Poland Work Visa Requirements and Application Guide

Poland has quickly become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international workers. With a fast-growing economy, low unemployment rate, and increasing demand for skilled and unskilled labour, thousands of people from Asia, Africa, and beyond are looking at Poland as their next career opportunity. If you are planning to move for work, understanding the Polish work visa requirements and application process is the first step toward a smooth relocation.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Polish work visa – including eligibility, types of work permits, visa requirements, the application process, validity, and options for bringing your family.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Poland?

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: You do not need a work visa or permit, but you must register your stay if it exceeds 90 days.
• Non-EU/EEA citizens: You must obtain both:
  1. A work permit issued by a registered Polish employer.
  2. A National D Visa or a Temporary Residence Permit to stay legally in Poland.

Types of Work Permits in Poland

Poland offers several categories of work permits depending on your employment situation:

• Type A – For foreign employees working under a Polish contract.
• Type B – For board members or company directors residing in Poland for 6+ months.
• Type C – For employees delegated to Poland by a foreign employer for over 30 days.
• Type D – For workers sent to Poland by a foreign company to provide temporary services.
• Type E – For exceptional employment cases not covered under other types.
• Type S (Seasonal Work Permit) – For short-term seasonal jobs in agriculture, horticulture, and hospitality (valid up to 9 months).

Poland Work Visa Requirements

To apply for a Polish work visa, you need the following documents:

1. Completed visa application form.
2. Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, all pages).
3. Recent biometric passport-sized photographs.
4. Work permit issued by the Voivodeship Office.
5. Employment contract or official job offer from a Polish company.
6. Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, hotel booking, or employer-provided housing).
7. Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, sponsor letter, or credit card).
8. Valid health insurance covering Poland and the Schengen area.
9. Flight reservation or travel itinerary.
10. Visa fee payment confirmation.

How to Apply for a Polish Work Visa

The process is straightforward but requires proper preparation:

1. Get a job offer from a Polish employer.
2. Your employer applies for your work permit at the Voivodeship Office.
3. Once the license is approved, you apply for a National D Visa at the Polish embassy/consulate in your country.
4. Submit all documents, attend the visa interview, and pay the required fee.
5. Wait for the decision and collect your visa.
6. After arriving in Poland, register your residence and, if necessary, apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for long-term stay.

Processing Time

• Work Permit Issuance: 6–12 weeks (varies by region).
• Visa Application Review: 15–30 days at the embassy.
• Total Timeframe: Around 2–3 months on average.

Duration and Validity

• Work Visa (National D Visa): Up to 1 year.
• Work Permit: Valid for up to 3 years, depending on your employment contract.
• Seasonal Work Visa: Valid for up to 9 months in a calendar year.

Extending Your Poland Work Visa

If your employment continues, you can:

• Apply for a visa extension, or
• Apply for a Temporary Residence Card, which allows you to stay and work in Poland for up to 3 years, renewable upon expiration.

Changing Jobs in Poland

Your Polish work permit is employer-specific. If you want to change jobs:

• Your new employer must apply for a new work permit.
• You cannot transfer the same license to another employer.

Bringing Family Members to Poland

Yes, you can bring your spouse and children under family reunification once you have a valid residence permit. They may receive residence permits, although their right to work will depend on the type of permit granted.

Poland Seasonal Work Visa

Poland issues Seasonal Work Visas for short-term jobs in:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Hospitality & Tourism

This visa is valid for up to 9 months per year and is an excellent option for temporary workers seeking short-term employment.

Final Thoughts

Poland offers strong career opportunities for foreign workers, but the visa and work permit process requires careful planning and correct documentation. Always verify that your employer is legitimate, ensure your papers are accurate, and apply well in advance. With proper preparation, Poland can be a gateway to a secure job, stable income, and a better future in Europe.

FAQs – Poland Work Visa Requirements and Application Guide

1. Do I need a visa to work in Poland?

Yes. If you are from a non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss country, you need both a work permit issued by a Polish employer and a National D Visa to work in Poland legally. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa but must register their stay if it exceeds 90 days.

2. What are the different types of Polish work permits?

Poland offers several types of work permits:

• Type A – For foreign employees under a Polish employer.
• Type B – For company board members/directors.
• Type C, D, E – For workers delegated by foreign employers.
• Type S – Seasonal work permit for agriculture, horticulture, and hospitality.

3. How can I apply for a Polish work visa?

First, secure a job offer from a Polish employer. Your employer applies for your work permit at the Voivodeship Office. Once approved, you submit your visa application to the Polish embassy in your country with all required documents.

4. What documents are required for a Polish work visa?

You need a completed application form, a valid passport, biometric photos, a work permit, a job offer, proof of accommodation, financial means, health insurance, a flight booking, and a visa fee receipt.

5. How long does it take to get a Polish work visa?

The work permit process takes about 8–12 weeks, and the visa application takes 15–30 days. On average, the entire process takes 2–3 months.

6. How long is a Polish work visa valid?

A National D Visa is valid for up to 1 year, while a work permit may be issued for up to 3 years, depending on your contract. A seasonal work visa is valid for up to 9 months per year.

7. Can I extend my Poland work visa?

Yes. You can extend your stay by applying for a visa renewal or a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which allows you to stay and work in Poland for up to 3 years at a time.

8. Can I change jobs on the same work permit in Poland?

No. A Polish work permit is employer-specific. If you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work permit on your behalf.

9. Can I bring my family to Poland on a work visa?

Yes. Once you hold a valid residence permit, you can apply for family reunification for your spouse and children. They will be granted residence permits, but their right to work depends on the type of permit issued.

10. What is the Polish seasonal work visa?

The Poland Seasonal Work Visa (Type S) allows foreigners to work in agriculture, horticulture, and hospitality for up to 9 months in a calendar year. It’s ideal for temporary workers seeking short-term jobs.