Work Permit in Poland

Being one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in Central Europe, Poland encourages quite a substantial number of foreigners to come and work in the country as a specialist or employee. In order for them to be legally employed in the country, they need to get a work permit. The article below deals with basic requirements and procedures connected with obtaining a work permit in Poland.

Main types of work permits

Depending on the nature of work and stay, there are several types of work permits in Poland:

The application process for the work permit

Preparation of the documents for the application, lodging it, and waiting for the decision by the competent authorities are multi-stage processes while applying for a work permit in Poland.

Special conditions and exemptions

In certain cases foreigners might be exempted from the obligation to obtain a work permit. Such cases include:

• A citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
• A foreigner who has refugee status or temporary protection in Poland.
• A foreigner studying at Polish universities on a full-time basis.

Renewal of work permit

For this purpose, an application for the extension is required to be submitted before the date of expiry of the currently possessed permit to the Voivodeship Office. In order to renew it, documents have to be updated to prove the continuity of the employment relationship and the fulfillment of requirements.

What is the Poland work visa?

Being one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Europe, Poland is a country that attracts many foreign specialists and workers. To be legally employed within Poland, foreign nationals need to obtain a work visa. Below, the main aspects related to a work visa in Poland are approached: its types, requirements, and the process of obtaining one.

Main types of work visas

Work visas in Poland are differentiated, depending on the length of stay and the nature of the work, as follows:

1. Short-term work visa (type C)
   • Issued up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
   • Come in handy for short-term business trips, seasonal work, and other temporary projects.
2. Long-term working visa (type D)
   • Issued for a period of over 90 days.
   • Long-term employment including permanent work and long business trips.
   • A work visa compulsorily requires an application for a temporary residence permit under the work purpose.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa

To obtain a work visa in Poland, you are required to fulfill some requirements by providing, among others, the following documents:

The process of obtaining a work visa

Submitting an application

The application for a work visa is submitted to the Polish consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence. The application can be submitted either in person or through accredited agencies.

Submission of documents

The application should be submitted with all the necessary documents. All the documents must be duly filled in and correct.

Payment of Consular Fee

An applicant has to make the consular fee payment for processing the visa. It can vary based on the visa type and applicant’s nationality.

Application Consideration

It is sent to the consulate for eligibility checking of the applicant. It takes a few weeks up to a couple of months for review.

Visa Issuance

In case the consulate makes a positive decision, the application will be issued a visa that will enable him/her to enter Poland and start work. A visa is affixed into a passport.

How to apply for the Poland work visa in 2024?

Poland is still a country where a lot of foreign professionals would like to go for its stable economy and good business climate. In 2024, the process of applying for a work visa to Poland involves a great number of formal procedures taken immediately and preparation of relevant documents. This article discusses the main steps required in successfully obtaining a work visa to Poland.

General steps to apply for a work visa

Finding an employer and executing an employment agreement

The first step towards getting a work visa is to find a Polish employer willing to provide a labour contract. This employer should be registered in Poland and accredited to employ foreign workers. The agreement of employment should include the following information:

1. The name and address of the employer.
2. Position and job title.
3. Working conditions and wages.
4. The term of the employment contract.

Getting a work permit

Upon signing of the employment contract, the employer submits the application for a work permit to the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki). The following documents would be required:

• Application form completed.
• A copy of the employment contract.
• Justification of the need to employ a foreign specialist.
• Evidence of a lack of suitable candidates among local residents.

Preparation of Visa Documents

Having obtained the work permit, it would be necessary to prepare a package of documents for its visa application. The list of documents that would be needed in this respect in 2024 shall consist of a valid passport with appropriate validity; a visa application form, duly filled-in; two recent 3.5 x 4.5 cm colour photographs, a copy of the employment contract, and a copy of the work permit.

Health insurance valid for the whole period of stay in Poland, with a minimum range of 30,000 euros.

Proof of financial solvency through bank statements, proof of income, or a sponsorship letter.

Application to the Consulate

An application for a work visa shall be filed with a Polish consulate or embassy in an applicant’s country of residence. The following applies to the application process:

• Visiting the consulate personally or using the services of the accredited agencies.
• Provision of all the necessary documents.
• Paying the consular application fee.

