Poland offers an attractive combination of affordable living costs, high-quality infrastructure, and central European location. While there is no official digital nomad visa, the Type D national visa for freelancers and self-employment provides a legal pathway for remote workers to establish residency. With fast internet, growing coworking culture, and cities like Kraków, Wrocław, and Warsaw attracting international professionals, Poland is emerging as a serious contender for location-independent workers seeking a European base.
6
Visa Types
184
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of 60+ countries can enter Poland and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard entry for tourists and short-term business visitors.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€150 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No application or fees required
✓Instant entry on arrival
✓Freedom to travel throughout Schengen Area
✓Can visit for tourism, business meetings, family visits
✓ETIAS authorization will be required from 2025 (EUR 7 fee)
📋 Requirements (6)
•Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond planned departure
•Passport issued within last 10 years
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
•Proof of sufficient funds for stay
•Return or onward travel ticket
•Travel insurance recommended
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate on arrival
1Ensure passport meets validity requirements
2Book accommodation and return flight
3Prepare proof of funds if requested
4Arrive at any Polish airport, land border, or sea port
•Download the Schengen Calculator app to track your remaining days
•Keep proof of exit dates from previous Schengen visits
•Border guards may ask about purpose and accommodation
•Travel insurance highly recommended even if not mandatory
•Consider applying for Type D visa if planning longer stay
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Type D National Visa (Freelancer/Self-Employment)
The closest Poland has to a digital nomad visa. Allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to live and work in Poland for up to one year, renewable. Requires registering a sole proprietorship (jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza) and paying Polish taxes.
365 days
Duration
€435
$472 fee
+€300 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $850/per_month
Alternative: Bank statements showing savings to support yourself, or proof of ongoing client contracts
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal right to work as freelancer in Poland
✓Can work for Polish AND foreign clients
✓Low tax options (6% lump sum or progressive scale)
✓Access to Polish social security system
✓Can travel within Schengen up to 90/180 days
✓Pathway to residence permit and eventually permanent residence
✓US-Poland totalization agreement avoids double social security taxation
✓Unique compared to other EU countries - allows work for local clients
📋 Requirements (10)
•Valid passport (3+ months beyond visa validity)
•Completed visa application form
•Passport-size biometric photo
•Health insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum coverage)
•Proof of accommodation in Poland
•Proof of sufficient funds or income
•Business plan or proof of freelance activity
•Evidence of clients or contracts (preferably including Polish clients)
•Proof of qualifications/experience in your field
•Secondary education certificate or higher
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 15-30 calendar days
1Prepare business plan or evidence of freelance work
2Register on E-Konsulat system
3Book appointment at Polish embassy/consulate
4Complete application form and gather documents
5Attend appointment, submit biometrics, pay fee
6Wait 15-30 days for decision
7Collect passport with visa
8Upon arrival, register address within 4 days
9Obtain PESEL number
10Register business with CEIDG (sole proprietorship)
Process: Apply for visa renewal at embassy before current visa expires, or apply for temporary residence permit in Poland.
Renewal: Can be renewed by applying at embassy abroad. Alternatively, apply for temporary residence permit for business activity in Poland before visa expires.
💡 Pro Tips
•This is effectively Poland's digital nomad visa - use the freelance pathway
•Having at least one Polish client strengthens application significantly
•Consider using agency like English Wizards for streamlined process
•Take advantage of Ulga na Start (6 month ZUS exemption) when starting
•Choose appropriate tax form - lump sum (6%) often best for IT/consulting
•Open bank account after obtaining PESEL for easier process
•Join Polish entrepreneur communities for networking and guidance
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Tourist
For nationals requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
90d
Duration
€80
$87 fee
+€180 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 calendar days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application feeStandard adult fee, reduced rates for children
€80$87
Additional (estimated)
VFS service feeIf applying through visa application center
•If visiting family, have them prepare invitation through Voivodeship Office
•Keep copies of all submitted documents
Temporary Residence Permit (Work)
WorkPopular
Allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Poland for up to 3 years. Combines residence and work authorization. Required for employment with Polish companies or continued freelance activity after initial visa.
