Poland Visa Process 2026 Updates: Types, Fees, and Online Applications

Poland’s 2026 visa rules put more of the process online, raise key fees, and tighten document checks, so travelers need to prepare earlier and more carefully. The biggest changes hit long-stay applicants, because residence permit applications move to digital-only filing via the MOS portal from January 1, 2026.

For most non-EU/EEA nationals, Poland still offers three main entry routes: the Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays, the National Visa (Type D) for longer stays, and the Airport Transit Visa (Type A) for airside transfers through Polish airports. Each has different time limits, fees, and paperwork, and a mistake often means weeks of delay.

Visa choices that match real travel plans

The Schengen Visa (Type C) covers tourism, short business trips, and family visits. It allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, including Poland, with single, double, or multiple entries.

The National Visa (Type D) is for stays longer than 90 days. It allows up to 365 days in Poland and also gives 90/180 travel in Schengen during its validity. It is not a residence permit, but it is the usual bridge to applying for a residence card after arrival.

The Airport Transit Visa (Type A) applies to nationals of selected countries, including Afghanistan and Iraq, when they transit through a Polish airport to another destination without entering Poland.

Before paying fees or booking slots, confirm which visa you need through official guidance. Poland’s government maintains an official hub for entry and visa rules on the Poland “Visas” information page, which consulates also reference for core requirements.

Important: choosing the wrong visa type or submitting incomplete documents commonly creates delays measured in weeks.

Fees and the 2026 changes applicants notice first

Costs rose on January 1, 2026 under updated rules cited by Poland’s foreign ministry guidance.

• Schengen Visa (Type C) fee: €90
• National Visa (Type D) fee: €200
• If you apply through a visa center, service charges are extra, commonly about €30–50
• Fees are non-refundable, even after a refusal

Another major change: from January 1, 2026, applicants inside Poland must file residence permit applications digitally only through the MOS system, using an electronic signature. Paper submissions are rejected under the reform package.

VisaVerge.com reports that this digital shift is already changing how newcomers plan, because many people now arrange e-signature access and document scans before they even fly.

A practical 5-step visa journey for 2026 (with timeframes)

Step 1: Pick the correct visa and map your timeline (same day)

Start with your trip purpose and dates, then match them to the visa type:

1. Short stay → Schengen Visa (Type C)
2. Long stay for work, study, or family → National Visa (Type D)
3. Transit only (airside) → Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

Plan around processing windows. Typical expectations:
– Type C: about 15 days
– Type D: up to 60 days

Apply early enough to avoid rebooking flights or housing.

Step 2: Complete the online form and book an appointment (often 1–3 weeks)

Most applicants must use the Polish e-consulate system. Steps:

• Use the e-Konsulat online services portal to complete the form.
• Print and sign the form as required for your filing location.
• Book an appointment — slots fill quickly during peak seasons (summer, Christmas, university intakes).

If a visa center handles submissions in your country, that center may control appointment supply.

Step 3: Build a document file that survives strict checks (2–14 days)

Polish consulates prefer refusing incomplete files rather than holding them pending documents. Prepare a clean, logical set with copies, translations where required, and consistent dates.

Core documents typically include:

• Passport
• Issued within the last 10 years
• Valid at least 3 months after planned departure
• At least 2 blank pages
• 1–2 color photos (often 35x45mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
• Proof of visa fee payment
• Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage for the Schengen Area (hospitalization and repatriation included)
• Evidence of accommodation and itinerary for short stays, or proof tied to the long-stay purpose

Financial proof matters. Typical baselines used by consulates:

• 701 PLN per month for living costs (widely used)
• 528 PLN per month for some student-related contexts

Also include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor support that match your case. Consulates check for funds covering return travel and housing costs.

For minors, include a birth certificate and parental consent that meets legalization requirements (notarization or apostille where required).

Step 4: Attend the submission appointment (one day)

Expect an in-person visit to a Polish consulate or an external visa provider site. At the appointment you will:

• Submit your file
• Answer consular questions
• Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo)

Note: your passport is usually kept during processing. If you must travel internationally during the decision period, resolve that conflict before submitting.

Step 5: Receive the decision and prepare for entry or appeal (same day to several weeks)

If granted, check the visa sticker immediately for:

• Correct spelling of your name
• Correct passport number
• Correct number of entries
• Validity dates matching your plan
• Duration of stay (especially for Schengen Visa (Type C))

If refused, consulates provide a written decision with reasons. Standard appeal route:

1. Appeal to the Foreign Minister within 14 days
2. Support the appeal with stronger evidence that directly addresses the refusal reason (e.g., legalized civil records, improved financial proof)

Appeals are more successful when they fix the specific deficiency noted in the refusal.

What work, study, and family applicants should expect on Type D

A National Visa (Type D) connects to Poland’s job market and universities but receives tougher scrutiny because it signals longer ties to Poland.

Work-based Type D:
– Often relies on an employer and a permit issued through a local voivodeship office
– Requires more paperwork, including full passport copies and employer compliance statements in many work-permit tracks

Student Type D:
– Hinges on school admission and financial proof
– Provide a formal acceptance letter and show the 701 PLN/month living baseline
– Present language ability (Polish or English) when required
– Many students may work part time (commonly cited as up to 20 hours per week during term), but study must be the main purpose for the visa decision

Family-based Type D:
– Requires civil records proving relationship (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
– Cases move faster when documents are complete and consistent across countries and spellings

After arrival, long-stay residents planning to remain beyond the visa validity should prepare for the MOS digital-only residence permit system from January 1, 2026, including document scans and an electronic signature setup.

Key takeaway: from 2026, digital readiness (scanned documents and e-signature) is as essential as having the right paper files.