This shows the continuous demand for skilled workers in the country. These numbers are indeed one of the highest numbers in the whole of Europe as far as employment permits are concerned. In Poland, the annual unemployment rate is 5-7%

Is a visa required to work in Poland?

Non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens must obtain a visa to work in the premises of Poland. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who are willing to work in Poland for more than a period of three months need to register their stay at a local registration office in the country. This registration is not a visa application but a notification process to inform Polish authorities of the intention to stay and work in Poland for an extended period.

How can I get a Poland work visa?

The process of applying for a work visa in Poland involves several steps:

• Your employer applies for a work permit on your behalf;
• You apply for a work visa at the Polish embassy;
• Enter Poland and start working.

What are the different types of work visas available in Poland?

Citizens from other EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not require a permit to work in Poland. This is because Poland is a member of the European Union. Foreign individuals, however, will need a visa to stay and a permit to work.

For foreign individuals seeking an opportunity to enter Poland for employment purposes, several types of visas are available to them

• Work permit (Type A): Required for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens working for an employer in Poland.
• Work permit (Type C or E): Issued to individuals relocated to Poland as part of an intracompany transfer.
• Business visa: Schengen Visa C or National Visa D, which are valid for longer than 90 days.
• Freelance/entrepreneur visa

Each type of work permit has its own set of requirements to be fulfilled. Workers must possess both a valid visa or residence permit as well as a work permit. For foreign workers applying for a long-term residence permit, demonstrating language proficiency is required. This can be achieved through passing a public exam, graduating from a Polish educational institution, or obtaining certificates from specific private exams or internal language assessments at Polish universities.

What are the requirements to obtain Poland work visas?

Employers need to provide several documents when applying for a work permit on behalf of non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss employees. These documents include:

• A completed application form
• Proof of payment of application fees
• Confirmation of the employer’s legal status from the National Court Register
• Current records of the employer’s economic activity
• Copies of the employee’s passport pages containing relevant travel information
• Proof of the employee’s health insurance
• Company deed
• A statement of profits or losses sustained by the employer
• A contract that aligns with the service being provided in Poland

Application process

To work in Poland, foreign individuals will need an employer in Poland to apply for a work permit on their behalf. Here is an overview of the application process:

•  Labour Market Test: Some employers may conduct a labor market test before applying for a work permit. This test determines if any qualified citizens of Poland or other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals could fill the position.
•  Application Process: The employer sponsors the work permit application and must prove that the condition of employment satisfies relevant regulations. Compensation should be no more than 30% lower than the average monthly wage in the relevant administrative division.
•  Issuing of Work Permit: Work permits are granted by the Voivodeship office which is the highest level of administration division in Poland. After the approval, three copies of the work permit are made: one for the Voivodeship Office, one for the employer, and one for the employee. The employer gives the work permit to the employee, who can then legally work in Poland.

Other important considerations

Another important consideration is that a work permit in Poland is tied to the specific employer who has applied for it. If an employee wishes to switch jobs, their new employer will need to apply for a new work permit on their behalf. The existing work permit is only valid for the duration of employment with the original sponsoring company employer.

What are the steps involved in applying for a work visa in Poland?

To apply for a work visa in Poland, follow these steps:

1. Locate the nearest Polish Embassy or Consulate: Use the e-Consulate website to determine the embassy or consulate where you should apply. Complete the application form.
2. Make a visa appointment: Schedule an appointment through the e-Consulate website or by contacting the embassy/consulate directly. Ensure you do this well in advance.
3. Collect the required documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include your passport, visa application form, proof of employment in Poland, health insurance, and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
4. Apply: Arrive on time for your appointment, submit the required documents, and attend a visa interview.

Documents required for Polish Work Permit

The documents required are as follows:

• Passport Validation: Make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months; more if the embassy requires.
• Visa application form: You need to fill out the form via the e-Konsulat system (the Polish consular website), and get it printed and signed 
• Colored photos of yourself: Photo dimensions and requirements should fulfill the Schengen visa photo guidelines. 
• Flight schedule: You must submit proof that you have purchased or at least booked a flight to Poland.
• Proof of travel health insurance: Once you arrive in Poland, you will have to register for long-term health insurance, either with the Polish National Health Fund or a private insurance company. When applying for the initial work visa, you must provide evidence of travel health insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000. 
• Confirmation of accommodation: You must submit proof that you have a place to live in Poland during your stay. 
• Original and copy of the work permit: Formal “work permit” issued by Urząd Wojewódzki in Poland at the request of an employer.
• Letter of employment: You are required to submit the original employment letter, signed by your employer, detailing your position, salary, and other relevant employment information.
• Work experience certificate or CV: An updated copy of your CV and any certificates that attest to your work experience in the position you are applying for must be submitted.
• Certificate of good conduct: You must prove that you do not have a criminal background.

