A new law governing the employment of foreigners in Poland entered into force on 1 June 2025. The Act of 20 March 2025 on the conditions for entrusting work to foreigners replaces the rules previously set out in the Act on employment promotion, and changes how work permits and declarations are handled.
Key changes
- Electronic-only procedures. Applications for work permits, seasonal work permits and declarations on entrusting work are now submitted exclusively online, through the praca.gov.pl portal.
- No more labour market test. Employers no longer need to show that no suitable local candidate is available. Instead, authorities can refuse permits for occupations on local lists designed to protect regional labour markets.
- Written contracts before work starts. The employer must conclude a written contract with the foreigner before work begins, on terms that match the permit.
- No contracts for specific work. A contract for specific work (umowa o dzieło) can no longer be used as the basis for employing a foreigner.
- Broader grounds for refusal. Authorities can refuse permits where, for example, the employer is not genuinely running the business described or has outstanding social security contributions.
- Higher penalties. Fines for the illegal employment of foreigners have been increased and can now reach PLN 50,000.
What employers should do
- Make sure the people handling applications can sign documents electronically.
- Review contract templates so that the position, pay and working hours match the permit exactly.
- Replace any contracts for specific work used for foreign staff.
- Check whether your occupations appear on local restricted lists before you recruit.
What workers should know
- Your contract must be in writing — and signed — before your first day of work.
- Check that the position and salary in your contract match your permit.
- Be wary of anyone who offers work on a contract for specific work, or without any written agreement at all.
Read more
Our guides explain how to get a work permit in Poland and how employers can hire foreign workers. If you have questions about how the new rules affect you, contact our team.