Are you planning to work in Poland? The process of obtaining a work permit in Poland may seem complicated, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it is entirely achievable. In this article, we present key information regarding work permits in Poland, along with practical advice on how to legally secure employment as a foreigner.

Types of Work Permits in Poland

In Poland, there are several types of work permits that differ based on the nature of employment and the foreigner’s status. The most popular ones are:

1. Type A Work Permit

• Purpose: For a foreigner performing work in Poland based on a contract with an entity (employer) whose headquarters, place of residence, branch, establishment, or other form of organized activity is located in Poland.
• Salary: Must not be lower than the salary of employees performing comparable work or in comparable positions. The monthly salary must not be lower than the minimum wage.
• Requirements: The employer must have information from the appropriate starosta (county governor) regarding the main place of work of the foreigner, indicating the inability to meet the employer’s staffing needs based on registers of unemployed and job seekers.
• Validity Period: Up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension. The application for extension must be submitted no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before the expiration of the validity period.

2. Type B Work Permit

• Purpose: For a foreigner holding a position in the management of a legal entity registered in the entrepreneurs’ register, in the management of a capital company, managing a limited partnership or limited joint-stock partnership as a general partner or proxy, provided they have held this position for over 6 months within the next 12 months.
• Requirements: The company must meet specific financial and employment conditions or demonstrate the availability of funds to meet these conditions in the future.
• Validity Period: Usually 3 years, with the possibility of extension similarly to Type A.

3. Type C Work Permit

• Purpose: For a foreigner employed by a company outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, delegated to work in Poland for a period exceeding 30 days within a calendar year.
• Requirements: The delegating employer must be connected to the entity in Poland through capital, organizational, or personal ties.
• Exceptions: Not required for delegations for assembly, maintenance, or repair of provided equipment, structures, machines, etc., for a period not exceeding 3 months within a calendar year.
• Validity Period: Up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension from 90 days before to 30 days before the expiration of the validity period.

4. Type D Work Permit

• Purpose: For a foreigner delegated to Poland by a company outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to perform temporary and occasional services (export services).
• Requirements: The delegating company must not have a branch or any other form of organized activity in Poland.
• Exceptions: Not required for assembly, maintenance, or repair of equipment, etc., for a period not exceeding 3 months within a calendar year.
• Validity Period: Up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension similarly to Type A.

5. Type E Work Permit

• Purpose: For a foreigner delegated to Poland by a company outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland for a period exceeding 30 days within the next 6 months, for purposes other than Types C and D.
• Requirements: The delegation must be for the planned period of assignment, not longer than 3 years, with the possibility of extension from 90 days before to 30 days before the expiration of the validity period.
• Exceptions: Not required for delegations for assembly, maintenance, or repair of equipment, etc., for a period not exceeding 3 months within a calendar year.

6. Type S Work Permit

• Purpose: For foreigners performing seasonal work in industries dependent on seasons or weather conditions, for a period not longer than 9 months within a calendar year.
• Requirements: Citizens of Ukraine and their spouses can perform seasonal work without permits, whereas citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova are required to include information from the starosta regarding the inability to meet staffing needs in the local labor market.
• Validity Period: The permit can be multi-seasonal for periods not exceeding 9 months within a calendar year, for up to 3 consecutive calendar years, with the possibility of extension.

Conditions for Obtaining a Work Permit in Poland

To obtain a work permit in Poland, you must meet several basic conditions:

• Unavailability of EU Citizen Employment: The employer must demonstrate that there are no available candidates from the European Union for the given position.
• Meeting Qualification Requirements: Appropriate education and professional experience required for the specific position.
• Compliance of the Position with the Local Labor Market: The job must align with the nature and level of remuneration for the given position in Poland.