What are the steps involved in entering Poland and beginning to work?

Upon arrival in Poland, you must present your documents to border control. After entering the country, you must register your residence within four days at the local city council district office. Once you are done with this registration and obtained a residence card, you can begin working.

What is the typical processing time for a Poland work visa? 

The processing time of Poland’s work visa application by the Polish embassy or consulate can take up to six weeks. You need to apply for your visa at least two months before your planned trip, especially considering the importance of the visa type.

Poland Work Visa Fees

The Poland work visa fees are:

Visa type	Visa Fee
Working time of shorter than three months	€11.05
Working time of longer than three months	€22.10
Work Type D Permit	€44.19

Is the visa fee typically covered by the employer, or is it the responsibility of the employee?

You must pay for the visa on your own unless your employer volunteers to sponsor your work visa. The employer is not obligated to pay for the visa fee for the employee; however, most employers in Europe do pay for the work permit. Make sure to contact your employer for more information

What is the fee for a residence card in Poland for individuals not from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland?

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are required to obtain a residence card. The fee for the residence card is €11.

Duration of stay permitted with a work visa in Poland

 The Polish work visa is only valid for three months, during which you must apply for a residence permit for you to stay longer.

Validity of a Poland work visa

The legality of your work permit depends on the t contract given to you by the employer. If for example, your employer wants to employ you for two years, then your residence and work permits will be valid for that time only.

How can you extend a Poland work visa?

Your employer has the option to extend your work permit in Poland by renewing your contract. If you wish to extend your work visa, you must start the process at least 30 days before its expiration. Your employer can apply for an extension of your work permit either at the local Voivodship Office or online through the praca.gov.pl portal.

 Changing the employer and job

If you hold a temporary residence permit and wish to change your job, your new employer must apply for a new work permit at the Voivodeship Office. Your temporary work and residence permit is bound to an employer. If you are a permanent resident of Poland, then you can change your job without the need for your new employer to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Bringing Family Members to Poland?

If you hold a temporary work permit in Poland for a minimum of two years, your family members are eligible to apply for a Polish family reunification visa, allowing them to live with you in Poland for the duration of your work permit.

Appealing against the negative decision

If the voivode issued a decision on inaccessible issuance, you can appeal against it. Submit the appeal to the Minister of Family and Social Policy, through the voivode who issued the decision. You have 14 days from the date of making the decision.

How to find jobs in Poland?

Finding jobs in Poland online is not that easy but with the help of some online portals, an application of interest can be submitted to the Polish employers. Following are some of the websites that are helpful:

• Careers in Poland
• Praca.pl
• TipTopJobs
• Jobs.Pl
• EU Careers
• Amazon Jobs
• Fratres
• Language Jobs
• InfoPracaPoland

Salary average in Poland

According to the latest statistics, the minimum wages monthly in Poland are 4,242 zoltys. On the other hand, the average salary is 7,445 zoltys in 2024.

According to data from the Central Statistical Office, 1.5 million employees receive the minimum wage in Poland. This constitutes approximately 13% of all employees. Unfortunately, taking into account data from other European Union countries, this indicator is quite high. According to Eurofound, on average every tenth employee employed in the Community receives the minimum wage.

In-demand jobs in Poland

Poland has a vast list of in-demand jobs in the local labor market. These are as follows:

• carpenters and construction carpenters,
• roofers and construction workers,
• electricians, electromechanics and electrical fitters,
• physiotherapists and masseurs,
• maintain buses,
• securing trucks and tractor units,
• cook,
• preparation,
• warehouse workers,
• motor vehicle mechanics,
• construction installation fitters,
• bricklayers and plasterers,
• application of practical forensic science,
• general education service providers,
• professional service provider,
• kindergarten guardian,
• teachers of special schools and integration classes,
• earthmoving equipment operators and mechanics,
• cutting machine operators,
• caregivers of an elderly or accessible person,
• nurses and midwives,
• accounting employee,
• blue-collar work in construction,
• uniformed services employee,
• psychologists and psychotherapists,
• construction workers,
• independent accountants,
• welders,
• locksmiths.

Low unemployment, an increase in the number of working people, and fewer economically inactive people – these are the phenomena observed in the Polish labor market last year. However, experts point out phenomena that may be unfavorable from the point of view of job seekers. “In October 2023, employers posted about 256.5 thousand new job advertisements on the 50 largest recruitment portals in Poland, 17% less than a year earlier (when 307 thousand offers appeared).