Poland Digital Nomad Visa
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Andy Stofferis
Freelance Writer
Last update
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Poland Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.6
Internet Infrastructure 4.0
Country Stability 3.0
Cost of Living 4.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 4.0
Taxes 3.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length 3 month to 2 years
Possible to extend? N/A
Who can apply? N/A
Minimum Income Requirements 776 PLN/$190 per month
Time for visa applications 15-30 days
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Poland Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Poland is a relatively open country when it comes to foreigners, largely because the government is trying to counterbalance the “brain drain” caused by young people moving to other European Union countries where they can earn higher incomes. Nevertheless, there is not yet a Digital Nomad Visa Poland.
Digital nomads wishing to spend time in Poland have a number of visa options. You can arrive on a Schengen tourist visa, which will allow you to stay in the Schengen area, including Poland, for a period of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Digital nomads can also apply for a long-term Type D visa, which is granted for 365 days in most cases. You must show that you have a good reason to visit Poland, such as participating in a course, doing volunteer work, or visiting close family members.
Poland also offers a special freelance visa under the Type D visa banner which is granted for two years. However, this does require registering as a sole proprietor in Poland and paying Polish taxes. This is the closest thing to a Poland digital nomad visa (remote work visa).
The Schengen visa is the easiest to get. It does not allow you to work locally in Poland. For Poland digital nomads wishing to stay longer, the Type D visa is relatively accessible if you can show a good reason for wanting to spend up to a year in the country.
Obtaining a Schengen Tourist Visa for Poland
The easiest way for most digital nomads to enter Poland is on a Schengen tourist visa. This allows you to stay in the Schengen area, which includes Poland, for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. While you might consider it a feasible choice, it’s worth noting that if you’re in Poland on a Schengen visa or within your authorized visa-free period, you are (technically) prohibited from establishing residence and working remotely.
Citizens from many countries do not need to apply for a Schengen tourist visa in advance but will receive the visa upon arrival.
If You Are a United States Citizen
If you are a United States citizen, you do not need to pre-apply for a Schengen tourist visa but will receive the visa upon arrival. This will allow you to visit the area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
If You Are an EU Citizen
EU, EEA, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland citizens do not require a visa to travel to Poland. However, if you choose to stay for more than three months you will need to apply for a residency permit. You are free to work in Poland for local companies or remotely.
If You Hold an EU Residence Visa
If you are a non-EU citizen but you hold a residence visa for another EU country, for example a digital nomad visa, you can travel to Poland for a period of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You do not need to pre-apply for the visa.
If You Are a Citizen of Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
Citizens of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area. You do not need to pre-apply for a visa, but your visit is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
If You Reside in Any Other Country
Residents of around 60 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area. You can check if your country is on the list here.
Citizens of countries that do need to pre-apply for a tourist visa to travel to the Schengen area should book an appointment at the consulate or the embassy of their European destination country. If you are traveling to more than one country, choose the country where you will enter the Schengen area or pass the most time.
You can find a list of Poland’s missions abroad here.
You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Europe, which is considered to be about €65 per day. You should also demonstrate that you have a return or onward flight booked for before the expiration of your visa. The standard Schengen visa fee is €80.
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Long Stay Visas for Digital Nomads in Poland
Digital nomads wishing to travel to Poland for a period of longer than 90 days can apply for a long stay visa, called a Type D visa. Type D visas are designed for students, volunteer workers, and individuals wanting to visit close family members in Poland. The visa is granted for one year in the first instance and can be renewed.
There is also a freelancers Type D visa, which is granted for two years in the first instance. However, this does require registering a sole proprietorship in Poland.
When staying in Poland on this visa, you can only spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in other Schengen countries.
Poland Long Stay Visa Requirements
To successfully apply for a Type D long stay visa for Poland, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a legitimate reason to stay in the country for this extended period of time.
While applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, acceptable justifications include:
Completing a course of study, as demonstrated by an acceptance letter from a Polish institution.
Volunteer work, as demonstrated by an offer letter from a Polish institution.
Visiting family members, as demonstrated by documents showing a close relationship with a Polish citizen living in the country.
Freelance working, as demonstrated by registering as a sole proprietor in Poland with at least one Polish client.
You must also be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Poland. This is currently set at about $850 per month.
How to Apply for the Poland Long-Stay Visa: Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a step-by-step guide for how to apply for a long stay visa for Poland. Bear in mind that costs and wait times given are averages, but may change depending on where you are applying from.
