Poland has rapidly emerged as a dynamic and attractive destination for foreign job seekers, offering a resilient job market with increasing opportunities, particularly in sectors like IT, engineering, and services. However, navigating the intricacies of Polish immigration laws and work authorization requirements is crucial for a smooth transition and legal employment. As 2025 brings significant changes to these regulations, understanding the various visa and work permit categories is more important than ever.
At connectstaff.pl, we specialize in simplifying this complex process, providing comprehensive support to both job seekers and employers. This guide will walk you through the essential visa and work permit categories in Poland, highlighting key changes effective from June 1, 2025.
The Essentials: Work Permit vs. Visa
Before diving into specific categories, it’s vital to understand the fundamental distinction between a work permit and a visa in Poland:
- Work Permit: This document grants a foreign individual the legal right to perform work in Poland. It is typically a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa.
- Visa: This document allows a foreign individual to legally enter and reside in Poland for a specified period.
In most cases, a job offer from a Polish employer is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit, and the employer is usually responsible for applying for the work permit on behalf of the employee.
Work Permit Categories in Poland
Polish law outlines six main types of work permits (Type A, B, C, D, E, and S), each tailored to different employment scenarios. These permits are issued by the Voivode (regional governor).
Here are the most common types:
- Type A Work Permit: This is the most common type, issued for foreign individuals who have been offered standard employment by a Polish employer that has an office in Poland.
- Type B Work Permit: Designed for foreign individuals serving as board members of a Polish company. If the company employs more than 25 people, this permit can be issued for up to 5 years.
- Type C Work Permit: Applicable to foreign individuals sent to work in Poland through an intra-company transfer arrangement by a foreign employer. This is for work exceeding 30 days in a calendar year.
- Type D Work Permit: Pertains to foreign individuals sent to work in Poland for export services by a foreign employer that does not have a Polish branch.
- Type E Work Permit: Covers foreign individuals sent to work in Poland for reasons other than those specified in categories A-D.
- Type S Work Permit (Seasonal Work Permit): Specifically tailored for foreign individuals engaged in agricultural or accommodation-related work for a foreign employer.
Work permits are issued for a fixed period, generally not exceeding three years, but can be extended. Each permit is specific to a particular foreigner, employer, and job position.
Visa Categories for Poland
Foreign job seekers will typically encounter two primary visa types for entry and stay in Poland:
- Schengen Visa (Type C): This is a short-stay visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries, including Poland. It is suitable for business meetings, attending trade fairs, or short-term professional activities. However, it’s crucial to note that from June 1, 2025, visas issued by other Schengen countries or for purposes like tourism, health, or non-degree study will no longer grant the right to work legally in Poland.
- National Visa (Type D): This is a long-stay visa, allowing entry and continuous or multiple stays in Poland for over 90 days, up to one year. It also permits travel within other Schengen Area member states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period while the visa is valid. If your intended stay exceeds one year, you will need to transition to a temporary residence permit.
Other relevant visa types include:
- Freelance/Entrepreneur Visa: This visa is valid for two years and can be renewed. Applicants are typically required to demonstrate a customer base that includes both Polish and international clients. To qualify, you must already be living in Poland and hold a specific type of residence permit.
- EU Blue Card: Reserved for highly qualified non-EU professionals, the EU Blue Card enables them to live and work in an EU country. From June 1, 2025, Poland has introduced more relaxed EU Blue Card rules, including:
- Expanded Eligibility: Applicants with at least three years of relevant professional experience (acquired in the previous seven years) are now eligible, even without a higher education degree, for certain roles on the government’s priority list.
- Reduced Contract Duration: Employment contracts now only need to be a minimum of six months, down from the previous 12-month requirement.
- Open Labor Market Access: EU Blue Cards are no longer tied to a specific employer or job position, allowing holders to change jobs freely, provided they notify the relevant immigration office and continue to meet highly qualified employment criteria.
- Salary Threshold: To qualify, you must earn a gross monthly salary of at least PLN 12,272.58, which is 150% of the national average.
