In 2025, Poland announced an update to the rules for issuing a Schengen visa type C, in particular, it is already known that the application procedure has become fully digital, but more stringent. Find out what changes travelers and other categories of foreigners need to adapt to in 2025 in Poland

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Poland has announced changes to the Schengen visa type C procedure to simplify the visa process and at the same time strengthen security measures. The new rules will come into effect in 2025 and will significantly affect foreigners traveling to Poland, including citizens of Turkmenistan, Moldova and Zimbabwe. More about the new rules that foreign travelers in Poland need to adapt to later in this article.

Polish Schengen visa type C - what is this permit?

A Schengen visa type C in Poland is a special permit that grants the right to a short-term stay in Poland and other Schengen countries (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

This visa is mainly issued by foreigners planning a short-term trip to Poland for tourism or business purposes or to visit relatives.

It is worth noting that this visa is also available for those looking for employment opportunities in Poland, as there is no special visa for job search in the country.

What will change in the procedure for applying for a Schengen visa to Poland in 2025?

Poland has introduced the following changes to the procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa type C in 2025:

1. The fee for obtaining a visa type C has been increased.

According to the latest Schengen visa pricing rules, the cost of visa fees in 2025 has increased and will be:

- Adults - 80 euros.

- Children 6-12 years old - 40 euros.

2. The procedure for applying for a Polish Schengen visa type C has become stricter.

In particular, in 2025, applicants will undergo a more thorough check to prevent visa abuse. The authorities will closely monitor visitors to ensure that they adhere to the purpose they indicated in their visa applications. The main goal is to prevent unauthorized employment of short-term visitors.

3. The Schengen visa application procedure has become digital.

The entire C visa application procedure is now conducted online, which will help reduce paperwork and speed up the processing time.

All required documents must be submitted through the official online portal.

However, first-time applicants will still have to visit the Polish consulate to submit their biometric data.

The Polish Schengen visa C is a new path for job seekers

There is no special visa for job search in Poland, but it is the Schengen visa C that gives foreigners the right to stay in the country and explore employment opportunities.

Important! With a C Schengen visa in Poland, an expat can attend interviews and communicate with potential employers. However, this visa does not allow for legal employment. If you find a job, you need to leave Poland before the visa expires and apply for a national D-type work visa from your country.

Package of documents for applying for a Polish Schengen visa type C

- Visa application form.

- Color photo 3.5x4.5 cm.

- Passport issued within the last ten years, valid for at least three months from the intended date of return, with at least two blank visa pages.

- Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.

- Travel insurance covering at least 30,000 euros for medical expenses.

- Confirmed travel itinerary and return ticket.

- Confirmation of accommodation (hotel reservation, invitation letter, etc.).

- Proof that you have enough funds for your stay in Poland (bank statements, sponsorship letters, etc.).

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How to apply for a Polish Schengen visa type C?

The procedure for applying for a Polish Schengen visa type C has the following steps:

- Fill out the Schengen visa application form online.

- Collect the necessary supporting documents.

- If you are applying for the first time - make an appointment at the nearest Polish consulate or visa center and provide biometric data (fingerprints).

- Pay the visa fee (80 euros for adults, 40 euros for children).

- Wait for your application to be processed (usually 10-15 working days, longer during peak season).

With the new procedure for applying for a visa type C in Poland, obtaining a permit will be much easier, but the requirements for foreigners have become stricter. Therefore, be sure to make sure that you get the right visa and do not violate Polish migration legislation.

Buy a travel guide on the Visit World portal to have all the latest information on obtaining a Schengen visa type C to Poland.

Reminder!Poland has announced significant changes to its work visa policy for 2025 that will affect foreigners. The main updates include mandatory employment contracts, an increase in the work permit fee, and new visa requirements. More details in our previous article.

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