25 Feb 2025
Nigerians seeking employment, education, or new business prospects in Europe increasingly choose Poland. Although there are many opportunities for Nigerian expatriates in Poland, understanding the country's visa and residence requirements might be challenging.
To guarantee a seamless transfer, Nigerian expatriates should acquaint themselves with Polish immigration regulations, from comprehending the many visa categories to obtaining permanent status. A crucial aspect of being an expat is also managing financial relationships with your home country, such as making a money transfer from Poland to Nigeria.
Let's begin your journey by understanding the visa process:
Nigerian nationals seeking to stay in Poland for 90 days or less in 180 days must apply for a Schengen visa. This visa permits Nigerian expats to travel within Poland and the rest of the Schengen Zone (25 other European countries). Short-stay Visa (mainly for tourism, business, or family visits).
Nigerian expats who wish to apply for a Schengen visa must submit their applications at the Polish Embassy in Nigeria or through one of the authorized visa application centers.
A National Visa (Type D visa) is intended for Nigerian expats wishing to reside in Poland for over 90 days. It is usually granted when you want to work, run a business, settle with your Polish partner or spouse, or participate in long-term business activity. It gives you an extended stay & an option for a temporary residence permit on arrival.
The documents required for the national visa from Nigerian ex-pats are for instance;
Additionally, to support your family back home, you can send money online to Nigeria from Poland via an online money transfer service provider at very reasonable fares.
Obtaining a work visa is one of the most essential steps for Nigerian expats considering getting a job in Poland. The work visa process requires you first to get a job offer from a Polish employer willing to apply for a work permit on your behalf. You can then apply for a work visa at the Poland embassy, following approval of a Nigerian expat work permit.
In addition to the above requirement, you must have certain key documents while applying for a work visa.
On arriving in Poland and intending to stay longer, Nigerian expats must apply for a residency permit. This process typically involves submitting various documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and evidence of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. It's crucial to begin the application process well in advance of the expiration of their initial visa or entry permit, as processing times can vary.
Applicants should also familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and regulations of the Polish immigration authorities to ensure a smooth and successful application. Seeking assistance from an immigration lawyer or advisor can be beneficial, especially for navigating the complexities of the legal procedures.
We most often recommend it to Nigerian expats who are in Poland for work, study, or family reunification. The permit is generally good for up to 3 years and may be renewed if needed. It has to be applied for at least 30 days before the visa runs out so that Nigerian expats can stay legally in the country.
The following are the required documents for a temporary residence permit:
When Nigerian expats usually opt for temporary residency in Poland, they frequently choose online money transfer service providers to send money online to Nigeria from Poland to support their families back home.
Nigerian expats can get permanent residence permits in Poland if they plan to stay for 5 years with continuity. That second permit allows people to stay permanently in Poland without the need for another extended renewal. Permanent stayers have the right to work, study, and circulate freely within the EU for a period not exceeding 3 months per half-year.
Here are the required documents for the PR permit:
Permanent residents receive many of the same rights as Polish citizens, such as public healthcare and social security.
Another option for Nigerian expats is the EU Long-term Residence Permit. Like the permanent residence permit, this status is available to those who have lived in Poland for five consecutive years. However, it offers additional benefits, such as working and residing in other EU countries under certain conditions.
Here are the advantages of long-term residency and PR:
Nigerian expats switching from a visa to a resident permit must plan beforehand. Before their visa expires, foreign nationals must apply for a resident permit at least 45 days in advance. Ensuring that all required documentation, such as evidence of income, housing, and health insurance, is in order is crucial.
Polish immigration officials will assess the application after it is received and may ask for more information. Because the processing period varies, applicants are advised to apply for a residence permit as soon as possible. Timely submission helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother transition to living in Poland.
This includes the residency permits of Nigerian expats. Temporary visas are normally given for one to three years with the option for renewal. The caveat is that expats must also show that they still qualify for the permit (for example, by providing evidence of employment or university enrollment in Poland).
Renewal is not required for a permanent residency. Nevertheless, Nigerians and other expatriates must be on the right side of residency regulations by keeping favorable residency records law-abidingly.
Moving to a new country comes with both opportunities and challenges, and Nigerian expats in Poland are no exception. Adapting to a different culture, navigating the job market, and understanding legal requirements can be overwhelming. Language barriers and social integration also pose significant hurdles for newcomers. Accessing affordable housing and essential services may require extra effort. Despite these difficulties, many Nigerians in Poland find ways to build successful lives and contribute to the local community.
Here are the challenges faced by the Nigerian ex-pats in Poland:
The Polish immigration authorities can take several weeks or months to process visas and residence applications. This particularly concerns Nigerian expats, who should be prepared for delays—especially during busy seasons or when applying for more complicated visas like work or business visas.
You can pretty much only find visa and residency application forms in Polish, so you'll have to either use a translator or speak the language if you want to use them. The applicants may have difficulties because they are Nigerian expats who do not speak Polish. We recommend using the services of a Polish-speaking professional or hinting at an immigration consultant.
Poland’s immigration policies can change due to new legislation or EU directives. Nigerian expats should stay informed about visa and residency requirements updates to ensure their legal status remains valid.
Nigerian expatriates living in Poland must maintain financial ties with their loved ones back home. It's typical to be able to send money from Poland to Nigeria, and several trustworthy firms make this possible.
Digital services such as WorldRemit, TransferWise (now Wise), and Remitly are widely used for transferring money to Nigeria. They make sending money from Poland to Nigeria easy online with competitive exchange rates and minimal transfer costs. Additionally, these platforms provide a variety of delivery methods, such as cash pickups, mobile wallets, and bank transfers.
Although it is a more conventional method, bank transfers are another way for Poles to send money to Nigeria. However, compared to online alternatives, bank transfers can have greater costs and less favorable exchange rates. Nigerian expatriates should weigh these expenses before selecting the most cost-effective way to send money.
Foreign nationals from Nigeria must understand the country's visa and residence requirements to ensure a seamless and lawful stay in Poland. Nigerian expatriates have to think about their finances in addition to moving to Poland. It's important to manage money transfers to Nigeria, and to send money to Nigeria online from Poland is now simpler and less expensive due to several internet providers. Nigerian expatriates can have a rewarding time abroad by picking the best financial services, obtaining the appropriate visa, and being aware of their residence requirements.
Although processing periods might vary, they usually take a few weeks.
You can apply for your spouse's and your dependent children's family reunification visas.
Indeed, Polish colleges and the Polish government offer several financial assistance opportunities and scholarships.