36m
Duration
PLN 390
$423 fee
+PLN 1,500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-6 months (can be faster in some voivodeships)
🔄Extendable +36m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
PLNUSD
Required
Application feeTemporary residence permit fee
PLN 340$369
Residence card feePlastic card production fee
PLN 50$54
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceImmigration lawyer support
PLN 1,500$1.6K
Required Total
PLN 390$423
+ Additional (estimated)
PLN 1,500$1.6K
Estimated Total
PLN 1,890$2.1K
💱1 USD = 0.92 PLN•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Completed application form
•Four biometric photos
•Health insurance covering treatment in Poland
•Proof of accommodation
•Proof of stable income (employment contract or business registration)
•For employees: work permit or declaration from employer
•For self-employed: CEIDG registration and proof of business activity
•For employed: minimum wage of 4,666 PLN gross per month (as of 2025)
📝 Application Steps
1Register on MOS system (mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl)
2Complete application form online
3Book appointment at Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki)
4Submit application in person with all documents
5Provide fingerprints
6Attend interview if required
7Wait for decision (typically 3-6 months)
8Receive positive decision
9Pay residence card fee
10Collect Karta Pobytu (residence card)
⚠️ Restrictions
•Long processing times (3-6 months typical)
•Cannot leave Poland extensively while waiting for decision
•Must notify authorities if employment changes
•Tied to specific employment conditions for work-based permits
•For employees: must maintain minimum wage income
•Must renew before expiry - no grace period
💡 Tips
•Apply as early as possible - processing times are long
•Submit complete application to avoid delays
•The stamp (stempel) allows legal stay and work while waiting
•Wrocław voivodeship currently has faster processing times
•Keep records of all correspondence with authorities
•Consider legal assistance for complex cases
•As of June 2025, applications submitted only electronically for work permits
Temporary Residence Permit (Business Activity)
businessPopular
For self-employed individuals and company owners who want to continue business operations in Poland beyond initial visa. Ideal for freelancers transitioning from Type D visa to longer-term residence.
36m
Duration
PLN 390
$423 fee
+PLN 5,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-6 months
🔄Extendable +36m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
PLNUSD
Required
Application feeStandard temporary residence fee
PLN 340$369
Residence card feeCard production fee
PLN 50$54
Additional (estimated)
Accountant services (annual)Bookkeeping and tax declarations
PLN 3,000$3.3K
Legal assistanceImmigration and business law support
PLN 2,000$2.2K
Required Total
PLN 390$423
+ Additional (estimated)
PLN 5,000$5.4K
Estimated Total
PLN 5,390$5.8K
💱1 USD = 0.92 PLN•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Completed application form
•Four biometric photos
•Health insurance
•Proof of accommodation
•CEIDG registration (sole proprietorship) or KRS registration (company)
•Proof of business activity (invoices, contracts, bank statements)
•Tax declarations from previous period
•Proof of ZUS social contribution payments
•Evidence that business generates income or will contribute to Polish economy
📝 Application Steps
1Ensure business is registered and active in Poland
2Gather evidence of business activity and income
3Register on MOS system
4Book appointment at Voivodeship Office
5Submit complete application with all documents
6Attend biometrics and interview
7Wait for decision (3-6 months)
8Collect Karta Pobytu upon approval
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must maintain active business registration
•Must continue paying ZUS contributions
•Must file tax declarations
•Long processing times
•Authorities may scrutinize business viability
•Company formation (Sp. z o.o.) has higher requirements
💡 Tips
•Keep detailed records of all business activities
•Maintain regular income - irregular earnings raise questions
•Pay ZUS on time - arrears can affect application
•Sole proprietorship (JDG) is simpler than company for most freelancers
•Consider accountant familiar with foreign entrepreneurs
•Document contribution to Polish economy (local clients, employees, taxes paid)
EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Special Program
Permanent residence status for non-EU nationals who have lived legally in Poland for at least 5 years. Provides indefinite right to live and work in Poland and mobility rights throughout the EU.
10y
Duration
PLN 790
$857 fee
+PLN 150 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱6-12 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
PLNUSD
Required
Application feeEU long-term resident permit fee
PLN 740$803
Residence card feeCard valid for 5 years, must be renewed
PLN 50$54
Additional (estimated)
Polish language examIf not exempt through education
PLN 150$163
Required Total
PLN 790$857
+ Additional (estimated)
PLN 150$163
Estimated Total
PLN 940$1.0K
💱1 USD = 0.92 PLN•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Minimum 5 years continuous legal residence in Poland
•Valid passport
•Completed application form
•Four biometric photos
•Health insurance
•Proof of stable income
•Proof of accommodation
•Proof of Polish language proficiency (certificate or education diploma)
•Continuous residence - absences limited to 6 months at a time, 10 months total in 5 years
📝 Application Steps
1Confirm you meet 5-year residence requirement
2Gather evidence of continuous residence
3Obtain Polish language certificate (B1 level) or diploma from Polish school
4Book appointment at Voivodeship Office
5Submit application with all supporting documents
6Attend interview
7Wait for decision (up to 12 months)
8Collect Karta Pobytu marked "rezydent długoterminowy UE"
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must demonstrate Polish language proficiency
•Strict continuous residence requirements
•Study periods may count partially (50%)
•Must not be absent from EU for more than 12 months
•Must not be absent from Poland for more than 6 years
•Some periods may not count toward 5 years
💡 Tips
•Start tracking your residence days from day one
•Keep all residence permits and stamps - you'll need them
•Prepare for language test early - B1 Polish takes time
•Diploma from Polish school at any level exempts from language test
•Calculate absences carefully - they matter
•This is often better than permanent residence for mobility within EU
Poland does not have an official digital nomad visa program. However, the Type D national visa for freelancers and self-employment effectively serves this purpose. This visa requires registering a sole proprietorship (jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza) in Poland and paying local taxes. Unlike some EU digital nomad visas that restrict working for local clients, Poland's freelance visa allows you to work for both Polish and international clients. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed or converted to a temporary residence permit.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa or visa-free entry?
