Your studies in Poland will eventually come to an end. What happens next if you want to stay and look for a job or start a business? The Act on Foreigners provides for a separate permit in such a situation. In this article, we discuss only what two provisions—Articles 186 and 190—say about it.
What Is a Permit Based on Other Circumstances?
The Act lists several types of temporary residence permits. One of them is called a „temporary residence permit based on other circumstances” and is regulated by Article 186. This article lists several different situations in which a foreign national may apply for such a permit. So these are different foundations grouped under a single name, and a graduate is just one of them.
Keep in mind the distinction: a temporary residence permit is a decision issued by the provincial governor, while a residence card is a document. This text concerns the decision, not the document. We also do not discuss student permits or the EU Blue Card here, as these are separate grounds for residence.
What exactly does the law say about graduates?
The legal basis for a graduate is Article 186(1)(6) of the Act on Foreigners. A permit is granted to a foreign national if he or she is a graduate of a Polish university and is seeking employment in Poland or plans to start a business there.
The wording of the provision identifies two requirements that must be met simultaneously:
- Status of a graduate of a Polish university: The provision refers to a graduate of a Polish university, not to someone who graduated from a university abroad.
- Purpose of visit: looking for a job in Poland or planning to start a business in Poland. The provision links them with the conjunction „or,” so either one of these two is sufficient.
This section of the regulation does not list any other conditions. If you want to learn more about the topic of higher education and graduates, take a look at the page about the program and graduates.
For what period is the permit granted?
The duration of the permit is specified in Article 190. For a graduate, it is 9 months. The provision adds two important words: the permit is granted „once” and „immediately after graduation.” The 9-month period applies to the cases specified in Article 186(1)(6) and (7), and as a graduate, point (6) applies to you.
It’s worth remembering that Article 190 answers the question „for how long,” while Article 186 answers the question „to whom.” When reading the provisions, keep both side by side: the first specifies who meets the eligibility criteria, while the second indicates the period for which the permit is granted. Only together do they provide a complete picture of what the law provides for graduates.
What does „one-time” mean?”
The regulation uses the term „one-time” in connection with the 9-month period. Keep this in mind when planning your next steps after this period ends.
What does „immediately after graduation” mean?”
The provision links a 9-month period to the date of graduation. The provision refers to the period immediately following graduation, so check the date you graduated.
A Job or Starting Your Own Business After College
The graduate permit serves two purposes: looking for a job and planning a business. If you're thinking about finding a job, see the page on work and residence. There you'll find a general description of the topic of the thesis and the stay.
If you prefer to run your own business, this will be helpful website about business activities. Keep in mind that the provision regarding graduates refers to a plan to start a business, not to running one.
How to Prepare for a Discussion About Your Case
Before you start planning, write down three things on a piece of paper: whether your university is in Poland, whether your goal is to look for a job or start a business, and when you’ll graduate. These three pieces of information correspond to the elements of the provision in Article 186(1)(6) and Article 190(3). With this list, it’s easier to discuss the next steps, and you can clarify any questions with us via contact page.
Other grounds under Article 186
A graduate is not the only person covered by Article 186. There are also other circumstances in which the law provides for a temporary residence permit based on other grounds. We do not describe them here, as each has its own conditions. Article 190 specifies the duration of the permit separately for the various grounds listed in Article 186, and for graduates, it specifies 9 months in paragraph 3. If your situation does not fit the graduate category, check the other grounds listed in Article 186.
What to Watch Out For
- Permit Name: In the Act, this is referred to as a „temporary residence permit based on other circumstances” (Article 186), not a student permit.
- Period: Nine months is the period specified in Article 190(3), which is granted on a one-time basis.
- Decision: The provincial governor decides on the permit. This text describes the regulations; it does not determine the outcome of any case.
- Insurance: If you need health insurance, read this Post about student residence permits and health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a graduate work permit?
According to Article 186(1)(6) of the Act on Foreigners, this refers to a foreigner who is a graduate of a Polish university and is seeking employment in Poland or plans to start a business. The provision links these two objectives with the conjunction „or.”.
How long is such a permit valid for?
Pursuant to Article 190, point 3, for 9 months, as a one-time benefit, immediately after graduation. The same point applies to two grounds specified in Article 186(1): point 6 (graduate) and point 7.
Is this the same as a student permit?
No. The permit for graduates falls under the category of permits granted on the basis of other circumstances (Article 186), while the permit for students is governed by separate provisions. In this text, we describe only the former.
Does the decision to grant a permit depend on the regulations or on the agency?
The regulations specify who is eligible for a permit and for what period, and the decision is issued by the provincial governor. No one can promise the outcome of the case in advance.
Are you finishing your studies in Poland and wondering what to do next? Call ECOC: 737 737 736, or fill out the form on the contact page. We can help with residency matters, but the provincial governor makes the final decision on your permit.
