Facebook Instagram
Facebook Instagram
Back to Poland

Poland - English

Legal Support

Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Applicants for international protection have free access to public legal services on the same terms as citizens of the country concerned. However, narrowly focused legal services are mostly available from non-governmental organisations.
  • Refugees: Refugees have access to legal services on the same terms as citizens of Poland. In addition, within one year since positive asylum decision, refugees can receive specialised support under the Individual Integration Programme (IIP) within 12 months after the decision to grant the status.
  • Migrants: Migrants have access to legal services on the same terms as citizens of Poland, however the offer in foreign languages is limited. Beyond NGOs, most lawyers may not be familiar with specific LGBTQI+ issues, but they can be helpful in solving regular legal problems.
  • Asylum Seekers: Information in simple language about the procedure, rights and obligations is available in the Refugeebook application (PL, EN, UA, RU, BY) or on the website of the Office for Foreigners. Narrowly specialised legal assistance for persons applying for international protection is provided by non-governmental organisations (e.g. Nomada in Wrocław, the Association for Legal Intervention in Warsaw or the Halina Nieć Legal Aid Centre in Kraków).
  • Refugees: The Office for Foreigners website provides information for persons with refugee status or subsidiary protection, including application forms in several languages. As part of the Individual Integration Programme (IIP), the regional social welfare authority may additionally arrange for legal assistance (e.g. the Team for Persons in Refugee Crisis at the Municipal Social Welfare Centre in Wrocław). Some cities in Poland have permanent consultation points for migrants and refugees, which provide legal assistance and advice on legalisation and migration issues (e.g. Wromigrant in Wrocław, Migrant Info Point in Poznan).
  • Migrants: The government website contains detailed instructions on how to find free legal services in your area. NGOs (e.g. Lambda Polska, Znaki Równości, Kultura Równości) offer legal and information support for LGBTQI+.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Persons seeking international protection in Poland are entitled to free medical care during the procedure, starting from the date of registration of their application with the Border Guard. Medical care is provided by selected medical facilities under the agreement with the Office for Foreigners. Such care includes basic healthcare, specialist care, hospital treatment and necessary medication.
  • Refugees: After obtaining refugee status or subsidiary protection, they are entitled to use public healthcare services (NFZ) on an equal basis with Polish citizens. Under the Individual Integration Programme (IIP), refugees are covered by public health insurance for one year. In practice, most medical specialists are unfamiliar with the specifics of LGBTQI+ issues.
  • Migrants: Migrants have access to medical services, including NFZ (National Health Fund), on the same basis as citizens, i.e. they must have medical insurance or pay for services. Gender-affirming medical care (specific surgery and medication) are not available within the public healthcare system, but only on a commercial basis. Poland also has an electronic patient information platform, which allows users to store all their prescriptions, referrals to doctors and examinations, information about visits, and insurance data in one place.
  • Asylum Seekers: Petra Medica is the entity responsible for organising the medical care security system for foreigners seeking international protection in the territory of the Republic of Poland and those covered by temporary protection. Outside the system, medical services can only be obtained on a commercial basis.
  • Refugees: Lambda Polska works with LGBTQI+ people, including refugees: it helps them find doctors, psychologists, support for transgender people (including hormone therapy) and organises medical appointments or consultations. Other organisations (e.g. Znaki Równości, Kultura Równości) offer psychological, legal and information support (the availability of specialists in the migrant’s language varies). Anonymous and free testing for HIV, HCV and syphilis is available to everyone without a doctor’s referral at special Consultation and Diagnostic Centres (e.g. CDC, AHF Polska).
  • Migrants: Under the National Health Fund (NFZ), individuals may select any general practitioner. The link provides a list of specialist medical services available upon referral. NGOs (e.g. TG House, Lambda Polska, Tranzycja) offer information support for individuals undergoing gender reassignment, as well as psychological, legal and other support. Some cities in Poland have permanent consultation points for migrants and refugees, which provide assistance in making appointments with doctors or provide advice on how the Polish healthcare system works (e.g. Wromigrant in Wrocław periodically organizes informational meetings about the Polish healthcare system).
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Persons seeking international protection in Poland are entitled to free psychological and psychiatric care during the procedure, starting from the date of registration of their application. This care, provided through the Office for Foreigners, includes specialist consultations and access to necessary psychiatric medication.
  • Refugees: After obtaining refugee status or subsidiary protection, individuals are entitled to use public mental health services (NFZ) on an equal basis with Polish citizens. Under the Individual Integration Program (IIP), refugees have their health insurance paid for from public funds for 12 months, granting free access to outpatient clinics and specialized Mental Health Centers.
