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National visa type D

The national type D visa lets you live in Poland for more than 90 days — most often for work, studies or joining family — and is issued for up to 1 year. While it's valid you can also travel in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You fill in the application in the e-Konsulat system (secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl) and submit documents in person at the consulate covering your place of residence. The consular fee is 80 €; Ukrainian citizens are exempt. The consul usually decides within days to two weeks, 30 days at most.

Service passportUpdated: 30.07.2026.
Cost
80 € (Ukrainian citizens — free)
Duration
Decision usually within 15 days, max 30
Deadline
Visa validity: 1 year at most
Where
e-Konsulat + the Polish consulate in your country
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✓ Information verified: 2026-07-30 Report an error

Who this applies to

Non-EU foreigners planning to stay in Poland longer than 90 days: workers with a work permit or employer's declaration, students admitted to a university, family members, Karta Polaka holders. With the application you attach a passport valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure, a photo, health insurance (min. €30,000) and documents proving the purpose: a work permit, university admission certificate or invitation. At busy consulates appointment slots are sometimes allocated by lottery — plan ahead.

Step by step

Fill in the application in e-Konsulat

At secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl choose "national visa", complete the form and book an appointment. Print and sign the application — you'll need it at the meeting together with the full document set.

Submit documents at the consulate

At the appointment you submit the application, passport, photo, insurance and purpose documents, and — where applicable — give fingerprints and pay the 80 € fee. Missing documents are the most common refusal reason, so check the list required by your specific consulate.

Collect your passport with the decision

The decision usually takes days to two weeks; you collect your passport with the visa sticker at the same consulate. If refused, you can request reconsideration within 14 days.

Common mistakes

Leaving registration to the last minute — at many consulates you wait weeks for a slot, and applicants often outnumber places.
Confusing the D visa with a residence card — the visa ends after a year; you legalise further stay in Poland by applying for a residence permit via MOS.
Weak proof of means of support — lack of stable finances is a common reason for a negative consular decision.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a D visa?

Yes — a valid national visa lets you stay in other Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, e.g. for tourism or business.

What happens when the visa expires?

If you want to stay longer, file an application for a temporary residence permit in the MOS system while your stay is still legal. A properly filed application legalises your stay until the decision, even after the visa expires.

Official sources

See also