National Visa for Studies (D Type) vs National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
Student visa comparison: Poland and Germany. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
 DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Poland | Germany |
| Program type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 mo | 24 mo |
| Proof of funds | $259 | $13,774 |
| Application fee | $224 | $87 |
| Work during study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
Tuition
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Mixed | Mixed |
| Tuition-free scope | Eu eea | All |
| Tuition-free condition | Full-time Polish-language study at public institutions is free for Polish citizens and foreigners entitled to study on Polish-citizen terms, including EU/EEA citizens and Karta Polaka holders. | Many public universities charge no tuition for most bachelor’s and master’s programmes, but Baden-Württemberg charges most non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester, some Bavarian institutions charge non-EU tuition, and private or continuing-education programmes may charge tuition. |
| Tuition maximum | $6,731 | — |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 months | 24 months |
| Maximum duration | 12 months | — |
| Renewable | No | Yes |
| Renewal duration | — | 24 months |
Financial requirements
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | $259 | $13,774 |
| Application fee | $224 | $87 |
| Dependent fee | $224 | — |
Work during study
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited hours | Yes | No |
| Freelance allowed | No | No |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Automatic | Automatic |
Requirements
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Required | Required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation proof | Required | Not required |
| Visa interview | Not required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent restriction | Spouse and dependent children may seek their own visa or residence permit only if family-reunification eligibility requirements are met; eligibility depends on the student sponsor’s qualifying residence basis and circumstances. | Spouse and children. Spouse can apply for a family reunion visa. Student must prove sufficient funds for the entire family. |
| Spouse can work | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse work unrestricted | Yes | Yes |
| Children can attend school | Yes | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent residency | Yes(5 yrs) | Yes(5 yrs) |
| Citizenship | Yes | Yes(5 yrs) |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | Yes | Yes |
| Fraction of time counted | 0.50 | 0.50 |
Application process
|
PL
National Visa for Studies (D Type)
|
DE
National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | In person | Online |
| Processing time | — | — |
| Apply in-country | No | Yes |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen access | Yes | Yes |