Poland

Everyone who is not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen needs a visa to work in Poland. If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and want to work in Poland for longer than three months, you only have to register your stay in a local registration office. Registering your stay is not a visa application process; it is more of a notifying method to let Polish authorities know that you would like to stay and work in Poland for longer.

What Are the Types of Polish Work Visas You Can Apply for?

Before applying for a work visa, you need to know about which work permit you should apply for. The types of Poland work permits are:

• Work Permit A. It is required if you have a job offer from a business registered in Poland. This work permit is given to you under the condition that you will obtain a valid residence permit.
• Work Permit B. This permit is required if you are employed as a board member and will be residing in Poland for a period exceeding six months.
• Work Permit C. If you are delegated to Poland by a foreign employer for longer than 30 days to work for their Polish branch.
• Work Permit D. If a foreign employer delegates you to Poland to work in export services. The foreign employer must not have a Polish branch.
• Work Permit S.This permit is required if a foreign employer sends you to Poland for agricultural, hunting, fishing, or accommodation activities.

Poland Work Visa Requirements

The documents required for a Poland work visa application are:

• Valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months; more if the embassy requires.
• Visa application form. You must fill out the form via the e-Konsulat system (the Polish consular website), print it, and sign it.
• Colored photos of yourself. Photo dimensions and requirements should fulfill the Schengen visa photo guidelines.
• Flight itinerary. You must submit proof that you have purchased or at least booked a flight to Poland.
• Proof of travel health insurance. Once you arrive in Poland, you will have to register for long-term health insurance, either with the Polish national health fund or a private insurance company. However, for the initial work visa application, you will be required to submit proof of travel health insurance covering at least €30,000.
• Proof of accommodation. You must submit proof that you have a place to live in Poland during your stay.
• Original and copied version of the work permit. Your employer will send you the work permit which they applied for on your behalf.
• Employment letter. You must submit the original letter of employment, signed by your employee and stating your position, salary, and other details of your employment.
• Work experience certificate or CV. Submit an updated copy of your CV and any certificates that attest to your work experience in the position you are applying for.
• Police clearance certificate. You must prove that you do not have a criminal background.

Remember: The Polish consulate or embassy may ask you to provide additional documents, depending on each specific case, for example cover letter for work visa.

Applying for a Poland Work Permit

If you plan to start working in Poland, a Polish employer needs to apply for a work permit on your behalf at the local Voivodeship office (Governor’s Office in Poland). The employer must submit documents, such as

• The application form. 
• Proof of paid application fees.
• Proof of the legal status of the employer. The documentation should be issued from the NCR (National Court Register).
• Records of the employer’s economic activity.
• Copy of the employee’s passport pages.
• Proof of the employee’s health insurance.
• Deed for the company.
• Statements that show profits or losses made by the employer.
• Copy of the work contract.

After the work permit has been granted, your employer will forward it to you, along with your work contract and any other documents, so you can apply for a work visa.

Applying for a Poland Work Visa

Once you receive authorization to work in Poland, you can then apply for a work visa from the Polish Embassy in your country. This visa will allow you to travel to Poland for work purposes and then apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit. To apply for a Poland work visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Locate the nearest Polish Embassy or Consulate. You can determine which embassy to apply to through the e-Konsulat website (the Polish consular services website), as well as complete an application form.
2. Make a visa appointment. You can set up an appointment through the e-Konsulat website or by contacting the embassy or consulate directly. Make sure you set up an appointment sufficiently in advance.
3. Collect the required documents.
4. Submit the application. On the date of your appointment, you have to show up on time, submit the required documents, and (if required) attend a visa interview.

Entering Poland and Starting to Work

Before entering Poland, you must show your documents (whether physical or digital) to the border control. After entering Poland, you have to register your place of residence within four days at the local city council district office.

Once you have registered your address and obtained a residence card, you can start working.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Poland Work Visa?

The Polish embassy or consulate may take up to six weeks to process your work visa application. You are advised to apply for your Poland work visa at least two months before your trip, especially due to the importance of the visa type.

How Long Can I Stay in Poland With a Work Visa?

The Polish work visa is only valid for three months, during which you have to apply for a residence permit for you to stay longer.

Poland Work Permit Validity

The validity of your work permit depends on the employment contract given to you by the employer. If for example, your employer wants to employ you for two years, then your residence and work permits will be valid for that time.

Extending a Poland Work Visa

Your employer can extend your Poland work visa by renewing your contract. If you want to extend your work visa, you must do so 30 days before your work visa expires. Your employer may apply for an extension of your work permit at the local Voivodship Office or online via the praca.gov.pl portal.

What If I Want to Change My Job?

If you have a temporary residence permit and want to change your job, then your new employer will have to apply for a new work permit at the Voivodeship Office. Your temporary work and residence permit is tied to an employer.

If you are a permanent resident of Poland, then you can change your job without the need for your new employer to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Can I Bring Family Members in Poland?

If you are working in Poland with a temporary work permit of at least two years, then your family members can apply for a Polish family reunification visa. If your family members are granted a family reunification visa, they can live with you in Poland for the duration of your work permit.

Poland Seasonal Work Visa

A seasonal work permit is given when you are employed for work activities that do not exceed nine months in a year. The seasonal work permit is usually given for foreigners who want to work in Poland during the summer. To stay in Poland with a seasonal work visa, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit as well.

A temporary residence permit due to seasonal work can be given if you:

• Want to enter the territory of Poland to perform seasonal work.
• Have a stable and regular income.
• Have health insurance.
• Have proof of accommodation.