How to legalise your stay in Poland?

How to legalise your stay in Poland? | WSB Merito Wrocław University: International student in a library
Visa

If you want to study in Poland you should have a visa entitling you to enter the territory of Poland. You will obtain a visa in a Polish embassy in your country of residence. The visa is granted on the basis of the decision of admission into studies in Poland.

Non-EU/Non-EFTA students

Non-EU/Non-EFTA students must apply for a national long-stay "student" visa (type D) before entering Poland. This visa allows them to stay for up to one year, after which they must apply for a temporary residence permit to continue their studies.

Students from EU/EFTA countries

Students from EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa to enter Poland for studies but must register their residence for stays longer than 3 months.

Students from countries with visa-free regimes

Some students from countries with visa-free regimes (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) may enter without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days), but for full degree studies, a student visa is recommended.

Foreign students needing NAWA confirmation

Foreign students who do not hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent document from specific recognized countries or institutions must also obtain a document from the National Agency for Academic Exchange confirming the right to study in Poland before applying for a student visa.

Planning to study in Wrocław with us? Check our FAQ!

Visa application process

Step 1

Sign up onilne

Sign up online for studies at WSB Merito University.

Step 2

Submit required documents

 You can do it in person or create a candidate account on our website and file them online.

Step 3

Pay the enrollment fees

Pay the enrollment fees and then send us the proof of the payment.
You should pay an adaptation fee in the amount of 450 PLN - which is approx. 100 Euro (depending on the current exchange rate EUR-PLN) and the entry fee in the amount of 85 PLN (approx. 20 EUR).

Step 4

Await confirmation

You will receive a letter of admission or a conditional letter of admission. After you have submitted the required documents, and have paid the enrollment fee.

Step 5

Visa appointment

Contact the Polish consulate in your country of residence and arrange an appointment about the visa application. The list of Polish consulates can be found on the webpage https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/

How to legalise your stay in Poland? | WSB Merito Wrocław University: Admissions
Registering your residence

Notice: after registering your stay, please do not forget to inform our office about it.


After arriving in Poland, you are required to legalize your stay on our territory (temporary residence permit and residence card). For this purpose, please visit the appropriate provincial office https://www.duw.pl


Additional information can be found at: www.udsc.gov.pl

New rules for applying for a temporary residence permit (MOS system)

MOS ICT system (Case Handling Module)

We would like to inform you that as of 27 April 2026, the full functionality of the MOS ICT system (Case Handling Module) will be launched, enabling the submission of residence permit applications in Poland exclusively in electronic form.

From that date, applications for:

  • temporary residence
  • permanent residence
  • EU long-term resident status

will be submitted only online via the MOS platform.

What will change?

  • applications will be submitted only online
  • a trusted profile or electronic signature will be required
  • you must create a new MOS account (previous accounts will not work)
  • the student must indicate the university’s email address in the application
  • the university will receive an automatic attachment to complete and sign
Important for WSB Merito University students

In the application form, please provide the following email address:
[email protected]

The required attachment will be sent to this address and completed by the university.
Without this attachment, the application cannot be successfully submitted.

Important deadlines
  • until 26 April 2026 – paper applications are still accepted
  • from 27 April 2026 – applications can only be submitted online (MOS)
  • paper applications submitted after this date will not be processed (the date of delivery to the office counts, not the posting date)
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Important for those whose stay is expiring

If your legal stay expires before or shortly after 27 April 2026, we strongly recommend submitting your application earlier in paper form (before 26 April 2026).

How does the MOS process work?
  • you submit your application online – no queues or initial office visits required
  • you can save and complete your application later
  • after submission, you will receive an Official Confirmation of Receipt (UPO), which replaces the passport stamp
  • after initial verification, you will be invited to the office (fingerprints, document verification)
Additional information

MOS is a government platform that allows you to submit and manage residence applications online, including tracking your case status.

We recommend:

  • not waiting until the last day to submit your application
  • making sure you have an active trusted profile or electronic signature

Still have doubts?

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