Step 1: Acquire All The Necessary Documents
Start the application process for your visa by acquiring all the required documents. A list of the required documents is given below.
Passport – It should have validity for at least 90 days after the end of your proposed visa and should be no older than 10 years. It should have at least two consecutive blank pages.
Residence Permit – A document confirming that you have legal residence in the consular district where you are making your application.
Two Recent Passport Photos – These should meet international standards for biometric passport photos.
Cover Letter – This letter should explain the purpose of your travel to Poland and reference and describe the supporting documents included with your application.
Health Insurance – Proof of valid health insurance for your full stay in Poland with a value of at least €30,000.
Criminal Record – Proof of a clean criminal record from your country of residence verified by an apostille.
Accommodation – Proof of appropriate accommodation for the duration of your stay in Poland.
Financial Resources – Documents proving that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. Acceptable documents include travelers cheques, a certificate of credit card limit, a certificate of available funds in a bank account, or evidence of a scholarship.
Reason for Stay – Documents demonstrating your reason for staying in Poland. These can include an invitation from an educational institution or voluntary organization, a letter of invitation from a family member and proof of the relationship, or proof that you have registered a sole proprietorship in Poland.
All documents should be submitted in Polish or English, or acceptable languages specified by the Polish embassy where you are making your application.
How to Register as a Sole Proprietor in Poland?
It is free to register as a sole proprietor in Poland and relatively simple as you do not need to maintain assets or minimum capital.
However, you will need:
A PESEL personal identification number (see below)
A Polish NIP tax number (see below)
A Polish address for your company
Check if you need to pay VAT, which is only applicable for sales values over PLN 200,000 ($40,000) per year
To open a Polish bank account for the business, which can be done with a passport
To register with the Polish social security system ZUS
You can then submit a CEIDG-1 application online to register as a sole proprietor. Bear in mind that the application must be submitted in Polish.
Step 2: Make a Visa Appointment
You must submit your visa application in person at a Polish diplomatic mission. You can find a list of Poland’s missions abroad here. You should book your appointment via the e-konsulat system. You are required to pay the application fee in cash or via bank transfer before the date of your appointment.
When you make your appointment, you will be asked to specify the type of visa that you are applying for and will be prompted to complete the required application form.
The form asks for data including:
Personal data, including passport information and contact details
Current resident data and visa status
Reason for traveling
Travel dates and where you will be staying
How the expenses of your trip will be covered
Personal declaration
You should print out two copies of the completed application form and submit them with the other required documentation at your visa appointment.
Step 3: Attend Your Visa Appointment
Attend your visa appointment and submit your required documentation. If you need to change the date of your appointment, this can be done using the same e-konsulat system.
In most cases, you will not need a follow up appointment at the consulate, but in some cases, you may be called in for an interview. If you are required for an interview, you will receive an email informing you of this fact and giving you instructions on how to make an appointment.
Step 4: Wait For Your Visa
You will be advised via email when a decision has been made on your visa application. You can also follow its progress on the e-konsulat system.
When your visa has been guaranteed, you can either collect your documents and visa from the consulate during specified opening hours, or you can provide a self-addressed envelope with your application and pay a fee to cover the cost of return postage.
Step 5: Travel to Poland
Once your visa has been granted, you are free to travel to Poland for the period specified by your visa.
When you arrive you should apply for a PESEL number, which is a personal identification number. This is used for many transactions in Poland including paying taxes and opening a bank account. The application form must be completed in Polish and submitted at your local Urząd Gminy or Miasta with your passport. The application is free and you should receive your PESEL immediately.
If you also want to apply for a NIP, which is a taxpayer identification number, you can submit this application form at your local Inland Revenue office. The application is free and you should have your number within a few days.
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Timeline for Applying for a Long-Stay Poland Visa
Most long-stay visas for Poland are granted with 15 working days of the application being submitted and the fee being paid. If you are asked for further information or called in for an interview, you can expect it to take around 30 days for your application to be processed.
How Much Does the Poland Visa Application Cost?
Your local Polish mission sets the cost of your visa application and it can vary based on local currency. However, you can expect to pay a non-refundable application fee of between €70-80.
Taxes in Poland
If you stay in Poland for more than 183 days, or you register as a sole proprietor, you will be liable to pay Polish taxes. There is a special tax rate for non-residents set at 20% calculated on revenue without cost deduction, except where double taxation agreements are in place.