Application Process for a Work Permit

The process of obtaining a work permit in Poland involves several stages:

1. Finding an Employer – First, you must find a Polish employer who will offer you employment.
2. Preparing Documents – The employer prepares the necessary documents, including the work permit application.
3. Submitting the Application – The employer submits the application to the Voivodeship Office responsible for the location of their headquarters.
4. Waiting for a Decision – The process can take from a few weeks to several years, depending on the type of permit and the region.
5. Issuance of the Permit – Upon a positive decision, the employer receives the permit, which is then handed over to the employee.
6. Obtaining a Visa or Residence Card – Depending on the length of employment, the employee applies for the appropriate visa or residence card.

How to Find a Job in Poland as a Foreigner?

Finding legal employment in Poland for foreigners requires an active approach and the use of various methods. Here are some effective ways:

1. Job Portals – Popular websites such as Pracuj.pl, OLX.pl, or LinkedIn offer a wide range of job listings across different industries. Regularly browsing these sites and setting up alerts for positions of interest can significantly ease your search.
2. Temporary Employment Agencies – Collaborating with reputable agencies can increase your chances of finding suitable employment quickly.
3. Networking – Building a network of professional contacts by participating in industry events, joining LinkedIn groups, or engaging in local associations can open doors to unpublished job offers. Don’t underestimate the power of personal recommendations and referrals.
4. Direct Applications – Sending your CV directly to companies that interest you can yield positive results, especially if you include a personalized cover letter.
5. Job Fairs – Participating in job fairs, both online and in-person, provides the opportunity to directly contact employers and learn about offers on the spot.
6. Social Media – Being active on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or X (formerly Twitter) can help you find job listings and connect with potential employers. However, always verify the authenticity of the employer.

Do Not Buy Work Permits

It is important to emphasize that purchasing work permits in Poland without a genuine attempt to secure employment is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. Work permits are issued based on specific job offers and must be linked to actual employment. Avoid companies offering quick and easy permit acquisition for a fee – these could be attempts at fraud. Illegally obtaining a work permit can result in deportation, a ban on entering Poland, and financial penalties for both the employee and the employer.

How to Find Legal Employment in Poland?

To legally work in Poland, you must first find appropriate employment. Focus on authentic job offers. Here are some additional tips:

• Check the Employer’s Credibility – Before accepting a job offer, verify that the company is registered and has positive reviews online. You can also check the company’s details in the National Court Register (KRS).
• Read Contracts Carefully – Before signing any contract, thoroughly read all its terms. If you have any doubts, consult a lawyer or a labor law specialist.
• Ensure the Job Offer is Legitimate – Job offers that promise exceptionally high salaries without the necessary experience may be suspicious.

Migration Office Support

The process of obtaining a work permit in Poland can be complicated, so it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Our migration office offers comprehensive support at every stage:

• Job Offer Verification – We ensure that the offer meets all legal requirements and complies with current regulations.
• Document Preparation – We assist in gathering and preparing the necessary documents.
• Application Submission – We handle the formalities related to submitting the work permit application, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the documentation.
• Process Monitoring – We track the status of your application and keep you informed of progress, answering any questions or concerns.
• Expediting the Process – We take all legal steps to ensure the shortest possible waiting time for the issuance of the work permit.
• Residence Registration – We assist in the process of registering your residence in Poland, providing support in dealing with local authorities.

Importance of Timeliness in the Application Process

Remember that the process of obtaining a work permit in Poland is time-consuming and requires diligence. It is important to start the procedures as soon as possible after receiving a job offer to avoid delays and complications. Timely submission of applications and providing complete documents increases the chances of a swift and successful completion of the process.

Conclusion

Obtaining a work permit in Poland requires meeting specific conditions and going through a formal application process. A key element is finding legal employment with a Polish employer. Remember to avoid illegal offers and seek professional assistance to ensure the process proceeds smoothly and without issues.

If you have questions regarding work permits in Poland or need support in the application process, we are at your disposal. Contact us to obtain detailed information and professional assistance. Our team is ready to support you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and legal start to your career in Poland.