This is a legal gray area. Technically, tourist entries do not permit work. However, Poland does not specifically prohibit remote work for foreign employers during short stays, and enforcement is minimal. The practical reality is that many digital nomads work remotely during their 90-day visa-free stays without issues. For full legal compliance and stays longer than 90 days, you should apply for the Type D freelancer visa and register a business. This gives you tax residency benefits and a clear legal status.
How does taxation work for freelancers in Poland?
Poland offers several tax options for freelancers. The most popular is the lump-sum tax (ryczałt) at flat rates between 2-17% depending on activity type - IT services are typically 12%. Alternatively, you can use the progressive scale (12% up to 120,000 PLN, 32% above). You become a tax resident after spending 183+ days in a calendar year or if your center of vital interests is in Poland. Freelancers must also pay ZUS social contributions, though new businesses get 6 months exemption followed by 24 months of reduced rates. The US-Poland totalization agreement prevents double social security taxation for Americans.
How difficult is opening a bank account in Poland?
Banking in Poland is moderately challenging for foreigners. Many banks require a PESEL number (personal ID), though some like mBank and ING will open accounts for non-residents with just a passport and proof of address. Experience varies significantly by branch - central Warsaw and Kraków branches typically have English-speaking staff. Plan for potential multiple visits and bring documents translated into Polish. After obtaining a PESEL (through residence registration), the process becomes much smoother. Digital banks like Revolut offer easier alternatives for basic banking needs.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Poland?
Poland offers excellent value compared to Western Europe. In Kraków, Wrocław, or Gdańsk, expect €1,000-€1,200 monthly for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, coworking, and entertainment. Warsaw is more expensive at €1,500-€2,500 depending on lifestyle. Specific costs: rent €400-700 for a one-bedroom apartment outside Warsaw, €600-1,200 in Warsaw city center; coworking €100-200 monthly; meals €5-12 at restaurants; public transport €25-30 monthly pass. Earning in USD, EUR, or GBP gives strong purchasing power as Poland uses the złoty (PLN).
What are the residence registration requirements?
Non-EU citizens must register their address within 4 days of arrival at the local municipal office (Urząd Gminy). EU citizens have 30 days to register if staying more than 3 months. You need your passport, visa/residence permit, and landlord confirmation on the registration form. Registration is free and usually grants you a PESEL number simultaneously. Failure to register can result in fines and complications with residence permit applications. Many landlords are reluctant to provide confirmation due to tax concerns - consider this when renting.
How long does residence permit processing take?
Processing times for temporary residence permits (Karta Pobytu) typically range from 3-6 months, though some offices like Wrocław have achieved faster turnarounds of 30-60 days. Warsaw and other large cities often have longer waits. Student and researcher permits may be processed faster. When you submit your application, you receive a stamp in your passport that allows legal stay and work while waiting for the decision. As of 2025, applications are submitted electronically through the MOS system, followed by in-person biometrics.
What are the best cities in Poland for digital nomads?
Kraków is the most popular choice with its historic charm, active expat community, abundant coworking spaces, and moderate costs. Warsaw offers more business opportunities, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant nightlife but at higher prices. Wrocław is emerging as a tech hub with a young, international population and excellent quality of life. Gdańsk offers coastal living, lower costs, and a relaxed pace. Each city has strong internet infrastructure (fiber widely available), good public transport, and English-speaking professionals in business settings.
Is health insurance mandatory in Poland?
Health insurance is mandatory for all visa and residence permit applications - minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 required. EU citizens can use their EHIC card for emergency care. For residents, the public health system (NFZ) is accessible through ZUS social contributions. However, due to long waiting times in public healthcare, most expats supplement with private insurance from providers like LUXMED, Medicover, or Enel-Med (approximately €50-150 monthly). International coverage from SafetyWing or World Nomads is popular among nomads on shorter stays.
Can I get permanent residence or citizenship in Poland?
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence or the EU long-term residence permit. The latter offers more EU-wide mobility rights. Requirements include proof of stable income, health insurance, accommodation, and Polish language proficiency (B1 level - can be proven through education in Poland). Citizenship requires 3 years for spouses of Polish citizens, or 8 years for others, plus passing a Polish language and civics exam. Dual citizenship is generally permitted. Processing for long-term residence takes 6-12 months.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 3, 2025