Application consideration

It is considered and checked by the consulate for the fulfillment of requirements by the applicant. All the documents should be correctly filled in with valid information. It may take a few weeks or months for review depending upon the workload of the consulate.

Issuance of Visa

In the case of a positive decision of the consulate, an applicant gets a visa allowing him/her to enter Poland and take up employment. The visa is pasted into the passport.

Features and recommendations

1. Timeliness of application
   • It is desirable that you file your application as early as possible so that it could have time to go through in case there is some delay in processing.
2. Thorough preparation of documents
   • It is important to ensure that all documents submitted are correct and complete to avoid visa refusal.
3. Consultation with a lawyer
   • If you have any difficulties or questions related to the process of obtaining a work visa, it is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer specialising in migration law.

How can I get a Polish work visa and permit?

With the rapidly developing economy and favorable business environment, Poland is a very attractive destination for labor migration. In order to be legally employed in Poland, a foreign national must obtain a work visa along with a work permit. In this article, we will take a look at the step-by-step process of obtaining such documents, requirements, and recommendations on how to get successfully employed.

Finding an employer and concluding an employment contract

Finding an employer who is ready to offer a contract is the initial step in getting a work visa and work permit in Poland. The employment contract must contain the following:

• The name and registered office of the employer.
• Position and job description.
• Working conditions and wages.
• The term of the employment contract.

Getting a work permit

After signing the employment contract, the employer is obliged to apply to the relevant voivodeship office Urząd Wojewódzki for a work permit for a foreigner. The following documents should be attached to this application:

• Completed application form.
• A copy of the employment contract.
• Justification of the need to hire a foreign specialist.
• Proof of lack of suitable candidates among local residents.

Preparation of documents for visa

The following documents should complement the application:

• A valid passport with sufficient validity.
• Completed visa application form.
• Two current 3.5 x 4.5 cm colour photographs.
• A copy of the employment contract.
• A copy of the work permit.
• Health insurance covering the whole period of stay in Poland, with an insurance indemnity of at least 30,000 euros.
• Proof of financial solvency: bank statements, proof of income, or sponsorship letter.

The application for a work visa has to be filed with the Polish Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. Submissions can be made in the following manners:

• In person at the consulate or through the services of its accredited agencies.
• All required documents must be provided in support of your application.
• Payment of the consular application fee must be made.

Consideration

The application is reviewed by the consulate in addition to a check of the applicant’s eligibility. This may take several weeks or even months, depending on the load of work that the consulate is handling.

Obtaining Visa

For any positive decision made by the consulate, an applicant will obtain a visa that grants him/her entry into Poland to work. This visa is affixed to the passport.

Residence registration

You are also obliged to register your place of residence at the local police station within 30 days of arrival in Poland. This applies to all foreigners.

Residence Permit

It is recommended to apply for a temporary residence permit if you plan to stay in Poland for over one year and take up work. This document will entitle you to legally stay and work in Poland for more than one year. The application requires confirmation of housing being available, health insurance, and financial documents.

Special conditions and programs

EU Blue Card

For highly qualified specialists, there is a possibility to obtain an EU Blue Card, which gives you the right to work in Poland and other EU countries. The requirements it involves are higher education and an offer of a job with a salary higher than the established minimum.

Start-up programme

The Polish government supports foreign entrepreneurs and start-ups with several programs that give financial support and allow for simplified procedures of obtaining visas and work permits.

Recommendations

1. Timeliness of application
   • Submit your visa application well in advance to allow for possible delays in processing.
2. Thorough preparation of documents
   • Carefully ensure that all documents submitted are correct and complete to avoid visa refusal.
3. Consultation with a lawyer
   • If you have any difficulties or questions related to the process of obtaining a work visa, it is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer specialising in migration law.

What documents are required for Poland work visa application?

A work visa to Poland gives a foreigner a chance to legally stay and work in the country based on employment. With the purpose to successfully apply a visa, it is required to provide a number of documents confirming the applicant’s personal data, his/her labour activity and the purpose of the trip.

