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Poland work visa types. Worker guide

9 December 2024

Poland work visa: complete guide to getting a work permit in the republic of Poland

If you’re considering work in an eu country f.e. working in Poland, you’ll need is a work visa. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the types of Poland work visas. How to apply, and what to expect when moving to the Republic of Poland. Whether you’re looking for skilled or unskilled work, understanding the visa process is essential.

What is a Poland work visa?

A Poland work visa is a document that allows non-EU citizens to legally work in Poland. It’s essential for anyone from outside the European Union who wants to find employment in the country. The visa ensures that you are legally permitted to stay and work in Poland for a set period.

Types of work visas in Poland  (D-type national visa and schengen visa for short-term work)

There are different types of Poland work visas, depending on your situation and the kind of work you plan to do.

  • D-Type Polish National Visa – The D-type national visa allows you to stay in Poland for more than 90 days. This is the most common work visa for those planning to work in Poland for a longer period. With type d visa, you can also travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Type C Schengen Visa for Short-Term Work. If you plan to work in Poland and other eu for a short period (up to 90 days), you may apply for a Schengen visa. However, this visa has limitations on how long you can stay and work in Poland.
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How to apply for a Poland work visa?

Applying for a work visa in Poland involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

Step 1: obtain a job offer

Before applying for a work visa, you must have a job offer from a Polish employer. This is the first and most crucial step. As your employer will play an essential role in the application process by providing the necessary documents to support your visa application.

Step 2: apply for a work permit in Poland

Once you have a job offer, your employer must apply for a work permit in Poland on your behalf. There are several types of work permits Poland, depending on the nature of your employment:

  • Type A work permit: For those employed by a Polish employer.
  • Type B  work permit: For foreigners serving on the board of directors or in a managerial position.
  • Type C work permit: For employees sent to Poland by a foreign company for more than 30 days.

Remember that you do not needs a work permit anlu and you should apply for a residence permit for validity of the permit – it is visa application process for get to work visa at least.

Step 3: submit visa application

Once your employer secures a work permit, you can apply for a Poland work visa at the Polish consulate or embassy in your home country. Make sure to have all required documents ready, such as:

  • A valid passport.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Job contract.
  • Work permit issued by the Polish authorities.
  • Proof of accommodation in Poland.

Step 4: await visa approval

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the decision. Processing times for work visas vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance.

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Polish work visa requirements

To qualify for a Poland work visa, you must meet certain requirements:

  • A valid passport with at least three months beyond the intended stay.
  • A job offer from a employer.
  • A valid work permit.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself in Poland.
  • Health insurance covering your stay in Poland.

Working in Poland on a work visa type D

Once your visa is approved, you can legally work in Poland. Your work visa will specify how long you can stay. This is essential to follow the rules of your visa to avoid complications. If your visa is close to expiring and you want to continue working in Poland, you must apply for a renewal before the expiration date.

When working in Poland, foreign individuals are often sent to local branches of their company. If you’re part of a foreign company and being transferred to a Polish branch. It’s important to ensure that your work permit covers this type of arrangement. In many cases, a standard work permit will allow foreign nationals to work in Poland, but this document must be secured in advance.

A Polish work visa, which is typically valid for two years. Not only grants you the right to work but also the ability to stay continuously within the country during this period. It’s worth noting that work permits in Poland sometimes allow for travel within the Schengen area.

However, even though Poland is part of the Schengen zone, your work visa does not automatically grant unrestricted access to work in other Schengen countries. You may need separate permissions to work elsewhere in the Schengen area, although you can travel for short stays.

In some cases, your employer can apply to extend your work permit if both parties wish to continue the employment relationship. It is crucial to start this process early to avoid any gaps in legal status. For those seeking permanent employment, it’s common to apply for a residence permit alongside a work permit. Which would allow you to stay and work in Poland for longer periods.

