A work permit is an administrative decision which, in 2026, remains the key document entitling a foreigner (from outside the EU/EEA) to legally take up employment in Poland. The application is always submitted by the entity entrusting the work, and the procedure depends on the legal status of the foreigner and the company’s registered office.
What types of work permits apply in 2026?
Current regulations distinguish five basic types of permits (A, B, C, D, E), each corresponding to a different employment or posting model.
Choosing the wrong type of form is the shortest path to a refusal. At Progress Holding, we verify your candidate’s status and select the appropriate legal path.
Classification of permits:
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Type A | The most common case. Concerns a foreigner performing work in the territory of the Republic of Poland under a contract with an employer whose registered office is in Poland. |
| Type B | For board members of companies (e.g., LLC) and general partners who stay in Poland for management purposes for more than 6 months within a consecutive 12-month period. |
| Type C | For employees posted to a Polish branch of a foreign company for a period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year. |
| Type D | For employees posted by a foreign employer to perform an export service (temporary and occasional character). |
| Type E | All other posting cases that do not qualify for types C and D. |
How does the procedure for obtaining a type A permit look?
The process in 2026 consists of the labor market verification stage (at the Poviat Labor Office) and the actual administrative proceedings at the Voivodeship Office.
The procedure requires gathering a complete set of documents before logging into the praca.gov.pl system. Formal deficiencies are the main cause of prolonged cases.
Step 1: Labor market test (Staroste’s information)
You must check if there are no registered unemployed persons on the local labor market who could take up work in the offered position. You submit an offer to the Labor Office (PUP). If the office does not find a candidate within 14-21 days, you will receive the staroste’s opinion necessary for further processing.
Remember: Exemption from the labor market test covers Ukrainian citizens (under specific rules), deficit occupations, and selected IT and medical sectors.
Step 2: Application to the Voivode
You submit the application to the voivode competent for your company’s registered office. You attach:
- Staroste’s information (unless not required).
- Scan of all filled pages of the foreigner’s passport.
- Company registration documents (KRS/CEIDG).
- Proof of stamp duty payment.
- Employer’s statement of no criminal record.
How much does a permit cost and what is the waiting time in 2026?
Official costs are fixed and result from regulations, while the waiting time depends on the workload of the specific Voivodeship Office.
Current stamp duties:
- 50 PLN – for work planned for a period shorter than 3 months.
- 100 PLN – for work for a period longer than 3 months (standard for type A).
- 200 PLN – for posting to perform an export service (type D).
The statutory time for issuing a decision is 1 month (2 months in complicated cases), however, in large agglomerations, the real waiting time in 2026 may range from 4 to even 12 weeks. At Progress Holding, we monitor the status of the case on an ongoing basis to respond to every request from the office.
How does it look in practice? Progress Holding experience
In the last 12 months, we have analyzed several hundred official decisions at Progress Holding. Our data indicate that in 2025 and early 2026, offices have significantly tightened the verification of employers’ financial documents.
The most common errors blocking the issuance of a permit this year are:
- Inconsistency of remuneration in the application with the current minimum rate applicable in 2026.
- Lack of the foreigner’s current residence address in the statements.
- Signing the application by an unauthorized person according to the KRS.
Delegating the service to experts eliminates the risk of these mistakes. Our accounting and legal team ensures that every digit in the application matches the actual state.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does a work permit give the right to stay in Poland?
No. This is the most common misunderstanding. The permit legalizes work, but for entry and stay, the foreigner needs a valid visa or visa-free travel (within the day limit). To legalize stay and work simultaneously, one should apply for a Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Residence Card).
What if the working conditions change (e.g., a raise)?
If you change the job position to another one – you must obtain a new permit. However, if the foreigner receives a raise or the working time increases (with a proportional increase in remuneration), there is usually no need to replace the document, but it is worth consulting an expert.
Can I employ a foreigner immediately after submitting the application?
In the case of a standard type A permit – no. Work can only start after receiving the physical decision from the voivode and signing the contract. The exception applies to simplified procedures (e.g., for Ukrainian citizens), which the government maintains in 2026 as well.
Legalize employment without stress
Regulations in 2026 require great diligence from employers. Every error in the application means lost time and money, and illegal employment carries high fines. Focus on running your business, and leave the formalities to us.
Do you need support in obtaining a work permit in 2026? Contact us at Progress Holding at +48 603 232 418 or write to office@progressholding.pl.
