Poland Changes Visa-Free Work Rules for Citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia from August 2026
Poland is introducing important changes affecting citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia who plan to enter the country for employment. From August 2026, the previous model of entering Poland visa-free and working solely based on a work permit will be significantly restricted.
The changes are particularly important for Polish employers, recruitment agencies and foreign workers currently preparing to travel to Poland.
What Changes from 15 August 2026?
From 15 August 2026, citizens of:
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Georgia
who are entering Poland for employment will be required to obtain a visa before entering the country.
The change is introduced by the Regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of 10 August 2026 concerning exceptions to the visa exemption.
Until now, nationals of these countries could generally benefit from visa-free travel for short stays and, subject to meeting employment requirements, could work in Poland with the appropriate work authorisation.
For people travelling to Poland specifically for employment, this route will no longer be available for new entries from 15 August 2026.
The regulation was published in the Polish Journal of Laws as Dz.U. 2026, item 1086.
What Changes from 22 August 2026?
A second regulation becomes effective on 22 August 2026.
From that date, citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia who hold a work permit will no longer be entitled to perform work in Poland when their legal basis of stay is only visa-free travel.
In other words:
A work permit and visa-free stay will no longer be sufficient for new employment under this model.
Employers will therefore need to verify both:
-
the document authorising the foreign national to work, and
-
the legal basis allowing the person to stay and work in Poland.
The regulation was issued by the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy on 31 July 2026 and published as Dz.U. 2026, item 1072.
Transitional Rules for People Already in Poland
The regulations contain important transitional provisions.
Citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia who crossed the Polish border before 15 August 2026 remain subject to the previous entry rules.
Additionally, a person who:
-
is legally staying in Poland under visa-free travel,
-
holds the required work permit, and
-
starts employment before 22 August 2026
may continue working under the previous rules until the end of their permitted visa-free stay.
This means that, in practice, the dates of entry into Poland and commencement of employment are now extremely important.
What Does This Mean for New Workers?
For new candidates from Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia planning to travel to Poland for employment, employers should now include the visa procedure as part of the recruitment and legalisation process.
Obtaining a work permit alone will not automatically allow a candidate to enter Poland visa-free to start employment.
This may increase the overall recruitment timeline because the candidate may need to complete a Polish visa application procedure before travelling.
What Should Employers Do Now?
Employers currently employing or recruiting citizens of Colombia, Venezuela or Georgia should review their cases immediately.
Companies should verify:
-
the worker’s date of entry into Poland,
-
passport and travel history,
-
current legal basis of stay,
-
validity of the work permit,
-
actual employment start date,
-
validity of any visa or residence permit,
-
remaining period of visa-free stay.
For recruits, employers should also allow sufficient time for the visa process before confirming a planned start date.
Does Visa-Free Travel Completely End?
No.
The regulations do not generally abolish visa-free travel for citizens of Colombia, Venezuela or Georgia.
The new visa requirement concerns persons entering Poland in connection with being entrusted with work.
Visa-free travel for other qualifying short-stay purposes remains subject to the applicable Schengen and Polish entry rules.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the new exception applies specifically when entry into Poland is connected with employment.
Important Dates
15 August 2026
A new visa requirement applies to citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia entering Poland for employment.
22 August 2026
Citizens of these countries will no longer be able to begin working solely based on a work permit while staying in Poland under visa-free travel.
Before 15 August 2026
People who entered Poland before the new entry restriction takes effect may benefit from the transitional rules.
Before 22 August 2026
Eligible persons who legally begin work before this date may continue working under the previous rules until their permitted visa-free stay expires.
Planning to Employ Workers from Colombia, Venezuela or Georgia?
The changes do not prevent Polish companies from recruiting workers from these countries. However, employers will need to plan recruitment more carefully and ensure that both the worker’s stay and employment are legally authorised.
AtoZ Serwis Plus Sp. z o.o. can assist employers and candidates with reviewing employment documentation, work permit requirements, recruitment procedures and the appropriate legalisation route for employment in Poland.
Important: Every immigration and employment case should be assessed individually. A work permit does not, by itself, guarantee a visa, entry into Poland, or permission to stay. Visa and border-entry decisions remain with the competent Polish authorities.
