Paperwork & Documents to Bring to Poland | 2026 Relocation Guide
Overview: Preparation Standards in Poland
When relocating to Poland, the correct preparation of documents is often more critical than the application forms themselves. Polish administrative bodies (urzędy) adhere to strict formal requirements regarding the validity, translation, and legalization of foreign documents.
Key Principles for Foreign Documents:
- Originals are Mandatory: Always bring original documents. Photocopies are generally not accepted unless certified by a Polish notary.
- Sworn Translations: Documents in languages other than Polish usually require translation by a Sworn Translator (Tłumacz Przysięgły) registered in Poland. Standard translations are rarely accepted for official purposes.
- Apostille or Legalization: Public documents issued abroad (like birth certificates) typically need an Apostille (if your country is a Hague Convention member) or consular legalization to be valid in Poland.
1. Personal Identification and Travel Documents
These are the foundational documents required to cross the border and apply for legal residence.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area (though a longer validity is recommended for residence permit applications). It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages.
- National ID Card: Sufficient for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens for entry and most administrative tasks.
- Visa (if applicable): Non-EU citizens typically require a National Visa (Type D) for long-term stays (over 90 days) or a Schengen Visa (Type C) for short visits.
- Passport Photos: Bring several recent biometric photos (35mm x 45mm, white background). While you can get these in Poland, having a few on hand is useful for immediate transit passes or student IDs.
2. Civil Status and Vital Records
Civil status documents are essential for registering your address (meldunek), obtaining a PESEL number, registering children for school, or applying for a residence permit (Karta Pobytu).
Required Documents:
- Birth Certificate: Required for residence applications and registering children.
- Marriage Certificate: Essential if your spouse is accompanying you or if your visa status depends on your partner.
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of Spouse: Required to prove current marital status if applicable.
Important: Vital records almost always require an Apostille (or legalization) to be recognized by the Polish Registry Office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego).
3. Employment and Professional Qualifications
If you are moving for work or plan to seek employment, you must prove your qualifications and work history. These documents are also critical for the "Blue Card" residence permit.
- University Diplomas and Degrees: Bring originals. Some employers or government bodies may require a "Certificate of Equivalence" (nostrification), though many sectors accept the original with a sworn translation.
- Transcripts of Records: Supplement to your degree showing courses taken.
- Professional Certificates/Licenses: Essential for regulated professions (e.g., medicine, law, engineering).
- Previous Employment Records: Signed testimonials or certificates of employment are often required to calculate leave entitlement (holidays) in Poland, which is based on total years of work and education history.
4. Financial and Housing Documents
These are necessary to prove "stable and regular source of income" for residence permits and to open bank accounts.
- Bank Statements: Recent statements (last 3–6 months) proving sufficient funds.
- Credit History: While Polish banks may not accept foreign credit scores directly, having a history can sometimes be helpful for background checks with international banks operating in Poland.
- Proof of Accommodation: If you have arranged housing, bring the signed lease agreement or deed. This is mandatory for obtaining a PESEL number and address registration (meldunek).
5. Families and Children
School enrollment in Poland requires specific documentation to place a child in the correct grade level.
- School Report Cards/Transcripts: Records from the previous school indicating the last grade completed.
- Immunization (Vaccination) Records: Mandatory for school and kindergarten enrollment. These must usually be translated.
- Birth Certificates for Children: Required for all official registrations.
6. Medical and Health Records
To ensure continuity of care, especially if you have chronic conditions.
- Medical History Summary: A letter from your previous doctor outlining chronic conditions, recent surgeries, or ongoing treatments.
- Prescription List: Detailed list of medications, including generic names (active ingredients), as brand names differ in Poland.
- Health Insurance Proof: EHIC card (for EU citizens) or proof of private health insurance policy covering costs in Poland (required for visa/residence permit applications).
7. Driving and Vehicles
- Driver’s License: Valid foreign license.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Highly recommended (and often legally required) for non-EU license holders to drive legally until they exchange their license for a Polish one.
- No-Claims Bonus History: A certificate from your previous auto insurer may help you get a discount on car insurance in Poland, though acceptance varies by company.
8. Pets (Dogs, Cats, Ferrets)
Poland follows strict EU regulations for moving pets.
- Pet Passport (EU) or Health Certificate: If coming from outside the EU, you need a "Veterinary Certificate for Domestic Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Entering the European Community."
- Microchip Record: The animal must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Must be valid. For the first vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travel.
- Rabies Antibody Titration Test: Required for pets coming from certain "unlisted" non-EU countries.
Helpful Official Resources
Verify specific requirements based on your nationality at these official government sources: