Visas

National visa for Poland: your entry ticket before the residence permit

The wiza krajowa (D visa) lets you enter Poland and stay up to a year, often before a residence permit. A specialist advises on the right visa and prepares the application with you.

Book a consultation

5.0· 71 Google reviews

We reply within one business day with a time for the consultation.

At a glance

Stay: Up to 365 days
Issued by: A Polish consulate
Processing: 2 weeks to several months
Then: Temporary residence

After the visa: temporary residence →

What is a national visa?

A Polish national visa (wiza krajowa, type D) allows you to enter and stay in Poland for up to 365 days. It’s issued by a Polish consulate in your home country and is the standard entry route for non-EU citizens who plan to work, study, or join family in Poland.

Once you arrive in Poland with a D visa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to extend your stay beyond the visa’s validity.

How we help with a national visa

We confirm first that the D visa is the right document for your purpose, and in which order it comes with the work permit or university documents. Then we prepare the application with you, coordinate the supporting documents with your employer or university, brief you for the consulate interview and explain what to do after arrival.

Advice on whether the D visa is the right route, and when
A briefing before the consulate interview
What to do after arrival, including the residence permit
The application form and documents prepared with you
Supporting documents coordinated with your employer or university

When do you need a D visa?

You need a national visa if you are a non-EU citizen and want to stay in Poland for more than 90 days. Common reasons include:

Employment (when you already have a work permit or employer declaration)
Studies at a Polish university
Joining family members who live in Poland
Business activity or starting a company

How to apply

You apply at the Polish consulate or embassy in your country of residence. You’ll need to book an appointment, submit your documents, and attend an interview. Processing times vary by consulate: from 2 weeks to several months.

We tell you which documents the consulate expects, prepare the application form with you and brief you on what to expect at the appointment.

How it works

Book a consultation

You tell us your situation and plans. We explain your options and the route that fits you.

A clear plan

The route, the documents and a realistic timeline, in writing, before anything starts.

You apply at the consulate

Application prepared with us, appointment booked, interview briefed. You attend in person.

After you arrive

The next step is the residence permit. We plan it before your visa runs out.

What clients say

“We had a really good and smooth process with Krakspire. I highly recommend them for your residence process!”

“Had to go through several integration cases while migrating, from basic papers for apartment rental and document translation to obtaining a work permit, and Krakspire was the one to help. Always friendly, helpful, and going a bit beyond what’s needed.”

“By far the best assistance company for resident permits. They are proactive: you don’t need to chase them. The pricing is decent and they help with situations where it’s not clear how to proceed. They got my application processed in two months with a decision for permanent residence.”

National visa: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Schengen visa and a national visa?

A Schengen visa (type C) lets you visit Poland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A national visa (type D) lets you stay in Poland for up to 365 days and is meant for longer stays: work, study, or family reasons.

How long does it take to get a national visa?

Processing times vary by consulate. Some issue visas within 2 weeks, others take 1-3 months. During peak periods the wait for an appointment can add extra time. We recommend starting the process well in advance.

Can I work in Poland on a D visa?

Yes, if your visa was issued for work purposes and you have the required work authorization (work permit or employer’s declaration). The visa itself states whether you are authorized to work.

Can I extend my national visa?

In exceptional cases, a national visa can be extended by the voivodeship office in Poland. However, the standard path is to apply for a temporary residence permit before your visa expires. We can help with both.

National visa for Poland: your entry ticket before the residence permit

What is a national visa?

How we help with a national visa

When do you need a D visa?

How to apply