Working in Poland — permits and exceptions

Who can work without a permit

Among others, the following people can work without a work permit:

• citizens of Poland, the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland,
• holders of a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status,
• holders of the Pole's Card (Karta Polaka),
• some full-time students and graduates of Polish universities,
• other groups listed in the law.

These are examples. The full list is in Art. 3 of the Act of 20 March 2025 on the conditions for entrusting work to foreigners in Poland (Journal of Laws 2025, item 621).

Most common documents for workers

• Work permit — the employer applies to the voivode (electronically).
• Single permit for residence and work — combines a residence card and the right to work; the foreigner applies.
• Declaration on entrusting work — a simplified procedure at the county labour office for citizens of certain countries (including Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova).
• EU Blue Card — for highly qualified work.

Citizens of Ukraine

Special rules apply to citizens of Ukraine (for example, notifying the labour office about the work). In 2026 the rules for Ukrainian citizens were changed — check the current law before you start work.

Working during a visa-free stay

Citizens of some countries cannot work in Poland during a visa-free stay, even if they have a work permit — the list of these countries is set by a regulation (Journal of Laws 2026, item 1072). Check whether this applies to your country.

Be careful

• Your contract must match the conditions in your permit (position, salary, working hours).
• Changing employers usually requires a new document.
• Nobody may charge you for finding you a job — employment agencies are prohibited from doing so.