A work permit in Poland

A foreigner coming to Poland in order to perform work should ensure their stay is legal. On the other hand, the employer of a foreigner shall obtain documents entitling the foreigner to perform work in Poland and conditioning issuing a visa to them or a temporary residence permit for that purpose.

Who need a work permit ?

Citizens non-EU nationals. Citizens of 6 states – Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova after period of 6 months within subsequent 12 months work in Poland.

Who don’t need a work permit?

A work permit in Poland is not required including when the foreigner:

· has the status of a family member of a EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen,

· is a recipient of international protection in Poland (has the status of a refugee, or is a recipient of subsidiary protection),

· has a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Poland,

· has a residence permit for EU long-term resident in the Republic of Poland,

· has a residence permit for humanitarian reasons,

· has a permit for a tolerated stay in the Republic of Poland,

· is a spouse of a Polish citizen with a temporary residence permit on the territory of the Republic of Poland given as a result of marriage,

· has a temporary residence permit in order to join the family,

· permit for residence of in order to receive higher education,

· has a valid Pole Card,

· is a graduate from a Polish upper-secondary school, full-time studies or full-time doctoral courses at Polish universities/colleges.

Who issues the permit?

Work permits are issued by the ,wojewoda" at the employer's request.

Types of work permit

• type A , when he performs work in the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of an agreement with an employer whose registered office, place of residence, branch, plant or other form of activity is located in the territory of the Republic of Poland,

• type B , when in connection with performing a function on the management board of a legal person entered in the register of entrepreneurs or being a capital company in organization, he resides in the territory of the Republic of Poland for a total period exceeding 6 months within the next 12 months,

• type C , when he performs work for a foreign employer and is posted to the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year to a branch or establishment of a foreign entity or a related entity, within the meaning of the Act of 26 July 1991 on personal income tax with a foreign employer,

• type D , when he performs work for a foreign employer that does not have a branch, plant or other form of activity in the territory of the Republic of Poland and is delegated to the territory of the Republic of Poland for the purpose of providing a temporary and occasional service (export service),

• type E , when he performs work for a foreign employer and is posted to the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period exceeding 3 months within the next 6 months for a purpose other than that indicated in point