BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
23 — National Visa - Other (Humanitarian/Temporary)
PolandPoland•Europe
Open

23 — National Visa - Other (Humanitarian/Temporary)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 1 month

Estimated Cost

EUR €200

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Humanitarian or state-interest visa for exceptional circumstances, typically fee-exempt and valid up to 1 year.

The PL-23 National Visa is a flexible humanitarian category issued by Poland for individuals facing exceptional circumstances, including humanitarian grounds, state interest, or international obligations. It provides a legal pathway when standard visa categories do not apply.

Valid for up to one year, the visa is renewable and allows work. The application fee is typically €200, though waivers are available in qualifying cases. Processing through the e-konsulat portal or consulates takes 15–30 working days. Spouses have restricted work rights.

This visa is ideal for individuals facing humanitarian crises, stateless persons, or those with compelling international obligations who do not qualify for standard visa pathways.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Temporary Residence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons
Poland flagPoland

Temporary Residence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons

Validity3 years
Processing1–4 months
View Visa Details
PR-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit
Poland flagPoland

PR-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit

ValidityVaries (Permanent right to reside after 10-year validity period. Can be renewed.)
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Proof of humanitarian grounds, state interest, or international obligations

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Visa application form

Biometric photo

Proof of humanitarian grounds

Health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Up to 1 year visa validity with renewable status
  • Application fees often waived for humanitarian cases
  • Work authorization varies and may include unrestricted employment in some humanitarian scenarios
  • Dual intent permitted — can pursue other activities while on humanitarian visa
  • Potential pathway to permanent residence or humanitarian temporary residence permit
  • Remote work allowed for qualifying applicants
  • Fast processing: 15–30 working days for humanitarian applications
  • Designed for exceptional circumstances — addresses urgent humanitarian needs

Worth Knowing

  • Work authorization level depends on specific visa subtype (e.g., D21 permits work; others vary)
  • Requires documented proof of humanitarian grounds, state interest, or international obligations
  • Spouse work status restricted — dependent on individual circumstances and visa conditions
  • Failure to substantiate humanitarian claims or provide supporting documentation disqualifies application

Application Process

1

Register on e-konsulat portal

2

Prepare documents

3

Submit at consulate/VAC

4

Collect passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
e-konsulat portalFill online

Ready to see if the 23 — National Visa - Other (Humanitarian/Temporary) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery