Work Permits and Employment Eligibility in Poland
For foreign nationals planning to work in Poland, legal employment is contingent upon possessing a valid document that authorizes access to the labor market. While European Union (EU) citizens enjoy unrestricted access, third-country nationals must navigate a system of specific permits categorized by the nature of the work and the type of employer. As of early 2026, the Polish administrative system has shifted to a fully digital application process, introducing updated fee structures and stricter compliance requirements for employers.
Core Categories of Work Permits
Polish law differentiates between several types of work permits depending on the relationship between the worker and the employer. Each permit serves a distinct regulatory purpose and has specific validity periods.
| Permit Type | Description | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Employment with a Polish entity (most common). | Usually up to 3 years. |
| Type B | For board members or managers of Polish legal entities. | Usually up to 3 years. |
| Type C / E | Posted workers sent to Poland by a foreign employer for >30 days. | Varies; typically up to 1 year. |
| Type S (Seasonal) | Work in agriculture, horticulture, or tourism. | 9 months within a calendar year. |
The Type A permit is the standard route for individuals hired directly by a Polish company. It requires the employer to prove that the terms of employment, including salary, are not less favorable than those for local employees in similar positions. In 2026, the salary must not be lower than the national minimum wage of 4,806 PLN (approx. $1,213.52 USD as of January 12, 2026).
Eligibility and Exemptions
Not all foreign nationals require a work permit to be legally employed in Poland. Certain categories of individuals are exempt based on their residency status, educational background, or international agreements.
Groups Exempt from Work Permits:
- EU/EFTA/Swiss Citizens: Have full, unrestricted access to the Polish labor market.
- Full-time Students: Non-EU students enrolled in full-time studies at a Polish university.
- Graduates: Individuals who graduated from a Polish full-time higher education program (university) or a Polish doctoral program.
- Holders of a Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka): Individuals of Polish descent with this specific document.
- Permanent Residents: Those holding a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU resident permit issued by Poland.
Specific Eligibility for Seasonal Work (Type S):
The Type S permit is specifically for roles in sectors identified as seasonal. For citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine, simplified procedures may apply, though the general 9-month annual limit remains in force. Seasonal work is strictly employer-specific; changing employers requires a new application to the local Starosta (County Labor Office).
The 2026 Application Process (MOS System)
Effective January 1, 2026, all applications for temporary residence and work permits (the "single permit") must be submitted exclusively through the Moduł Obsługi Spraw (MOS) portal. This digital shift requires both the applicant and the employer to use qualified electronic signatures or a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) to file documentation.
Mandatory Procedural Steps:
- Job Offer: The employer must first provide a formal offer and contract.
- Labour Market Test (where required): In many cases, the employer must verify with the local Labor Office that no Polish citizens are available for the role, although this is waived for many high-demand professions.
- Permit Filing: The employer files the work permit application via the praca.gov.pl portal.
- Visa/Residence Filing: Once the permit is granted, the worker applies for a National D-type visa (if abroad) or a residence card (if already in Poland) via the MOS portal.
Administrative Fees and Costs
As of early 2026, administrative fees for work-related documents have been adjusted. These fees are generally paid as stamp duties to the relevant municipal or provincial office.
| Document Type | Fee in PLN / EUR | USD Equivalent (Jan 12, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (Type A/B, >3 months) | 400 PLN | $101.00 USD |
| Work Permit (Type A/B, ≤3 months) | 200 PLN | $50.50 USD |
| Delegation Permit (Type C/D/E) | 800 PLN | $202.00 USD |
| Seasonal Work Permit (Type S) | 100 PLN | $25.25 USD |
| Residence & Work Permit Stamp Duty | 440 PLN | $111.10 USD |
| National Visa (D-type) Fee | 200 EUR | $219.80 USD |
Conversion rates for January 12, 2026: 1 PLN ≈ $0.2525 USD; 1 EUR ≈ $1.099 USD.
Limitations and Uncertainties
Possessing a work permit does not automatically grant the right to stay in Poland. The worker must also hold a valid residence document (visa or residence card). If a worker changes employers, the existing work permit typically becomes void, and a new application must be filed immediately. There is a mandatory 15-day notice period to inform the Voivode (provincial governor) of any termination of employment.
Wait times for permit processing vary significantly by province (Voivodeship). While some offices process applications within 60 days, high-demand regions like Masovia (Warsaw) or Lower Silesia (Wrocław) may experience longer queues. The transition to the mandatory MOS e-filing system in 2026 is designed to address these delays, though initial stability of the portal remains a variable factor for current applications.
Official Resources for Verification
For official forms, real-time status tracking, and the latest legal ordinances, refer to these government-maintained platforms: