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Updated August 2024
Key takeaways
Non-EU/EEA nationals must first secure a work permit facilitated by their employer to apply for a Polish work visa.
Poland issues different types of work permits based on the nature and duration of the employment.
Permits typically last up to three years and must be secured before applying for a work visa.
Table of Contents
Poland work visa & permit types
Non-EU/EEA nationals must obtain a work visa to work in Poland. However, getting a work permit is essential before applying for a work visa.
Your employer typically applies for a work permit on your behalf once they hire you and then provides it to you, enabling you to proceed with the work visa application.

Work permit
Various types of work permits vary based on the employee’s nationality, intended duration of work, and the nature of the work.
- Work permit A: Issued to a foreign employee hired by a Polish employer. Obtaining a residence permit is mandatory for this category.
- Work permit B: Intended for individuals employed as board members planning to stay in Poland for more than 6 months
- Work permit C: Applicable when an individual is being internally transferred within a company to a branch in Poland
- Work permit D: Designed for individuals sent to provide export services in Poland by an employer without a Polish Branch
- Work permit E: Granted to individuals sent to work in Poland for reasons not specified by the other types of permits
- Work permit S: Reserved for individuals engaged in agriculture, fishing, hunting, or accommodation activities
Validity
A Polish work permit is typically valid for up to one year but can be extended for a maximum of 3 years.
Please note that the exact duration depends on the terms of your employment contract with your company.
Fees
The following are the Poland work permit fees:
- For a permit valid up to 3 months – PLN 50 (USD 12)
- For a permit valid for more than 3 months – PLN 100 (USD 25)
- For a type D work permit (export service) applied for by the employer – PLN 200 (USD 50)
If you wish to extend your work permit, you will need to pay half of the original permit fee.
Work visa
While most individuals typically fall into the type-D category, it’s beneficial to be aware of all the categories on the list.
Additionally, obtaining a work permit from your employer is a fundamental requirement before applying for a work visa.
Type-D visa
A national visa or type-D visa is intended for individuals planning a long-term stay exceeding 90 days but less than a year. After one year, the visa can be extended if there is a valid purpose.
This visa category is often synonymous with work, student, research, family reunification, and humanitarian visas. Moreover, it will enable an individual to travel to other Schengen areas for up to 90 days within a 180-day window.
Freelance/entrepreneurship visa
The freelance visa is valid for two years and can be renewed before expiry. It is required for the applicants to have both Polish clients and foreign clients.
The EU Blue Card
An EU Blue card is granted to highly qualified non-EU individuals, allowing them to work and reside in an EU country. Exceptional professional qualifications and an employment contract lasting over a year can make you eligible for the EU Blue Card.
Fees
Your visa application fee will depend on the duration of your application for the work permit.
To obtain a long-term visa, you’ll need to get a type D visa, which costs PLN 580 (USD 150). Alternatively, if you’re interested in the EU Blue Card, it will cost approximately PLN 600 (USD 155).
How to apply for a Poland work visa?
Requirements
The employer collects and submits the required documents to the Polish government to obtain a work permit for the employee. You can find the list of documents your employer needs to submit here.
After receiving a work permit from your employer, you can apply for a work visa at the Polish embassy in your country. The documents an employee needs to prepare for a Poland work visa depending on the requirements set by the government for the employer.
Here is a list of general documents typically required from the employee during the work visa application:
- Visa application form: Complete the visa application form through the e-konsulat system and print a copy, ensuring it’s signed
- Colored passport-size photograph: Provide a 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photo meeting the following criteria:
- Sharp and taken against a white background on high-quality paper
- recently taken within the last 6 months
- focus on the face, showing clear eyes and facial features on both sides from the top of the head to the shoulders, with the face covering 70-80% of the photo
- headwear is not permitted.
- Valid passport: A passport issued within the last ten years, valid for at least six months from the expected return date, with a minimum of two blank visa pages
- Photocopy of passport: Include a copy of the passport page containing personal data and your photo.
- Healthcare insurance: Provide healthcare insurance valid throughout the European Union, with coverage of at least EUR 30,000 for your intended stay
- Original work permit: Present the original work permit sent by your employer for your visa application. You can provide a copy of the work permit for their records later.
- Appointment letter: Include the original appointment letter issued and signed by your employer, outlining your position, duration, and other employment details
- Police Clearance Certificate: Obtain a certificate from the police department confirming your clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation: Demonstrate evidence of a place to stay upon your arrival in Poland
- Flight itinerary: Provide proof of your confirmed departure to Poland by submitting your flight ticket or itinerary
Please note that the visa application process must be completed in person and cannot be facilitated by a third party.
Application process
Below are the procedures to follow when applying for a Polish work visa.
- Book your appointment: Schedule an appointment through the e-Konsulat system to initiate the work visa application. The appointment slots are available one month in advance.
- Prepare your documents: Gather all the documents mentioned in the previous section, ensuring they are ready for application.
- Visit the embassy or consulate: On the scheduled appointment day, arrive punctually, submit all necessary documents, and participate in an interview if required.
Processing time
A decision regarding the issuance of a visa is reached within 15 working days after the application fee is paid. If a more in-depth examination of the documents is needed, the processing period may be extended to 30 days. A decision can be expedited within three working days in urgent and valid cases.
After obtaining a work visa, present your documents to border control upon arrival in Poland. They have the final authority to grant you work access. After their verification, register your residence at a local city council office within four days of arrival, enabling you to start working in Poland.