Poland: Country-Specific Brexit Information

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

 

UK nationals who have been legally living in Poland before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Poland through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Poland by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.

Entry and Residency Requirements

UK nationals will be able to stay in Poland if they were residents before December 31, 2020.

UK nationals who are staying in Poland for more than three months must register their stay with the Department of Foreigners at the local Voivodeship office. UK nationals who have been living in Poland for five or more years consecutively must apply for a document confirming their permanent residency.

Individuals who are applying for Polish residency should note that authorities may research their family history if they believe the applicant is a Polish national (for instance, if the applicant has Polish parents, grandparents, or great grandparents). In that case, the application process may be delayed.

All UK nationals who are residents of Poland before the Brexit transition must obtain a new residence document in 2021.

The Polish government will provide more information when available for UK nationals who want to apply for residency after the Brexit transition.

Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Poland before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.

Working in Poland

UK nationals who are residents of Poland before the Brexit transition will have the same right to work in the country if they remain residents.

UK nationals who want to work in Poland may need a UK police certificate.

Individuals who live in Poland and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.

Passports

Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip.

Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Poland before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.