Poland has double taxation agreements with all European Union countries plus Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom, but not the United States.
Poland Visa Denial
If your Polish visa application is denied, you have 14 days to request that the relevant Polish mission review your application. You will be provided with information on how to do this with your visa denial. The mission will often charge a new application fee to cover the work associated with reviewing your application.
Living in Poland as a Digital Nomad
Poland is one of the more affordable countries to live in the European Union. While its history may not be as famous as some of its neighbors, Poland has a rich and fascinating culture to be discovered. The large country is incredibly green with the craggy Tatra Mountains, large lake districts, rustic farmlands, and a long Baltic Sea coastline.
While there is a lot of immigration of young people out of Poland to wealthier EU countries, it has an inventive and thriving economy. Poland is currently playing an important role on the world stage as the EU country closest to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The borders are currently open to all Ukrainian refugees, making Poland a dynamic and topical place to be.
Capital Warsaw
Form of Government Unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic
Population 37.75 million
Climate Moderate climate with a full four seasons
Language Polish (a West Slavic language)
Currency Zloty US$1 - PLN 4
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Poland was officially recognized as a state by the Catholic Church in the 10th century and was one of the strongest kingdoms in the region for centuries.
Encroaching interest from Prussia, Russia, and Austria saw Poland lose its independence at the end of the 18th century, and it was only restored at the end of World War I. It was then invaded by Nazi Germany in World War II, after which it fell under Soviet influence and communist rule, from which it only emerged in the 1990s.
The country that emerged is a proud and dynamic nation that is modernizing quickly while respecting the traditions that make Poland unique. Alongside fresh farm-to-table Polish dishes and UNESCO world heritage sites, you will find innovative tech start-ups, fast internet connections, innovative coworking and coliving spaces, and chic apartments for rent.
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Attractions and Best Places to Visit
While there are many amazing cities and sights to visit in Poland, below are some of the top, must-see places to visit as a digital nomad in Poland.
Walk the Streets of Krakow
Krakow is a beautiful medieval city that was once the capital of the kingdom, so there are historic sites on every street corner. Visit the Gothic Wawel Castle, home of kings, and Copernicus’ model of Heliocentrism at Krakow University. There are also a surprising number of good ice cream parlors spotted around the town.
Witness the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Auschwitz concentration camp will forever be known as a symbol of the worst atrocities of the Nazi regime. Located about an hour out of Krakow, over one million people were killed here during World War II. While visiting the historic site and memorial museum is a harrowing experience, it is important for understanding the history of this part of the world.
Ski in Zakopane
Zakopane is a small town located in Poland’s Tatra Mountains and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is especially intoxicating during the winter when it becomes a Christmas town with excellent skiing. In the summer you can swim in Morskie Oko Lage and explore the many caves in the area.
Bialowieza Forest
This is one of the largest remaining primeval forests in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the border with Belarus, it is home to rare animal species including bison, lynx, and elk. There are various walking trails for exploring the natural beauty of this part of the world.
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is one of the largest castles in the world and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Teutonic knights in the 13th century and is a testament to the innovation and reverence of the day. It is only a 15-minute drive from Gdansk.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
There are dozens of beautiful cities and towns in Poland that digital nomads would be happy to call home, but below are some of the best choices.
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Warsaw
City in Poland
The capital of Warsaw is the center of technology and innovation in Warsaw and is a magnet for both Poles and foreigners wanting to innovate on an international scale. In a country where 98% of the population is considered ethnically Polish, this is where you will find the most diversity.
While the city of 1.8 million feels modern, there is still plenty of history here with Wilanow Palace and the Royal Palace, lots of museums, plus music festivals, summer concerts, and more.
For accommodation, Poland nomads should look for options in Mokotow, Srodmiescie, Wilanor, and Zoliborz. For coworking try Hub Hub, Brain Embassy, Art Cluster, and Clockwork.
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Krakow
City in Poland
Walking the streets of Krakow feels like walking the streets of a medieval town, but as Poland’s second-largest city, with 800,000 residents, is an innovative hub for technology and culture. The internet is good, English and French are widely spoken, and there are good services in IT, finance, manufacturing, and more.
Krakow also has a relaxed but vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants ticked away inside historic buildings.
