Legal work in Poland for foreigners: what you need to know

Poland is one of the most popular countries for labor immigration. In 2023, over 2 million foreigners were legally employed in the country.

To work legally in Poland, a foreigner must have a valid work permit. There are two types of work permits in Poland:

Work permit – a work permit that is issued for a period of 6 months to 3 years. This permit is issued on the basis of an employment contract concluded between a foreigner and a Polish employer.
Declaration of entrustment of work to a foreigner – a declaration of entrustment of work to a foreigner. This permit is issued for a period of up to 180 days in one year. The declaration may be submitted by an employer for a foreigner who does not have a work permit, but has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform a specific job.

To obtain a work permit, a foreigner must submit the following documents:

A work permit may be revoked if a foreigner violates the terms of the employment contract or the rules of stay in Poland.

How to find a job in Poland

There are several ways to find a job in Poland:

Online. There are many websites that offer job postings for foreigners.
Through temporary employment agencies. Temporary employment agencies can help find a job that is suitable for the foreigner’s qualifications and experience.
Through friends. If you have friends living in Poland, they can help you find a job.

Tips for foreigners working in Poland

Learn Polish. Knowledge of Polish will help you communicate with employers, colleagues, and clients.
Be prepared for competition. There is a lot of competition in the Polish labor market, so it is important to be a qualified and experienced worker.
Fulfill your duties in a legal manner. Violation of the terms of the employment contract may result in the revocation of your work permit.