PolandWork

Poland job seeker permit for graduates and researchers

Temporary residence permit to seek work after studies or research in Poland

In short

Poland has no job seeker visa for people abroad, but graduates of Polish universities and researchers who have finished their research in Poland can get a one-time 9-month temporary residence permit to look for a job or prepare to run a business. You apply in Poland straight after finishing.

Apply on MOS – Moduł Obsługi Spraw (Office for Foreigners e-application portal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
9 months, granted once
Validity
9 months
Fee
PLN 340Stamp duty for the permit, plus PLN 100 for the residence card.
Funds required
PLN 1,010 per monthMore than PLN 1,010 a month for a single person (PLN 823 per person in a family) plus PLN 2,500 for the return to a non-EU country; housing costs are not deducted for this permit.
Processing time
Applied for in MOS; decided by the voivode
Work
You must notify the voivode within 15 working days once you start work, and then move to a suitable work-based permit
Where to apply
Only in Poland, via MOS, while still legally resident on the study or research basis

Who can apply

Graduates who completed higher education in Poland in the period directly before the application and were staying on a study basis: a residence permit for studies, a national visa marked "student", or a visa for part-time studies. A parallel permit exists for researchers who have just completed research or development work in Poland.

The purpose must be to look for a job or to prepare to run a business in Poland.

Funds, insurance and housing

Show more than PLN 1,010 a month if single, or PLN 823 per person in a family, plus PLN 2,500 per person for a return to a non-EU country. For this permit actual housing costs are not deducted. You also need health insurance and a document giving you the right to live in a specific flat.

Applying

File the application in MOS, signed via login.gov.pl, with your Polish diploma, insurance, accommodation and proof of funds. Pay PLN 340 stamp duty and PLN 100 for the card, then attend the voivodeship office for fingerprints when summoned.

The permit is granted once, immediately after completing studies or research, and cannot be obtained again as a continuation of stay.

  1. Collect your Polish diploma or a certificate of completion as soon as you finish.
  2. Set up a MOS account using a Polish trusted profile or qualified electronic signature.
  3. Fill in the temporary residence application for job seeking and attach scans of your documents.
  4. Pay the stamp duty and card fee into the voivodeship office's accounts and attach both proofs.
  5. Sign and submit before your current permit or visa expires; keep the official receipt (UPO).
  6. Attend the voivodeship office when summoned, then collect the card.

When you find a job

Notify the voivode in writing within 15 working days that you are no longer pursuing the purpose of the permit, for example because you started work. Then apply for the permit that fits your new situation, such as the single permit, the EU Blue Card or a business permit.

Refusals and appeals

A refused D visa can be reconsidered by the consul on request within 14 days, for a fee set by the consulate. A voivode's refusal of a residence permit can be appealed to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of delivery, in writing through the voivode; the appeal should be decided within 90 days.

If the permit is finally refused and you have no other basis to stay, you must leave Poland within 30 days.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Application in MOS signed via login.gov.pl, digital photo (JPG) and scan of all passport pages (PDF)

Money

  • Bank statements showing funds for living and return costs
  • Proof of stamp duty (PLN 340) and card fee (PLN 100)

Study

  • Diploma of higher education completed in Poland directly before the application

Insurance

  • Proof of health insurance (ZUS/NFZ or a private policy covering treatment in Poland)

Other

  • Document confirming the right to live in a specific flat (lease, registration, owner's declaration)

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Polish job seeker visa from abroad?

No such visa exists. The 9-month job search permit is only for people who have just completed studies or research in Poland.

Can I get the 9-month permit twice?

No. It is granted once, directly after completing studies or research.

Is my rent deducted when the voivode checks my funds?

Not for this permit; actual housing costs are not taken into account.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Poland

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: D visa up to 1 year; residence permit 15 months at first, then the length of studies plus 3 months (max. 3 years)
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: As stated on the D visa, at most 1 year; 90 days in any 180 in other Schengen states
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Permit for the duration of the research, from more than 3 months up to 3 years
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Intern permit: from more than 3 up to 6 months; D visa up to 1 year

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: D visa up to 1 year; single permit from more than 3 months up to 3 years
  • EU Blue Card Maximum stay: 3 months longer than the work contract, from more than 6 months up to 3 years
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists; up to 1 year for trainee employees
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: At most 9 months per calendar year, counted from the first entry into Schengen that year

Family

Residence

Protection

Poland visa guide