Scientific research

You should apply if you wish to stay in Poland for longer than 3 months and you also hold a professional title that in Poland corresponds to at least a master's degree or to an equivalent, allowing an application for doctoral degree and the main purpose of your stay is to conduct scientific research or development projects in a research unit based in Poland and approved by the minister responsible for internal affairs.

If you submit your application on time and it does not contain any formal deficiencies — or if you correct any deficiencies within the deadline indicated by us — your stay in Poland will remain legal from the date of effective submission via MOS until the decision in your case becomes final.

Before you apply, read our tips on how to fill in an application form.

1. Go to mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl via login.gov.pl and create an account.
2. Read the requirements for the specific type of permit and purpose of stay, and gather all documents needed to complete the application in MOS.

3. Complete the application for a temporary residence permit by following the instructions displayed on the screen.
4. In the application, provide an email address where you will receive an access code to check the status of your case once your application has been registered by the Office.
5. You must attach a digital biometric photograph, scans/photos of all pages of your travel document, and confirmation of payment of the stamp duty fee.

6. Fill out the  Attachment No. 4, in MOS in electronic form, in accordance with the instructions. 

7. Sign the application using a Trusted Profile and submit it in the MOS system.
8. After submitting the application, download the Official Acknowledgement of Receipt (UPO), which confirms that your application has been submitted. Keep this document safe.

The next step will be an in-person appointment to submit your fingerprints. During the visit, you will also complete other documents required to obtain a stamp in your passport.

Learn how to submit fingerprints.
Learn how to track the status of your case.

• Online application completed in the Case Handling Module with the Attachment no 4

• Scans/photos of all pages of a valid travel document (original available for inspection). In particularly justified cases, if you do not possess a valid travel document and are unable to obtain one, you may scan another document confirming your identity,

• 1 digital photograph,

• confirmation of the payment of stamp duty. 

  PAY ONLINE

  Documents required to be granted the permit:

  • a contract on the admission of a scientist for the purpose of conducting scientific research or development works concluded with a scientific unit based in Poland,

  • a written statement of the scientific unit in which it undertakes to costs related to your to return;

  • a health insurance document;

  • a document confirming sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of the maintenance in Poland and return travel for the duration of scientific research or development projects, after deduction of the cost of residence;

  • a statement on the cost of living.

Read our guide

The permit is granted for a period not longer than 3 years.

This permit entitles you to perform work without the need to obtain an additional work permit.

The residence card is issued after you have received your decision with your permit. Read How to receive my residence card?