Moving to Poland from Canada

Canadian citizens are allowed to stay in Poland and other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Travel to Poland can be conducted using only a Canadian passport, and Canadians do not need tourist visas for short stays in Poland. However, for visits that exceed 90 days, obtaining a national type D visa through the Polish Embassy is required.

Citizens from certain non-EU countries, including Canada, are permitted to enter Poland visa-free, assuming their passports meet the necessary criteria for this arrangement. For instance, citizens from the following countries can enter Poland without a visa for short stays:

If you are a citizen of country which is not on that list, you have to apply fo visa in the embassy of Poland in Canada.

Upon arrival in Poland from Canada with the intention of staying beyond the 90-day visa-free limit, obtaining a temporary residence permit is crucial. This permit should be based on your specific reason for staying, such as employment, business, academic pursuits, family ties, or other temporary reasons. For Canadian citizens planning to move to Poland, securing this permit is a key step in the process.

While Canadian citizens are welcomed in Poland, they are subject to the same immigration rules that apply to non-EU nationals. Therefore, for stays over 90 days, Canadians must follow the standard procedure to obtain the necessary residence permit, similar to citizens from other non-EU countries. It's important to start this process well before the 90-day period expires to comply with Polish immigration laws.

As you prepare for your stay in Poland, it's essential to begin collecting all necessary documents well in advance. This is particularly important as some documents, like a letter from a university dean or a tax statement from the tax office, may take longer to obtain. The exact documents required can vary depending on the type of your residence permit application and the city in Poland where you are applying.
A detailed list of these documents can be found on the website of the local immigration office. It's crucial to consult this list to ensure you are gathering all the necessary paperwork for your specific situation, in line with the requirements specific to the city where you are applying.

For personalized help and to get an exact list of documents for your case, we encourage you to work with us. Don’t hesitate to contact our sales manager at the provided number for comprehensive guidance and support as you go through the process of obtaining your residence permit in Poland.

1. Registering for an Appointment: It’s wise to book an appointment before starting to collect your documents. This helps ensure you have enough time to gather all the necessary documents. The wait between scheduling the appointment and the actual date typically ranges from 1 to 4 months. For example, in Warsaw, the wait is usually 10 to 45 days, in Szczecin about 30 days, and in Poznań, it's between 14 to 30 days. Note that some Immigration Offices, like in Katowice or Opole, don’t offer appointment registration and require submitting documents by post, followed by waiting for an appointment invitation. Once you’ve applied for a residence permit, your stay in Poland is legally recognized from that point.
2. Submitting the Application: After gathering all the necessary documents, submit the complete package on your appointment day. Don’t rely on the inspector to notify you about any missing documents. Ensuring your application is complete and accurate is your responsibility. Being thorough and proactive is crucial to avoid any delays or problems.
3. Verification by Police and Border Guard: The authenticity of your stay in Poland will be verified by the authorities, including checks on your living and working conditions. The police might visit your address to confirm your residence, and the Border Police will ensure that your workplace complies with legal employment regulations. These checks ensure that all residency and employment conditions are met according to Polish law.
4. Speeding Up the Application Process: While accelerating your residence permit application might seem standard, it’s achievable under certain conditions. Your application must be complete and flawless, meeting all requirements. It's also important to convincingly explain why your application should be prioritized. Our office can assist in preparing effective motivational letters and monitoring the progress of your application to ensure efficient processing.

As a Canadian passport holder entering Poland, you are required to have the following documents:

1. A Valid Canadian Passport: Your passport should be issued within the last ten years, remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Poland, and have a minimum of two blank pages.
2. Proof of Return Ticket: You must show proof of your travel plans, including the dates of entry to and planned departure from Poland.
3. Proof of Purpose of Entry: Provide documents that explain the reason for your visit to Poland, such as for business, tourism, studying, or visiting friends and family.
4. Proof of Accommodation: Show where you will be staying in Poland, which could be a hotel or apartment reservation, or an invitation letter if staying with friends or relatives.
5. Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Present documents that demonstrate you have enough financial resources for your stay in Poland. This can include bank statements or a letter from a financial sponsor.
6. Travel Insurance for Poland: You should have travel medical insurance with a coverage of at least €30,000 (or the equivalent amount in Canadian dollars as of December 2023) for any medical emergencies or accidents in Poland.
7. ETIAS Authorization (Starting from 2025): Starting in 2025, as a non-EU visa-exempt traveler, you will need ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area, including Poland.

It's important to have these documents ready and available to present upon your arrival in Poland to meet the entry requirements.

Canadian citizens residing in Poland are subject to the same rules as most non-EU nationals. If a Canadian wishes to work in Poland and does not fall under categories exempt from work permits (such as students, graduates, or those with permanent residency in Poland), they must obtain a work permit. The responsibility for securing this permit falls on the employer, who must approach the Immigration Office and submit all necessary documentation for the Canadian employee. Typically, the process to obtain a work permit in Poland can take up to three months.

If you're married to a Polish citizen and have lived continuously in Poland for a minimum of two years under a temporary residence permit due to your marriage, and it's been more than three years since you were married, you should think about applying for a permanent residence permit. It's important to be aware of this before arriving in Poland, as the count towards the required residence period begins from your first day of entry. Therefore, when you relocate to Poland with your spouse, it's advisable to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit as soon as you arrive. This early application is crucial for starting the process of establishing your eligibility for eventual permanent residency.

Relocating to Gdańsk in 2020 was one of the best choices I've made, and it turned out to be an incredible experience. Being in my mid-30s, I felt ready for a significant change. Poland, often overlooked, is filled with fascinating places. Its excellent public transport system allowed me to explore extensively, often visiting places many locals haven't seen. Knowing a Slavic language, plus English, was a huge advantage. Though I lived in Gdańsk, Wrocław became my favorite Polish city for its unique charm.

As an American living in Poland for almost ten years, I've found a higher quality of life here and don't plan on returning to the US, despite my disagreement with the current government. Poland often faces stereotypes and misconceptions, yet it's a beautiful country with a growing economy. It's important to visit and experience each area's unique character before deciding to move, as every place has its own distinct atmosphere.