  • Migrants: Migrants have access to the National Health Fund (NFZ) for mental health services on the same basis as Polish citizens, provided they have valid health insurance (e.g., through employment). This grants access to the public network of clinics and Mental Health Centers, which provide emergency crisis support without a referral.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Accommodation, meals and pocket money are provided for those staying in an open Center for Foreigners. For people living outside these centres, a small cash benefit is available (around PLN 25/~EUR 6 per day). Travel expenses related to the procedure, such as journeys to medical appointments, can also be reimbursed.
  • Refugees: They can apply to the regional social welfare authority for support under the Individual Integration Programme (IIP), which includes, among other things, cash benefits for living expenses and Polish language lessons for up to 12 months. Important: To take advantage of the programme, you must submit an application no later than 60 days from the date of receiving the decision.
  • Migrants: Access to social welfare support depends on legal residence status, the presence of additional circumstances (children, disability, fulfilment of additional legal requirements, concluded bilateral international agreements).
  • Asylum Seekers: Social welfare and social assistance are mainly organised by the Office for Foreigners.
  • Refugees: Under the Individual Integration Programme (IIP), assistance is provided by the regional social welfare authority (e.g. PCPR in Warsaw, MOPS in Wroclaw).
  • Migrants: The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is responsible for social assistance to parents with children, as well as sick pay, disability pensions and old-age pensions. The regional social welfare authority (e.g. MOPS in Wroclaw) provides financial and material assistance in difficult financial situations, and also funds organisations that run free shelters for homeless Some cities have information points where you can find out more about the possibilities of receiving social welfare and assistance in filling out the relevant applications (e.g. Wromigrant in Wrocław, Migrant Info Point in Poznan). Some NGOs offer assistance for LGBTQI+ people in the form of co-financing medical care, providing short-term emergency accommodation, and assistance with translation when visiting authorities (e.g. Lambda Polska, Kultura Równości, Nomada).
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Every person in the asylum procedure is entitled to generic support and social assistance financed by the state budget. This assistance can take two forms: stay in an open Center for Foreigners or a financial allowance for independent living outside the centre (an individual can opt out of the centre in exchange for a monthly financial allowance – 93,75 to 187,5 EUR a month per person depending on the number of family members). Asylum seekers living outside the Center can access emergency intervention facilities for short-term stays, typically limited to individual nights. Places accessible exclusively to LGBTQI+ people include LGBTQI+ Shelters run by NGOs, but not by the state.
  • Refugees: Refugees with regulated status are eligible for emergency intervention facilities for those in immediate crisis, as well as short-term solutions for individuals with regulated status (homeless shelters, crisis intervention centers, homes for mothers with children, social care homes, assisted and training apartments run by NGOs).
  • Migrants: Migrants have access to emergency intervention facilities for those in immediate crisis (intervention centers, warming centers, night shelters, specialist support centers) and short-term solutions for individuals with regulated status (homeless shelters, collective accommodation sites, homes for mothers with children, social care homes, assisted and training apartments run by NGOs). They may also access long-term solutions requiring a stable financial situation, such as municipal housing, Social Building Associations (TBS), and Social Rental Agencies (SAN).
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers living outside the Center can access emergency intervention facilities for short-term stays, typically limited to individual nights. The government portal provides information on the housing system for foreigners seeking international protection. LGBTQI+ shelters are run by NGOs, mostly in bigger cities (e.g. Warszawa – Lambda, KPH, Warsaw House Foundation; TGHOUSE, Poznań – Grupa Stonewall; Wrocław – Kultura Równości)
  • Refugees: Refugees in Poland are entitled to crisis intervention after being granted refugee status or subsidiary protection. Refugees can rent apartments on the commercial market terms or take advantage of assistance programs run by NGOs (e.g. Refugees Welcome Polska – Ocalenie Foundation).
  • Migrants: Migrants in Poland are entitled to crisis intervention depending on their legal residence status. Migrants in Poland can rent apartments on the commercial market terms or take advantage of programs offering rental apartments with below-market rent, aimed at low or middle-income individuals, e.g. Social Building Associations (TBS Wrocław, TBS Warszawa, TBS Poznań), and Social Rental Agencies (SAN Kraków, SAN Wrocław, SAN Poznań)
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Children have the right and obligation (until 18 y.o.) to attend public schools for free. Adults can access basic Polish language courses provided in open Centers for Foreigners by the Office for Foreigners or non-governmental organizations. Formal higher education is usually fee-based during the procedure.
  • Refugees: Children continue their education in public schools with full support. Adults are entitled to have access to tuition-free studies post-secondary studies under the same conditions as Polish citizens; they also receive language support through the Individual Integration Program (IIP).
