Poland Investor Visa: Pathway to Residency and Citizenship

Poland does not have a specific “Golden Visa” program like some other European countries, but it does offer residency options for non-EU citizens through investment. These options are designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and investors who wish to live and work in Poland, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency and, eventually, Polish citizenship.

Key Benefits of the Poland Investor Visa

1. Residency in Poland: Obtain the right to live and work in Poland.
2. Business Opportunities: Access to a growing and stable economy within the European Union.
3. Family Reunification: Immediate family members can also obtain residency.
4. Path to Citizenship: After several years of residency, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually Polish citizenship.
5. Schengen Area Access: Travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries.

Investment Options

To qualify for a residence permit in Poland through investment, you can consider the following options:

1. Business Investment:

Establish a company or invest in an existing Polish business. The company should contribute to the Polish economy and create jobs for local residents.

There is no fixed minimum investment amount, but a substantial and viable investment is required to demonstrate economic benefit to the country.

2. Real Estate Investment:

While Poland does not specifically offer residency through real estate investment alone, purchasing property can be part of your overall business investment strategy. Owning real estate can support your application if tied to a business activity.

3. High-Value Assets:

Investing in high-value assets such as government bonds, public company shares, or other financial instruments can also contribute to the economy and support your residency application.

Step-by-Step Process

Plan Your Investment:

Decide on the type of investment you wish to make in Poland, such as starting a business, investing in an existing company, or purchasing property.

Prepare Documentation:

• Valid passport and visa for Poland.
• Business plan outlining the details of your investment and its expected economic impact.
• Proof of investment funds and financial statements.
• Polish tax identification number (NIP) and business registration documents.
• Criminal record certificates from your home country.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Completed and signed residence permit application form.

Register Your Business:

We at DMC will help you to register your company with the Polish National Court Register (KRS). Ensure your business is compliant with Polish law and contributes positively to the economy.

Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit:

We will submit your application to the Voivodeship Office in Poland, ensuring that all required documentation is included and that the economic benefits of your investment are clearly demonstrated.

If the authorities request it, you may need to attend an interview.

Obtain Temporary Residence Permit:

Upon approval, you will receive a temporary residence permit, usually valid for up to 3 years.

Maintain Your Investment and Residency:

Ensure your business remains operational and compliant with all Polish regulations. Renew your temporary residence permit as needed.

Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship:

After legally residing in Poland for at least 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

After 3 more years (8 years in total), you may apply for Polish citizenship, provided you meet language and integration requirements. 

Additional Considerations

• Tax Considerations: Poland offers a relatively favorable corporate tax environment. Work with a tax advisor to optimize your tax obligations.
• Legal and Financial Assistance: Consider consulting with legal and financial advisors who specialize in Polish immigration and investment laws to ensure a smooth process.
• Integration: Learning Polish and integrating into the local culture will support your application for permanent residency and citizenship.

While Poland’s investment route may not be as straightforward as other countries’ Golden Visa programs, it remains a viable option for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a presence in a thriving European economy with the potential to secure EU residency and citizenship.

How long and how much it will take in whole process if I go with business setup

 If you choose to obtain Polish residency through business setup, the timeline and costs will vary based on several factors, including the complexity of your business, the amount of investment, and the efficiency of the application process. Below is an overview of the estimated time frame and costs:

Timeline

• Business Planning and Setup (1-3 months)
• Business Plan Development: Prepare a detailed business plan that demonstrates the viability and economic benefit of your investment.
• Company Registration: Register your business with the Polish National Court Register (KRS). This process typically takes 4-5 weeks.
• Opening a Bank Account: Set up a business bank account in Poland, which may take a few days to a week.
• Temporary Residence Permit Application (3-6 months)
• Document Preparation: Gather all required documents, including proof of investment, criminal records, and health insurance. This may take 1-2 months, depending on the complexity of your situation.
• Submission of Application: Submit your application to the Voivodeship Office in Poland. The processing time for a temporary residence permit can range from 1 to 3 months.
• Interview: If required, attend an interview with immigration authorities.

Approval and Issuance of Temporary Residence Permit (3 years)

Once approved, you will receive a temporary residence permit valid for up to 3 years. During this period, you must maintain your business operations.

Renewal of Temporary Residence Permit (Every 3 years)

Before the permit expires, you will need to renew it by demonstrating that your business remains active and continues to contribute to the Polish economy.

Permanent Residency Application (5 years)

After 5 years of legal residency in Poland, you can apply for permanent residency. The processing time for permanent residency can take several months.

Citizenship Application (8 years)

After 8 years of continuous legal residency (5 years with a temporary residence permit and 3 years with permanent residency), you can apply for Polish citizenship. The citizenship process may take an additional 6-12 months.

Total Time Frame

The entire process, from business setup to obtaining citizenship, can take approximately 8-10 years:

• 2-4 monthsfor business setup and initial application.
• 5 yearsfor temporary residency leading to permanent residency.
• 3 additional yearsfor permanent residency leading to citizenship.

This time frame can vary depending on the specific circumstances and efficiency of the application process.