Poland Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work [Update 2024]

➡ 2024 UPDATE

Poland’s freelance visa provides an appealing option for digital nomads and professionals looking to work in Central Europe. The visa process is noted for its quick and simple procedure, often resulting in a 1-year work visa within just two weeks. Notably, this visa has minimal restrictions on the type of work or the employers you can work with, and offers a very low tax rate—only 6% of gross income. Additionally, the cost of living in Poland is relatively low compared to other EU countries, making it an attractive base for digital nomads. After five years, visa holders may qualify for EU Long-Term Residence, and potentially Polish citizenship after eight years. The visa caters to a variety of professionals including digital nomads, creative professionals, tech and business experts, and language teachers, all of whom find ample opportunities in Poland’s dynamic market.

Nomad Visa Poland 2024

Poland, known for its openness to foreigners, is actively addressing the challenge of “brain drain” where many young people relocate to other European Union countries in pursuit of higher salaries. Despite these efforts, Poland currently does not offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa.

Digital nomads interested in Poland have several visa alternatives. Initially, the Schengen tourist visa is a straightforward option, allowing travelers to stay within the Schengen zone, including Poland, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Schengen Tourist Visa

For many digital nomads, entering Poland on a Schengen tourist visa is the simplest route. This visa permits a stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days every six months. While this may seem convenient, it’s important to note that holders of this visa are technically not allowed to establish residence or engage in remote work while in Poland.

Long-Term Type D Visa

For those wishing to stay longer, Poland offers the Type D visa. Generally issued for one year, this visa is intended for individuals who have substantial reasons to stay, such as participating in educational courses, engaging in volunteer activities, or visiting family members residing in Poland.

Special Freelance Visa

Under the Type D category, there is a specific visa tailored for freelancers, valid for two years. This option requires applicants to register as sole proprietors in Poland and fulfill local tax obligations. This visa represents the closest equivalent to a dedicated Digital Nomad (remote work) visa in Poland.

Poland’s Long-Stay Visa Options for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads planning more extended stays, the Type D visa is relatively accessible, provided you can demonstrate a compelling reason for your stay. While the Schengen visa is easier to obtain, it restricts the ability to work legally within Poland, making the Type D visa a more suitable choice for those needing longer-term or work-based stays.

The Type D visa permits stays of up to one year initially and can be renewed for longer periods. This visa is suitable for:

Students admitted to Polish educational institutions.
Volunteers with engagements in Poland.
Family visitors looking to spend time with close relatives living in Poland.
Freelancers intending to work independently within the country.

For freelancers, a specific Type D visa allows a two-year stay, contingent on registering as a sole proprietor in Poland.

Restrictions on Schengen Area Travel

Holders of the Type D visa can travel within other Schengen countries but are limited to a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period outside of Poland.

Requirements for Obtaining a Type D Visa

To successfully apply for this visa, applicants must demonstrate a legitimate reason for their extended stay in Poland. Each application is evaluated individually, with typical justifications including:

Educational pursuits: Supported by acceptance letters from Polish institutions.
Volunteer activities: Backed by official invitations from recognized organizations.
Family visits: Validated with evidence of close family ties to Polish residents.
Freelance work: Justified by business registration in Poland and proof of local clientele.

Financial stability is crucial, with applicants required to show they can sustain approximately $850 per month during their stay.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Document Collection: Gather necessary documents including a valid passport, residence proof, biometric photos, a detailed cover letter, health insurance, a clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, and financial stability.
Visa Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment through Poland’s e-konsulat system at a Polish diplomatic mission. Prepare to pay the visa application fee via cash or bank transfer.
Attend the Visa Appointment: Submit your documents in person, possibly followed by an interview if deemed necessary by the consulate.
Visa Processing: Monitor your application’s status through the e-konsulat system and await notification via email.
Arrival in Poland: Upon visa approval, travel to Poland and apply for a PESEL number for transactions like tax payments and banking.

Registering as a Sole Proprietor in Poland

Freelancers must register as sole proprietors, which is a straightforward, cost-free process involving:

Acquiring a PESEL identification number.
Obtaining a NIP tax number.
Establishing a business address in Poland.
Assessing VAT obligations and registering if necessary.
Opening a Polish bank account.
Enrolling in the Polish social security system (ZUS).
Submitting the CEIDG-1 application online, in Polish, to officially register the business.

The Type D visa offers a robust solution for digital nomads and other long-term visitors to Poland, accommodating a variety of needs from educational pursuits to freelance work. Proper planning and compliance with the application requirements will facilitate a smoother process and a fruitful stay in Poland.

Timeline for Applying for a Long-Stay Visa in Poland

The application process for a long-stay visa in Poland typically concludes within 15 working days after the submission and payment of the application fee. Should additional information be required, or if an interview is necessary, the process may extend to approximately 30 days.

Costs Associated with the Poland Visa Application

The cost of the Poland visa application is determined by your local Polish mission and may fluctuate based on local currency values. Generally, applicants should anticipate a non-refundable fee ranging from €70 to €80.

Tax Obligations in Poland

Individuals who reside in Poland for over 183 days or who register as sole proprietors are subject to Polish tax regulations. Non-residents benefit from a special tax rate of 20% on revenue, applied without deductions for costs, unless affected by double taxation treaties. Poland has established double taxation agreements with all European Union member states, as well as with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, no such agreement currently exists with the United States.