  • Migrants: Children are entitled to free public education and additional Polish lessons. Adults with long-term residence permits have access to tuition-free studies under the same conditions as Polish citizens; those with temporary residence typically pay for university and post-secondary schools unless they hold a Polish Card (Karta Polaka) or a state C1 certificate.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: A person applying for international protection may not take up legal employment for the first six months from the date of submitting the application as a standard rule. This does not apply to persons who have a valid residence permit with access to the labour market. After six months, if the case has not been decided within that time, they may apply to the Head of the Office for Foreigners for a work permit in the form of a certificate. Such a certificate, in conjunction with a temporary identity certificate (TZTC), entitles the holder to take up employment.
  • Refugees: A person with refugee status in Poland can be legally employed without the need to obtain a work permit or a declaration of entrusting work. Refugees have the same access to the labour market as Polish citizens, and employers are not required to report their employment to the labour office (poviat labour office – PUP) under the procedures for foreigners.
  • Migrants: Foreigners legally staying in Poland must have a work permit, obtained by their employer before starting work, in order to work legally. While there is a large group of foreigners exempt from the requirement to have a work permit, as well as a large group of foreigners who cannot obtain a work permit due to the type of document legalising their stay. In each specific case, the availability of employment can be checked on the Green Line or by calling 19524 (PL, EN, UA, RU). A work permit only legalises employment. Foreigners must also have a valid residence permit (e.g. a visa or residence card). The biggest obstacles remain the language barrier and the recognition of diplomas (recognition of qualifications).
  • Asylum Seekers: Only the Head of the Office for Foreigners can issue a work permit after six months of processing an application for international protection.
  • Refugees: The Individual Integration Programme (IIP) is a form of social assistance for refugees that works closely with a regional Labour Office (e.g. PUP in Wrocław) in the field of professional activation. Under the IIP, usually implemented by the regional social welfare authority (e.g. PCPR in Warsaw, MOPS in Wroclaw), the beneficiary is required to register with the Labour Office and actively seek employment.
  • Migrants: Free job search support is offered by a regional Labour Offices, providing career counselling, job placement, training vouchers and internships. Provincial Labour Offices offer career counselling, support in preparing CVs and preparing for job interviews, helping people navigate the job market. This area is also covered by many NGOs and municipal information centres. (e.g. Wromigrant in Wroclaw and Migrant Info Point in Poznan).
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in Poland receive social, medical and legal support through the Office for Foreigners, and only after obtaining refugee status or subsidiary protection – integration support through the Individual Integration Programme (IIP) which lasts up to 12 months (cash benefits, paying a health insurance contribution, social work, specialist counselling).
  • Refugees: Refugees can use social assistance benefits after completing the procedure of legalisation of stay through the Individual Integration Programme (IIP) which lasts up to 12 months (cash benefits, paying a health insurance contribution, social work, specialist counselling). Community integration in Poland is based on two pillars: open meeting spaces (local community centers, Integration Centers for Foreigners, public libraries) and direct interpersonal relationships (’buddy’ programs, mentoring, community sponsorship)
  • Migrants: Community integration in Poland can happen through two pillars: open meeting spaces (local community centers, Integration Centers for Foreigners, public libraries) and direct interpersonal relationships (’buddy’ programs, mentoring, community sponsorship).
  • Asylum Seekers: The Refugee Book provides information on the social and integration assistance system for asylum seekers.
  • Refugees: The Refugee Book provides information on the social and integration assistance system for refugees. Local activity centers are co-financed by municipalities. Lists of these locations are available on city office websites (e.g. Wroclaw, Warsaw). In many of Poland’s larger cities, there are integration centers specializing in intercultural activities (e.g. Passage of Dialogue, Multicultural Center, Baobab). Municipal public libraries operate through branches located in individual districts (Warsaw, Wroclaw, Lublin, Kraków). Buddy programs are hosted by universities (usually in student exchange programs, e.g. University of Wrocław) or in the workplace as a way of employee onboarding. Community sponsorship (e.g. Nomada) and mentoring programs (e.g. Migrant Info Point) are designed for long-term relational integration and cooperation.
  • Migrants: Local activity centers are co-financed by municipalities. Lists of these locations are available on city office websites (e.g. Wroclaw, Warsaw). In many of Poland’s larger cities, there are integration centers specializing in intercultural activities (e.g. Passage of Dialogue, Multicultural Center, Baobab). Municipal public libraries operate through branches located in individual districts (Warsaw, Wroclaw, Lublin, Kraków). Buddy programs are hosted by universities (usually in student exchange programs, e.g. University of Wrocław) or in the workplace as a way of employee onboarding. Community sponsorship (e.g. Nomada) and mentoring programs (e.g. Migrant Info Point) are designed for long-term relational integration and cooperation.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in Poland can rely on general systemic support. Specialized LGBTQI+ support is offered exclusively by non-governmental organizations. Asylum seekers can receive assistance from NGOs provided that the organization fulfills the required procedures.