Basic requirements for documents

Additional recommendations

It is advisable to check the current requirements of the Embassy or Consulate of Poland prior to application, as new requirements may be included or some of the requirements may be amended at any moment by changes in legislation or developments in the international situation.

Where and when can you apply for an Poland work visa?

Obtaining a work visa is an important requirement for persons who are going to take up employment in Poland. Thus, the application process calls one to choose a location and also determines the best time to apply. This post seeks to discuss some of the important aspects involved in making an application for a work visa to Poland.

Where to Apply?

Polish Embassy or Consulate: The basic place of application is the Polish diplomatic mission in the country of permanent residence or in the country of citizenship of an applicant. One should determine in advance whether to make an appointment, because many consulates admit exclusively by appointment.

Visa Centres: Some countries operate visa centres in countries, which take visa applications on behalf of the embassy for the convenience of applicants. This can be convenient as visa centres often offer a wider range of services and longer opening hours.

Through an authorized agency: When applying directly to the consulate is either impossible or not convenient, then one can avail of the services offered by specialized agencies dealing in the preparation of documents and their subsequent submission to the consulate.

When to apply?

Three months before the work commences. It is advisable to apply for a work visa no sooner than three months prior to the expected date of work commencement in Poland. This recommendation is, as such, valid because a visa is issued for a certain period of time that starts on the day of issuing.

Considering Processing Time: Generally, the time it takes to process a work visa in Poland varies from 10 to 30 days. In cases of excessive workload or any other particular reasons affecting the individual, the period will be higher. Applicants, therefore, have to apply with ample time to offset unanticipated delays.

A work visa to Poland is a document that entitles a foreigner to take up work in the country legally for the specified period. Understanding the validity period of a work visa is very important while planning employment and further stay in Poland.

Types of work visas

1. The D visa is a national visa issued in the case of foreigners arriving in Poland in connection with employment for a period exceeding 90 days. This type of visa is issued on the basis of an invitation from an employer. The possibility of issuing a visa for a period of up to one year.
2. Category C visa – is a Schengen visa, entitling to stay in Poland and the other Schengen countries for the maximum period of 90 days in each 180-day period.

Validity period of D category work visa

The D category work visa in Poland is issued for the period necessary to accomplish the conditions of the employment contract but for no longer than a year. After the expiration of such period, the foreign worker will be obliged to apply for the extension of stay or for the residence permit, in case he or she intends the further continuation of his or her work in the country.

Peculiarities of visa extension

An extension of a work visa is possible if there is a valid employment contract and confirmation from the employer about the need to continue the employment of the foreigner. The whole process may take several weeks or even months, so it is better to begin it in advance.

Transition to residence permit

Those who stay in Poland for the longer term are advised to apply for a residence permit. This document guarantees the rights of residence, status, and stability more safely than a national visa. A residence permit can be issued for three years and then may be extended.

Over the last few years, Poland has become active in inviting foreign specialists to work in different branches of the national economy. The article below will point out the major issues related to the rights and possibilities for foreigners to get employed in Poland.

Legislative framework

In principle, Polish law sets a clear framework within which foreigners may be entitled to work. The main acts regulating employment of foreign nationals are: the Act on Promotion of Employment and Labour Market and the Act on Foreigners.

Types of work permits

Type A permit – is the most common type, issued to foreign nationals who are employed by a Polish employer in Poland.

Type B permit – for foreigners engaged in managerial activities conducted on behalf of Polish branches of foreign companies.

Type C permit – intended for foreigners working for a foreign employer and delegated to the Polish branch of this company for more than 30 days.

Type D permit – given to the foreign employees of the foreign employer who conduct temporary export/import services.

Type E permit – required for foreigners performing work in Poland that does not fall under the previous categories.

The process of obtaining a work permit

A work permit is applied for by the Polish employer. He shall apply to the Voivodeship Labour Office, proving that there is no suitable candidate for the post among the citizens of Poland or other European Union countries. In case a permit has been obtained, the foreigner can proceed with a visa or residence permit application in accordance with the obtained work permit.

Exceptions of the general rule

Citizens of the European Union countries and Switzerland as well as the EEA are exempted from having a permit to work in Poland. They have equal rights with Polish citizens to work and do not need additional permits.

