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How to Calculate the Required Funds for a Student Residence Permit in Poland

Studying in Poland is not only a chance to earn a respected European degree — it’s also an opportunity to experience life in a safe, affordable, and vibrant EU country. Every year, thousands of students from around the world — including Canada — choose Poland for its high-quality education and relatively low cost of living.

However, before you can legally stay in Poland, you must prove that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your studies. This is one of the key requirements when applying for a Temporary Residence Card (Karta Pobytu).

Let’s break down how to calculate the required funds, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common mistakes when applying.

Why You Need to Show Proof of Financial Means

When reviewing your residence permit application, the Voivodeship Office must confirm that you can support yourself in Poland without relying on public assistance. This ensures that you have enough money to cover your living expenses, housing, and potential return travel to your home country.

A lack of sufficient funds is one of the most common reasons for residence permit refusals, so it’s crucial to calculate and document your financial situation correctly.

How to Calculate the Required Amount

According to Polish immigration regulations, full-time students must show that they have funds covering three main expense categories:

1. Living Expenses

You need to prove that you have enough money to cover 15 months of living expenses — the standard period for the first residence card (covering the academic year plus summer holidays).

• For a student living alone: 1,010 PLN per month
• For a student living with family: 823 PLN per month per person

Example:

• Student living alone: 1,010 PLN × 15 months = 15,150 PLN
• Student living with one family member: 823 PLN × 15 × 2 = 24,690 PLN

2. Housing Costs

In addition to daily living expenses, you must show that you can cover your rent and utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.) for the same period.

Formula: Monthly rent × 15 months

Example:

If your rent is 1,000 PLN per month:

1,000 PLN × 15 = 15,000 PLN

3. Return Travel Costs

You must also prove you can afford to return home if necessary. The required amount depends on where you come from:

• 200 PLN – if you are from a neighboring country
• 500 PLN – if you are from another EU country
• 2,500 PLN – if you are from a non-EU country (such as Canada)

Full Formula

(1,010 PLN + monthly rent) × 15 months + return travel cost

Example:

A student from Canada renting a flat for 1,000 PLN per month:

(1,010 PLN + 1,000 PLN) × 15 + 2,500 PLN = 32,650 PLN

This is the minimum amount you should be able to show when applying for your residence card.

How to Prove You Have the Required Funds

The Polish immigration office accepts several types of proof of funds, including:

• a bank statement (preferably from a Polish bank account),
• a certificate of savings or a fixed-term deposit,
• a sponsorship letter from a parent or guardian + their bank statement and a notarized financial commitment,
• a scholarship confirmation or official financial aid letter from your university.

Important: the funds must be genuinely available. The office may check your account history to ensure the money wasn’t transferred temporarily right before submitting your application.

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Underestimating real housing costs — officers verify average market prices.
• Inconsistent information between the rental contract and bank documents.
• Missing sworn translations for documents in foreign languages.
• Incorrect currency conversion — use the official NBP (National Bank of Poland) exchange rate.

Duration of the Residence Card (TRC)

The first student residence card (TRC) is usually issued for 15 months (one academic year + summer break).

When extending your stay, you can receive a card valid for 2–3 years, provided you continue your studies and maintain financial and housing stability.

What If You Don’t Have the Full Amount?

If you don’t have the entire sum in your account, you can still provide alternative proof of financial means, such as:

• a sponsorship letter from parents or relatives with their financial details,
• proof of regular income from a part-time job in Poland,
• a combination of several documents (e.g., bank statement + scholarship + sponsor support).

The immigration office evaluates each case individually, so make sure your explanation and documentation are consistent and logical.

Final Thoughts

Proving sufficient financial resources is a crucial step in the residence permit process. Proper documentation and clear financial proof significantly increase your chances of approval.

If you’re unsure how to calculate or present your financial situation, it’s always better to consult professionals familiar with Polish immigration law.

Professional Assistance for International Students

ONE PLUS specializes in assisting international students across Poland with residence permit applications, document preparation, and financial proof verification.

We provide end-to-end support — from reviewing your paperwork to representing you at the immigration office.

Phone: +48 71 880 85 08
Email: biuro@one-plus.pl
Website: www.one-plus.pl