Legal employment of foreign nationals in Poland – is it a long and complicated process? Myth!

  • Efficiently
  • At a competitive price
  • Free from bureaucratic hurdles
  • And with professional consultations

Opportunities

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of foreign nationals coming to Poland in search of employment opportunities. The process of obtaining legal employment and living in Poland is relatively straightforward for European Union citizens. They can reside and work in Poland for up to 3 months without any specific conditions or requirements. They are not required to obtain a visa or a work permit. However, after the initial 3-month period, foreign nationals must register their stay in the country. On the other hand, for non-EU nationals who wish to work in Poland, there are more complex legal procedures involved. They need to obtain a work permit or a job invitation in order to be employed in Poland. It is important to note that each type of work permit is issued for a specific employer and is subject to specific conditions outlined in the permit.

It’s worth remembering that in order to legally work in Poland, a foreign national must:

  1. Be present in Poland legally, which includes having a valid visa or residence permit (legal stay).
  2. Have a work permit, which is one of the key documents required for non-EU citizens to work legally in Poland.

These requirements are interconnected, meaning that non-EU citizens who want to work in Poland must possess a valid visa or residence permit along with a work permit. After three months of working in the country, they can apply for a residence and work permit. It’s important to understand that each type of permit has different possibilities and application processes, and it’s advisable to consult specialists like AssistPRO who can provide personalized guidance and the most up-to-date information on the matter.

AssistPRO offers a complete foreign employee recruitment package, which includes:

      • Analysis and consultation of the current situation (employer or foreigner)
      • Exploration of employment opportunities for foreigners and finding the optimal solution
      • Obtaining seasonal work permits
      • Obtaining work invitations for citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine
      • Obtaining type A or type B permits
      • Organizing and obtaining temporary residence and work permits in Poland
      • Monitoring deadlines and liaising with Polish institutions

      Legal stay and employment opportunities for foreigners in Poland:

Work permit for seasonal work (Type S permit)

Invitation to work (Polish: “oświadczenie”)

Type A or B permit

Temporary residence and work permit
Seasonal work refers to employment in industries, such as agriculture, accommodation, and food services, that are subject to seasonal or weather-related fluctuations. These types of jobs are typically tied to specific times of the year or periods when demand is higher due to factors like harvest seasons, tourism peaks, or holiday periods.
 Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine can be issued an invitation to work in order to assign them specific tasks or job assignments.
 A foreign national refers to an individual who holds citizenship in a country that is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area. One permit allows for both living and working legally, following a single procedure.
The permit is issued for a maximum duration of 9 months within a calendar year.
 The invitation is issued for a maximum duration of 24 months.
 The permit is issued for a maximum duration of 3 years. The permit is issued for a maximum duration of 3 years.
Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, if they are in Poland legally, can work in seasonal jobs without any permits.
 The employer submits the application for a work invitation. This document expedites the foreigner’s employment process. Polish authorities do not conduct a labor market test. The employer, who intends to hire a foreigner, submits the application for an A or B type work permit on behalf of the foreigner. The work permit is issued specifically to the foreigner for whom the application is made.
 Temporary residence permit and work permit are combined into a single permit – foreign nationals do not need to apply separately for a residence permit (visa), while employers do not need to apply separately for a work permit.
A visa is required
 A visa is required
 A visa is required
 No visa is required
Document processing time: from 2 to 4 weeks Estimated document processing time:up to 1 week Document processing time: 1-2 months, and in particularly complex cases, it may take up to 3 months
 Document processing time: 1-3 months, and in particularly complex cases, it may take up to 7 months.
Any document granting permission to work in Poland, such as a work permit:
– is issued to a specific employer
– is tied to specific conditions, including job responsibilities, salary, working hours, and other relevant details.
If, for any reason, the foreigner wishes to change employers, they must obtain a new work permit from the new employer, as the work permit is not transferable between employers.

Not all possibilities, exceptions, and benefits have been mentioned, which is why we can help focus on the necessary procedures, save time, and avoid unnecessary expenses for foreigners seeking legal residence and employment in Poland.

If you have any questions, you can always contact us.
We are here to help you!

The cost of employing or obtaining a permit for a foreigner in Poland varies depending on the type of permit you intend to obtain. The prices mentioned below are general estimates and provided as a reference point. However, it’s important to note that each case is unique, and it’s recommended to have a personalized consultation to receive an accurate and tailored offer based on your specific requirements. Let’s discuss your individual needs so that we can provide you with a detailed proposal that suits your situation perfectly!

Cost of legal stay and employment for foreign nationals in Poland:

Work permit for seasonal work (Type S permit)

Invitation to work (Polish: “oświadczenie”)

Type A or B permit

Temporary residence and work permit
Documents can be submitted remotely, and a visit to Polish institutions is not required.
 Documents can be submitted remotely, and a visit to Polish institutions is not required.
 Documents can be submitted remotely, and a visit to Polish institutions is not required. Documents can be submitted remotely, and a visit to Polish institutions is not required.
250 EUR
from 120 EUR
net +23% PVM		 310 EUR
 from 150 EUR
net +23% PVM		 440 EUR
from 190 EUR
net +23% PVM		 610 EUR
from 250 EUR
net +23% PVM

Included in the price: organizing and obtaining a seasonal work permit. Not included in the price: government fees for the permit, preparation of authorizations, document translation, document filling if needed, shipping expenses, other consultancy expenses.

