RemotePad Logo
  • Guides

What is an Employer of Record

How to hire globally with an EOR

What is a Global PEO

An alternative to EOR

What is a PEO

Hire locally with a PEO

Our Methodology

Why you can trust our guides

Hire Globally

Find international talents

Outsource Recruitment

How to outsource recruitment

Work Visas

How to get a work visa

Digital Nomad Visas

Get a digital nomad visa

  • Best Providers

Best Employer of Record (EOR)

Hire globally with the best EOR companies

Best Contractor Management

Hire and pay contractors and freelancers

Best Global PEO

Discover the best international co-employers

Best PEO Companies

Save on payroll and HR costs

Best Background Check Companies

Screen employees before hire

Best Global Payroll Providers

Outsource international payroll

Best Relocation Services

Relocate employees internationally

Best International Recruitment Agency

Find global talent

International Company Registration

Get help to incorporate overseas

All Reviews

Compare all providers

  • Best EOR

1. Horizons

Best Global EOR

2. Remote

Best EOR for Compliance

3. Deel

Best EOR Platform

4. Papaya Global

Best EOR for Payments

All EOR Reviews

Compare all providers

Where do you need a service provider?

All Countries

Explore our detailed guides for professional advice on international growth, recruitment, compensations strategies, and a curated list of top service providers.

Country Guides
Request proposal - it's free
Poland work visa
  • By Travis Kliever
  • Updated October 21, 2023
Picture of Travis Kliever
Travis Kliever
Linkedin
Travis is a global business development advisor. He has spent the last 14 years supporting business establishment and development in North America, Southeast Asia, and throughout the world. With multiple degrees from the University of Oregon, Travis currently splits his time between the US, and Bali, Indonesia. At RemotePad, Travis writes about remote work, hiring internationally and PEO/EOR business models.
RemotePad editorial guidelines

How to Get a Poland Work Visa & Work Permit: Requirements & Procedure

In this article

 show

Spending too much on recruitment, payroll or global HR?

We help you find the Best Providers at the lowest cost.

Get Started

Key Takeaways

  • There are a range of Poland work visas available, depending on the industry, the role and the location of the hiring company. 
  • Common visas for foreign companies hiring in Poland include the Type D and Type E Visas. 
  • There are pros and cons to engaging a PEO: On one hand, it usually saves money, time, and allows employees access to better benefits. On the other hand, companies may be concerned about the potential loss of control and other risks associated with outsourcing business functions. 

Poland is a popular country for hiring a foreign workforce, both for companies and candidates/employees themselves. This reflects the vibrant tech culture in the country and low cost-of-living sought after by many individuals and businesses. 

Here we explain whate the different types of Poland Work Visa are, and set out the steps for applying for these visas. 

What are the different types of Poland work visa?

There are several types of work visas available for those who wish to work in Poland. The most common types include the following:

  • Type A Work Visa — this type of visa, also known as a Type A work permit is valid for up to three months and is issued to individuals who are coming to Poland for short-term work, a temporary job, or on a business trip. This visa does not allow for the holder to work for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. Note, this visa requires that the employer have a legal presence (such as a subsidiary or branch) in Poland
  • Type B Work Visa  — this visa is valid for up to six months and is issued to individuals who are coming to Poland for a longer-term job or business trip. This visa allows the holder to work for a period of up to six months. Note, this is only available for those performing a senior management or director-type role
  • Type C Work Visa — this is a long-term work visa, which is issued for a period of up to three years. It allows the holder to work in Poland for an extended period of time and may be renewed before its expiration. It is only available for those who work for a foreign employer (i.e., not a Poland company), and requites that the individual work for at least 30 days. 
  • Type D Work Visa — this type of visa is valid for a period of up to one year and is issued to individuals who plan to stay in Poland for more than 90 days. These visas are available for foreigners who will perform work for a foreign employer without a legal presence in Poland, and are posted there to perform a general service.
  • Type E Work Visa — this is a ‘catch all’ work visa for workers who would otherwise not fit into the other types of work visa. It applies to employees working for a foreign employer and  posted to Poland for a period of more than 30 days within consecutive 6 month period. 
  • Type S Work Visa — applies to those working in specially designated industries, currently agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, or catering and accommodation. 
  • EU Blue Card — as an EU country, this EU-wide visa is also available. This is a special type of work visa for highly-skilled non-EU citizens, which gives the holder the right to live and work in any EU country for a period of up to four years. 

In order to apply for a work visa, you will typically need to provide documentation including valid passport, proof of your qualifications, proof of your employment or business, and proof of financial means. Additionally, you may need to submit a criminal background check, a medical certificate, and other documents as required by the Polish authorities or consulates.

Exceptions — where a Poland work visa is not required

How to apply for a Poland work visa

Applying for a work visa for Poland requires that certain steps are followed: Here’s a general overview of the steps that need to be taken, both by employers and applicants/employees:

  • Determine which type of work visa you need. This depends on the length and purpose of the employee’s stay, qualifications, work experience and employment status.
  • Gather necessary documentation. This may include passports, birth certificate, proof of educational qualifications, employment or business documents, financial documents, and a criminal background check. Some times medical certificates or proof of health insurance will also be required.
  • Fill out the visa application form. The initial application is made to the Voivode — the provincial government in Poland where the work is to occur. Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately, and double-check that you have all the necessary documents.
  • Pay the visa fee. The fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.  Make sure to pay the fee and keep the receipt in case it is requested later.
  • Schedule an interview, if necessary. Sometimes authorities will expect an interview as part of the visa application process. 
  • Submit the application and wait for a decision. After you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, it may be only a few weeks before a decision is made.
  • Obtain the visa. If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa which you will have to present at the time of entry.

Poland work visas — following the required process

Poland has a greater number of different work visas than most other countries, so if hiring employees in Poland it is crucial that you have the appropriate visa in place. 

Due to the technicality of some of the procedures, the time taken and the expense, some companies benefit from using a third-party service to support them in the visa process. 

A Global Professional Employer Organization (Global PEO) is an international HR company offering a range of solutions to make hiring and paying workers easier. Many Global PEOs provide visa and global mobility services in Poland and throughout the rest of Europe. 

You can check out some of the leading Global PEOs here. 

FAQs

It depends on the type of work visa you are applying for, and your location. If you are based outside Poland, it is best to contact your Polish consulate first. If you are already in Poland, contact the local Voivode (provincial government). 

It depends on the industry. It is significantly easier to acquire work visas for staff if it is for highly specialized roles (such as manufacturing, engineering and science). 

Search

Search