When looking for accommodation, Poland digital nomads should check out the suburbs of Stare Miasto, Kazimierz, Stare Podgorze, and Kleparz. For coworking look at Cluster Cowork Jozefitow 8, Office Coworking, and Czysta Coworking.
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Poznan
City in Poland
Poznan is considered a mecca for entrepreneurs and statistics suggest that one in every 40 residents is engaged in entrepreneurship. Above-average salaries in the city mean excellent services and a vibrant social scene. It is also only two hours from Berlin by train.
Poznan is yet another historical setting with colorful houses, an old market square, a Baroque 16th-century cathedral, and more.
For accommodation, Poland remote workers can check out the neighborhoods of Stare Miasto, Jezyce, Lazarz, and Grunwald. For coworking try Clockwork Poznan, Plus Jeden Coworking, and Centrum Malego Biznesu Poznan.
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Wroclaw
City in Poland
Wroclaw is home to the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, one of the largest in the country, and boasts more than 600 start-up companies. It has a relatively low cost of living with a high quality of life. Historic buildings house boutique shopping and bars and interesting museums such as Galleria M and DNA Gallery.
For places to live, digital nomads in Poland should look at Borek, Oporow, Szczepin, and Oltaszyn. For coworking check out Idea Place and Biznes Zone.
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Gdansk
City in Poland
The seaside city of Gdansk is a popular holiday destination in the summer on the banks of the Baltic Sea. It has a distinctively Eastern European lifestyle but with sandy beaches that are surprisingly inviting in the summer months.
The influx of tourists each year means that there is good infrastructure to serve the needs of digital nomads.
For places to live, Poland digital nomads should look at Stare Miasto, Wrzeszcz, Przymorze, and Brzezno. For coworking look at Good Space, O4 Coworking, and Mind Dock Coworking.
Benefits of Living in Poland as a Digital Nomad
Poland has many benefits to offer digital nomads that decide to call the country home for a while.
Low cost of living
Poland has a low cost of living but the high quality of life of an EU country. While accommodation will be your biggest expense, food, transport, and other daily essentials are affordable.
Beautiful location
Poland is just a beautiful place. It is full of historic cities and it has a stunning interior of mountains, forests, lakes, and Baltic beaches. It is an incredible place to discover the beauty of this part of the world.
Rich history and culture
While most people are more familiar with Poland’s more recent, challenging history, there is over a millennia of amazing history to discover in Poland. Sitting at the crossroads between the Viking world and Russia, Poland has a unique culture, but it is also a melting pot for these international empires.
Yummy food
Poland is known for its delicious cuisine, which is especially appropriate to eat in the colder months. Popular dishes include pierogi dumplings, Kielbasa smoked sausage, placki ziemniaczane potato cakes, and borscht beetroot soup. Expect to be offered huge quantities of food when someone invites you around for lunch or dinner.
Vibrant cultural scene
Emerging from behind the iron curtain, Poland has quickly established a vibrant cultural scene. Expect fancy clubs that stay open all night and fun summer festivals, plus innovative art exhibitions, unique boutique retailers, and plenty of vodka cocktails. Poland is also an interesting place to discover Jewish culture.
Of course, there are always drawbacks to living in certain places. Here are the things to be aware of before you head to Poland as a digital nomad.
It’s cold!
Outside of the summer months, it gets pretty cold in Poland. While it may hit 30 degrees Celsius in the summer, you can expect highs of 15 in the spring and autumn. Temperatures can drop as low as negative 10 degrees Celsius in the winter.
Language barrier
Polish is a difficult language to learn - it has three genders! While it is mutually understandable with many Slavic languages, it can be hard for English speakers and speakers of Romantic languages to pick up. Fortunately, many people do speak English.
Shortage of affordable accommodation
Living spaces in Poland are generally small, but at least they are affordable. However, since the influx of Ukrainian refugees and local efforts to provide them with affordable housing, it is more difficult to find cheap accommodation. Pricer Airbnb options continue to be plentiful.
Balancing the pros and cons, Poland is a great destination for digital nomads looking to spend a few months in the country.
Cost of Living
Unlike many neighboring countries, Poland did not join the Euro when it became a member of the European Union back in 2004. This means that prices did not jump sharply with the adoption of the new currency. This is why Poland remains one of the most affordable countries in the EU.
