The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for European travelers, workers, and students. After Brexit, new immigration rules have been introduced, affecting citizens from EU countries, including Poland and Portugal. This guide provides a complete overview of the UK Visa for Polish Citizens, along with information relevant to UK Visa for Portuguese Citizens, making it easier for travelers to understand their options and application process.

Do Polish Citizens Need a Visa to Enter the UK?

Since the UK officially left the European Union in January 2020, the rules for EU nationals entering the UK have changed. Polish citizens no longer have automatic rights to live and work in the UK. However, for short visits, Polish citizens can travel to the UK without a visa for up to 6 months, as long as the purpose is tourism, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term studies.

For stays longer than 6 months or for work, study, or settlement purposes, Polish citizens must apply for an appropriate visa.

Types of UK Visas Available for Polish Citizens

Here are the main UK visa categories available to Polish citizens:

1. Standard Visitor Visa

• Valid for short stays up to 6 months.
• Allows tourism, family visits, and short business trips.
• Polish citizens don’t need a visitor visa unless they plan to stay longer or for special purposes.

2. Work Visas

Polish citizens who wish to work in the UK must apply under the UK’s points-based immigration system. Common work visa types include:

• Skilled Worker Visa – for individuals with a job offer from a UK employer.
• Health and Care Worker Visa – ideal for medical professionals.
• Global Talent Visa – for leaders in fields like science, humanities, and digital technology.

3. Student Visa

• Required for Polish citizens planning to study in the UK for more than 6 months.
• Applicants must have an offer from a licensed UK educational institution and meet language and financial requirements.

4. Family Visa

• For joining family members who are settled in the UK.
• Includes visas for spouses, children, parents, and partners.

5. Start-up and Innovator Visas

• For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK.
• Requires endorsement by an approved UK body.

Application Process for Polish Citizens

To apply for a UK Visa for Polish Citizens, follow these general steps:

1. Choose the right visa category based on your purpose of travel.
2. Apply online through the UK government website: www.gov.uk
3. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), if applicable.
4. Schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center in Poland.
5. Submit your documents including your passport, proof of funds, job or study offers, and other required paperwork.
6. Wait for a decision, which usually takes 3–6 weeks depending on the visa type.

Required Documents

Although the exact requirements may vary, here are common documents needed for most visa applications:

• Valid Polish passport
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of income or financial support
• Confirmation of accommodation in the UK
• Purpose of visit (invitation letter, job offer, university offer, etc.)
• Health certificate (for certain visa types)
• English language proficiency test results (for work and study visas)

How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Visa?

The standard processing time is around 15 working days for most visa types. However, processing can be delayed if additional documentation is required. Expedited services are available for an additional fee, allowing decisions within 5 working days or even 24 hours for some applications.

How Much Does a UK Visa Cost for Polish Citizens?

Visa costs vary based on the type and duration:

Note: Fees are subject to change. Visit the UK Home Office website for updated rates.

Settling in the UK

If a Polish citizen intends to live permanently in the UK, they can apply for:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – after living in the UK for 5 years on a valid visa.
• British Citizenship – after holding ILR for 1 year, and meeting language and residency requirements.

Post-Brexit Status for Polish Citizens in the UK

Polish citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This scheme granted pre-settled or settled status, allowing continued residence and work rights in the UK. However, the deadline for most new applications has passed, and new arrivals from Poland now need to follow regular visa procedures.

UK Visa for Portuguese Citizens

Just like Polish nationals, UK Visa for Portuguese Citizens is required for any stay longer than 6 months or for work, study, and settlement purposes.

Portuguese citizens also benefit from visa-free travel to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism or short-term visits. For long-term plans, the same visa categories apply:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Student Visa
• Family Visa
• Visitor Visa
• Innovator or Start-Up Visa

The application process, fees, and documentation required for Portuguese citizens are almost identical to those for Polish citizens.

The UK Visa for Portuguese Citizens must be applied for through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal, and biometric data must be submitted at a visa application center in Portugal.

Final Tips for Polish and Portuguese Citizens

• Start your visa application early to avoid delays.
• Double-check all documents before submission.
• Use the UK visa fee calculator and immigration eligibility tool on www.gov.uk to verify your requirements.
• Consider getting legal advice or using a certified immigration consultant if applying for complex visas like the Innovator or Family visa.

Conclusion

The UK Visa for Polish Citizens and UK Visa for Portuguese Citizens are governed by the UK's points-based immigration system, which ensures fair and consistent rules for all non-UK nationals. While Polish and Portuguese citizens can visit the UK short-term without a visa, long-term stays require a structured application process. By understanding the visa types, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements, Polish and Portuguese nationals can successfully plan their trip, study, or career in the UK.