
How to obtain a work permit in Poland for employees?
Starting a business in Poland, like in any other EU country, is closely related to hiring staff. When creating and registering a company in Poland, every entrepreneur needs to define the goals and objectives of the business, as well as determine what personnel is needed to achieve them. In addition, when opening a company in Poland, it is necessary to register it in accordance with Polish law and to have all the necessary employees who will manage, participate in production, or provide essential services. This can include various specializations such as financiers, lawyers, marketers, procurement specialists, labor workers, etc. Therefore, hiring staff plays a key role when opening a company in Poland and determines how successful its operations and development will be.
Hiring an employee in Poland can be done in several ways, as there are several types of contracts. Here are some of them:
- Umowa o pracę (employment contract) – this is a standard contract for hiring an employee on a full-time or part-time basis. It can be concluded for an indefinite or a fixed term (maximum of 3 years).
- Umowa-zlecenie (service contract) – this is a contract for work, concluded between the employee and the employer for performing a specific job, project, or task. The employee can complete the work independently or under obligations prescribed in the contract. The salary is paid in accordance with the completion of the tasks and is determined in advance in the contract.
- Umowa o dzieło (contract for specific work) – this is a contract for completing a job or project, concluded between the employee and employer. It can be concluded for a definite or indefinite period. The salary is paid in accordance with the completion of the tasks and is determined in advance in the contract.
- Umowa o pracę na czas określony (fixed-term employment contract) – this is a contract for hiring an employee for a specific period, which cannot exceed 33 months. It can only be extended once for no more than 33 months.
Steps to obtain a work permit in Poland:
- Prepare the necessary documents:
- A valid passport for the entire period of stay
- Two passport-sized color photos
- Employment contract or job offer from a Polish employer
- Proof of financial solvency (e.g., a bank statement)
- Health insurance covering the stay in Poland
- Submit an application:
- The application is submitted to the Polish consulate or diplomatic mission in the country of residence
- The application must be submitted no earlier than 30 days and no later than 6 months before the proposed start date of work
- Pay the fee:
- A fee must be paid for the application review. The amount varies depending on the type of permit
- Application review:
- The consulate or diplomatic mission will review the application and may request additional documents
- The review process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks
- Obtain the permit:
- If approved, the applicant receives a work permit
- The permit is usually issued for up to 3 years and can be extended
- Register in Poland:
- Upon arrival in Poland, the applicant must register with the local municipal office within 10 days
- Obtain a PESEL number:
- The PESEL number (personal identification number) must be obtained from the relevant civil registry office
- Obtain a residence card:
- After obtaining the PESEL number, the applicant must apply for a residence card, which serves as an ID and proof of residence in Poland for foreigners
Types of work permits:
- National visa type D (D05) – issued for up to 1 year and can be extended.
- Temporary residence and work permit – issued for up to 3 years and can be extended.
- EU Blue Card – issued to highly qualified workers with high salaries, valid for up to 3 years with the possibility of indefinite extension.
Additional requirements for certain professions:
For some professions, additional requirements apply, such as:
- Diplomas or certificates confirming qualifications
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Medical examination
It should be noted that requirements may change, and it is recommended to check up-to-date information on the official website of the Polish consulate or embassy.
If you have any questions on this topic or would like to clarify any information, please contact us at: office@progressholding.pl.
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