Poland Work Permit Visa Guide

Poland, as a member of the European Union (EU), has a relatively open labor market for EU/EEA nationals. However, for non-EU/EEA nationals, the process for obtaining a work permit to work legally in Poland involves several steps. This guide provides a detailed overview of the work permit visa process for non-EU nationals.

Types of Work Permits for Poland

There are several types of work permits based on employment conditions. The most common are:

Type A Work Permit (General Work Permit)

- For employees working for a foreign or Polish employer who has their registered office or branch in Poland.
- Most commonly used for general labor in Poland.

Type B Work Permit (Management Work Permit)

- For individuals working as members of a management board or holding a similar position in a company.

Type C Work Permit (Intra-Company Transfer)

- For employees of international companies who are transferred to a branch in Poland.

Type D Work Permit (Foreign Service Work Permit)

- For employees of foreign companies who are sent to Poland to perform work under contracts of international organizations.

Type E Work Permit (Seasonal or Specific Work Permit)

- For specific tasks or seasonal employment in fields such as agriculture or tourism.

Residence and Work Permit (Single Permit)

- Combines residence and work permissions in one application and is often used for more long- term employment situations.

Work Permit Visa Process

Step 1: Employer’s Application for a Work Permit

The process typically begins with the Polish employer applying for a work permit on behalf of the employee. The employer must:

Prove no local candidates are available: The employer must demonstrate that they couldn’t fill the position with a Polish or EU/EEA This is often done by submitting job vacancy advertisements and a recruitment process proof.
Provide Required Documentation: The employer needs to provide several documents, including:
- Proof of the company’s legal registration in
- A detailed job description, qualifications, and salary

Evidence of the recruitment process.

Step 2: Work Permit Decision

The Polish Voivodeship Office (local government authority) will review the application. Processing can take 1–3 months depending on the type of permit and the region.

Temporary Work Permits: For seasonal or short-term work (up to 12 months).
Long-term Work Permits: For full-time employment contracts.

Step 3: Applying for a National Visa

Once the work permit is granted, the foreign worker can apply for a national visa (type D) at the nearest Polish consulate or embassy in their home country. The following documents are typically required:

Valid
Copy of the work
Proof of financial means to support themselves during their
Health
Visa application form and photographs.

The processing time for a visa is usually 10–20 business days, though it may vary depending on the embassy.

Step 4: Arrival in Poland

Once the visa is issued, the worker can travel to Poland. Upon arrival, they must register their residence at the local municipal office (Urząd Miasta or Urząd Gminy) within 90 days of entry.

Step 5: Residence Card Application (if applicable)

If the employee plans to stay for more than 3 months, they must apply for a residence card (Karta Pobytu), which allows them to stay and work in Poland legally.

Key Requirements for Poland Work Permits

- Salary Threshold: The work permit application will assess whether the offered salary meets Polish labor market standards. Generally, the salary should match or exceed the average salary for the job position in Poland.

- Educational Qualifications: In most cases, the employee needs to hold qualifications relevant to the position. However, certain work permits allow workers in lower-skilled jobs.

- Workforce Shortages: Poland often issues work permits more quickly for industries with labor shortages, including IT, healthcare, construction, and agriculture.

Common Exceptions & Special Regulations

EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers, the EU Blue Card allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Poland if they meet educational and salary requirements. It’s an attractive option for professionals such as engineers, IT specialists, and researchers.
Seasonal Work: Certain countries (such as Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova) benefit from streamlined processes for seasonal employment (for up to 9 months), especially in agriculture and tourism.
Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits: If a foreign worker has been in Poland for 5 consecutive years with a work permit, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Duration of Work Permits and Extensions

- Temporary Work Permits are valid for up to 1 year but can be extended for up to 3 years.
- Permanent Work Permits may be granted in special cases, usually after an extended period of employment and residency in Poland.

Work permits can typically be extended as long as the employee’s situation remains unchanged and their job continues to meet the relevant requirements.

Important Citations and Legal Sources

1. Polish Act on Foreigners (2013): Regulates the entry, stay, and work of foreigners in Poland. It governs the issuance of work permits and residence documents for foreign workers.
- [Act on Foreigners](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/act-on-foreigners)

2. Poland’s Ministry of Family and Social Policy: Provides official guidelines for work permit applications.
- [Work Permits - Ministry of Family and Social Policy](https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina/ zezwolenia-na-prace)

3. Polish Immigration Law: Provides details on the process for obtaining work and residence permits.
- [Immigration Law Overview](https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/legislation)

Conclusion

Obtaining a work permit for Poland is a multi-step process requiring both employer and employee to meet various criteria. Understanding the types of permits and the legal requirements can significantly help streamline the process. While the visa process for non-EU nationals can be lengthy and bureaucratic, it offers clear pathways for those wishing to work in Poland, especially in sectors with labor shortages.For up-to-date details and further guidance, always consult the Polish Ministry of Family and Social Policy or the local Polish embassy.