It is estimated that a single person only needs around US$700 per month to live comfortably in Poland and that it is about 40% cheaper than the United States. Rents are also low, estimated to be around 60% cheaper than the United States.
Groceries and public transport are particularly affordable, as is eating out. Lunch at a Soviet style “milk bar” will only set you back around $8, and an evening meal at a nice restaurant will cost around $20. A beet will only cost you around $3.
Accommodation expenses are higher. A small apartment outside the city center may only cost $500 per month, and in the city $750, but prices jump for larger homes. Utilities are also pricey due to current supply issues. You might spend $250 per month on utilities. But connectivity is affordable. Expect to pay $15 per month for your mobile subscription and another $15 per month for a good broadband connection.
The overall cost of living for Poland and its most popular cities is summarized in the table below.
| Location | Estimated monthly cost for single person (excluding rent) | Estimated monthly cost for 1 bedroom home | Estimated monthly cost for 3 bedroom home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poland (general) | $700 | $500-$750 | $900-$1200 |
| Warsaw | $775 | $700-$950 | $1200-$1800 |
| Krakow | $715 | $650-$850 | $950-$1300 |
| Poznan | $700 | $525-$650 | $800-$950 |
| Wroclaw | $720 | $600-$800 | $1000-$1150 |
| Gdansk | $700 | $600-$750 | $900-$1200 |
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet (speed) 110 Mbps average download speeds
Time Zone GMT+2
Socket Type Type E (Types C and F also compatible)
Sim Card: Orange, Play, Plus, T-Mobile, a2mobile, Fakt, Heyah
Getting a local SIM card every time you travel to a new destination can be a hassle, as can managing and canceling those SIMs as you move on. A better option is to download an eSIM from the Citizen Remote app. A huge range of eSIMs are available from regional and global providers, covering all countries including Poland. Download the eSIM before you travel and have data available as soon as you land.
Start Your Polish Adventure
While Poland may not have the credentials of a traditional digital nomad hotspot, the country has a lot to offer. Historic cities, gorgeous countryside, fascinating culture, and tech savvy lifestyle. The country is surprisingly beautiful and warm in the summer months and will appeal to skiers in the winter.
While Poland does not currently have a digital nomad visa, it is possible to visit on a standard Schengen tourist visa. It is also relatively easy to obtain a long-stay visa for one year, especially if you have family in the area or can participate in volunteer work. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer at the moment and make a difference to the consequences of full-scaled invasion of Russia to Ukraine.
FAQs About Poland Digital Nomad Visa
Does Poland Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Poland does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. You can visit for up to 90 days on a Schengen tourist visa, or apply for a one-year long-stay visa to get to know the country in more depth.
What Is the Length of the Polish Long-Stay Visa?
If you apply for a long-stay visa you can stay in Poland for up to 365 days. To apply for the visa you must justify your need to stay for an extended period of time. Acceptable justifications include engaging in a period of study, participating in volunteer work, and visiting family.
Is It Possible To Extend the Poland Long-Stay Visa?
It is possible to extend your long stay visa in Poland if you need more time to complete your course, your volunteer work continues, or you can show that you need to stay to support family members.
Will You Get a Refund if Your Visa Application is Denied?
You will not receive a refund for your visa application fee if your visa is denied. This fee is used to cover the cost of processing your visa, and is spent regardless of whether your visa is granted. If your visa is denied and you appeal, you may need to pay an additional fee to cover the cost of the appeal.
How Much Money Do You Need Per Month in Poland?
It is estimated that you need about US$700 per month to live comfortably in Poland, plus another $700 per month to cover the expense of renting a one-bedroom apartment. If you prefer to look for an Airbnb, you can expect your accommodation expenses to go up.
Is There a Digital Nomad Community in Poland?
There is only a small digital nomad community in Poland due to the cold winters and the lack of a digital nomad visa. But Poland has a very entrepreneurial culture and you will find a large community of entrepreneurs and people working for themselves on tech start-ups and creative projects.
What Polish Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?
Several European countries issue digital nomad visas, including in the north and east of Europe near Poland. Digital nomad visas are available for Estonia, Hungary, Croatia, Latvia, and Romania among others.
Author
Andy Stofferis is a digital nomad blogger: www.andysto.com
He is a contributing writer for various organizations and media involved in the digital nomad industry (AllWork.Space, e-Residency Estonia).
Andy has been running a fully remote digital marketing agency over the past nine years while traveling to more than 50 destinations.
