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Residence Permit for Ukrainian Students: Documents & Work

Residence permit for the duration of studies – why is it worth getting?

For many Ukrainian citizens, starting or continuing their education at Polish universities is the beginning of a longer life journey in Poland. A residence permit for a student from Ukraine (a temporary residence permit for the purpose of studying) is a document that not only legalises your stay but also significantly facilitates daily life. Instead of constantly renewing your visa, you gain stability and an identity document recognised throughout the Schengen Area.

What does a residence card give a Ukrainian student?

• Legal work without a permit – full-time students holding a residence card can work in Poland full-time without the need to obtain additional declarations.
• Freedom of travel – the possibility to travel to other Schengen Area countries for tourism purposes (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
• Easier formalities – simpler procedures when opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or signing subscription contracts.

What documents are required for a student residence card?

Submitting an application to the appropriate Voivodeship Office (Department for Foreigners’ Affairs) requires gathering the necessary attachments. As a student from Ukraine, you must prepare:

1. University certificate – an official document confirming your admission to studies or their continuation (including information about your year of study and course of study).
2. Proof of tuition fee payment – if you are studying a paid course.
3. Stable source of income – a bank statement confirming that you have the funds to support yourself in Poland and to return to your home country.
4. Health insurance – a commercial policy or an agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ).

Important: You must submit the application for a temporary residence permit no later than the last day of your legal stay in Poland (e.g., before your current visa or visa-free travel period expires).

Work and part-time (extramural) studies

Remember that the exemption from the requirement to hold a work permit applies primarily to full-time (daytime) students. If you are studying part-time or in evening classes, ensure you check what the current regulations regarding employment are in your specific case.