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Settling In

After You Arrive in Poland

Your guide to the first steps in Poland: address registration, your residence permit, health insurance and your university.

Welcome • Poland

After You Arrive in Poland

Arrival Plan

Your first days

Residence Permit

Stay legally

Address Registration

Register your home

Your First Steps in Poland

Do these in order. Your residence permit must be applied for while your visa is still valid.

Register your address

At the municipal office (town hall), by your 30th day living there at the latest. It is free.

Apply for your residence permit

Online on MOS, before your visa ends.

Get health insurance

NFZ costs PLN 55.80 a month in 2026.

Keep your right to stay

Stay a full-time student. If you stop studying, tell the voivode's office (the regional government office) within 15 working days.

Post-Arrival Resources

Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Poland.

Arrival Plan
Your first days

What to do in your first week and your first month.

Learn More
Residence Permit
Stay legally

Apply on MOS before your visa ends.

Learn More
Address Registration
Register your home

By your 30th day living there.

Learn More
University Enrolment
Start your studies

Finish signing up at your university.

Learn More
Banking and Phone
Money and phone

Open a bank account and get a SIM card.

Learn More
Health Insurance
Stay insured

NFZ insurance for foreign students.

Learn More

Adaptation Timeline

A structured approach to settling in Poland during your first few months.

First days
Week 1
Settle in and meet your university.
Move into your home
Visit your university's international office
Save 112 in your phone
First month
By your 30th day living there
Register your address at the municipal office (town hall). A stay of 30 days or less needs no registration.
Register your address and get your PESEL number
Sign up for NFZ insurance
Before your visa ends
While your visa is valid
Apply early. The permit form has a part that your university must fill in first.
Apply on MOS for your residence permit
Give fingerprints at the voivode's office
Support Services

Support Resources

Essential support services and resources to help you during your stay in Poland.

Your university's international office

Help with enrolment. The permit form has a part that your university fills in.

Contact

See your university's website

Voivode's office

Decides your temporary residence permit. You apply online on MOS.

Contact

The office for your region

Emergency number

Police, ambulance and fire.

Contact

112

National Health Fund (NFZ)

Sign up for voluntary health insurance as a student.

Contact

Your regional NFZ office

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about post-arrival life in Poland.

Ready for your first days in Poland?

See the plan for your first week and your first month.

Need Assistance?

Need Help Settling In Poland?

Qogent is with you even after you land in Poland, offering post-arrival assistance and guidance.

Contact Qogent Support