Poland is one of the European countries that grants Schengen visas to those wishing to visit their family and relatives. If you have family members or relatives residing in Poland and wish to visit them for a short period, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa for visiting family and relatives in Poland.

This visa allows you to travel to Poland and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with the possibility of visiting other Schengen countries during its validity. In this guide, we will outline all the details regarding the requirements for a Schengen visa for visiting family and relatives in Poland, as well as the procedures and steps to follow to ensure your application is approved.

What is a Schengen Visa for Poland?

A Schengen Visa for Poland allows its holder to enter and stay in Poland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It also permits travel across all Schengen Area countries.

Types of Schengen Visas for Poland

  1. Tourist Visa: For individuals visiting Poland for tourism purposes.
  2. Work Visa: Granted to individuals who have obtained a work contract from a Polish company.
  3. Student Visa: For students wishing to study at Polish universities.
  4. Visa for medical treatment in Poland: For individuals seeking medical treatment in Poland.
  5. Family Visit Visa: Granted to those visiting relatives residing in Poland.

Requirements for a Schengen Visa for Poland

To obtain a Poland visa, you must submit the following documents:

  • Completed and signed visa application form.
  • Valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond the visa expiration date.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos (35×45 mm) with a white background.
  • Round-trip flight reservation.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Poland).
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement for the last three months).
  • Travel insurance covering the stay period, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Employment letter specifying job details and salary (for employees) or a business license (for business owners).
  • Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and travel plans.

 What is a Schengen Visa for Visiting Family and Relatives in Poland?

A Schengen visa for visiting family and relatives in Poland is a short-term visa issued to individuals who wish to visit their family members or relatives residing in Poland for a period not exceeding 90 days.

This visa is granted to individuals who can provide proof of a family relationship with the host residing in Poland, along with an official invitation letter certified by the relevant authorities.

 Requirements for a Schengen Visa for Visiting Family and Relatives in Poland

To ensure the acceptance of your Schengen visa application for visiting family and relatives in Poland, you must submit all required documents accurately and completely.

First: Basic Personal Documents

  1. A Valid Passport
    • Must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
    • Must contain at least two blank pages.
  2. Schengen Visa Application Form
    • Must be filled out electronically or manually and signed by the applicant.
    • The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Polish consulate.
  3. Two Recent Passport-Sized Photos
    • Must meet Schengen visa photo requirements (35x45 mm with a white background).
  4. Proof of Accommodation in Poland
    • This can be a hotel reservation, a rental contract, or an official invitation letter from the host in Poland.
  5. Dummy Flight Ticket (Round Trip)
    • Dummy flight Ticket must be provided to demonstrate your travel itinerary. This can be obtained from travel agencies without purchasing the actual ticket.

Second: Financial Documents

  1. Proof of Financial Ability to Cover Travel Expenses
    • Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds.
    • If the host in Poland will cover expenses, a financial sponsorship letter must be provided.
  2. Travel Health Insurance Covering the Schengen Area
    • Must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies during the stay.

Third: Host-Related Documents

  1. Official Invitation Letter from the Host in Poland
    • Must be certified by the relevant Polish authorities.
    • Should include the host’s full name, address, and passport number.
  2. Proof of Family Relationship
    • Can be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any legal document verifying the relationship.
  3. Proof of the Host’s Residency in Poland
  • A copy of the host’s residence permit or Polish ID card.

 

Dummy Ticket
a Schengen Visa for Visiting Family and Relatives in Poland

Steps to Apply for a Schengen Visa for Visiting Family and Relatives in Poland

1. Book an Appointment at the Polish Consulate

  • An appointment must be scheduled in advance at the Polish embassy or consulate, either online or by phone.

2. Prepare All Required Documents

  • Ensure all documents are complete and translated into English or Polish by a certified translator.

3. Pay the Visa Fee

  • Schengen visa fees are approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12 years.

4. Submit the Application and Attend the Interview

  • During the interview, questions will be asked about the purpose of the visit, the planned duration of stay, and the relationship with the host.
  • All original documents and required copies must be presented.

5. Wait for the Visa Decision

  • Processing time typically takes between 15 to 30 days. Additional documents may be requested in some cases.

 Tips to Ensure Visa Approval

  1. Ensure Accuracy of All Documents
    • All submitted documents must be up-to-date and match the information provided in the application.
  2. Provide Strong Financial Proof
    • A stable bank account or financial sponsorship letter from the host increases the chances of approval.
  3. Do Not Purchase a Final Flight Ticket Before Visa Approval
    • It is recommended to submit a temporary flight reservation instead of buying the actual ticket.
  4. Choose a Reliable Health Insurance Plan
    • It must cover all Schengen countries and be valid throughout the trip.
  5. Include an Official Invitation Letter
    • A certified invitation letter from the host in Poland adds credibility to the application and proves the purpose of the visit.

 Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection for Visiting Family and Relatives in Poland

A visa application may be rejected due to:

  1. Lack of strong proof of family relationship
  2. Insufficient financial documents or inadequate financial proof
  3. Failure to provide appropriate health insurance
  4. Failure to submit an official invitation letter from the host in Poland
  5. Unstable travel history or previous Schengen violations

If the application is rejected, an appeal can be submitted within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice.

 What to Do After Receiving the Visa?

  • Ensure all documents match the ones submitted with the visa application.
  • Upon arrival in Poland, authorities may ask for a copy of the official invitation letter and proof of accommodation.
  • Adhere to the visa’s duration and do not exceed the permitted stay period.

Obtaining a Schengen visa for visiting family and relatives in Poland requires careful preparation of all required documents and following the correct procedures. By providing an official invitation letter, proof of family relationship, and a temporary flight reservation, you can increase your chances of visa approval.

If you need further assistance or guidance in preparing your documents, you can contact the Polish embassy in your country or consult a Schengen visa specialist to ensure a strong and complete application.