The growing number of foreigners moving to Poland each year demonstrates that it has evolved into a desirable European job market. A work permit is required to seek a professional career here. Learn what there is to know about this paper and other specifications.

I'll need to get one if...

... I'd like to live in Poland. This document enables any foreigner to work legally in this country. It is issued for a single job only, but if you receive one, you are legally required to use it only for the activities listed on the application form. You would need to register for a new work permit if you change jobs. Please keep in mind that this agreement is only available for a set amount of time, which cannot exceed three years.

Is it really necessary?

Not all of the time. There are several options for people looking to work in Poland, but we will focus on the more popular ones. First and foremost, foreigners from the European Union are not required to receive work permits. Union (along with Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland). This also extends to people who have a Polish-issued EU long-term residence passport. Furthermore, once you have a permanent residency visa, you would not be required to obtain any work permits. When it comes to temporary residency visas, the case is identical as long as the paperwork specifies that you will begin legal work in Poland. Many of our Eastern neighbours would be pleased to learn that Pole's Cardholders are not required to secure job permits as well. The same is true for citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine who plan to work in Poland for a limited time (up to 6 months in a year). The list also includes victims of sex trafficking, migrants, and other persons who have been granted special protection by the Republic of Poland. If you are still uncertain about your position in this situation, contact the appropriate voivode's office.

Which one can I get?

Job permits are classified into five types:

Kind A – whether you are hired by an employer with a registered office in Poland on the basis of a work contract or a civil law contract. This is the most common form of work permit.

Kind B – whether you are conducting a board member role and living in Poland for a cumulative duration of more than 6 months over the next 12 months.

Kind C – whenever a foreign employer sends you to Poland for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer's affiliate or division.

Kind D – if an international employer has assigned you to work in export facilities on an irregular and temporary basis. It is important that the international employer does not have its own branch or affiliate in Poland.

Type E – whether you are doing work-related activities that do not fall within any of the four above-mentioned groups. As you might expect, this is the most uncommon form of work permit.

How can I get a work permit?

You will be pleased to learn that you can not apply for a work permit yourself; it is the responsibility of your employer to initiate the process. As with visas, the authority in charge of granting job permits is the voivode's office (a list of all 16 offices with their addresses).

How to apply for a work permit?

You may be relieved to hear that you do not apply for a work permit yourself – it is your employer’s duty to start the procedure. The authority responsible for issuing work permits is, as in the case of visas, the voivode’s office (a list of all 16 offices with their addresses).

Your contractor must have the necessary documentation, which vary depending on the type of permit. You can find them on the website of the related voivode's office, but here's an example of what you can expect: Mazowieckie Voivodeship Office is located in Warsaw. There is also a charge for obtaining or renewing a work permit: PLN 50 for a permit valid for up to three months; PLN 100 for a longer period of time; and PLN 200 for a form D work permit.

If you want to get a job in Poland, start with all of the above and keep an eye on your agent - they are in charge of your application. Best regards!