Employing Foreign Nationals in Poland

There are specific rules and permit types you need to follow when hiring foreign nationals in Poland. You must get a work permit or ensure they have a residence permit with work rights. EU/EEA citizens don’t need a permit, but non-EU citizens usually do. Learn the correct process to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance.

Employing foreign nationals in Poland is a common and strategically important phenomenon for the functioning of many sectors of the economy. Foreign workers help fill labor shortages in industries where there is a lack of workforce. At the same time, they contribute to economic growth and improvements in innovation. What is important to know about employing foreign nationals in Poland?
How many foreign nationals work in Poland?

According to data from Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny), as of the end of November 2024, foreign nationals made up 6.9% of the total number of persons engaged in work (amounting to 1,069,400 individuals).

Ukrainian citizens constitute the largest share of this group, but the number of workers from Asian countries—mainly India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Philippines—is growing rapidly. Citizens of Uzbekistan and Moldova are also increasingly employed.

The highest demand for foreign workers is reported in the following sectors:

• construction,
• logistics and warehousing,
• manufacturing,
• agriculture,
• healthcare.

Employers are also increasingly hiring foreign workers in the service and hospitality industries. The applicable legal framework supports such employment, allowing for the legal hiring of foreign nationals based on an employment contract, B2B arrangement, or civil law contract.

Legal Requirements for Hiring Foreign Workers in Poland

• Employers must verify if a work permit or residence permit is needed.
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not require a work permit to work in Poland.
• Most non-EU nationals must have a Type A work permit.
• Employers must register a declaration of intent to employ for seasonal or short-term jobs.
• Work permits are usually valid for up to 3 years and must be job-specific.

Who Is Legally Allowed to Work in Poland?

The right to work in Poland depends on a person’s citizenship and their legal basis for residence. Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland may take up employment without the need to obtain a work permit, provided their stay in Poland is legal. This is primarily governed by the Act of December 12, 2013 on Foreigners and the Act of April 20, 2004 on Employment Promotion and Labor Market Institutions. The situation is different for nationals of so-called third countries—i.e., countries outside the EU and EEA.

Foreign nationals from outside the EU may work in Poland only if both their stay and employment have been properly legalized. In the case of individuals under international protection, refugee status, subsidiary protection, or humanitarian residence permits, no additional work permits are required. These foreign nationals are entitled to work in Poland on the same terms as Polish citizens.

Forms of Legal Employment for Foreign Nationals

There are three main procedures for legalizing the employment of non-EU foreigners in Poland:

• a work permit,
• a statement of intent to entrust work,
• a single permit for residence and work, also known as the unified permit.

A work permit is a document issued by the voivode (provincial governor) at the employer’s request. It specifies the job position, the place of employment, and the duration of the employment. This permit is most commonly used for employees from Asian countries and those who do not qualify for the simplified procedure.

A statement of intent to entrust work is a simplified procedure available for citizens of five countries: Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia. It allows them to work for a maximum of 24 months without needing a standard work permit. The statement must be registered with the local district labor office (powiatowy urząd pracy).

The third form is the unified permit for residence and work, intended for foreigners planning a longer stay in Poland. It is issued by the Voivodeship Office and entitles the holder both to reside legally and to work for the specified employer. The application must be submitted by the foreigner themselves.

There are also exceptions allowing foreigners to work without a permit—for example, individuals with a Karta Polaka (Polish Card), graduates of Polish universities, family members of EU citizens, or those with long-term EU resident permits.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Hiring a Foreigner

The first step for the employer is to verify the foreigner’s legal status in Poland. They must check whether the individual is residing legally and whether they possess the appropriate documents to take up employment. Next, the employer submits the relevant application (for a work permit or statement) to the labor office or the voivode. Once approval is granted, the employer may sign an employment contract or a civil-law contract with the foreigner.

The next step is to register the employee with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and submit a copy of the signed contract to the labor office. The employer is also required to inform the relevant authorities about the commencement or termination of the foreign national’s employment.

Types of Contracts and Employee Rights for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals can be employed based on either an employment contract or civil-law contracts (such as a contract of mandate or a contract for specific work). Labor law regulations do not differentiate between Polish citizens and foreigners—the same rules apply regarding minimum wage, working hours, paid leave, and contract termination procedures.

A foreign worker employed under an employment contract is entitled to health and pension insurance from the first day of employment. In the case of civil-law contracts, insurance depends on the type of contract (e.g., mandatory in the case of a contract of mandate, voluntary in the case of a contract for specific work).

Regardless of the basis of employment, a foreign national has the right to safe working conditions and access to judicial and inspection protection.

Inspections and Penalties for Illegal Employment

The Labor Inspectorate and the Border Guard regularly inspect the legality of foreign nationals’ employment. Employers who entrust work to unauthorized individuals face serious consequences, including imprisonment for up to 3 years. They may also be entered into the register of entities violating employment regulations for foreigners.

The most common violations include:

• lack of the required permits,
• failure to register the foreign employee with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS),
• conclusion of an agreement that is inconsistent with the conditions specified in the permit.

Currently, authorities have access to integrated databases, which has significantly increased the detection of such violations.

Employment of Foreign Nationals and Changes in Regulations in 2025

In May 2025, significant changes came into force in the Act on Foreigners and in the regulations governing the legalization of employment. The labor market test was abolished in most cases, procedures were accelerated, and the entire application process was moved to electronic systems. These simplifications aim to improve efficiency and transparency in establishing employment relationships based on the Labor Code (employment contracts), as well as in hiring under civil law contracts (contract of mandate and contract for specific work). At the same time, the changes increase the documentation obligations on the employer’s side.

The Polish labor market remains open to foreign workers. However, companies wishing to hire foreign nationals face a number of formalities, documentation requirements, and legal responsibilities. Nevertheless, this offers significant opportunities for growth and a chance to integrate individuals into company structures who can genuinely contribute to further development—regardless of their country of origin.

What is the process to employ foreign workers in Poland?

To employ foreign workers in Poland, the employer must check if the candidate is from the EU or a non-EU country. Non-EU citizens usually need a Type A work permit, which the employer applies for at the local voivodeship office.

Do EU citizens need a work permit to work in Poland?

No, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work in Poland without a work permit. However, employers still need to ensure that employment contracts and registrations are correctly documented.

What types of work permits are available for non-EU nationals in Poland?

The most common is Type A for standard employment. Others include Type B (board members), Type C (intra-company transfers), and seasonal permits for short-term jobs.

What are employer obligations when hiring non-EU workers in Poland?

Employers must initiate the work permit process, ensure legal residence status, register the employee for insurance, and maintain proper employment documentation to comply with Polish law.