Poland’s employment landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of new employment rules for foreigners, effective June 1, 2025. These changes are designed to streamline processes, increase transparency, and better protect foreign workers and the Polish labor market. It’s a game-changer for both employers and job seekers, so let’s dive into what you absolutely need to know.

What Employers Need to Know

For employers in Poland, the new regulations bring a mix of digitalization, stricter compliance requirements, and clearer rules. Get ready to adapt your HR and recruitment processes!

• Full Digitalization: Say goodbye to paper applications! All procedures for work permits and employment declarations must now be submitted exclusively online via the praca.gov.pl system. You will need a qualified electronic signature or a trusted profile to use this system.
• Mandatory Contract Submission: A crucial new requirement is the obligation to submit a copy of the employment contract to the relevant authorities before the foreign national begins work. This applies to both work permit and declaration of employment holders and aims to prevent fraudulent employment practices.
• Abolition of the Labor Market Test: The previous “labor market test,” which required employers to prove there were no Polish or EU candidates available for a position, has been eliminated. This is a massive simplification that speeds up the recruitment process. In its place, however, the local governor (starosta) can now introduce a list of professions where work permits for foreigners will be refused if the local labor market situation deteriorates.
• Stricter Penalties: The fines for illegal employment have been significantly increased, with penalties ranging from PLN 3,000 to a staggering PLN 50,000 per violation. Inspections by the Border Guard and National Labour Inspectorate can now be conducted without prior notice, making compliance more critical than ever.
• New Reporting Obligations: Employers must notify the provincial governor within 15 days if a foreign national’s employment is terminated, or if there are changes to the company or work conditions. This new requirement ensures authorities have up-to-date information on foreign workers.

What Job Seekers Must Know

If you are a foreign professional or student looking to build a career in Poland, these changes are designed to make your journey smoother and your rights more protected.

• Work Permits for Graduates: Great news for international students! Work permits are no longer required for graduates of Polish universities, regardless of whether they were full-time or part-time students. This is a fantastic facilitation for new professionals looking to join the workforce.
• EU Blue Card Changes: The new rules make the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals even more attractive. The minimum required employment contract period has been shortened to just six months, and the new card decisions will not include the employer’s name or job title, giving you more flexibility to change jobs within your field without a new permit.
• New Restrictions on Visa Types: Be aware that foreign nationals on certain visa types, such as tourist, educational, or humanitarian visas, will no longer be permitted to work, even if they hold a valid work permit. Make sure your visa and legal status align with your employment goals.
• Increased Worker Protections: The new regulations introduce measures to protect foreign workers from exploitation. One key change is the obligation for employers to provide a certified Polish translation of the employment contract if it is written in another language, ensuring you fully understand your terms of employment.

The Bottom Line

These new regulations mark a clear shift towards a more transparent, efficient, and secure system for employing foreign nationals in Poland. While it introduces new administrative burdens for employers, it also creates a clearer and more structured path for international job seekers.

As a job seeker, understanding these changes will help you navigate the system more effectively and ensure your rights are protected. For employers, these updates are a call to action to review and modernize your HR practices to ensure full compliance. The future of employment for foreigners in Poland is here, and it’s built on a foundation of clarity and digitization.