Types of work visa in Poland

Poland attracts many foreign specialists who would like to work and develop their careers. There exist several types of work visas necessary for legalization of labor of foreign citizens in the country-with peculiar features and conditions of their obtainment.

Submission process and requirements

The process of applying for a work visa involves gathering the necessary documents, including a valid passport, an employment contract or invitation from an employer, as well as proof of financial solvency and health insurance. It is important to note that each type of visa requires specific documents to prove the purpose of stay.

Work permit requirements in Poland

Poland attracts a lot of foreign professionals who would want to work and develop their careers in this country. For being legally employed, it is highly necessary to obtain a work permit, the process of which is governed by Polish law. In this article, we will look at the main requirements and stages of obtaining a work permit in Poland.

Basic requirements

Availability of an employer in Poland. In this respect, a foreigner has to have a job offer from a Polish employer who would be able and willing to take over the process of drawing up the required documents.

Confirmation of the need for a foreign worker. The employer needs to prove that he/she could not find a suitable candidate for the vacancy among citizens of Poland or other EU countries. This should be done by providing information on the advertising campaign conducted for the vacancy.

Application to the Voivodeship Labour Office. An employer hires a certain foreigner and then submits an application for a work permit to the local Voivodeship Labour Office.

Documents confirming professional qualifications and work experience. A foreign employee must provide documents confirming his/her professional qualifications and work experience corresponding to the position he/she holds.

The process of obtaining a work permit

The process of obtaining a work permit includes the following:

Submission of the application. Application by the employer to the Voivodeship Labour Office with all supplementing documentation, including job description, conditions of employment contract, and the search results for candidates among EU citizens.

Application processing, where Voivodeship Labour Office gives an appropriate opinion on the application, approving or rejecting it, which may take some weeks or months.

Obtaining a work permit based on approval of the above application; the Voivodeship Office issues a work permit—one of the main documents for further processing of a visa or residence permit.

Important Aspects

Duration of the permit. As a rule, a work permit is issued for three consecutive years and can be extended under certain conditions.

Dependence on the employer. A work permit is issued for working with a specific employer. In case of changing the employer, a new permit should be obtained.

Rights and obligations. Having a work permit also makes a foreign worker obtain specific rights and responsibilities under the Polish Labour Code.

Where to Apply for a Work Permit in Poland?

Getting a work permit in Poland is one of the main steps when hiring a foreigner legally. That is why it is so important to prepare all the needed documents with special care and follow the application procedure in an evident way to obtain the permit positively.

Work permits in Poland

Poland actively invites foreign workers and thus opens a great number of options for professional enlargement and self-development. To be able to work in Poland legally, foreigners must obtain a work permit, which is an essential component of the migration policy of the country.

Types of work permits in Poland

In Poland, there are several types of work permits intended for certain categories of foreign workers, respectively:

Conditions for a work permit

In order to be able to work in Poland, a foreigner must have:

A labour contract or a written job offer from the Polish employer,

Evidence of qualifications and experience commensurate with the position applied for,

A valid passport,

Medical insurance for the period of stay in Poland.

The application process

1. Preparation of documents:
   • Employer in Poland needs to file an application to the local voivodeship office along with all the required documentation such as the job details and candidate documents.
2. Waiting for the decision:
   • The processing may take anything from a few weeks to several months. The employer will receive an authorisation, which is then sent to the worker for any further visa or residence permit procedures that may be applicable.
3. Visa obtaining:
   • A foreign worker may also need a visa to enter and work in Poland depending on the nationality in question.

Obtaining a work permit in Poland is required for every foreigner in order to have legal employment in the country. A proper understanding of the type of permit and documentary requirements will ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. Employers are in the important position in the permit processing, so they have to be diligent in respect to all procedures and follow the Polish migration law accordingly.

Do I need a visa to work in Poland?

As a rule, employment of a foreigner from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland requires obtaining by the employer a work permit type A or B. These permits differ in their purpose and conditions of issue.

The process of obtaining

Application submittal: Application for a permit is submitted by the employer for the foreigner. The submission might be possible via an online application using the portal at praca.gov.pl.

