Temporary Residence Permit - Graduate
PolandPoland•Europe
Open

Temporary Residence Permit - Graduate

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months

Stay Duration

9 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Nine-month job-search permit for Polish university graduates pursuing employment or entrepreneurship, granted once only.

The Temporary Residence Permit for Graduates allows recent graduates of Polish universities to remain in Poland legally while seeking employment or launching businesses. Established under Article 186(1)(6) of the Law on Foreign Nationals, it bridges the gap between academic completion and professional integration.

The permit grants 9 months, issued once and non-renewable. Processing takes 60 days; fees total 340 PLN (stamp duty) plus 100 PLN (residence card). Applicants need a Bachelor's degree, 9,312 PLN annual income, and health insurance. Spouses cannot work. Upon expiry, graduates may convert to work permits or permanent residency through employment or business.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates of Polish universities ready to launch careers in Poland's technology, engineering, or business sectors, or who wish to start their own ventures.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant9 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EU Long-Term Resident's Permit
Poland flagPoland

EU Long-Term Resident's Permit

Validity5 years
Processing3–6 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

Minimum education: Bachelor

Minimum income: 9312 PLN

Minimum savings: 2500

Health insurance required

Age: 18-

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

8,412 PLN/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

University diploma

Student residence permit

Accommodation proof

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Stay in Poland for 9 months after graduation without immediate job requirement
  • Low fees of just 440 PLN (~€120) for residence card and stamp duty combined
  • Fast processing in 60 days from application submission
  • Dual intent permitted — can job hunt or start business during stay
  • Dependents allowed to accompany primary visa holder
  • Simple application process through official MOS portal
  • Bridge to permanent residence pathways after employment secured
  • Streamlined route compared to standard work permit requiring pre-existing job offer

Worth Knowing

  • Non-renewable after 9 months — must secure employment or business status before expiry
  • Spouse cannot work, limiting household income generation during residence period
  • Limited to Polish university graduates only — international graduates non-qualifying
  • Minimum savings requirement of 2,500 PLN needed to qualify
  • Work authorization details not explicitly spelled out in permit itself
  • Granted only once per applicant — no renewal or extension beyond 9 months
  • Must already hold Polish bachelor's degree — post-study employment pathway only
  • No pathway to permanent residence directly — requires separate work/business permit

Application Process

1

Complete university studies

Finish full-time academic program at Polish university

2

Apply for graduate permit

Apply at voivodeship office immediately after graduation

3

Submit documentation

Provide diploma/certificate of completion

4

Decision issued

Decision typically within 30 days

5

Use for job search/business launch

Use 9-month period to find employment or start business

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Temporary Residence Permit Application (Graduate)Fill online

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