Poland Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Poland

Any non-European Union (EU), non-European Economic Area (EEA), or non-Swiss national requires a work permit to work legally in Poland. Employers hiring foreign workers must ensure that the employee possesses the appropriate work authorization before starting employment. This includes both long-term employment contracts and temporary assignments. Exceptions apply to certain categories such as intra-corporate transferees, researchers, and some business visitors who may be exempt under specific conditions.

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Work Permits vs. Work Visas in Poland

Work Permits in Poland

A work permit is an authorization document that is a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa and it allows foreign professionals to work legally in Poland. Employers are responsible for applying for the permit at the relevant Voivodeship Office (local government authority) in Poland.

Work permits are issued for a specific job position, employer, and time period.

Work Visas in Poland

Once the work permit is approved, foreign workers are able to apply for work visas. These are documents that allow foreign nationals to enter and live in the country for work purposes.

While these documents have different application processes and purposes, both documents are required for legal employment of non-EU citizens in Poland.

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Types of Work Visas in Poland

Now that we have distinguished the differences between work permits and work visas in Poland, let's dive into the different types offered of each of these documents. The following table provides an overview of work permit options in Poland:

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Type A – Employment with a Polish Employer

The Type A work permit is designated for foreign nationals employed under a contract with an entity whose registered office or place of residence is located in Poland.

This permit is essential for businesses seeking to hire foreign talent directly under a Polish employment contract. It ensures compliance with Polish labor laws and facilitates the legal employment of non-EU nationals.

The Type A work permit is ideal for companies establishing or expanding operations in Poland that require specialized skills not readily available in the local labor market.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business intends to hire a foreign employee directly under a Polish employment contract, especially when the role requires specialized skills not readily available in the local labor market.

Type B – Managerial Positions

The Type B work permit applies to foreign nationals serving as members of the management board or handling affairs of a Polish company.

This permit is crucial for companies appointing foreign nationals to senior management positions, ensuring that the employment complies with Polish regulations.

This work authorization permit is suitable for multinational corporations or startups establishing a presence in Poland that require experienced leadership to manage operations.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company is seeking to appoint a foreign national to a senior management position, ensuring compliance with Polish employment regulations.

Type C – Employment with a Foreign Employer Having a Polish Branch

The Type C work permit is for employees of foreign companies posted to Poland for over 30 days annually. This permit facilitates the temporary assignment of employees from foreign branches to Poland, supporting international operations and knowledge transfer.

It is best for companies with a global presence that require employees to be temporarily assigned to the Polish branch for business operations.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company operates internationally and requires employees to be temporarily assigned to your Polish branch for business operations.

Type D – Employment with a Foreign Employer Without a Polish Presence

The Type D work permit is for foreign workers temporarily posted to Poland to provide export services. This permit supports the provision of services in Poland by foreign companies without a physical presence, ensuring legal compliance for temporary assignments.

This work permit is appropriate for foreign companies providing specific services in Poland on a temporary basis without establishing a permanent presence.

‍💡 Best work permit option if: Your company intends to provide specific services in Poland on a temporary basis without establishing a permanent presence.

Type E – Employment with a Foreign Employer for Other Purposes

The Type E work permit is for foreign workers posted to Poland for more than 30 days within a 6-month period for work not covered under other permits. This permit accommodates unique employment scenarios not addressed by other permit types, offering flexibility for various business needs.

This work permit is ideal for companies requiring foreign employees to undertake specific tasks in Poland that do not align with other work permit categories.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company requires a foreign employee to undertake specific tasks in Poland that do not align with other work permit categories.

Type S – Seasonal Work Permit

The Type S work permit is for employment in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, or hospitality. This permit is essential for businesses in seasonal industries, allowing them to legally employ foreign workers during peak periods.

This type of work permit works well for businesses operating in sectors with peak seasons requiring additional temporary labor, such as agriculture during harvest periods or tourism during high travel seasons.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business operates in sectors with peak seasons requiring additional temporary labor, such as agriculture during harvest periods or tourism during high travel seasons.

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Once an employer has obtained a work permit on behalf of their employee, the employee will be permitted to apply for one of the following work visas:

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Type D National Visa (National Visa for Employment)

The Type D National Visa is a long-term visa allowing non-EU nationals to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, typically issued for employment purposes. This visa is essential for businesses seeking to employ non-EU nationals for extended periods. It facilitates the legal employment of foreign workers, ensuring compliance with Polish immigration laws.

The National Visa for Employment is best for companies requiring specialized skills not readily available in the local labor market, allowing them to hire foreign professionals for long-term projects or positions.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business needs to employ a non-EU national for a role requiring specialized skills for an extended period, ensuring compliance with Polish immigration laws.

Freelancer/Entrepreneur Visa

This visa allows non-EU nationals to establish and operate a business in Poland, facilitating self-employment or freelancing activities. While primarily for self-employed individuals, this visa can benefit companies seeking to engage freelancers or independent contractors for specific projects, ensuring that the individuals are legally authorized to work in Poland.

