Understand this route
What to do first
Read the practical route on this page before you contact an authority. Keep the documents and notices that relate to your situation available so that you can check names, dates and any existing reference number against the official process.
Use the official route
The authority, filing method, documents, fees and timing shown on this page are separated so that a requirement that applies only in some situations is not mistaken for a universal requirement. If the official service directs you to a local office or lookup, use that official lookup rather than guessing the competent office.
If something is unclear
Do not rely on an assumption about your status or document. Check the official source below and use the related route where your next action concerns work, family, healthcare or another part of daily life.
Legal basis
- Ustawa z dnia 12 grudnia 2013 r. o cudzoziemcach (Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners) — Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1079, as amended.
- Kodeks graniczny Schengen – rozporządzenie (UE) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code — Regulation (EU) 2016/399) — Regulation (EU) 2016/399, as amended.
- Wspólnotowy Kodeks Wizowy – rozporządzenie (WE) nr 810/2009 (EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, as amended.
- Rozporządzenie Ministra Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji z dnia 25 czerwca 2025 r. w sprawie wiz dla cudzoziemców (Regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of 25 June 2025 on Visas for Foreigners) — Dz.U. 2025 poz. 847.
- Rozporządzenie (UE) 2018/1806 ustanawiające wykazy państw objętych obowiązkiem wizowym i zwolnionych z tego obowiązku (Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 listing third countries whose nationals must or must not possess visas) — OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, as amended.
Updated: 2026-10-20