Next year, foreign students in Poland will have to take into account new requirements for obtaining a residence card, which entitles them to temporary residence and study. Find out more about the changes being implemented and the new rules for increasing the minimum savings amount

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Students wishing to study in Poland have the opportunity to obtain a residence card (Karta pobytu) for legal stay in the country. This document allows foreigners to reside in Poland for a long period of time and gives them the right to work without additional permits.

Starting in 2025, some of the criteria for obtaining a residence card for students will change, which is worth knowing in advance.

We will tell you about the changes further in the article.

Main requirements for applying for a residence card in 2025

- Legal grounds for stay. The student must stay in Poland on legal grounds, for example, on the basis of a visa or under the visa-free regime. It is also necessary to confirm the existence of a valid contract with an educational institution or a study schedule. 

IMPORTANT: Foreigners with temporary protection status (Pesel UKR) are currently not eligible to apply for this type of residence card.

In the case of part-time students, an application for a temporary residence permit should be submitted, indicating that the reason for staying due to other circumstances (inne okoliczności) is studying.

- Proof of residence. The student must have a housing lease agreement (dormitory, hostel or apartment) and provide relevant documents.

- Financial support. One of the most important requirements is to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of living and studying. The amount of minimum savings will increase in 2025. If earlier it was necessary to have PLN 11,640 (for 15 months), then from 2025 this amount will be PLN 15,150. In addition, you must have funds for a return ticket home, the amount of which depends on the student's country of origin.

What documents do I need to prepare?

To obtain a residence card, a student needs to submit:

• a completed application form (wniosek);

• four photographs in accordance with visa requirements;

• copies of the foreign passport and the original for verification;

• proof of enrollment in an educational institution or continuation of studies;

• certificate of payment of tuition fees (if applicable);

• proof of health insurance;

• bank statements or other documents confirming financial solvency;

• housing lease agreement;

• a receipt for payment of stamp duty (PLN 340).

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Important changes in 2025

One of the main changes will be an increase in the minimum amount that a student must have in their account to prove their financial independence. This is due to the changing economic conditions in Poland, which affects the cost of living. Students will need to have a minimum of PLN 1010 per month (instead of PLN 776 previously), which amounts to a total of PLN 15,150 for 15 months.

Additional costs

In addition to the application fee of PLN 340, the student has to pay PLN 100 for the production of the plastic residence card itself. The payment is made at different stages of the process: the application fee is paid at the beginning, and the payment for the card is made after a positive decision.

These changes reflect the intentions of the Polish government to adapt the requirements to the current economic conditions, as well as to provide more guarantees of financial stability for foreign students coming to study.

If you are planning to move to Poland or are already there and need help with legalization, employment, or visa, contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers. Experienced specialists will help you understand the new migration rules, prepare all the necessary documents and provide legal support at every stage of the process. Get professional advice today by following the link!

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