Work Permits for Poland
The requirements regarding work permits for Poland vary depending on an expat's nationality. European Union (EU) citizens do NOT need a work permit to be legally employed in Poland, while non-EU citizens do need a work permit.
Since Poland officially became part of the EU in 2004, efforts have been made to standardise what was formerly a very stringent process. Rules and regulations are becoming more closely aligned with the directives used by other continental European nations.
There are five (A-E) official types of work permits in Poland, but most expats will apply under Type A:
For this reason, most of the burden of organisation falls on the shoulders of the hiring company, not so much the expat. The company must present a good deal of documentation, detailing its legal status, its income and losses, information relating to the company's numbers of employment, and most importantly, the fact that there are no other qualified Polish workers who could adequately fulfil the position in question.
Though this removes a lot of pressure from expats, it also means that companies often choose not to hire foreigners, merely because the paperwork required is tedious and the process bothersome.
Work permits are issued for a maximum of three years, at which point in time they can be renewed accordingly.
One large restriction that many expats are unaware of is the fact that work permits for Poland are job- and employer-specific. Thus, if during the course of your time in Poland you wish to change jobs, it's necessary to reapply for a permit.
Once "permission to work" is granted by the Voivod's Office, then the expat can apply for a formal visa at the Polish Consulate in their home country, or can apply for a residency card within Poland.
Since Poland officially became part of the EU in 2004, efforts have been made to standardise what was formerly a very stringent process. Rules and regulations are becoming more closely aligned with the directives used by other continental European nations.There are five (A-E) official types of work permits in Poland, but most expats will apply under Type A:
- (Type A Work Permit) performs work in the Republic of Poland pursuant to a contract with an employer whose registered office, place of residence, branch, facility or other form of business is located in the Republic of Poland
For this reason, most of the burden of organisation falls on the shoulders of the hiring company, not so much the expat. The company must present a good deal of documentation, detailing its legal status, its income and losses, information relating to the company's numbers of employment, and most importantly, the fact that there are no other qualified Polish workers who could adequately fulfil the position in question.
Though this removes a lot of pressure from expats, it also means that companies often choose not to hire foreigners, merely because the paperwork required is tedious and the process bothersome.
Work permits are issued for a maximum of three years, at which point in time they can be renewed accordingly.
One large restriction that many expats are unaware of is the fact that work permits for Poland are job- and employer-specific. Thus, if during the course of your time in Poland you wish to change jobs, it's necessary to reapply for a permit.
Once "permission to work" is granted by the Voivod's Office, then the expat can apply for a formal visa at the Polish Consulate in their home country, or can apply for a residency card within Poland.
