Please carefully familiarize yourself with the material below, which presents the formalities related to crossing Poland’s borders as well as legalizing residence in countries participating in the Erasmus+ Programme.

Polish citizens may move freely throughout the territory of the Community countries and countries associated with the European Union through an agreement on the European Economic Area – EEA (Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein). Poles travelling to other European Union and EEA countries cross the border on the basis of a passport or identity card.

As of 1 May 2004, the requirement to have visas for travel to EU and EEA countries was abolished, regardless of the purpose and duration of the stay. However, please note that for stays longer than 3 months, it is necessary to obtain the relevant permit, and in the case of some countries, the formalities will have to be completed before departure.

A necessary condition for legalizing residence is certification by the university of acceptance for studies under the Erasmus + Programme, possession of valid insurance, and confirmation of possession of sufficient financial means (above the social minimum of the country in question). A residence permit is issued for a period of up to 1 year and extended for subsequent years of study.

Students from EU member states have the right to undertake paid employment to the extent specified by the legislation of the country in question.

People who pay contributions to the NFZ and travel in the countries of the European Union/European Economic Area are entitled to use medical care under their insurance. When visiting a doctor abroad, you should carry a document confirming your insurance – this role is fulfilled by the European Health Insurance Card (EKUZ). An application for EKUZ is submitted in Poland before leaving for the scholarship.

In some countries, EKUZ is presented directly at a medical facility; in others, you must register with an insurance institution before visiting a doctor, and it will issue a certificate confirming your entitlement to free medical assistance. Detailed information on the arrangements adopted in a given country is available on the website of the Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia

Different rules for providing healthcare services apply in each EU/EEA country. However, if a given country operates on the principle that patients cover part of the costs of medical services (e.g. in Belgium, France, Germany or Sweden), a Polish citizen will first have to pay the appropriate amount and then, after returning to Poland, apply for reimbursement.

Poles undertaking studies in a European Union country are entitled to use all medical services necessary to ensure that their health does not deteriorate during their studies. This means that they will be able to receive treatment not only in emergencies (as tourists do), but will also receive assistance in the event of a chronic illness or when it is necessary to consult specialist doctors, as well as to undergo necessary periodic examinations – at the insurer’s expense.