Ukrainians who entered after the war broke out will soon be able to apply for residence permits | PRO HR October 2022

2022.10.14

Citizens of Belarus and Ukraine who meet certain conditions are given the possibility to apply in Poland for a Polish national visa.

Applications will be processed directly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the new regulations, Belarusian citizens can apply for a national visa on humanitarian grounds. The conditions for application under the aforementioned procedure are that the foreigner cannot return to his or her country of origin for security reasons or the threat of repression or persecution, and:

  • has been staying in the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a humanitarian visa, or
  • has arrived in Poland from the territory of Ukraine after 24 February 2022 in connection with the armed conflict, provided that immediately before that date the applicant was legally staying in Ukraine, or
  • intends to work as an international driver.

Ukrainian citizens must demonstrate their intention to work as an international driver, or as a member of the crew of an aircraft.

As part of the new visa regimen, as of 22 September 2022, visa application centres in Warsaw, Lublin and Poznań have been opened. 

This revolutionary change significantly simplifies and shortens the application process for a Polish national visa for selected foreigners.

Until now, they have had to leave the territory of the Republic of Poland and go to their country of origin to apply for a visa.

In addition, Ukrainian citizens can still apply for a national visa at the Polish consulate in Lviv and use the Diia.pl document.

Find more in the PRO HR October 2022.