UK Visa for Polish Citizens: 2024 Application Fees in Poland! Get the latest information on visa fees for Polish citizens and residents planning to work, study, or settle in the UK. Since 1 January 2021, Polish nationals require a visa for longer stays including employment and education, though brief visits are visa-free. Non-EU residents in Poland, like those from India or South Africa, need visas for any length of stay. The UK visa from Poland cost is €138 for a six-month visit visa. UK visa from Poland cost for student and spouse applications is €589 and €2,218, respectively. The UK visa fees from Poland is €864 for a skilled worker visa up to 3 years.
Table of Contents
1. Overview: UK Visa for Polish Citizens 2024
Do Polish Need Visa for UK?
| Activity Type | Visa Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tourism, Business Meetings, Academic Conferences | Polish citizens can stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa for tourism and short business meetings. |
| Work, Study, Settlement | Polish citizens require specific visa. |
| Business Travel (extended activities) | Depending on the nature of activities, Polish citizens may require a UK Visa. |
UK Visa Fees Poland
The UK Visa Fees Poland varies by visa type, with tourist visas at US$145, student visas at US$619, and spouse visas at US$2,332.
| Visa Type | UK Visa Fees Poland 2023 |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | €138 (6-months) |
| Student Visa | €589 |
| Skilled Worker | €864 (up to 3 years) €1,707 (over 3 years) |
| Spouse Visa | €2,218 |
UK Visa Processing Time from Poland
| Visa Type and Service | Processing Time and Cost from Poland (2023) |
|---|---|
| Non-Settlement Visas (Standard Processing) | 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks) |
| Non-Settlement Visas (Priority Service) | 5-7 working days, Extra Cost: €601 |
| Settlement Visas (Standard Processing) | Up to 12 weeks |
| Settlement Visas (Priority Service for Polish Passport Holders and Residents) | 6 weeks, Extra Cost: €601 |
| Super-Priority Service | Next working day, Service Fee: €1,202 |
Note: Extended processing up to 12 weeks may occur in some cases for non-settlement visas from Poland due to various factors such as document verification or administrative delays.
UK Visa from Poland for Indian Citizens
Visa Requirements for Non-EU Residents
- Indian Passport Holders: As non-EU residents in Poland, Indian nationals need a UK visa for visiting, working, studying, and family settlement.
- Pakistani Passport Holders: Similar requirements apply to Pakistani nationals in Poland. They must obtain a UK visa for the same range of purposes.
UK Visit Visa for Pakistani and Indian Nationals in Poland
- Purpose: For short holidays or visits to the UK from Poland.
- Processing Time: Typically, 10-15 working days for non-settlement visas, including visit visas.
- Priority Services: Available for faster processing in Poland.
- Application Submission: Biometric submissions usually occur at TLS application centre Business Garden Business Center – Żwirki I Wigury 16A, 2nd floor, 02092, Warsaw, Poland.
2. Visiting UK from Poland 2024 Application Fees and Requirements
Do I need a Visa to Visit UK from Poland?
Polish citizens, as part of the non-visa national group, typically do not need a visa for visits to the UK lasting up to 6 months. This exemption, however, does not apply to non-EU nationals residing in Poland, who are required to obtain a visa for tourism or other visits to the UK. Nonetheless, per Paragraph V 1.3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, specific situations necessitate a UK visa for Polish citizens:
- If they plan to marry or establish a civil partnership in the UK, or to officially give notice of such.
- For stays in the UK that are intended to be longer than six months.
Standard Visitor Visa UK from Poland
The standard visitor visa is for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term studies, and other allowed activities. Polish and EU residents in Poland typically don’t need a standard visa to visit the UK. However, non-EU residents like Indian or Pakistani passport holders must apply for a standard visa to visit the UK.
Essential Criteria: UK Visit Visa from Poland
To secure a UK Visit Visa from Poland, applicants must satisfy multiple criteria. The foremost requirement is stating the clear purpose of the visit, whether it’s tourism, business, or visiting family. Applicants also need to provide proof of financial means to support their stay in the UK, along with evidence of accommodation arrangements. Furthermore, proof of onward or return travel is required to ensure the applicant intends to leave the UK after the visit. Meeting these essential criteria is critical for obtaining a UK Visit Visa from Poland.
