Work permit

Foreigners from the EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland can work and start businesses in Poland without a work permit. Foreigners who are not citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) must apply for a work permit. It's crucial to understand that you can't apply for a work permit on your own. It can only be done by your future employer.

Stay in Poland for less than 3 months doesn't require any additional permits. Work permits are issued by a local voivode. It is issued for a fixed period of time, however no more than 3 years, and maybe extended.

There are a few cases when the permit is not required e.g:

• If you are a student of full-time tertiary studies in Poland studying on the basis of a visa,
• If you are a student of full-time studies in Poland studying on the basis of a residence permit issued for the purpose of continuing tertiary education in Poland for the full year,
• If you are a graduate of Polish secondary schools or has completed full-time studies or full-time doctoral studies at Polish universities and scientific and research institutions;
• If you are a foreign language teacher,
• If you have a permit to settle in Poland,
• If you have a permit for a long-term resident of the EU,
• If you have a permit for a tolerated stay in Poland,
• If have a permit for temporary residence in Polish territory on the basis of an agreement with the Polish scientific institution,
• If you are the spouse or a former spouse of a Polish citizen, provided that they have a residence permit for Polish territory,
• If you have a refugee status granted in Poland,
• If you have been granted subsidiary protection in Poland,
• If you have a valid Pole's Card.

Note: For more detailed information, contact the local Voivodship Office or visit the website http://www.paiz.gov.pl.