In recent years, more and more Chinese students choose Poland as a study destination. Not only because it has the advantages of a large number of English-medium majors, low tuition fees, and EU-accredited qualifications, but also because PolishTransfer to work visa, permanent residence or even naturalization after studying abroadThe path is relatively clear, stable and feasible. In particular, from 2025 onwards, the Polish government has introduced a series of simplified work and residence policies for graduates, making the dual-track program of "study + residence" even more realistic.

So, what are the exact stages you need to go through starting from getting a Polish student visa to achieving long-term residence or even naturalization? In this article, we'll give you a comprehensive breakdown of the post-study in PolandimmigrantsFull Process.

I. Why choose Poland as a destination for "Study + Immigration"?

• affordable tuition: Public university tuition fees are only 3,000 to 5,000 euros per year, much lower than in Western European countries.

• Low cost of living: Average monthly living expenses of about 600 euros, suitable for an average family

• Recognition of European Union qualifications: After graduation, you can seek employment and continue your studies throughout the European Union.

• You can find a job directly after graduation: No mandatory return, visa can be extended to find a job

• Five years of legal residence for a permanent residence card (Karta Stałego Pobytu)

Poland is not only a starting point for studies, but also a springboard to permanent status in the European Union.

II. Student Visa (D-Type) → Residence Card (TRC)

✅ The first step: obtaining a student visa

Chinese students who have been admitted to a Polish university are required to apply for a "D long term country visa". After entering Poland, they are required to apply for a long term country visa inApply for a residence card within 90 days (Temporary Residence Card), i.e. TRC.

✅ Expiry date of residence card:

Typically 1 year, renewable until graduation based on academic progress. Legally part-time during the period, up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during vacations.

III. Transfer to work visa/blue card after graduation

✅ Step 2: Finding a job after completing your studies

upon graduationNo immediate departure requiredIn addition, you can apply for an extension of your residence card (usually valid for 9 to 12 months), which can be used to find a job in Poland.

When you find a job, there are usually two paths:

1. Ordinary Work Visa (Work Permit + TRC)
   Applicable to most freshers, the work contract is guaranteed by the employer, and you need to submit the employment contract, company business license, salary statement, etc.

2. EU Blue Card
   Suitable for high paying industries such as IT, Engineering, Finance, etc., Requirements:

   • Annual salary 1.5 times higher than the average salary in Poland (approximately more than 25,000 euros per year in 2025)

   • Bachelor's degree or above

The Blue Card is valid for up to 3 years and can be transferred for family reunification and long-term residence in the EU.

IV. 5 years of continuous legal residence → application for permanent residence card (Karta Stałego Pobytu)

✅ Step 3: Apply for permanent residence in Poland

You can apply for permanent residence if you fulfill the following conditions:

• in Poland5 years of continuous legal residence(Credited during student stay, but at a rate of 0.5)
  ⮕ Example: 2 years of student status + 4 years of working status → 2 x 0.5 + 4 = 5 years

• Have a stable source of income (work or self-employment)

  

• Proof of residence (rental or purchase)

• Passing the Polish A2 language test (the test is about daily life conversation)

After obtaining a permanent residence card:

• No need to renew

• Freedom to change city of work/residence

• Public education, health insurance and other benefits for children

V. From permanent residence to naturalization (Polish passport)

You can apply for naturalization if you meet the following conditions:

• Possession of a permanent residence card and presence in Poland2 years of continuous residence

• Marriage to a Polish citizen with more than 1 year of residence

• Passed the Polish language examination at the B1 level

• No significant criminal record

Recognized by Polanddual nationalityChinese nationals can decide whether or not to apply for naturalization if they wish.

VI. Real Case Reference: Successful Conversion of International Students to Blue Cards in WuhanImmigration to Poland

Wang was admitted to Poznań University of Economics in 2019, and after graduation in 2022, she was employed by an e-commerce company in Warsaw, and successfully applied for a work visa. in 2023, the company applied for an EU Blue Card for her, and went through the process of reunification for her family. She plans to apply for permanent residence in 2026. She is currently living a stable life with a monthly salary of around 4,500 PLN (after taxes) and her children are enrolled in a local kindergarten.

She said, "Poland is not as popular as Germany and France, but the migration path is stable, there are many opportunities, and it is friendly to Chinese people."

✅ CONCLUSION: Studying abroad is just the beginning.Poland ImmigrationWorthy of long-term layout

Compared to traditional immigration methods, the path of "study + work + permanent residence" is obviously more suitable for young people to plan steadily. With the accessibility of the European Union, the affordable cost of living and the wide range of career opportunities, Poland is the ideal springboard for building up your status step by step.

If you don't want to take shortcuts, but rather pursue a stable, low-risk and cost-effective path to European status, Poland will be a choice you can't ignore.