In the year ending September 2022, out of 82 Polish UK visitor visa applications, 59 were approved and 19 were denied, leading to a 75.64% approval rate and a 24.36% refusal rate.
UK Visit Visa Fee from Poland
As of 2023, UK visa fees from Poland are €138 for a 6-month visa, €481 for a 2-year visa, €927 for a 5-year visa, and €1,157 for a 10-year visa. All these visas have a maximum stay limit of 180 days per visit.
The standard visitor visa processing time from Poland is usually 3-weeks. Polish citizens and residents can fast track the decision time within one week, by purchasing the priority service for €601.
UK Tourist Visa from Poland
Polish residents planning a UK visit need to fill out an online visa application form. The application requires specific documents that prove the intention to return to Poland, ensure financial stability, and outline a clear travel itinerary. The application process involves a fee of €138 and also requires the submission of biometric information at a visa application center.
Key Documents Required for Polish Applicants:
- Proof of Returning to Poland: A letter from your employer or educational institution in Poland, confirming your obligations after your UK visit.
- Evidence of Financial Solvency: Bank statements showing sufficient funds to support your stay in the UK are necessary.
- Detailed Travel Itinerary: Including confirmed bookings for your stay and transportation within the UK.
Snapshot: Other UK Visitor Visas from Poland
| Visa Type for Polish Citizens | UK Visa Fees Poland 2023 |
|---|---|
| Marriage Visitor Visa: For Polish citizens to get married or registering civil partnership in the UK. Duration: Up to 180 days. | €138 |
| Private Medical Treatment Visa: For Polish to get private medical treatment in the UK lasting 6-11 months. Note: Attendants must apply separately. | €240 |
| Visiting Academics: For Polish academic professionals engaging in research or educational exchanges for up to 12 months. | €240 |
| Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE): For Polish professionals to perform short-term paid tasks like lecturing or assessing, available for up to 30 days. | €138 |
| Parent of Child Student Visa: For Polish parents of children in fee-paying day schools in the UK. Duration: 12 months. | €766 |
3. Study Visa to UK from Poland
The UK Student Visa permits Polish citizens to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles.
In the year concluding in September 2022, from 521 Polish applications, 512 were granted, reflecting a 97.90% success rate.
UK Student Visa Fees from Poland
Polish students applying for a UK Student Visa will encounter a standard fee of €589, with an expected processing duration of around 3 weeks. For accelerated processing, an expedited service is available at a supplementary cost of €601.
Additionally, Polish students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which totals £624 annually, alongside their visa application fee.
Short-term English Language Visa
The short-term study visa is designed for Polish studying English in the UK for 6-11 months, costing €240. A 6-month course costs €138.
Work Rights for Students from Poland
- For degree-level course students, there is an allowance to work part-time, up to 20 hours weekly, during the term, and to work full-time during vacations.
- For sub-degree level courses, the limit is 10 hours per week.
- Dependents of degree-level students can work; however, those of sub-degree students cannot.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Polish graduates can avail a 2-year post-study work visa. PhD holders can get a 3-year visa.
4. Family Settlement Visa to UK from Poland
The UK Family Visa under Appendix FM allows Polish citizens to join family members who are either settled in the UK or British citizens. Categories range from spouse visas to adult dependent relatives and parent of a British child visas.
In the year up to September 2022, 77 Polish citizens applied for the UK family settlement visa. From these, 38 were approved and 1 was declined, yielding success and refusal rates of 92.68% and 2.44% respectively.
Spouse or Partner Visa to UK from Poland
- Eligibility: Polish applicants must satisfy Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, proving a genuine relationship, stable finances, secure housing, and English language skills.
- Validity & Extensions: The initial period for a spouse visa is 33 months, extendable after 30 months, with a path to ILR after 5 years.
- Cost: Standard fee is €2,218, with an optional expedited service for an additional €601.
Other Family Visa to UK from Poland
| Visa Category | UK Visa from Poland Cost 2023 |
|---|---|
| Fiancé(e) Visa For Polish citizens intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. Valid for 6 months. | €2,218 |
| Parent of a British Child Visa For Polish citizens who are the sole caregivers of a British child. | €2,218 |
| Adult Dependent Relative Visa For Polish citizens requiring long-term care from a UK-based relative. | €3,906 |
| Returning Residents Visa For Polish citizens who have previously been settled in the UK and wish to return. | €766 |
5. UK Work Visa for Polish Citizens 2024
Do Polish Citizens Need Visa to Work in UK?
