Thinking about working in Poland? Then fasten your seatbelt—because Poland has officially revamped its work permit system, and the game just changed for foreign professionals.
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Whether you’re aiming for a permanent role in a Polish company, a high-level executive seat, or a seasonal gig in the countryside, understanding which work permit (Type A to S) fits your goals—and more importantly, how to qualify—is your ultimate passport to entry.
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Let’s break it all down:
Why the Buzz Around Poland’s Work Permits?
Poland has become a European economic magnet, especially for foreign workers from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. With skill shortages rising in IT, healthcare, engineering, and seasonal farming, Poland is opening its gates—but with new eligibility rules that every job-seeker must follow to succeed.
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NEW Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Workers
Following are the new eligibility criteria for all Polish work visa types:
Type A: Standard Employment in Poland
Best for: Full-time employees with Polish companies.
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- You must have a confirmed job offer in Poland.
- Your salary must match or exceed the Polish minimum wage and be equal to what local staff earn in similar roles.
- Your employer might need to complete a labour market test, unless your job is on a protected shortage list.
- Contract required (employment or civil law).
Permit Validity: Up to 3 years
Application submitted by: Employer via praca.gov.pl
Type B: Top Executives and Managers
Best for: Foreigners serving on company boards or as managing directors.
- You’re eligible if you’re a board member or general partner working more than 6 months in a year in Poland.
- The Polish company must employ 25+ people or generate 12x average salary revenue annually.
- No job offer needed—but you must prove your leadership role.
Permit Validity: Up to 5 years
Application by: Employer
Type C: Intra-Company Transfers
Best for: Professionals transferred from an overseas branch to a Polish branch.
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- You must be employed abroad by the same company and delegated for more than 30 days/year.
- Salary must be ≥ 70% of the regional average wage.
- A delegation letter and Polish representative contact are required.
Permit Validity: Up to 3 years
Documents needed: Delegation letter, income proof, passport, insurance
Type D: Service-Based Workers from Abroad
Best for: Workers offering temporary services in Poland without a Polish company branch.
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- Only for export services—you’re sent in temporarily for a contract/project.
- Same 70% wage rule applies.
- A Polish local contact person must be appointed by the foreign company.
- Authorities will assess if your work is temporary & occasional.
Permit Validity: Up to 3 years
Fee: PLN 200 (higher than others)
Type E: The “Everything Else” Category
Best for: Those who don’t fit into A–D (e.g., one-off consultants, niche experts).
- You need a valid job or service contract in Poland.
- Minimum wage rule applies.
- Labor market test may apply unless exempted.
Permit Validity: Case-by-case
Documents: Similar to Type A
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Type S: Seasonal Work Permit
Best for: Agriculture, fishing, hospitality, and tourism sector workers.
- Duration limited to 9 months per calendar year.
- No long-term contract needed.
- You must show a stable income source in Poland.
- If you’re from Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine—you might qualify via the simplified “employer declaration” route.
Permit Validity: Max 9 months/year
Documents: Seasonal work permit, income proof, housing proof, insurance
Comparison of Eligibility Criteria of all Work Permits of Poland
| Type | For Whom? | Salary Requirement | Max Duration | Key Conditions |
| A | Regular Polish jobs | ≥ Minimum wage & local standards | 3 years | Job offer, contract |
| B | Board members/execs | Not specified, senior-level | 5 years | Must meet company criteria |
| C | Intra-company transfer | ≥ 70% provincial avg. | 3 years | Foreign employer + Polish branch |
| D | Exported services | ≥ 70% provincial avg. | 3 years | Foreign employer, no Polish branch |
| E | Specialized/Other roles | ≥ Minimum wage | Varies | Contract-based, case-by-case |
| S | Seasonal workers | Stable monthly income | 9 months/year | Agriculture/fishing/hospitality |
References
- https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas
- https://cudzoziemiec.bydgoszcz.pl/en/work/work-permit-type-a/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-poland-for-work.
DATE . June/21/2025