Hiring with the Type A Work Permit: Requirements & Process in Poland

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Type A Work Permit

The Type A Work Permit applies when a foreign national works in Poland for a Polish employer under a local employment contract or civil law agreement. In most cases, the employer must demonstrate that the role is legitimate, meets Polish employment standards, and – depending on nationality and role – may need to pass a labour market test. The permit is role- and employer-specific, so accuracy across documents is essential.

Employee Requirements

 
• A confirmed job offer from a Polish employer
 
• Qualifications or professional experience relevant to the role
 
• Agreement to work only for the sponsoring employer and in the approved role
 
• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
 
• Compliance with general immigration and character requirements

Required Documents for Employees

 
• Valid passport
 
• CV/resume and proof of relevant work experience
 
• Education certificates or professional credentials (if required)
 
• Signed employment contract or binding job offer
 
• Proof of accommodation in Poland (for residence application stage)
 
• Health insurance coverage

Required Documents for Employers

 
• Company registration documents and proof of business activity in Poland
 
• Employment contract compliant with Polish labour law
 
• Job description outlining duties, salary, and working hours
 
• Labour market test result (if required for the role/nationality)
 
• Formal Type A Work Permit application submitted to the Voivodeship Office

Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Type A Work Permit in Poland

 
1. The employer defines the role and confirms Type A Work Permit eligibility.
 
2. If required, the employer completes a labour market test with the local employment office.
 
3. The employer submits the Type A Work Permit application to the relevant Voivodeship Office.
 
4. Once approved, the employee applies for a national work visa or residence permit (depending on location).
 
5. The employee enters Poland (if abroad) and completes local registration formalities.
 
6. The employee may legally start work under the approved permit conditions.

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Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor a Type A Work Permit

Poland’s government fees for work permits are relatively modest, but employers should plan for administrative time and compliance-related costs.

Government Fees & Who Pays What

 
• Type A Work Permit application fee: Paid by the employer.
 
• Visa or residence permit fee: Usually paid by the employee, though many employers cover it.
 
• Renewal fees: Apply when extending the permit or residence authorisation.

Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs

Costs Born By the Employer 

 
• Work permit application and renewal fees
 
• Internal HR and compliance resources
 
• Optional immigration or legal advisor fees
 
• Relocation or onboarding support (if offered)

Costs Born by the Employee 

 
• Visa or residence permit fees (if not employer-covered)
 
• Document preparation and translation costs

Costs Covered by Both 

 
• Onboarding documentation and local registration steps

Renewal/Extension Fee

Type A Work Permits are issued for a fixed period and can be renewed if employment continues. Employers should start renewal processes early to avoid gaps in work authorisation.

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Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance

Once the employee is working in Poland under a Type A Work Permit, employers have ongoing obligations:

 
• Ensure the employee works only in the approved role and for the sponsoring employer.
 
• Maintain compliant salary, working hours, and contract terms.
 
• Notify authorities of material changes (role, salary, employer, or termination).
 
• Track permit and residence expiry dates and manage renewals on time.
 
• Keep accurate employment, payroll, and immigration records.
 
• Understand penalties for non-compliance, including fines or restrictions on future sponsorship.

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Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll

Borders shouldn’t limit your hiring strategy. Playroll gives you two flexible options to hire globally. If relocation to Poland is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the Type A Work Permit process – from application to compliance.

If relocation isn’t necessary, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.