After Brexit, Polish citizens need work permit for working and doing business in the UK. Polish citizens often choose the Skilled Worker visa when seeking employment in the UK. Other options include visas such as the Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, and Health and Care Worker.
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 2,573 Polish applied for work visa UK. 2,670 applications resolved, 1,881 work visas granted to Polish nationals, and 722 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rate from Poland are 70.45% and 27.04%, respectively.
Skilled Worker & Health Care Visa
Polish citizens looking to work in the UK in skilled occupations have specific visa options available to them. The Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa are designed for Polish citizens and residents sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor and offer a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK.
| Visa Type and Details | UK Visa Fees Poland 2023 |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa For Polish citizens and residents in skilled roles with a licensed Home Office sponsor. Offers a route to permanent UK settlement. | €864 (up to 3 years), €1,707 (over 3 years) |
| Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa For Polish citizens in specific shortage occupations. | €662 (up to 3 years), €1,303 (over 3 years) |
| Health And Care Work Visa For Polish health professionals like doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals, sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor. Leads to permanent UK settlement. | €341 (up to 3 years), €662 (over 3 years) |
Global Business Mobility Visa UK
An overview of the UK work visas under the Global Business Mobility category for Polish citizens, including their fees for 2023.
| Visa Category | UK Visa Fees Poland 2023 |
|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Ideal for senior managers or specialists from Poland transferring to a UK branch. | – Up to three years €864 – Longer than three years €1,707 |
| Graduate Trainee Visa For Polish individuals in graduate training programs leading to specialist roles in the UK. | €358 |
| UK Expansion Worker Visa For Polish specialists or senior personnel looking to expand a business into the UK. | €358 |
| Service Supplier Visa For Polish professionals providing services under UK trade agreements. | €358 |
| Secondment Worker Visa Specifically for Polish citizens and residents seconded to the UK for significant contracts or investments. | €358 |
Quick Guide to Other Work and Business Visas:
Below is a brief overview of various UK visa categories along with their associated fees for Polish looking to work or do business in the UK.
| Visa Category | UK Visa Fees Poland 2023 |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Visa For Franch citizens and residents starting an innovative business in the UK. | €523 |
| Innovator Visa For Polish citizens with innovative, viable, and scalable businesses. Requirements include an endorsement, £50,000 investment, and B2 IELTS level. | €1,431 |
| Innovator Founder Visa (Introduced 2023) Ideal for Polish entrepreneurs. Simplified process with endorsement approval, could lead to UK family residency. | – Endorsement €1,202 – Application €1,431 |
| Investor Visa For high-value Polish citizens and residents investing in the UK. | €2,264 |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa For Polish graduates from top-50 global universities seeking employment in the UK. | €988 |
| Scale-Up Visa For Polish with a job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company. Leads to potential UK settlement after 5 years. | €988 |
| Global Talent Visa For Polish citizens and residents who are leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology. | – Approval Letter for initial application from Poland: €630 – Polish Main Applicant with Approval Letter: €231 – Main Applicant without Approval Letter and for Dependants: €860 |
| T2 Minister of Religion Visa For Polish intending to undertake preaching and pastoral work. | €864 |
| International Sportsperson Visa For elite Polish sportspersons or coaches contributing to UK sports. Fee varies based on Certificate of Sponsorship duration. | – Up to 12 months CoS €358 – More than 12 months CoS €864 |
| T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa For Polish citizens and residents in various sectors, such as seasonal, religious, or creative workers. | €358 |
6. How to Apply UK Visa from Poland?
A comprehensive guide tailored for Polish citizens and residents in Poland detailing the steps for applying for a UK visa. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from determining the visa type to preparing for your UK arrival. Note: The estimated cost provided is for a UK visitor visa. Residents in Poland opting for priority service may complete the process within 15 working days instead of 30.
Total Time: 30 days
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Determine the Visa Type
Identify the specific category of visa that aligns with your purpose for traveling from Poland to the UK.
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Create an Account
Open the official website of the UK government pertaining to visas and immigration. Start by setting up an account on the UK Visas and Immigration service.
