International protection in Poland
Office for Foreigners, UdSC
Applications for international protection are made through the Border Guard and decided by the Head of the Office for Foreigners (UdSC), who can grant refugee status or subsidiary protection. Applying is free and can be done at the border or at any Border Guard unit in Poland. Since 27 March 2025 Poland has temporarily restricted the right to apply at the border with Belarus, renewed in 60-day periods. The EU Pact applies from 12 June 2026, but the Polish government has said it will not take part in relocation.
Life in Poland
Money
3
Currency
Polish Zloty
PLN
Polish Zloty
Cost of living
55
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
12–32%
Income tax (national)
VAT 23%
Tax scale: 12% less a PLN 3,600 reducing amount (effectively PLN 30,000 tax-free) up to PLN 120,000, then 32%; optional 19% flat rate for business income.
Living
1
Happiness
#23 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Poland or at a Polish border crossing who fear persecution or serious harm in their country.
Eligibility
Refugee status
For people with a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin.
Subsidiary protection
For people who do not meet the refugee definition but face a real risk of serious harm on return. Subsidiary protection holders cannot get a Geneva travel document.
Where to apply
Tell a Border Guard officer at the border or go to any Border Guard unit in Poland; registration must follow within set working days.
Time limit to register
- Normal caseif not taken that day
- 3 working days
- Mass influxif not taken that day
- 10 working days
- Apply at border control or any Border Guard unit or outpost
- In Warsaw, applications are taken at 4 Wynalazek Street
Official wording
Tell a Border Guard officer at border control, or go to any Border Guard unit or outpost in Poland. In Warsaw, applications are taken at Border Guard premises at 4 Wynalazek Street. If not taken that day, registration must happen within 3 working days (10 in a mass influx).
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- 5 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 2 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- UdSC - How to lodge an application for international protection
- UdSC - Rights and obligations of the applicant
- UdSC - Refugee procedure FAQ
- UdSC - Restriction of the right to apply for international protection
- MSWiA - Belarus border asylum restriction extended by another 60 days
- Zielona Linia (government) - Temporary identity certificate and work
Other routes to Poland
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyTemporary residence permit for studies / national D visa for study
- Work permitsWork permit for a Polish entity entrusting work to a foreigner (formerly type A) and temporary residence and work permit
- FamilyTemporary residence permit for family reunification
