Moving to Poland 2026: US Citizens, Visas, Dogs
A US citizen can visit Poland visa-free, but moving there for longer means a national D visa or a temporary residence permit, and for most people a job and a work permit as well. Bringing a dog or cat from the United States has its own EU rules on microchips, rabies vaccination and health certificates. This guide sets out the steps, as published by Poland's Office for Foreigners portal, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Department of Agriculture, and read on 14 October 2026.
Quick answer
US citizens can stay in the Schengen area, including Poland, for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. To stay longer, apply for a D-type national visa, valid for more than 90 days and up to one year, or, once in Poland, a temporary residence permit of up to 3 years. For a job, your employer gets a work permit online for 400 PLN. Dogs and cats need a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and an EU health certificate endorsed by USDA.
Moving to Poland as a US citizen
- Visiting: the United States is on the Schengen list of nationalities that need no visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Staying longer: a D-type national visa lets you stay in Poland for a total of more than 90 days during its validity, but not longer than one year, and travel in other Schengen states for up to 90 days in 180.
- Living long term: a temporary residence permit, applied for once you are in Poland, is granted for the time needed for a stay of more than 3 months, up to 3 years.
The D-type national visa
Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists these documents for a D visa:
- A travel document.
- A completed and signed visa application.
- A photograph.
- Proof of payment of the visa fee.
- Medical travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000, or Polish public health insurance cover.
- Documents on the purpose and conditions of your stay, and adequate funds for living costs and your return.
Supporting documents may vary by country, so check with the Polish consulate where you apply.
Moving to Poland for work
- Your employer applies for a work permit online through praca.gov.pl. The permit is tied to that employer and position.
- From 1 December 2025 the fee is 400 PLN, or 200 PLN for work of up to 3 months.
- The permit is granted for up to 3 years, subject to exceptions.
- A work permit only lets you work if your stay is legal and your visa or permit allows work.
The work routes are explained in our Poland work visa guide.
The temporary residence and work permit
- Apply: online in the Office for Foreigners' MOS system, decided by the voivode for your place of residence.
- In person: you are summoned, no sooner than 7 days after the summons, to show your travel document and give fingerprints and a signature, and later to collect your residence card.
- Fee: PLN 440 for an employee.
- Deadline: applications are dealt with within 60 days of a complete application.
Moving to Poland with a dog or cat
For pets from the United States, APHIS sets out the EU rules for dogs, cats and ferrets.
| Step | What APHIS says |
|---|---|
| Microchip | A working microchip before the rabies vaccination. ISO-compliant chips are 15 digits and meet ISO 11784 and 11785. |
| Rabies vaccination | Wait at least 21 days after a primary vaccination before travelling. A primary vaccination given in the US is valid for only 1 year, and a booster is due within 12 months. |
| Health certificate | The EU non-commercial certificate, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA. It is valid for 30 days after issue, and USDA must endorse it within 10 days of the pet's arrival in the EU. |
| Who travels | The owner with the pet, or a designated person no later than 5 days after the owner, with five or fewer pets |
| Commercial certificate | For 6 or more pets, or a pet changing owner, with a veterinary inspection within 48 hours of departure |
Pets that do not meet the EU's rabies rules may be refused entry or quarantined at the owner's expense.
Costs and first steps
For a budget, see our cost of moving to Poland, and for the first weeks, first steps after moving to Poland.
Frequently asked questions
Can a US citizen move to Poland?
Yes, with a D-type national visa or a temporary residence permit, and a work permit if you will work for a Polish employer.
How long can Americans stay in Poland without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area.
How long is a Polish D visa valid?
It allows a stay of more than 90 days but not longer than one year.
Can I bring my dog to Poland from the US?
Yes, with a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel if it is a primary vaccination, and an EU health certificate endorsed by USDA.
How long is the pet health certificate valid?
30 days after the veterinarian issues it, and it can be used for travel within the EU for up to 6 months while the rabies vaccination is valid.
How much is a Polish residence and work permit?
PLN 440 for an employee, decided within 60 days of a complete application.
Does a work permit let me live in Poland?
No. You also need a legal basis for staying, such as a visa or residence permit that allows work.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland — Visas
- Office for Foreigners (MOS portal) — Work permit
- Office for Foreigners (MOS portal) — Temporary residence and work permit
- USDA APHIS — Pet travel from the United States to Poland
- Schengen visa-free nationalities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia)
All rules, fees and time frames verified against the official sources above on 14 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.