
Types of Work Permits in Poland
To legally live and work in Poland, it is necessary to obtain a work visa. This does not apply to EU citizens who can reside and work in Poland without additional permits.
For other categories of foreigners, obtaining a work permit in Poland is a crucial step in acquiring a work visa. To do so, a Polish employer must obtain official permission to hire a foreign worker.
There are several types of work permits in Poland. Let’s review them in detail.
1. Oświadczenie (Declaration)
An oświadczenie is a simplified form of work permit for citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova. It allows citizens of these countries to work in Poland without obtaining the standard work permit (Zezwolenie na pracę).
This document grants the right to stay and work in Poland for up to 6 months (180 days) per year. After this period, the foreign worker must return to their home country and can only re-enter Poland after another 6 months. In the agricultural sector, this period may be extended to 9 months.
Based on the oświadczenie, an employer can sign the following types of contracts with foreign workers:
- Umowa o pracę (employment contract),
- Umowa zlecenie (contract for specific work),
- Umowa o dzieło (contract for a task or project).
The declaration must be registered at the labor office before the foreigner begins work.
The Umowa zlecenie and Umowa o pracę are the most common forms of employment.
2. Zezwolenie na pracę (Work Permit)
A Zezwolenie na pracę is a document that grants a foreigner the right to work legally in Poland. The future employer registers this document at the provincial office (Urząd Wojewódzki) appropriate for the company’s location or the worker’s place of residence.
To obtain such a permit, the employer must submit proof that no local candidates are available for the position.
The permit must include the employer’s details, the worker’s position, the type of work to be performed, and the employment conditions. A foreigner can only perform the work specified in the permit. Performing other tasks not listed in the permit is a serious violation and may result in deportation.
The salary specified in the contract cannot be lower than the wages of other employees performing similar work. If the employment is based on a full-time contract, the salary must meet or exceed the national minimum wage.
The permit is issued in three copies: one remains with the employer, and the second is given to the foreign worker.
The provincial permit is issued for up to 18 months (1.5 years) or up to 3 years in the case of an employment contract (Umowa o pracę). The processing time is approximately 30 days.
The Urząd Wojewódzki is responsible for issuing work permits for foreign citizens.
Types of Work Permits
Type A:
Issued to foreigners who have the right to work in Poland based on international agreements or EU regulations. This applies, for example, to citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and their family members. It is also applicable to foreigners employed by legal entities registered in Poland.
The Type A permit is issued for up to 3 years but may be shortened based on local provincial criteria.
Type B:
Applicable to foreigners working on the basis of a visa or temporary residence permit. It includes individuals serving on the management board of legal entities registered in the Business Register.
The Type B permit is issued for a standard period of up to 3 years. However, board members of companies employing more than 25 people can apply for a permit for up to 5 years.
Type C:
Issued for intra-corporate transfers (ICT). It applies to employees of multinational companies transferred to a Polish branch of the same company. The permit is issued for more than 30 days per year.
Type D:
Applicable to foreigners with the right to work based on a permanent residence permit. An example is individuals who have lived in Poland for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence and work permit.
Type E:
Applies to foreigners involved in seasonal work. Examples include agricultural workers, those in the tourism industry, or other sectors requiring seasonal labor. The permit is issued for a period exceeding 30 days within the next 6 months.
Authorities Issuing Work Permits
- Provincial Office for Foreigners (Urząd Wojewódzki ds. Cudzoziemców) – for Type B, C, and E permits.
- Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy (Ministerstwo Rodziny, Pracy i Polityki Społecznej) – for Type A and D permits.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
- If a foreign worker changes their job or employer, it is necessary to obtain a new work permit in Poland.
- A work permit does not guarantee the automatic issuance of a work visa. Consulates issuing visas and border control officers have the right to refuse entry. However, in 99% of cases, they do not pose obstacles.
- A work permit in Poland only grants the right to work on Polish territory.
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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