  • Refugees: Refugees in Poland can rely on general systemic support. Specialized LGBTQI+ support is offered exclusively by non-governmental organizations. Support from these organizations primarily includes psychological support, legal counseling, support groups, assistance with the gender transition process and integration, as well as hobby and sport events. In some cases, support for LGBTQI+ individuals (such as psychological assistance) is also organized by local government institutions, e.g. the Municipal Social Welfare Center in Wroclaw.
  • Migrants: Migrants in Poland can rely on general systemic support. Specialized LGBTQI+ support is offered mostly by non-governmental organizations. Support from these organizations primarily includes psychological support, legal counseling, support groups, assistance with the gender transition process and integration, as well as hobby and sport events. In some cases, support for LGBTQI+ individuals (such as psychological assistance) is also organized by local government institutions, e.g. the Municipal Social Welfare Center in Wroclaw.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Access to immediate medical and psychological aid is provided via the Office for Foreigners. People with experiences of violence or victims of human trafficking can count on special treatment (for example, procedures adapted to their psychophysical condition). During extraordinary mass emergencies, they follow national safety protocols, including evacuation and collective housing provided by the state.
  • Refugees: Full access to state Emergency Medical Services and psychological crisis intervention. Equal rights to use domestic violence shelters and legal protection against hate crimes on par with Polish citizens. During extraordinary mass emergencies, they have the same right to rescue and crisis housing as Polish citizens.
  • Migrants: Immediate medical and psychological aid is provided to everyone in life-threatening situations (uninsured persons may be billed later by the medical facility). Access to Crisis Intervention Centres and shelters is available to victims of violence regardless of status. During extraordinary mass emergencies, they are covered by universal protection and evacuation protocols.
  • Asylum Seekers: In health or psychological emergencies, they are supported by the National Emergency Medical Services (112, communication mainly in Polish and English) and the Office for Foreigners (bilingual coordinators). In situations of violence or hate crimes, they can seek help from the Police (who must provide an interpreter) and LGBTQ+ friendly organizations like Culture of Equality (available to all, but with limited translation resources). During extraordinary mass emergencies, safety is managed by City Hall Crisis Management Departments and the Government Centre for Security (RCB Alerts in PL/EN).
  • Refugees: In health or psychological emergencies, they are supported by the National Emergency Medical Services (112) and the Polish Migration Forum (multilingual trauma therapy). In situations of violence or hate crimes, they can seek help from the Police, the Blue Line (selected language shifts), and organizations like Tolerado or Stonewall Group. During extraordinary mass emergencies, safety is managed by City Hall Crisis Management Departments and the Government Centre for Security (RCB Alerts in PL/EN).
  • Migrants: In health or psychological emergencies, they are supported by the National Emergency Medical Services (112) and organizations like Fundacja Ukraina (support in UA/RU/EN). In situations of violence or hate crimes, they can seek help from the Police and LGBTQ+ friendly organizations like Culture of Equality (open to everyone, usually supporting in EN/PL). During extraordinary mass emergencies, safety is managed by City Hall Crisis Management Departments and the Government Centre for Security (RCB Alerts in PL/EN).
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Advocacy and raising awareness for LGBTQI+ individuals are primarily carried out by NGOs. This includes: informing, reporting, monitoring the work of national decision-making institutions, providing data, demonstrating for equality and the acceptance of the group’s rights. Some of these activities receive official patronage (e.g. Pride and Equality Marches, Pride Month in Warsaw and Wrocław), support or funding from local government authorities (e.g. Wrocław, Warszawa).
  • Refugees: Advocacy and raising awareness for LGBTQI+ individuals are primarily carried out by NGOs. This includes: informing, reporting, monitoring the work of national decision-making institutions, providing data, demonstrating for equality and the acceptance of the group’s rights. Some of these activities receive official patronage (e.g. Pride and Equality Marches, Pride Month in Warsaw and Wrocław), support or funding from local government authorities (e.g. Wrocław, Warszawa).
  • Migrants: Advocacy and raising awareness for LGBTQI+ individuals are primarily carried out by NGOs. This includes: informing, reporting, monitoring the work of national decision-making institutions, providing data, demonstrating for equality and the acceptance of the group’s rights. Although primarily run by NGOs, some of these activities receive official patronage (e.g. Pride and Equality Marches, Pride Month in Warsaw and Wrocław), support or funding from local government authorities (e.g. Wrocław, Warszawa).
  • Asylum Seekers: g. Pride and Equality Marches, Pride Month in Warsaw and Wrocław
  • Refugees: g. Pride and Equality Marches, Pride Month in Warsaw and Wrocław
  • Migrants:g. Pride and Equality Marches, Pride Month in Warsaw and Wrocław