This visa is suitable for businesses looking to collaborate with freelancers or independent contractors from outside the EU, ensuring that these professionals have the legal right to work in Poland.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company intends to engage with non-EU freelancers or independent contractors for specific projects, ensuring they have the legal authorization to work in Poland.

Working Holiday Visa

This visa allows young individuals (typically aged 18-30) from specific countries to travel and work in Poland for up to 12 months. This visa provides businesses with access to a temporary, flexible workforce, particularly beneficial in sectors with seasonal demands.

The Working Holiday Visa is ideal for companies in agriculture, hospitality, or tourism that experience seasonal peaks and require additional temporary labor.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business operates in sectors with seasonal demands and requires additional temporary labor, providing young individuals with work experience opportunities.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for non-EU nationals with high qualifications, allowing them to work and reside in Poland. This permit enables businesses to attract and retain highly skilled professionals from outside the EU, addressing skill shortages in specialized fields.

The Blue Card is ideal for companies in sectors such as IT, engineering, and research that require highly qualified professionals to fill specialized roles.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company requires highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to fill specialized roles while remaining compliant with Polish immigration laws.

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Requirements For a Work Permit in Poland

To obtain a work permit in Poland, employers must meet several criteria and provide supporting documentation.

• Job Offer: Valid job offer from a Polish employer.

• ‍Polish Work Permit: Work permit obtained by the employer from the Voivodeship Office.

• Completed Application Form: The application form must be accurately completed with all relevant details about the employer and employee.
• Employment Contract: A signed employment contract specifying the role, salary, and employment terms.
• Company Documentation: Proof of business registration and financial stability of the employer.
• Employee Qualifications: Documents verifying the foreign employee's qualifications and experience relevant to the job.
• Labor Market Test (if applicable): Evidence that the position could not be filled by a Polish or EU citizen.

Poland Work Permit Application Process

The work permit application process involves the following steps:

1. Submit the Application: The employer submits the work permit application to the appropriate Voivodeship Office.
2. Review and Labor Market Test: The labor office may conduct a labor market test to ensure no local candidates are available.
3. Approval or Rejection: Authorities review the application and issue a decision.
4. Issuance of the Permit: If approved, the work permit is issued and sent to the employer.
5. Employee Visa Application: The employee applies for a work visa at a Polish consulate in their home country.

Additional Requirements After Arrival

Once in Poland, foreign workers must:

• Update their residential address with authorities.
• Register with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
• Complete occupational health assessment.
• Undergo initial health and safety training (BHP).
• Obtain a tax identification number.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In Poland

Employers in Poland who wish to sponsor a foreign employee must first obtain a work permit. After receiving the permit, the employer provides the necessary documentation to the employee for their visa application. This includes the approved work permit, employment contract, and company details. Sponsorship demonstrates that the employer is responsible for the employee’s stay and work-related activities in Poland.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Poland

The fees for work permits and visas vary depending on the type of permit and duration of employment. The table below shows the approximate cost of work permits in Poland:

Once the work permit has been received, the employee is expected to apply for a work visa at a Polish consulate in their home country. The following table shows the cost of work visas in Poland:

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Poland, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Poland

Work Permit Processing

• Standard Work Permit: Approximately 30-60 days (subject to the Voivodeship Office and the complexity of the application).
• Complete Process (including visa): 10-12 weeks for full approval.
• Seasonal Work Permit: Around 30 days for the employer's application.

Visa Processing

• Visa Application: Approximately 15-30 days.
• Note: Processing times can extend to up to 2 months or longer in some cases, especially during peak seasons or if additional documentation is required.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Poland

Work permits in Poland are typically issued for up to 3 years and can be renewed. Employers must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the current permit expires. Renewals generally follow the same process as the initial application, with updated documents reflecting current employment conditions.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Poland

Poland currently does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads may enter on a Schengen Visa (C-Type), Freelancer/Business Activity Visa or a National Visa (D-Type), depending on their intended stay duration. The Freelancer/Business Activity Visa is the most suitable option for digital nomads looking to live and work in Poland.

The Freelancer/Business Activity Visa requires applicants to register as sole proprietors in Poland and it is strongly recommended that they have at least one Polish client. Individuals seeking to acquire this visa must also provide proof of sufficient funds (at least 776 PLN) and comprehensive health coverage (at least €30,000). Additionally, professionals living and working in Poland under this visa will be required to pay monthly social security and health insurance contributions (around PLN 1,700 per month).

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Poland

Employers may face several challenges when hiring foreign employees in Poland:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: The administrative process can be lengthy and complex.
• Labor Market Test Requirements: Proving the unavailability of local candidates can delay applications.
• Language Barriers: Documentation and communication with authorities often require Polish proficiency.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.