Documents to attach: Attachments include the foreigner’s passport, job offer, qualification proof of the position, and proof of residence address of the foreigner in Poland.

Awaiting a decision: This may take up to 30 days and two months in the case of complex cases.

Key facts

• The alien is not able to commence working before the permit has been granted.
• The work permit is linked to the named foreigner and the job specified within the permit.

A work permit does not exempt one from the residence permit requirement when staying exceeds the period allowed under the visa. Obtaining a work permit in Poland requires attention to minute details and adherence to all legal procedures. This is where it is advisable to instruct an employer to start the above-mentioned procedure on time.

One of the most important issues for many foreign professionals who want to work in Poland is obtaining a working visa. As a European Union country, Poland grants working permits only under specific conditions depending on the nationality of the foreign citizen, type of activity they intend to undertake, and the length of their stay.

When you need a visa to work in Poland

1. Third-country nationals, i.e. those outside the EU and EEA:
   • Third-country nationals, i.e. those outside the EU or EEA, usually require a visa to enter and be employed in Poland. This would include nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, India, China, and many other countries.
2. Visa types:
   • Type D visa (national visa), which allows a stay of more than 90 days and is required for labour activities.
   • The Schengen visa (type C), which allows short stays of up to 90 days, can be used for temporary business travel but not for long-term employment.
3. Work authorisation:
   • Along with a visa, foreigners should also apply for a work permit unless otherwise envisaged by international agreements or Polish law.

Work Visa to Poland

Procedure for obtaining a work visa to Poland:

• Preparation of the documentation:
  • A valid passport;
  • Document confirming the invitation of an employer or a contract for performance of work;
  • Confirmation of accommodation in Poland;
  • Insurance policy;
  • Financial provision for the period of stay;
  • Certificate of no criminal record.
• Filing an application:
  • The application is filed personally at the consular section of the embassy or at the Polish visa centre in the applicant’s country of residence.
• Processing period:
  • The processing period for a visa application ranges from several days to weeks and depends on the specific case and the workload of the consular section.

Exemptions from the rules

EU and EEA citizens: The citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area are not required to get a visa in order to work in Poland.

Bilateral agreements: Other countries have special agreements with Poland in order to go through the process of getting a visa and work permit with more ease.

In turn, it is important to know the conditions related to receiving a visa and work permit for subsequent successful employment in Poland. Accurate completion of all documents and correct execution will facilitate the process of applying for a work visa itself and at the same time help avoid potential delays or refusals.

Types of Poland work permits. Step by step guide.

Poland has various types of work permits, each applicable to some categories of foreign workers. Understanding the categories and the requirements pertinent to each will be very key to successful employment in the country.

Types of work permits in Poland

The process of obtaining a work permit

How to apply for a Type A or Type B work permit in Poland:

1. Application preparation
   • Get familiar with the requirements: Before filing the application, get familiar with the main differences between Type A and Type B permits. Choose which one your potential employee will need.
   • Prepare the necessary documentation: Documents confirming the identity and qualifications of a foreigner, documents of the company, conditions, and terms of employment that are being offered.
2. Feeding method selection
   • Electronic submittal: Access praca.gov.pl, at the tab saying Apply for work permit, fill out an electronic form, and attach all the needed documents in a scanned version.
   • By mailing by post: If you want to send documents by postal mail, make sure that you receive an acknowledgment of receipt in order to track your request.
   • In person: You will have to check the reception hours at your provincial office, and when so indicated, register in advance through the online queuing system.
3. Application dispatch
   • Signature: The application should be signed with a qualified electronic signature or trusted profile when filing online.
   • Submitting the application: The documents should be complete and correctly filled out to avoid delay in the processing of your request.
4. After Filing
   • Tracking status: When an online application is made, the status can be checked in your account on praca.gov.pl.
   • Waiting for a decision: The processing time may take up to 30 days, in complicated cases up to 2 months. Wait for notification from the voivode.
5. Obtaining authorization
   • Obtain authorization: On approval, either you or your foreign worker will be issued a work permit. Make sure that before getting the authorization, the foreigner doesn’t get employed.
   • Prepare for possible appeals: You can appeal within 14 days if the authorization is refused, and after you are in possession of this decision.