Included in the price: organizing and obtaining an invitation to work. Not included in the price: government fees for the invitation, preparation of authorizations, document translation, document filling if needed, shipping expenses, other consultancy expenses.

Included in the price: organizing and obtaining an A or B type permit. Not included in the price: government fees for the permit, preparation of authorizations, document translation, document filling if needed, shipping expenses, other consultancy expenses.

Included in the price: organizing and obtaining a temporary residence and work permit. Not included in the price: government fees for the permit, preparation of authorizations, document translation, document filling if needed, shipping expenses, other consultancy expenses.

*Prices and rates are subject to change due to fluctuations in foreign country pricing, currency exchange rates, decisions made by AssistPRO, as well as changes in national or international taxes and fees. To receive an accurate proposal with pricing details, please contact us!

The main types of visas

A visa is the primary authorization that grants the right to cross the border or stay in a foreign country for a temporary period of time.

Polish “C” type visa (Schengen visa)

Polish D-type visa (national visa)
It is valid in the Schengen Area and grants the right to stay in all Schengen member states. Single or multiple entries into a Schengen member state cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
It grants the visa holder the right to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland and stay in that territory uninterruptedly for a period exceeding 90 days within the validity of the visa, but not exceeding 1 year. The D-type national visa of Poland also grants the right to travel to the territory of other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period during the validity of the visa.
The main purposes of the Schengen area are tourism, visits, short-term work, and business activities. Obtaining a Schengen visa is generally easier than obtaining a national visa. The processing time for Schengen visa applications is significantly shorter.
The main purposes of a national visa are the following: work, study, and business. Visas for these purposes can vary significantly in terms of duration of stay and the required documentation for obtaining them.
 
The request to extend a Schengen visa or a national visa is submitted to the competent authority responsible for the foreigner’s place of residence (a Schengen visa can be extended for up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
A Schengen visa can be extended for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The duration of stay under an extended national visa cannot exceed the authorized period of stay granted by the visa, which is typically 1 year.
To extend their stay in Poland, a foreigner can apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland.

 

The process of legal employment for Ukrainian citizens in Poland:

Step 1: Foreigners from Ukraine, as well as from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova, have simplified access to the Polish labor market.

  • Ukrainian citizens, along with citizens from the mentioned countries, can legally work in Poland by submitting a work invitation (“oświadczenie”) and obtaining the necessary visa to stay in Poland legally.

Step 2: After three months of working with a specific employer, the employee can apply for a type A permit or a temporary residence and work permit in Poland to continue their employment.

Important!

  1. Foreign workers are subject to all employment regulations, including social protection, just like any local employee.
  2. It is possible to change employers, but the new employer must obtain a new document (permit) authorizing the foreign worker to work.

To summarize:

  1. First, the foreign individual should receive a job offer
  2. The employer should then prepare a work invitation or any other necessary permit for the prospective employee
  3. The foreign individual, after receiving the work invitation, should obtain a type D visa in their home country
  4. The individual arrives in Poland with a valid visa for work purposes
  5. Before commencing work, the individual should undergo a medical examination
  6. Finally, the individual should sign an employment contract.

 

How can citizens of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan work legally in Poland?

Three simple rules:

  1. The foreigner needs to find a job, or the employer needs to find a foreigner.
  2. A work permit must be obtained (legal employment).
  3. A visa must be obtained (legal stay).

Unfortunately, these foreigners are not eligible for any privileges, and work invitations are not applicable. Citizens of these mentione

If you are planning to travel to Poland (while being in your home country):

  1. First, the foreigner needs to find a job offer in Poland.
  2. A work permit is required: A type work permit (legal employment).
  3. The employer applies for the work permit in Poland.
  4. Once the foreigner receives the work permit for Poland, they can apply for a visa in their home country (legal stay).
  5. The foreigner arrives in Poland, signs the employment contract, undergoes medical examinations, and starts working.

An A type work permit is a document issued for a period of up to 3 years. The preliminary processing time for issuing the permit is 1-2 months, but it may take up to 3-6 months.

 

 

Invitations for foreigners to Poland

One of the ways for a foreigner (Chinese, Filipino, or citizen of another country) to come to Poland is through invitations from foreign guests. Invitations for foreigners to Poland are registered at the request of the inviting person by entering them into the invitation register. The inviting individual or company applies to the local authorities or registration office for issuing the invitation. The registered invitation can be issued for a maximum period of 1 year. After receiving the invitation, the foreigner needs to apply to the Polish consulate in their home country for obtaining a visa. In this case, we are referring to a visa called “visitor visa” (Type “02”), which is issued for family or friends visits and also grants the right to work if the foreigner has a work permit.

To have the invitation included in the invitation register, the following documents must be submitted:

  • Documents confirming the ability to cover expenses related to the foreigner’s stay, including accommodation and meal expenses, expenses for the return journey to the country of origin or residence, or expenses for transit to a third country that issues an entry permit.
  • Documents proving the legal ownership of the residential premises where the foreigner will be registered upon arrival in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

The inviting foreigner must have sufficient funds to cover the expenses related to the foreigner’s stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland, including accommodation and meal expenses for themselves, each family member accompanying them, and each invited foreigner, amounting to at least 515 PLN per each month of the planned stay for each of these individuals.

If you have any questions, you can always contact us.
We are here to help you!