Poland
This content was last updated in February 2024.
All nationals of the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) member states, as well as those of Switzerland, enjoy freedom of movement and the right of residence. These nationals are also released from the obligation to have a work permit to be employed in Poland.
Citizens of countries that are not members of the EU or EEA or Switzerland (collectively "Non-EU citizens") who would like to stay and work in Poland are subject to a different legal regime than EU citizens.
Non-EU citizens must legalize the following:
- Their stay in Poland, typically by obtaining an appropriate visa or residence permit (residence authorization)
- Their work, typically by obtaining a work permit or statement on entrusting work (work authorization)
In some cases, a permit may authorize a non-EU citizen to reside and work in Poland simultaneously without needing to apply for an applicable decision separately (e.g., a unified residence and work permit or an intracompany transfer permit).
As a general rule, to legally perform work in the Republic of Poland, a non-EU citizen should have a work permit issued by a Polish local authority (known as a voivode (wojewoda)). In some cases, it is alternatively possible to use a statement on entrusting work registered by the local employment authorities (powiatowy urząd pracy). Work authorization is required regardless of whether a foreign national is to perform work in Poland based on an employment contract or another type of agreement, such as a service agreement, or is entrusted to perform any other kind of remunerated work in Poland. Exceptions to this rule are detailed in the section concerning employment assignments.
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