Poland Immigration Lawyer: Visas & Residency
Poland is one of Central Europe's most dynamic destinations for international professionals and businesses, with a rapidly growing technology sector — now valued at an estimated $62.7 billion and home to over 600,000 software developers — alongside a strategic location within the European Union and a range of well-established immigration pathways for non-EU nationals. Hudson McKenzie advises individuals and corporate clients on all aspects of Polish immigration law, from short-stay business visas through to work permits, EU Blue Card applications, permanent residency, and citizenship planning. Read more: Poland is ready. The world is watching.
As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Poland provides access to the single market and free movement across Europe. For a comprehensive overview of work authorisation and residence options in Poland, see our guides to EU Blue Card rules and requirements for employers and the Temporary Residence Card and Work Permit in Poland.
Schengen Business Visa
Citizens of certain non-EU countries must hold a short-stay visa when travelling to the schengen area. This visa is required for individuals attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, seminars. A schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the schengen area.
Work Visas and Long-Term Visas (Type D)
Work Visa: For individuals employed in Poland.
For non-EU nationals planning to work in Poland long-term, the most common route is the Temporary Residence and Work Permit — also known as the Single Permit — which combines residence authorisation and work permission into one application.
For a complete guide to the Single Permit process, required documents, costs and timelines, see our Temporary Residence Card and Work Permit in Poland guide.
Permanent Residency and Long-Term Residence
- Permanent residence card: Available after legally residing in Poland for at least five years. In order to obtain the permanent residency card, stable income, health insurance, accommodation, knowledge of the Polish language, and a clean criminal record.
- Long-term resident-EU card: Indefinite stay and work rights, access to social services, and a pathway to Polish citizenship.
EU Blue Card Poland
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals employed in Poland in a specialised profession. It is designed for professionals with recognised qualifications and a binding job offer meeting the required salary threshold.
Key requirements include a recognised university degree — or, following 2025 reforms, at least three years of relevant professional experience for eligible professions if you don't hold a degree — alongside a valid employment contract and a salary meeting the current threshold set by Polish authorities.
The EU Blue Card provides a streamlined route to legal residence and work authorisation, and after five years of legal residence in EU member states — including at least two years in Poland — holders may be eligible to apply for EU long-term resident status.
For full details on the latest EU Blue Card rules and requirements for employers, see our dedicated EU Blue Card Poland guide.
Family Reunification and Accompanying Family Members
Foreign nationals legally residing in Poland on the basis of a work permit, EU Blue Card, or permanent residence card may be entitled to bring qualifying family members to Poland under family reunification provisions.
Eligible family members typically include spouses and minor children. Applications must be submitted to the relevant Voivodeship Office and are assessed on the basis of the sponsor's legal residence status, stable income, and accommodation arrangements.
Hudson McKenzie advises clients on family reunification applications and the full range of accompanying immigration requirements. Contact our team for a confidential assessment.
Citizenship
Polish citizenship may be obtained through several routes, including naturalisation after a period of legal residence in Poland. The standard route requires at least three years of continuous legal residence under a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status, alongside Polish language proficiency and integration into Polish society.
Additional routes include citizenship by descent for individuals with Polish ancestry, and citizenship by marriage in certain circumstances.
As a member of the European Union, Polish citizenship grants the right to live, work, and travel freely across all EU member states — making it one of the most valuable long-term outcomes for non-EU nationals building their lives in Poland.
Hudson McKenzie advises clients on citizenship eligibility and long-term residency planning in Poland. Contact our team for a confidential assessment.
Hudson McKenzie advises individuals and corporate clients on all aspects of Polish immigration — from initial visa applications and work permit support through to EU Blue Card eligibility, permanent residency, and citizenship planning. Our team provides tailored guidance aligned with each client's professional profile and long-term objectives.
We also provide supporting legal services including notarisation, apostille, legalisation, document translations, and general immigration consultations.
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and requirements are subject to change. Please contact Hudson McKenzie for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of 2026, EU Blue Card applicants must earn at least PLN 13,355.34 gross per month, set at 150% of the average national salary and revised annually by Poland's Central Statistical Office. We confirm the applicable figure and assess your eligibility as part of every application.
In most cases, yes. Since June 2025, applicants in eligible professions can qualify with at least three years of relevant professional experience within the past seven years, in place of a formal degree.
Yes. Poland's main work visa and Single Permit routes require a binding employment contract or job offer from a Polish employer before an application can be submitted, with applications assessed by the relevant Voivodeship Office.
Yes. Spouses and minor children of holders of a work permit, EU Blue Card or permanent residence card can typically apply to join under family reunification provisions, subject to proof of stable income and suitable accommodation.
No. Polish citizenship is generally obtained through naturalisation after a period of legal residence, citizenship by descent, or citizenship by marriage — Poland does not operate an investment-based citizenship route.
We also provide supporting legal services including notarisation, apostille, legalisation and document translation, alongside general immigration consultations for individuals and businesses operating in Poland.
Government fees typically range from PLN 240 to PLN 440 for the application, plus a further PLN 100 for the physical residence card once approved. Processing usually takes around 60 days from a complete application, though this can vary by region.
As of 2026, EU Blue Card applicants must earn at least PLN 13,355.34 gross per month, set at 150% of the average national salary and revised annually by Poland's Central Statistical Office. We confirm the applicable figure and assess your eligibility as part of every application.
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