When applying…

for a Polish work visa, you must submit a completed visa application form, proof of employment, and other required documents. Additionally, once you are working in Poland, you may be required to register with the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) to gain access to healthcare services.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that while your visa in Poland is valid, you must:

  • comply with all national laws
  • comply with all visa requirements.

This includes ensuring that your stay in the Schengen area remains lawful and renewing any necessary documents before their expiration dates.

Staying in Poland after your visa expires 

Remember that very omportant is validity of the visa. If you wish to stay in Poland after your visa expires, you will need to apply for an extension or switch to a different type of visa or residence permit. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from entering Poland or other Schengen countries.

Why should you obtain a visa before coming to Poland?

Obtaining a work visa and work permit to work in Poland before arriving is essential to ensure your employment is legal. If you want to work in Poland, you must go through the work permit application process. This process includes applying for the correct visa type at the nearest Polish embassy or consulate. This requires having a valid work contract from a employer from Poland and completing the necessary paperwork for both a work permit and a work visa.

Poland offers several visa types, such as the type D national visa, which allows foreign individuals to stay and work in Poland for extended periods. This visa is valid for long-term employment and permits travel within the Schengen area. In contrast, short-term work may require a different visa type, such as a type C Schengen visa. The visa process in Poland depends on the specific situation of the worker and the type of employment.

How to find legal job

Secret about work without fear of deportation

Having a valid work visa that allows you comply with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations and gives you the authorization to work in Poland legally. It also means that your employer can extend your work contract and your visa if needed. Foreigners sent to work in Poland by international employers must also obtain the necessary permits. That is nessesery to ensure their residency in Poland is legitimate.

Without a valid residence permit or work permit, you risk violating immigration laws. Applying in advance guarantees that your visa allows the worker to legally stay in Poland. For the entire duration of the employment, ensuring a smooth transition for anyone seeking employment in Poland.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all non-EU citizens to work legally in Poland by having the proper work visas and permits. Therefore, obtaining a visa before your arrival will not only ensure compliance with the law. But also make your transition to life and work in Poland much easier.

Conclusion about work visa for Poland

Understanding the Poland work visa process is crucial for anyone planning to work in the Republic of Poland. Whether you’re looking for long-term or short-term employment, having the correct visa ensures you can live and work in the country legally. Make sure to follow the application process carefully, obtain all the necessary documents, and prepare for your new life working in Poland.

This guide covers all the basics of applying for a Poland work visa. It’s always a good idea to consult with an immigration expert or contact the Polish embassy for the latest information.

time2work and time2legal

Are you curious about who we are? We are already in a hurry to answer. Time2work is a team of experts in legal employment in Poland. Every day we connect workers with Polish employers who provide decent conditions for legal work. Legal and transparent action on behalf of foreigners is of utmost importance to us.

Thanks to this, anyone who finds a job with us will also find accommodation and help with organizational issues that are not easy to go through on your own. Are you looking for a job and opportunities to live in Poland? Check what we can offer you if you want be hire in Poland by a foreign employer! 94% of our workers extend the work contract with us. Apply for a new work now

Time2legal – administration help for foreigners

If you need help with formalities check offer Time2legal – they prepare documents for worker to live in Poland. Time2Legal is a company dedicated to assisting foreign individuals in obtaining the necessary documentation to live and work in Poland. They offer support in applying for a temporary residence card and help clients obtain a work permit for legal employment in Poland. With an office in Poland, they guide both employees of foreign companies and individuals looking to apply for a visa to work or study in the country.

Their expertise extends to those who wish to work in export services or need a freelance visa in Poland. Time2legal ensures that clients can legally reside in Poland. Allowing them to stay continuously and even travel within other Schengen countries.

For those holding a long-stay or Type D visa, they assist in switching to a residency permit if needed. The company’s services also cover helping employers extend work contracts and aiding foreign individuals in navigating the visa process. According to guidelines found on the Polish Ministry website.

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