Poland Work Permit Guide for Foreign Employees (2025)
Poland Work Permit Guide for Foreign Employees (2025)
Getting a Poland work permit is often the first big step when you want to work legally in the country. The rules are detailed, the terminology is confusing, and many people rely on friends' advice that is simply wrong. This guide explains in clear language how work permits in Poland really function in 2025 and what both you and your employer must do.
Who actually needs a Poland work permit?
A Poland work permit is required mainly for so-called third-country nationals, meaning people who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland. Some foreigners with special statuses are also exempt, such as permanent residents, EU long-term residents, certain family members of Polish citizens, or graduates of full-time Polish studies. Everyone else typically needs some form of permit or declaration to work legally.
Importantly, the right to stay (visa, TRC) is not the same as the right to work. A stay document based on studies or family does not automatically allow full-time employment. Always verify if your residence basis includes access to the labour market.
Types of work permits in Poland
Type A — Most common form of employment
Used when you work in Poland for a Polish employer. This is the standard document for office workers, factory employees, IT specialists, retail workers, etc.
Type B — Management board members
Used for board members and partners managing companies who stay in Poland for more than six months within a year.
Type C, D, E — Posted workers
For foreigners employed abroad but sent temporarily to Poland to perform services or work for a branch.
Type S — Seasonal work
Used for agriculture, tourism and hospitality sectors, usually short-term.
Who applies for the work permit?
The employer applies, not the employee.
They submit the application to the voivodeship office and must specify:
- Position
- Salary
- Working hours
- Workplace
- Contract details
You may only work under the exact conditions written in the permit.
Conditions for obtaining a work permit
To receive a permit, the employer must show:
- Salary not lower than comparable Polish employees
- Valid contract (employment or mandate)
- Sometimes a labour market test
- No tax or ZUS arrears
- Real business activity
Missing any of these may result in refusal.
Required documents
Typical documents include:
- Completed application form
- Company registration documents
- Passport copy
- Draft contract with salary and hours
- Labour market test (if required)
- Proof of fee payment
Work permit process — step by step
- Employer prepares job offer
- Labour market test (if required)
- Submission of application
- Office reviews documents
- Decision is issued
- Employee applies for visa or TRC if needed
- Employee begins work only when legally allowed
Processing time
Depending on voivodeship:
- Smaller regions: a few weeks
- Large cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław): 2–6+ months
Rights and limitations
A work permit:
- Allows work only for the employer listed
- Requires a new permit when changing employer
- Must match the job conditions exactly
- Does not override your stay document
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting work before receiving a legal basis
- Changing employers without a new permit
- Accepting cash-only salaries
- Working on a tourist or visit visa
- Assuming a TRC for studies/family allows work
Consequences of illegal work
- Fines for employer
- Deportation order for employee
- Schengen entry ban (sometimes years)
- Criminal charges in cases of forged documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EU citizens need a work permit?
No. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may work freely, though registration of residence may still be required.
Can I work for two employers?
Not on one permit. A second job normally requires a separate permit or declaration.
How long is a work permit valid?
Up to 3 years (some up to 5). But your right to stay cannot exceed your visa/TRC validity.
Can I change employer?
Yes, but you must obtain a new permit before legally starting work.
What is the difference between a permit and a declaration?
A declaration is a simplified short-term option for specific nationalities; a work permit is more formal and long-term.
Conclusion
A Poland work permit is manageable when you understand the steps, choose the right permit type and avoid common pitfalls. If you want expert assistance, foreigners.pl helps both employers and employees prepare complete, compliant applications.
