Humanitarian visas for Belarusians

What is the procedure for obtaining a humanitarian visa for Belarusians in 2024? How can a Belarusian who already holds a humanitarian visa in Poland also obtain a temporary residence permit? We answer the most important questions.

Humanitarian visas for Belarusians in Poland

The Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 519, as amended) provides for the possibility of obtaining a so-called humanitarian visa in Poland. This is a visa granted for the purpose of entering Poland on humanitarian grounds, in the national interest or in accordance with international obligations. The Polish authorities grant such visas to nationals of countries who find themselves in a particular situation due to the circumstances in their home country. Among them, following the wave of anti-government protests in 2020 and the subsequent persecution, are citizens of Belarus.

How can a Belarusian national obtain a humanitarian visa? Humanitarian visas for Belarusian nationals in 2024

You can apply for a humanitarian visa to Poland at the Polish consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over your place of residence. In Belarus, the Consulates-General of the Republic of Poland are located in Brest and Grodno, whilst the embassy is in Minsk. However, visa application centres are also located in the following towns: Pinsk and Baranovichi (Brest Region), Lida (Grodno Region), and Gomel and Mogilev (Minsk Region).

In exceptional circumstances, Belarusian citizens who have fled their country and are staying in Poland on a visa that is due to expire shortly, as well as citizens who have arrived in Poland under a special procedure (i.e. without having obtained a visa in advance) – may also apply for a humanitarian visa at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This procedure follows the designation of the Republic of Belarus as the only country whose citizens may apply for a visa issued by the Minister responsible for foreign affairs under the Regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of 28 May 2021 on the countries in which foreign nationals may apply for a visa through the Minister responsible for foreign affairs.

Belarus humanitarian visa – the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit

A humanitarian visa for Belarusians is a national visa designated as D21, which is issued for a period of 1 year. On the basis of this visa, in accordance with Article 186(1)(9) of the Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners (i.e. Journal of Laws of 2023, item 519, as amended), Belarusian citizens may extend their lawful stay in Poland, thereby obtaining a temporary residence permit on the grounds of other circumstances. This is a simplified procedure tailored to the situation of our eastern neighbours.

To obtain a temporary residence permit on the basis of other circumstances, Belarusians need only demonstrate their intention to stay in the Republic of Poland for longer than 3 months and fulfil the relevant formal requirements. However, there is no need, amongst other things, to prove that they have specific financial resources, health insurance or a guaranteed place of residence.

This permit is issued as a one-off authorisation, valid for a period of 3 years.

Humanitarian visa for Belarusians in Poland – are you looking for help?

Are you a Belarusian applying in Poland for a humanitarian visa or a temporary residence permit based on it? The ‘Firma Dla Każdego’ Foundation can help you with this.

The Foundation provides assistance to foreign nationals from various countries with legal and insurance matters, as well as with dealing with official procedures.

You can find more information about the support offered to Belarusians (as well as other foreign nationals) by the ‘Firma Dla Każdego’ Foundation on the website: https://firmadlakazdego.pl/cudzoziemcy/.