Work Permits for Poland

The requirements surrounding work permits in Poland vary depending on your nationality, with the Polish government continuously refining the system to meet labour market demands.

European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens do not need a work permit to be legally employed in Poland, while non-EU citizens are required to hold a work permit. Citizens of certain countries, including Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Belarus, may have simplified procedures under specific circumstances.

Since Poland officially joined the EU in 2004, efforts have been made to standardise the work permit process. Rules and regulations are becoming more closely aligned with the directives used by other EU countries. Significant changes are planned for 2025, including a new electronic submission portal for permit applications to streamline the process.

Read more about Visas and Residence Permits for Poland.

Types of work permits for Poland

There are several types of work permits for Poland, but most new arrivals wanting to work in Poland will apply for a Type A permit, which allows you to work in Poland if a Polish company employs you. If you sit on management boards, you would typically apply for a Type B permit, which allows you to live in Poland for six months or more during the course of a year. Otherwise, the Type C work permit allows you to work for a non-Polish company in Poland. The Type D permit is specifically for those who work in export services for a non-Polish company.

Work permits in Poland are typically issued for a maximum of three years and can be renewed. A national Type D visa for work purposes is usually valid for up to one year. For seasonal workers, Poland offers special permits valid for up to nine months within a 12-month period, particularly in sectors like agriculture and tourism.

Highly qualified professionals can also apply for an EU Blue Card, which offers additional benefits such as the ability to work in other EU member states for 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring an additional permit after one year of residence in Poland. This permit is particularly attractive for specialists in high-demand sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare, requiring proof of higher education or at least five years of professional experience at a comparable level.

 If you’re working remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, Poland introduced new regulations in April 2023 that formally recognise these work styles, although you’ll still need a standard work permit if staying beyond 90 days. While Poland has not yet introduced a specific Digital Nomad visa, the government is considering new permit types for remote workers as part of upcoming immigration reforms.

Useful links

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• European Commission – Work Permits in the EU
• Entry Conditions for Working Purposes
• Migrant Information Portal – Work Permits

Applying for a work permit for Poland

Most employers apply for their employees’ work permits on their behalf, as it is necessary for an employer to first establish your ‘permission to work’ from a provincial government office, known locally as a Voivode office. This application must also be made at the office in the district where you are to take up employment.

For this reason, most of the burden of organising the work permit falls on the shoulders of the hiring company. The company must present a great deal of documentation detailing its legal status, income and losses, and information relating to the number of employees in the company.

Most importantly, they need proof that there are no qualified Polish workers who could adequately fill the position in question. Although this removes a lot of pressure from the employee, it also means that companies often choose not to hire foreigners, as the process of filing paperwork can be resource-consuming.

The processing time for work permits can vary significantly, typically six to twelve weeks. Application fees vary by permit type. Once approved, work permits are issued for a maximum of three years (but this also varies by permit), at which point they can be renewed. Your employer should submit the renewal application no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before the expiration of your current permit.

One restriction that many people are unaware of is the fact that work permits in Poland are job- and employer-specific. Consequently, if you wish to change employers while living in Poland, you must reapply for a work permit. This reapplication process requires your new employer to initiate a new permit application on your behalf.

Once ‘permission to work’ is granted by the Voivode office, you can apply for a formal visa at the Polish Consulate in your home country or apply for a residency card within Poland. For non-EU citizens entering Poland for work purposes, you’ll typically need to meet minimum salary requirements.

Regulations for work permits are subject to change at short notice, and you should consult your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.