Practical tips

Act early: Begin as early as possible to prepare the application in order to have enough time to gather all necessary documents and repair any potential issues.

Seeking expertise from an expert: Consult an immigration lawyer or counsellor, in particular, in complex cases or when specific questions have to be addressed.

All of the above will give a higher success rate if one wants to obtain a work permit for an employee to work in Poland.

The procedure of obtaining a work permit in Poland begins from the employer’s initiative. Here are basic steps:

1. Application completion: The application is filed to the voivodeship office where the company is based.
2. Documentation: The employer shall prepare a contract of intent between himself and the foreign employee, plus proof that there are no candidates from Poland or the EU capable of doing the required work.
3. Processing of the application: The time to process the application may range from some weeks to some months.

Work permits in Poland are issued with a view to the concrete needs of the economy and the labour market. Foreign specialists planning to work in Poland should closely consider the types of available permits and choose the relevant option according to the character of the activity performed and the legal grounds for it. Such an approach will guarantee the legality of the employment and a comfortable, productive stay in the country.

EU blue card in Poland

The EU Blue Card is a document that allows highly qualified specialists of countries that are not members of the European Union to legally stay and work in Poland, as well as in other European countries. Such a system was developed with the aim of attracting talent in Europe, and such a card is somewhat an analogue of the American Green Card.

What is an EU Blue Card?

It is a work and residence permit used by the European Union, issued to highly qualified professionals. It allows the holder and family members to reside in the country of issuance and to travel to and work in other countries within the EU.

Eligibility for a Blue Card in Poland

A candidate has to fulfill the subsequent requirements to apply for an EU Blue Card in Poland:

1. Higher Education
   • The candidate shall have a higher education degree resulting from a program of study of at least three years duration.
2. Employment Contract or Job Offer
   • Having a signed employment contract or a binding offer to work in Poland for at least one year.
3. Professional Qualification
   • The position in the application must be relevant to the standard of high qualification at a tertiary level. It has to be at least 1.5 greater compared to the average annual remuneration in Poland.

Application Process for the EU Blue Card

Following is the application process for an EU Blue Card in Poland.

Preparation of documents: The applicant must prepare all the required documents that include a diploma, employment contract, proof of professional qualifications, and financial guarantee.

Application: It should be submitted to the Voivodeship Office corresponding to the applicant’s future workplace. All documents must be translated into Polish and certified by a notary.

Processing application: It generally takes several weeks or even months to process the application.

Advantages of the EU Blue Card

• EU mobility: Blue Card holders can travel and work freely in any of the European Union countries, except Denmark, Ireland, and Norway.
• Family Reunion: Family members of a Blue Card recipient may also be entitled to a residence permit.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residency upon completion of a certain period, usually after five years.

The EU Blue Card is deemed an attractive tool for highly qualified foreign professionals who want to work and reside in Poland and other EU countries. It offers them the possibility of easy integration into a new country, apart from fully facilitating their migration process and furthering a path of professional and personal development.

Application for a work visa in Poland

There are several types of work permits in Poland, each of which corresponds to different conditions of employment of foreigners. Permits are issued by the voivode on the basis of the employer’s application and in order to obtain them certain conditions must be met and the relevant documents must be submitted.

Types of work permits in Poland:

Basic requirements and the procedure for authorization

An employer must apply for permission to employ a particular foreigner.

It is necessary to confirm that the foreigner’s terms and conditions of employment are at least as good as the minimum standards that apply to native workers, with respect to salaries and work conditions.

A foreigner needs a residence permit that entitles him/her to take up employment within the territory of Poland.

The work permit should be extended according to the terms of the contract and changes in legislation.

Documents for application submission:

Application for a work permit.

A copy of the foreigner’s passport.

A contract on employment of a foreigner stating position, salary, and duration of the contract.

Evidence of the foreigner’s corresponding to the necessary qualifications – diplomas, certificates.

Labour market test: evidence that the employer could not find a suitable candidate on the Polish labour market.

In this way, obtaining a work permit in Poland is a condition of the legal employment of foreigners and protects the rights of foreign employees in accordance with Polish legislation while facilitating their integration into the Polish labour market.

