Attention, students departing for foreign partner universities!
Please read the following material carefully. It presents the formalities related to crossing the borders of Poland, as well as legalizing residence in countries participating in the Erasmus+ Programme.
Polish citizens may move freely throughout the territories of EU countries and countries associated with the European Union through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement (Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein). Poles travelling to other EU and EEA countries cross the border using a passport or identity card.
As of 1 May 2004, the requirement to hold visas for travel to EU and EEA countries was abolished, regardless of the purpose or duration of the stay. It should be remembered, however, that a relevant permit must be obtained for stays longer than 3 months, and in some countries the formalities will have to be completed before departure.
A necessary condition for legalizing residence is confirmation by the university of acceptance for studies under the Erasmus + Programme, possession of valid insurance, and verification of possession of sufficient financial resources (above the minimum subsistence level in the country concerned). 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 take up paid employment to the extent determined by the legislation of the country concerned.
Persons who pay contributions to NFZ and travel within the countries of the European Union/European Economic Area are entitled to receive medical care under their insurance. When visiting a doctor abroad, one must carry a document confirming insurance coverage—the European Health Insurance Card (EKUZ) serves this purpose. An application for EKUZ should be submitted in Poland before departing for the scholarship.
In some countries, the EKUZ is presented directly at the medical facility; in others, one must register with the insurance institution before visiting a doctor, and that institution will issue a certificate confirming entitlement to free medical assistance. Detailed information on the arrangements adopted in each country is available on the website of the Narodowego Funduszu Zdrowia
Different rules for the provision of services apply in each EU/EEA country. However, if a given country requires patients to cover part of the cost of medical services (e.g. Belgium, France, Germany or Sweden), a Polish citizen will first have to pay the relevant amount and then apply for reimbursement after returning to Poland.
Poles undertaking studies in an EU country are entitled to use all medical services necessary to prevent their health from deteriorating during their studies. This means that they will be able to receive treatment not only in emergencies (as tourists do), but also in the event of a chronic illness or when it is necessary to consult specialist doctors, as well as to undergo essential periodic examinations—at the expense of the insurance provider.