| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| ➡️ Employers can hire foreign nationals without undergoing a labour market test, except for certain protected jobs. ➡️ Work permit applications must now be submitted online—no more paper submissions. ➡️ New compliance rules and penalties demand urgent HR process updates for businesses hiring foreigners. |
Starting June 1, 2025, Poland is enacting sweeping reforms to its immigration and employment regulations. These changes aim to:
- Strengthen transparency
- Improve regulatory compliance
- Modernize administrative procedures for both employers and foreign nationals
Furthermore, the reforms are detailed in two newly signed acts:
- The Act on the Labour Market and Employment Services
- The Act on the Conditions for Allowing Foreign Nationals to Work in Poland
Both laws are part of Poland’s National Recovery Plan and were signed by President Andrzej Duda on April 11, 2025, as confirmed by the Polish government’s official website.
Key Changes in Poland’s Immigration Rules – Effective 1 June
| Reform Area | Description |
| Labour Market Test | Abolished for most roles. A list of “protected” positions will limit foreign hires. |
| Application Process | 100% online submissions required. No paper applications will be accepted. |
| Employer Responsibilities | Mandatory submission of signed contracts before work begins; real-time reporting of employment status changes. |
| Penalties | Increased fines for violations related to illegal employment. |
| Protected Professions | Local governors (starosts) can block foreign work permits in certain industries. |
| ICT System Overhaul | Launch of a unified online platform for jobseekers and public services. |
Digital Transformation in Employment Services
A key pillar of the new legislation is the digitization of public employment services, including:
- A new ICT system for jobseekers
- Real-time access to verified job offers
- Cross-institutional data sharing to prevent fraudulent work permits
This tech-driven approach is designed to curb abuse of the immigration system—particularly cases where foreign nationals used Polish work permits as a gateway to the Schengen Area.
Increased Role of Local Authorities (Starosts)
Under the new legal framework, starosts (regional officials) now have the authority to:
- Define professions where foreign work permits are banned
- Enforce local restrictions in the event of mass layoffs or business closures
This replaces the outdated and burdensome labour market test process with a more dynamic, region-specific solution.
What Employers Need to Do Now
Companies that employ or plan to hire foreign workers in Poland should:
- Review and update HR compliance procedures
- Switch to the new digital application platform
- Stay informed on restricted job categories published by local authorities
- Train HR personnel on new reporting and contract submission rules
Failure to comply with the new requirements can result in hefty penalties, reputational damage, and hiring delays.
The Poland Immigration Reforms 1 June mark a major shift in how foreign nationals are employed in the country. These reforms support both modernization and national security goals. Businesses and jobseekers alike should familiarize themselves with the new rules to stay compliant and competitive.