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Complete the Application Form
Online Form Filling: Accurately complete the appropriate online application form, ensuring the consistency of information with your supporting documents.
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Pay the Visa Fee
Payment Gateway Access: Once you have filled out the form, the system will redirect you to the online payment gateway for the application fee transaction.
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Gather Your Supporting Documents
Based on the visa type, gather essential documents like your Polish passport or residence permit, proof of finances, and UK accommodation details.
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Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Poland
If you’re not using the Immigration App for identity verification, it’s essential to schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) in Poland.
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Attend Your Appointment
Present yourself at the VAC with all your necessary supporting documents and proceed to complete the biometric procedures as instructed in your appointment details.
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Wait for a Decision
Application Progress: Your application will be processed following its submission. A notification will be sent to you when the decision is fully determined.
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Collection or Delivery of Passport
Collect your passport with the visa attached from the VAC or opt for courier delivery.
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Prepare for UK Arrival
Prepare for UK Arrival: Your visa is in hand – it’s time to prepare for your UK adventure. Ensure you are acquainted with and understand the conditions of your visa.
Estimated Cost: 138 €
Supply:
- Application form
- Valid Polish Passport or Residence Permit
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Payment for visa fee in EURO
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
Tools:
- Internet access
- Polish Passport or Residence Permit
- Financial documents
Materials: UK visa application, printed post-online submission. Financial Evidence: Bank Statements (last 6 months). Document Photocopies: Ownership Titles, Housing Agreements, Family Form.
7. UK Visa from Poland 2024: Supporting Documents
Documents Required for UK Visa from Poland
- Passport or Travel Document Requirements: Polish applicants should ensure their passport is valid for the entire length of their stay in the UK and includes a blank page for the visa.
- Filling in the Application Form: Polish citizens must accurately complete and validate their application through the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
- UK Stay Accommodation Details: Applicants from Poland need to provide specifics about their accommodation plans in the UK.
- Proof of Financial Means: It is essential for Polish applicants to demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay in the UK.
- Detailed Itinerary for UK Visit: A comprehensive travel plan, outlining the activities and travel within the UK, is required.
- Evidence of Links to Poland: This could be job contracts, family ties, or educational commitments in Poland, signifying an intent to return.
- English Language Proficiency: If required, this is typically verified through an accredited English language test.
Documentation Depending on Visa Type:
- Work Visas: Necessary documentation includes a valid job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and appropriate professional credentials.
- Study Visas: A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a must.
- Family Visas: Evidence of family ties, like marriage or birth certificates, is required.
- Tourist Visas: Polish citizens may need to provide more details about their trip.
For Polish Applicants with UK-based Sponsors:
Polish residents or citizens with a sponsor in the UK should add the sponsor’s supporting documents, particularly crucial for visas usually requiring sponsorship, such as work or family visas.
Required Documents from UK Sponsors:
- An Invitation Letter from the UK sponsor.
- Proof of the Sponsor’s Legal Status in the UK.
- Financial Documents of the Sponsor.
- Proof of Sponsor’s Accommodation.
- Evidence of Relationship with the Sponsor, if relevant.
Remember: While additional documents from a UK sponsor can enhance your application, fulfilling the primary visa criteria remains essential for Polish citizens applying for a UK visa.
8. FAQs: UK Visa for Polish Citizens and Non-EU Residents
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How long can Polish Citizens stay in the UK?
Polish citizens can stay up to 180 days on a visitor visa. For other visa types like spouse, student, and work visas, the duration is defined by the visa validity. Polish can extend their stay by meeting Leave to Remain (LTR) requirements. Certain visa routes also allow for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventual British citizenship.
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How Many Polish Citizens Live in the UK?
As of 2020, around 750,000 Poland-born residents lived in the UK, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure may have changed and doesn’t include Polish descendants or naturalized citizens.
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Do UK Citizens need a visa for Poland?
In February 2023, a new rule takes effect: for stays up to 90 days, a visa isn’t necessary, but ETIAS authorization is.
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What Polish can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?
Polish citizens can reapply or seek Judicial Review. No appeal rights exist for visitor visa refusals. Appeals are possible on human rights grounds.
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Can Polish Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?
Work is not permitted. Violations may lead to visa cancellation and re-entry bans.