18 Feb 2025
Relocating to a new country can be a thrilling yet daunting experience. Poland presents a vibrant culture and plenty of opportunities for newcomers. With a growing number of people migrating to Poland, many are eager to earn a living and send money back home.
In 2023, around $11.494 billion were sent out of Poland in remittances. This shows Poland’s strong economy, which offers bright futures and career prospects for global migrants and expatriates. However, understanding Poland's immigration policies before moving here is essential to living a successful expat life.
This guide is designed to simplify the process for you. By understanding these policies, you can confidently tackle the complexities of Polish immigration and start your journey to succeed in this promising country.
Poland's immigration framework is designed to facilitate the smooth integration of foreign nationals into its labor market. The government has implemented a systematic approach to streamline the application process for residence and work permits. However, the recent boost in applications has resulted in longer waiting times for decisions. This delay is due to the high volume of applicants and limited administrative capacity.
The Polish government is actively working on reforms to enhance the immigration system, particularly in line with Directive (EU) 2021/1883. This directive outlines conditions for the entry and residence of highly qualified third-country nationals. Anticipated changes include:
The application process will become more efficient, allowing applicants to submit residence permit applications online. However, in-person visits will still be necessary for fingerprinting and document verification.
A more inclusive definition of "higher professional qualifications" will be introduced. This policy recognizes both educational achievements and relevant work experience.
Holders of the EU Blue Card will have the opportunity to work in other EU member states for short periods without needing additional permits. After one year of residency in Poland with a Blue Card, holders can relocate to another EU country under preferential conditions.
The following are the visa types available to move to Poland based on your specific needs.
For foreign nationals looking to work in Poland, obtaining a work visa is essential. While the visa allows entry into the country, a separate work permit is required for employment. There are six types of sponsor-based work permits categorized as Types A, B, C, D, E, and S (seasonal work). The employer initiates the application process for these work permits, while the employee must separately secure a residence title.
This is the standard permit for foreigners employed by a Polish entity. It is the most common type of work permit, enabling individuals to work and earn reasonably. You can quickly and affordably send money online back home from Poland using trusted digital providers like ACE Money Transfer.
This is issued to foreigners in management positions who have been appointed to a company's management board for more than six months. This permit is designed for high-level executives and managers.
For foreigners posted by a foreign employer to work in Poland for more than 30 days. This permit allows foreign workers to fulfill specific assignments in the country.
Required for foreigners posted to Poland by a foreign employer without established activity in the country. This permit is often needed for temporary work.
For extended postings that do not fall under Types B, C, or D. This permit caters to various professional roles.
Specifically for seasonal work in sectors such as agriculture and hospitality, allowing workers to take on short-term employment during peak seasons.
A unified permit combining work and residence can be issued through a single procedure initiated by the employee, although the employee must have a sponsoring employer.
In Poland, options for unsponsored work permits are quite limited.
Previously, the Poland Business Harbour program allowed engineers and IT specialists from countries like Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to apply for a visa. This visa lets them work in Poland without needing a separate work permit. However, this program has been suspended, and now citizens from those countries must follow the standard rules for legalizing their stay and work. This includes applying for a visa and getting the necessary work permits based on their nationality.
Visitors to Poland are not permitted to work without a valid work permit. While the law does not explicitly outline permissible professional activities for visitors, typical business-related activities such as meetings, training sessions, and negotiations are generally accepted. However, if a foreign national engages in business activities exceeding 30 days, a work permit becomes mandatory.
Certain exemptions exist for foreigners sent by foreign employers for assembly, maintenance, or training, allowing them to operate in Poland for up to three months within a calendar year without a work permit.
Understanding Poland’s visa and migration policies is important for every migrant, expatriate, or international student moving there for better career and earning opportunities. The secret to a successful expat life in Poland is fulfilling all the legal requirements, which helps you easily work and earn to support your family back home. For sending financial support home, making an online money transfer via a service like ACE Money Transfer can be a wise choice.
You have to fulfill the following requirements to get a visa to Poland.
Currently, no specific language requirements exist for obtaining a visa, work permit, or residence permit. However, knowledge of Polish at a minimum B1 level is necessary for long-term EU residency or Polish citizenship applications. Language proficiency can significantly facilitate integration into Polish society.
COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted, and medical certificates are no longer required for visa applications. However, applicants must present health insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 for hospitalization in Poland for at least six months. This requirement ensures that foreign nationals have access to necessary medical care during their stay.
To successfully obtain a work visa, a foreigner must demonstrate a valid purpose for residency and secure an appropriate work permit. Each work permit type has its specific conditions regarding minimum salary thresholds and labor market tests.
While a visa does not tie a foreigner to a specific employer, a work permit is employer-specific. Thus, if an individual wishes to change employers, obtaining a new work permit is necessary. Engaging in illegal employment can lead to fines of up to PLN 30,000 and potentially jeopardize future visa applications.
You should apply for visas, permits, etc. few weeks before you need them as such official tasks can take longer.
After submitting documents at the consulate, the standard processing time for visa issuance is approximately 15 days. However, due to high demand, appointment wait times can vary significantly, sometimes extending beyond several weeks.
On average, work permit processing takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the immigration office's workload and the complexity of the case. If a labor market test is required, applicants should expect an additional two weeks for processing.
The timeframe for residence permit processing can range from several months to a year, depending on the office's workload and the individual case's intricacies. Applicants need to plan accordingly and be prepared for potential delays.
Relocating to Poland can be a rewarding experience despite the challenges of immigration policies. With the right information, newcomers can adapt and thrive there. The guidelines shared above can help you successfully complete the basic immigration requirements when moving to Poland. It’s recommended that you may learn the requirements and prepare well before you start your visa application process.
Managing finances is really important while living away from your family. Download the ACE Money Transfer app to make the most of your hard-earned money in Poland. Enjoy low transaction fees and high exchange rates, making global money transfer simple and reliable. Start your smooth financial journey with ACE Money Transfer today!
A National Type D visa for work is issued for a maximum of one year, while a Schengen Type C visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.
The foreigner must take steps to legalize their stay, either by obtaining a new visa (which requires returning to their home country) or applying for a temporary residence permit at the immigration office in Poland before the current visa expires.
Illegal employment can result in fines for both the employer and the foreign worker, along with bans on re-entry to Poland.
Yes, employers who hire foreigners without legal residence or proper work permits may face fines ranging from PLN 1,000 to PLN 30,000.
Yes, after legally residing in Poland for at least five years.
Yes, students can work part-time without a work permit to meet their expenses or to send money home.
