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Training & Internship Visa (Type D) – Poland

A training and internship visa allows you to participate in professional training programs, internships, and skill development courses in Poland. This visa is for educational and professional development purposes.

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What is a Training & Internship Visa for Poland?

A training and internship visa allows you to participate in professional training programs, internships, and skill development courses in Poland. This visa is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, or complete mandatory training requirements.

Training visas can be issued as Type C (short-term, up to 90 days) or Type D (long-term, over 90 days) depending on the duration of your training program. The visa allows you to legally stay in Poland for the duration of your training or internship.

This visa is not for employment purposes but specifically for educational and professional development activities under the supervision of qualified trainers or mentors.

Training and internship visa for Poland

Poland training and internship visa guide

Types of Training & Internships

Schengen Countries & Training Opportunities

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries. These include the EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus and the non-EU countries Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Citizens of these states and foreign nationals with a valid residence permit for one of these countries enjoy freedom of travel within the Schengen area — border controls only occur at external borders.

The issuance of visas for the Schengen countries is regulated uniformly – depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of the stay, the following visa categories may apply:

A visa:
Airport transit visa for travelers from countries that do not have airport transit privileges
C visa:
Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days, including short-term training programs
D visa:
Visa for stays of more than 90 days. These are national visas, which are issued for long-term training, internships, work, or study purposes.

Approved Training Activities

A Poland training visa allows you to participate in the following activities:

Professional training programs
Vocational training courses
Internships in companies
Practical training for students
Apprenticeships in trades
Research training programs

Important Note

Training visas are for educational purposes only and do not allow regular employment. The training must be supervised and have clear learning objectives. For official information, visit the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Training Visa Categories

Type D Training Visa

Long-term visa for training programs over 90 days

Validity: Duration of training program
Purpose: Professional training and skill development

Type C Short Training

Short-term visa for training up to 90 days

Validity: Up to 90 days
Purpose: Short courses and workshops

Requirements and Documents

Required Documents

Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photographs (2 pieces)
Training agreement or internship contract
Letter from hosting organization in Poland
Proof of educational qualifications
Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Proof of financial means or sponsorship
Accommodation proof in Poland
Clean criminal record certificate - apostilled and translated

Important Requirements

Training Agreement

Formal agreement between you and the hosting organization detailing training objectives.

Educational Background

Relevant qualifications or educational background for the training program.

Financial Support

Proof of financial means or sponsorship to cover living expenses during training.

Hosting Organization Requirements

The Polish organization hosting your training or internship must meet specific requirements and provide detailed documentation about the training program:

Organization Must Provide

  • Registered company or institution in Poland
  • Detailed training program description
  • Supervisor assignment and qualifications
  • Training objectives and learning outcomes
  • Duration and schedule of training
  • Accommodation arrangements (if provided)
  • Financial support details (if applicable)

Application Process

Training visa applications must be submitted at the Polish embassy, consulate, or visa application center in your country of residence. A personal appointment is required for document submission and biometric data collection.

Processing time typically takes 15-30 days for standard applications, but can be longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is required. We recommend applying at least 45 days before your planned training start date.

The Polish missions accept visa applications up to 6 months before the planned trip. The visa fee is €80 for adults. Children between 6-12 years pay €40, and children under 6 years are exempt from fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive payment during my training or internship?

Training visas allow for educational stipends or allowances to cover living expenses, but not regular employment wages. The primary purpose must be learning and skill development.

How long can my training program be?

Training programs can range from a few weeks to several months. Programs over 90 days require a Type D visa, while shorter programs can use a Type C Schengen visa.

Do I need a training agreement before applying?

Yes, you must have a signed training agreement or internship contract with a Polish organization before applying for the visa. This document is essential for your application.

Can I extend my training visa?

Extensions may be possible if your training program is extended. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires and provide justification for the extension.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries during my training?

Type D visas allow limited travel to other Schengen countries (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), but your primary residence must be in Poland for your training program.

Ready to Start Your Training in Poland?

Begin your training visa application early and ensure you have a confirmed training agreement. Contact the Polish consulate in your country for specific requirements.