A work visa to Poland is a certain document, enabling a foreign specialist to work legally on the territory of this country. This requires careful preparation of the documents with consideration of Polish migration legislation. Before all, it is necessary to specify the type of visa.

Before making any application, one should seek to ascertain the type of visa it is. In such a case, when considering employment in Poland for over 90 days, the national visa type D applies; it is intended solely for foreign workers.

Documents required

In this regard, the application for a work visa involves the following documents to get started with the process:

1. A valid passport for at least three months longer than the intended date of departure.
2. Documents proving the purpose of the visit:
   • An employment contract signed with a Polish employer.
   • Invitation by the employer.
   • Proof of having sufficient funds for living in Poland during the period of their stay.
   • Health insurance applicable for all periods of their stay.
   • Proof of housing in Poland.
   • Certificate of no criminal record.

Application

The work visa application should be submitted in person to the Polish embassy or consulate in the country of residence. If possible, a work visa application may be submitted also through an accredited visa application centre. All documents should be presented in Polish or in English and supplemented with notarised translation when necessary.

Processing times

It normally takes a few weeks to one month for the processing of a work visa application. However, this period might be different due to various factors, such as the specific embassy or consulate through which one is applying and the workload the authority is experiencing at the time.

Post-visa issuance procedures

After entering the country and starting employment, the foreigner should register with the local voivodeship and, if required, apply for a residence permit, which will serve to extend his or her stay in the country.

Obtaining a work visa in Poland is complex, taking much time for preparation and explanations of local legal requirements. Transparent preparation of the documents, timely submission of the application, and strict compliance with all requirements are the guarantee of successful visa application and further adaptation in Poland.

What documents are required for work permit in Poland?

Obtaining a work permit is a requirement for foreign nationals to get legally employed in Poland. The application process of a work permit requires the submission of a number of documents, confirming the legitimacy and expediency of employing a foreign worker.

Main documents required

Additional documents

Depending on the particularities of the work that will be done in the future and depending on the Provincial Office’s requirements, other documents may also be required:

Medical certificates – for some professions, for example.

Insurance – against medical diseases and accidents at work.

Papers proving the rights to engage in a certain activity or membership in professional organizations – for some special professions.

Application process

The documents are submitted by the employer to the Voivodeship Office at a place of employment of the foreigner. It is followed by the verification process, which may last from several weeks to several months. In case of a positive result of the application, the work permit is mailed to the employer, who is obliged to deliver it to the foreign worker.

Preparation for obtaining the Work Permit in Poland should be held considering the completeness of documents. Observance of all the requirements and proper preparation of the papers will accelerate the process of obtaining a permit and will help to avoid possible difficulties. In such a case, a foreign specialist will manage to successfully integrate into the labor market of Poland and begin working in this country in full accordance with the local legislation.

Poland work visa processing time

Obtaining a work visa in Poland is one of the most important steps for foreign professionals who will look for employment in this country. The time it takes to process a work visa might be different and depends on various factors, such as the type of visa, country of application, current workload of the consulate, etc. In this article, we will analyze standard processing times of work visa applications to Poland and factors influencing those times.

Types of work visas to Poland

First of all, it needs to be underlined that there exist several types of work visas to Poland. The main types are the following:

• Visa type D (national visa), allowing for a stay of over 90 days, for those planning to work long-term in Poland;
• Schengen visa for short business travel;

Standard processing time

The time that a work visa application would take to get processed can be rather different from case to case:

• National Visa (Type D):
  • Usually, it takes 10 to 15 working days from the date of submission of all the required documents. However, this period may be increased in peak periods or with regard to additional document verification.
• Schengen visa (type C):
  • Usually, a visa application is processed within 15 working days but can further extend for complex cases or when demand is high up to 30-60 days.

Factors affecting processing times

Several key elements determine the duration of processing a work visa application. These include:

1. Completeness and accuracy of documents:
   • Indeed, incomplete or incorrectly filled documents are usually the reason for delays. Again, make sure that all documents are prepared correctly and completely.
   • Sometimes, additional verifications might be required, or additional information might be needed, further extending the time of processing.
2. Recommendations that could expedite this process:
   • Early filing: It will indeed be very prudent if one applies as early as possible, especially when commencing on a particular deadline.
   • Preparation of documents: Documents should be correctly and completely filled out; all the requisite endorsements and references are provided.
3. Consultation with a visa specialist:
   • If you have doubts or if you want to speed up the process, then the help of a visa specialist will be helpful for you.

