A visa card is a permit for long-term temporary or permanent residence in Poland, which allows a foreigner to enjoy most of the rights as a Polish citizen, as well as to cross the border of the state without the need for a visa. Learn more about the current changes in the procedure for obtaining a stay in Poland card from 2025
Starting from 2025, income requirements for foreigners who plan to apply for a residence card or a residence card in Poland will change. An important aspect is that the minimum income for filing documents must correspond to the new minimum wage, which will amount to 4626 zlotys gross.
This requirement applies to all foreigners who apply for a visa card, except in cases where documents are submitted on the basis of family reunification. It is important to familiarize yourself with the new rules in advance in order to meet all the criteria and ensure successful receipt of residence documents.
EU citizens do not need to apply for a residence permit in Poland, it is enough to register their stay. According to statistics, the largest number of migrants arrives in Poland from Ukraine, Belarus, India and Turkey.
To learn more about the details of the student visa scandal in Poland, follow the link.
Income level for applying for a stay card and a resident card in Poland
From January 1, 2025, new minimum income requirements for foreigners who plan to apply for a stay card or a resident card will come into effect in Poland. These changes are aimed at ensuring the financial stability of those who plan to stay in the country for a long period.
According to the new rules, for one person who lives by himself, the minimum income should be more than 1010 zlotys per month net. If a person lives in a family, this figure is reduced to 823 zlotys per month net for each family member. This means that if you apply for a visa card and you have a family, then you need to take into account an income sufficient to support all family members.
Let’s look at approximate examples of salaries and calculations when applying for a visa card:
1. For 1 person per month: over 1010 PLN/net;
2. For 2 family members: over 1646 PLN/net;
3. For 3 family members: over 2469 PLN/net;
4. For 4 family members: over 3292 PLN/net;
5. For 5 family members: more than 4,115 PLN/net.
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The minimum wage will also change. Starting from January 1, 2025, it will amount to 4626 zlotys gross. This indicator is important for those who apply for a work-based card, because the amount of income must meet these new requirements.
For example, if one of the family members applies for a visa card and has three other family members dependent on him, his income should be more than 3292 zlotys per month net, which will correspond to a salary of approximately 4346 zlotys gross. It is also important to note that the income for such calculations does not include the cost of renting a home.
These changes will affect many foreigners, so it is important to be prepared for new requirements and plan your finances in accordance with new standards in order to successfully apply for a stay or resident card.
Let’s remind you!In order to stay in Poland, foreign citizens must obtain a residence permit, which is the main basis for legal stay in the country. Read more about the categories of residence permits in Poland and the specifics of the permit procedure in 2024.
Igor Usyk – Head of the Legal Department of Visit World
For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.
We help you solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;
Legal advice on immigration to Poland;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;
Medical insurance worldwide.
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