Work permits in Poland (2026 guide): Everything foreign employees need to know

The good news is that Poland has simplified many of the procedures. Since June 2025, the application process has become more digital and several important rules have changed.

In this guide, you'll learn who needs a work permit, who applies for it, how long it takes, and what has changed under the latest regulations.

Who needs a work permit in Poland?

Whether you need a work permit depends primarily on your citizenship and residence status.

Generally, if you are a non-EU national planning to work in Poland, you will need legal authorization to work. In most cases, this means obtaining either:

• a work permit issued for a specific employer, or
• a temporary residence and work permit (often called a "Single Permit").

Citizens of EU and EEA countries, as well as Switzerland, can work in Poland without obtaining a work permit.

Who does not need a work permit?

You usually do not need a work permit if you:

• are a citizen of an EU, EEA country or Switzerland,
• hold a permanent residence permit in Poland,
• have EU long-term resident status,
• hold a Polish Card (Karta Polaka),
• have refugee status or subsidiary protection,
• hold certain residence permits that already grant access to the Polish labour market.

Because exemptions depend on your individual immigration status, it's always worth checking the latest regulations before starting employment.

Who applies for the work permit?

One of the most common questions among foreigners is:

Can I apply for my own work permit?

No.

In Poland, the employer is responsible for submitting the application and obtaining the work permit before the employee starts work.

The employee provides the necessary documents but does not submit the application independently.

How long is a work permit valid?

In most cases, a work permit may be issued for up to three years, although the exact validity depends on the type of employment and the employer's circumstances.

If employment continues after the permit expires, the employer must apply for a new authorization.

How to obtain a work permit in Poland

The process typically looks like this:

1. The employer prepares the application.
2. The application is submitted electronically through the government system.
3. The Voivode examines the application.
4. Once the permit is issued, the foreign employee can legally work under the conditions specified in the decision.

Since June 2025, the procedure has been largely digital, making the application process faster and more transparent.

What changed in 2025?

Poland introduced significant changes to the employment of foreign nationals on 1 June 2025.

The most important updates include:

No more Labour Market Test

Previously, many employers had to obtain information from the district labour office (the so-called Labour Market Test) before applying for a work permit.

This requirement has been abolished, significantly simplifying the process for many employers.

Digital application process

Applications are now submitted electronically, reducing paperwork and streamlining communication with authorities.

Updated application system

If you come across older guides referring to Type A, B, C, D or E work permits, be aware that the application system has been modernised. While these categories still appear in older publications and documents, current applications use updated electronic forms introduced under the new regulations.

Can I change jobs with a work permit?

Usually not.

Because a work permit is issued for a specific employer and position, changing employers generally requires obtaining a new work authorization before starting the new job.

Poland remains one of the fastest-growing labour markets in Europe, offering attractive career opportunities for international professionals. Although obtaining a work permit is still necessary for many non-EU nationals, recent reforms have simplified the process by removing unnecessary administrative steps and introducing a fully digital application system.

Before accepting a job offer, always make sure you understand which type of authorization applies to your individual situation and verify that your employer has completed the necessary formalities.