To obtain a work visa to Poland, accurate preparation of documents and understanding of the process are required. Considering the possible delay and individual peculiarities of each case, it is recommended to approach the process of visa application with due responsibility and prudence.

Poland work visa requirements

Poland actively attracts skilled labor from abroad, giving a foreign worker the opportunity to work legally in the country. Getting a work visa is the crucial step for starting working in Poland.

Work Visa Types

Work visas to Poland are divided into several types depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit:

1. C visa: A short-term visa for business travel, conferences or short training courses, allowing a stay of up to 90 days in each 180-day period.
2. D visa: A national long-term visa allowing a stay of more than 90 days. It is required for those who plan long-term work or long-term projects in Poland.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Poland

Following documents are required for candidates to be successfully granted a work visa:

A passport valid for a period of at least 3 months from the date of intended stay.

Two recent passport photographs that are in accordance with the requirements for visa documents.

The documentary proof of the trip purpose:

• An employment contract signed with an employer based in Poland.
• An invitation by an employer.

Proof of adequate financial means sufficient to maintain themselves in Poland for the entire period intended.

Confirmation of booking an apartment in Poland or documents confirming the existence of a place of residence.

Health insurance covering the costs of medical care in Poland and for the whole period of stay.

A criminal record certificate, which would confirm that the candidate does not have any criminal record.

Application for a work visa shall be made by filling in the application form and providing all the required supporting documents. The application form is available online and shall be filled in on the website of relevant Polish consulate or embassy. The application is submitted personally at the consular section of an Embassy or via an accredited visa application centre.

Processing times for visa applications

Work visa applications may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to process depending on the specifics of the case, the place of application and the current workload of the visa office. Processing times may be longer during peak periods.

Obtaining a work visa to Poland requires serious preliminary preparation and attention to details. Timely submission of a full set of documents and compliance with all requirements accelerates the process of obtaining a visa and guarantees a smooth start of work in Poland. So, it is important to study in detail all requirements and prepare for the procedure well in advance to avoid possible delays and complications.

How can Regulated United Europe help with work permits in Poland?

The Polish labour market is open to foreign specialists, yet the process of legalizing their employment requires high preparation and knowledge of local legislation. We specialize in offering support to foreign nationals with the procedures required for obtaining a work permit in Poland. We offer full-service document preparation, searching for employers, and application submissions.

Preparation and execution of documents

One of the most important moments in the work permit obtaining process is the proper completion of documents. Our specialists will help you to collect the full set of documents required for the work permit application, to fill out questionnaires and forms in compliance with the requirements of legislation in the way that provides maximum completeness and accuracy of information.

• Apostille the documents and their translation into Polish – if necessary.

Job finding and recruitment agencies

To those foreign specialists who haven’t found an employer in Poland yet, our company provides services of finding a job which will suit the client’s qualification and needs:

• Cooperation with recruiting agencies: We will introduce clients to decent recruiting agencies specializing in searching for vacancies in any sphere.
• CV distribution: Our experts will help you prepare a professional CV and send it to potential employers in Poland.

Legal support for applications

Applying for a work permit is a complex process that requires not only knowledge of local laws, but also the ability to respond adequately to possible requests from the Polish authorities:

• Representation of client’s interests in state authorities: Our lawyers can represent your interests in the course of interaction with migration services.
• Counselling and support at all stages: We fully inform the clients about the status of their application and assist in solving problems arising in the process.

Regulated United Europe is aware that a work permit in Poland can be successfully obtained only with the right documents but also with an employer. We are trying to adopt a complex approach: assisting our clients at all stages, from document preparation to successful employment.

The choice of a law firm Regulated United Europe means not only professional assistance during the procedure of work permit issuance but also assistance in adaptation to a new location, thanks to which the beginning of work in Poland will be as comfortable and effective as possible.