Changes in 2025 that will affect Ukrainian students in Poland: new requirements for obtaining a residence card
Studying abroad opens up many opportunities for Ukrainian students, but also imposes certain obligations, in particular, related to the legalization of stay in another country. Poland remains one of the most popular destinations for students due to its affordable study programs, cultural proximity and employment opportunities. One of the key documents that enables foreigners to legally stay in Poland and work without the need to obtain additional permits is the residence card (Karta pobytu). It allows foreign students to live in Poland for a long time, studying and working. However, from 2025, the process of obtaining this document will undergo significant changes. Students should be aware of the new requirements and prepare for them in advance to avoid problems in the future. This article will look at the main innovations, including changes to financial requirements, proof of residence and document requirements.
Conditions for obtaining a beaten card in 2025
One of the main requirements remains the legality of staying on the territory of Poland, that is, the student must have a valid visa or be in the country under the visa-free regime. An important condition is the presence of confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution or continuation of studies, which confirms the student’s academic activity.
Foreigners who are under temporary protection (Pesel UKR) cannot apply for a student card. This is an important detail, since many students who have this status need other ways to legalize their stay.
For students who study by correspondence, it is possible to submit an application for temporary residence with justification due to other circumstances, in particular studies. This will allow you to extend your legal stay in the country without having to constantly return home to renew your visa.
Proof of residence and its importance
One of the important requirements is proof of residence. Poland increasingly tightens control over the legality of residence of foreigners, so students will need to provide a housing rental agreement. It can be a lease agreement for an apartment, a room in a dormitory, or other officially registered housing. It is important that all documents are valid and correspond to the actual conditions of residence, as non-compliance may lead to the refusal of the issuance of a residence card.
Financial requirements: more money to live on
In addition to proof of residence, one of the key innovations in 2025 will be increased financial support requirements for students. From 2025, students will need to have at least 1,010 zlotys per month in their account, which is a total of 15,150 zlotys for 15 months. This is an increase compared to the previous amount of PLN 776 per month. The increase in the amount is related to changes in the Polish economy and the general increase in the cost of living.
In addition to the stamp duty for filing the application, which is 340 zlotys, students must also pay 100 zlotys for the production of a plastic beat card. This is divided into two payments: one is paid when the application is submitted, and the other is paid after a positive card decision.
Students will also need to have available funds for a return ticket to their homeland. The price of the ticket varies depending on the country of origin, so students should familiarize themselves with the prices of air tickets or other types of transport in advance. Financial capacity is one of the most important factors that are taken into account when considering an application for a debit card, so you should be careful when preparing financial documents.
What documents will be needed to obtain a beat card?
In order to receive a card, students need to prepare a large package of documents. Here is the main list:
- The completed application form (wniosek) is the main document that must be filled out carefully in accordance with all requirements.
- Four photographs that meet standards similar to visa requirements. It is important that the photos are current and clear.
- Copies of the foreign passport and providing the original for verification is standard procedure for identification.
- Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution or a document on continuing education. This confirms that the student continues his studies and has a legal basis for staying in the country.
- Proof of tuition payment – in some cases, additional information about the payment of tuition may be required.
- Confirmation of medical insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory for international students, and this document must be valid for the entire period of stay.
- Bank statements or other documents confirming financial capacity. This is confirmation that the student has sufficient funds to cover all expenses.
- A housing rental agreement is an important document for proof of residence.
- Receipt for payment of stamp duty in the amount of 340 zlotys. This fee is paid upon submission of documents for the debit card.
The increase in the requirements for obtaining a residence card in 2025 reflects the desire of the Polish government to ensure greater financial stability for foreign students, as well as to increase the level of legality of their stay. For Ukrainian students, these changes mean the need for careful preparation and pre-prepared documents in order to avoid problems and delays in the application process. It is important to follow the new requirements, especially regarding financial support, in order to confidently continue your studies and residence in Poland.
