Visa-free regime: when do Ukrainians not need a visa to Poland?

Citizens of Ukraine with a biometric passport have the right to enter Poland and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any visa. This rule is valid within the framework of the visa-free regime agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

Read our guide on how to cross the border with Poland in 2026.

Within the framework of the visa-free regime, the following are allowed:

- tourism and recreation;

- visiting relatives and friends;

- short-term business trips.

Also, persons who have received temporary protection status (PESEL UKR) do not need a visa. This status allows them to legally reside and officially work in Poland without obtaining any additional permits - provided that the person does not plan to frequently cross the borders of other EU countries or travel to Ukraine for more than 30 days.

Ukrainians in Poland can apply for a CUKR card, details here.

When do Ukrainians need a visa to Poland?

In 2026, a national D-type visa will be required for Ukrainians in Poland in the following cases:

- Stay for more than 90 days. The visa-free regime has clear limits. If you plan to stay longer, you need a visa that allows you to stay in Poland from 91 to 365 days.

- Official employment. Even if you entered without a visa, it is impossible to work legally without a work visa.

We have previously talked about where it is realistic to find a job in Poland in 2026 and what professions are currently in the top.

- Studying in Polish educational institutions. Students of universities, colleges, lyceums, schools and children attending kindergartens need a study visa.

- Business activities in Poland. If you are an individual entrepreneur or owner/co-owner of a Polish company, a business visa is required to legally conduct business.

- Guest visit lasting more than 90 days. Even if you are just going to visit friends or relatives, but plan to stay longer than the visa-free period provides.

- Family reunification. If your loved ones already legally reside in Poland, you can apply for an appropriate visa to move to them.

- Loss of UKR status. If the temporary protection status has been revoked or not extended, a visa is required for further stay in Poland.

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Types of Polish visas in 2026

Work visa (D05A, D05B, D06)

The most common type of visa among Ukrainians. It is opened on the basis of an official invitation from the employer - it can be oświadczenie, zaświadczenie or zezwolenie. Suitable for seasonal, long-term work, as well as for those who renew employment relations with the same employer.

Basic documents:

- Valid international passport;

- Registered visa application form;

- Invitation from the employer;

- Employment contract (if you are already working);

- Accredited insurance policy;

- Internal passport, identification code;

- Photo of the established sample.

Important! Compliance of the invitation with the current requirements and the absence of errors in the application form are key conditions for successfully obtaining a work visa.

Read here where to look for highly qualified work in Poland for Ukrainians and how to apply.

Educational/student visa (D09, D11)

Issued for those who have entered or plan to study at Polish educational institutions: universities, colleges, lyceums, schools, kindergartens, as well as for students of language courses and "zeruvok".

A educational visa allows not only to stay in Poland, but also to travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days per half a year and to travel to Ukraine.

Guest visa/Family reunification (D02)

Suitable for those whose relatives, friends or acquaintances already legally reside in Poland. It is opened on the basis of a notarized or voivodeship invitation - depending on the situation.

Important! Based on a residence card, a visa can be issued only for the spouse or minor children of the holder of such a card.

Medical insurance is an important element of safe travel abroad. It is not only a way to avoid unforeseen expenses in case of illness or injury, but also a mandatory requirement for visiting many countries, especially when it comes to long-term residence outside your home country. Having insurance, you can be sure of receiving quality medical services, wherever you are.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for insurance online in a few minutes. It is convenient, reliable and as simple as possible!

Visa under the Pole Card (D23, D18)

A special category for holders of a valid Pole Card, as well as for their spouses and minor children. The advantage is the absence of an insurance requirement for the Pole Card holder himself, and the visa issuance period is maximum (1 year). However, insurance is still required for the holder's family members.

Business visa (D04)

For individual entrepreneurs, owners and co-owners of businesses, as well as members of the board of companies registered in Poland. An important condition: at the time of submitting documents, business activity must have lasted continuously for at least 6 months.

What is a Residence Card, what types of it are relevant in 2026, what benefits does it provide and how to issue it - detailed instructions in this article.

Basic list of documents for obtaining a type D visa in 2026

Regardless of the type of visa, the following are standardly required:

- Valid foreign passport (extended - not valid);

- Registered visa application form;

- Photo of the established format;

- Internal passport of Ukraine, certificate of residence and TIN;

- Accredited insurance policy (except for visas under the Pole's Card for its holder);

- Documents confirming the purpose of the trip (invitation, certificates, extracts, etc.);

- Additional documents depending on the type of visa and the age of the applicant.

How to apply for a Polish visa?

There are several ways to apply for a Polish visa. The choice depends on your place of residence, type of visa and personal circumstances.

1. Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Lutsk

Application is made by appointment via the e-Konsulat system. Before visiting, you must register your application online.

2. Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Lviv

At the Lviv Consulate, applications for a national visa of type D can be submitted without prior appointment to certain categories of applicants:

- Family members of a citizen of the Republic of Poland or an EU citizen;

- Holders of the Pole Card and their closest relatives;

- Family members of the holder of a permanent residence permit obtained on the basis of the Pole Card.

It is mandatory to have a printed application from the e-Konsulat system with you.

3. Visa Application Center (VAC)

The most convenient option for most applicants. The VAC accepts documents for Polish visas and returns passports after their processing.

Address: Lviv, 1B Hetmana Mazepy St., 3rd floor, office 34 (79068).

Working hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30–16:30.

4. Postal submission via Most Express (without personal presence)

This is an increasingly popular option for those who cannot or do not want to travel to Lviv - for example, they are in another city or abroad. Documents are sent by the Most Express courier service, all formalities are resolved remotely, and the finished passport with a visa is returned to the specified address.

Typical mistakes to avoid when applying for a Polish visa

Applying for a Polish visa can seem like a complicated process – especially if your situation is unusual: a previous refusal, a complicated employment contract, questions about your residence status or proof of financial capacity. The most common reasons for refusals to issue a Polish visa are:

- Incorrectly filled out application form;

- Incomplete or incorrect package of documents;

- Unreliable or unverified invitations;

- Insurance not accredited by the Consulate;

- Errors during registration and submission of documents.

It is in such cases that a visa lawyer comes to the rescue – a highly qualified specialist in the field of migration and consular issues. Unlike a regular consultant, a lawyer is able to comprehensively assess your situation, foresee possible risks and develop a strategy for obtaining a visa, which will significantly increase the chances of a positive decision. He is well aware of the requirements of the Polish Consulate, current migration legislation and nuances that are often overlooked when applying on your own.

The specialist not only helps you collect documents, but also accompanies you at every stage - from checking the grounds for application to obtaining a visa. This is especially important if you have previously been refused or your situation requires an individual approach.

Get advice from a visa lawyer and apply for a Polish visa without unnecessary worries.

As a reminder! European countries differ significantly in the level of tax burden on business: from 9% to 35%. The highest rates are recorded in Malta, while Hungary remains one of the most tax-attractive destinations. Read here where in Europe businesses pay the most taxes and how the rates change.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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