Key Changes in Polish Immigration Law (Effective June 1, 2025)
A new law in Poland, effective June 1, 2025, introduces several significant immigration-related changes aimed at enhancing oversight and ensuring stricter compliance for employers hiring foreign workers.
- Labor Market Test Eliminated: The previous requirement for employers to conduct a labor market test (proving no suitable Polish candidates are available) has been replaced by a “protected professions list”. While this can streamline the work permit process for some professions, it may limit options for hiring foreign nationals in professions on the “protected” list (which has yet to be published).
- Stricter Contract Signing Requirements: Employers are now required to submit a copy of the signed employment contract with the foreign national, translated into Polish, to the authority that issued the work permit before the work commences. Failure to comply can result in fines or work permit revocation.
- Increased Notification and Data Retention Rules: Employers face more expansive government notification requirements for specific changes, such as a change in the worker’s place of residence, an increase in work hours, or termination of employment. Additionally, employers must now store employees’ personal and employment data for two years after the end of their employment, a new compliance burden.
- Mandatory Online Application: From June 1, 2025, all work authorization procedures, including declarations of entrusting work and work permit applications, must be submitted electronically via the praca.gov.pl portal.
- Restrictions on Certain Visas for Work: As mentioned, visas issued by other Schengen countries or for specific purposes (e.g., tourism, health, non-degree study, family visits, visa-free entry) will no longer entitle foreign nationals to work legally in Poland.
- Higher Fines for Illegal Employment: The new regulations significantly increase fines for illegal employment of foreign nationals, ranging from 3,000 PLN to 50,000 PLN per illegally employed foreigner.
- Fast-Track Processing: New fast-track processing procedures will be available for employers deemed crucial to the Polish economy, those with repeat work permit applications for the same employee, or those hiring in shortage occupations.
Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Unified Permit)
For foreign nationals intending to stay and work in Poland for more than three months, the Temporary Residence and Work Permit offers a streamlined solution, legalizing both stay and work within a single administrative procedure.
- Application Process: The application is submitted by the foreign national personally to the Voivode competent for their place of residence in Poland. It is crucial to submit the application no later than on the last day of your legal stay in Poland. Fingerprints are required during the submission process.
- Required Documents: Key documents include a correctly completed application form, Annex 1 (filled and signed by the employer), four biometric photos, a photocopy of a valid travel document (passport), an employment contract, proof of health insurance, and confirmation of the paid stamp duty.
- Costs: The application fee is 440 PLN, with an additional 50 PLN for the issuance of the residence card.
Declaration on Entrusting Work to a Foreigner (Oświadczenie)
This is a simplified procedure for citizens of specific countries: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. It allows these foreign nationals to perform non-seasonal work in Poland without needing a full work permit, provided the work adheres to the conditions specified in the declaration.
- Key Conditions: The employment period cannot exceed 24 months, and the work must not be seasonal or involve management board functions.
- Employer Obligations: The employer must inform the Poviat Labor Office about the foreigner commencing work (within 7 days) or not commencing work (within 14 days from the planned start date). From June 1, 2025, employers are also required to provide a copy of the signed employment contract in Polish via the praca.gov.pl portal before the work is entrusted to the foreigner.
- Online Submission: As of June 1, 2025, declarations must be submitted electronically via the praca.gov.pl portal.
Conclusion
Navigating Poland’s visa and work permit landscape can be complex, especially with the new regulations taking effect in 2025. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for both foreign job seekers and employers.
At connectstaff.pl, our “Legalization Services” and “visa assistance” are designed to simplify this journey, ensuring compliance and a smooth transition into the Polish labor market. Whether you are a talented professional seeking new opportunities or an employer looking to build a compliant, high-performing team, our expertise can connect you with the right solutions.
Ready to explore job opportunities in Poland or hire international talent?
- For Job Seekers: Don’t navigate the complexities alone. Upload your CV today and let connectstaff.pl connect you with exclusive opportunities tailored to your expertise, complete with personalized career support and crucial legalization assistance.
- For Employers: Seeking top-tier talent in Poland to drive your technological advancements? Partner with connectstaff.pl for tailored recruitment, agile workforce solutions, and expert compliance management. Contact us to discuss your hiring needs and discover how we can streamline your talent acquisition process.
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