Work Permit in Poland 2026: Types, Fees and How to Apply
Poland work permit 2026 explained: types A–E and seasonal, official fees, who applies on praca.gov.pl and what changed under the new law. A simple guide.
A Polish work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) is a decision that allows a specific employer to hire you for a specific job. In 2026 the employer applies for it online only, through praca.gov.pl, the fee is 200–800 zł depending on the type and length of work, and there is no longer a labour market test.
Key takeaways
- Rules come from the law of 20 March 2025, in force since 1 June 2025.
- Applications sent on paper or by email are left unprocessed – only praca.gov.pl counts.
- The most common type for foreign workers is type A (work for an employer in Poland), issued by the voivode (wojewoda).
- Seasonal work has its own permit (type S), issued by the local labour office (PUP – powiatowy urząd pracy).
- A work permit alone is not enough: you also need a visa or residence title that allows work.
Types of work permits in Poland
| Type | Who it is for | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| A | Work for an employer registered in Poland (the standard case) | Voivode (wojewoda) |
| B | Members of a company’s management board or holders of commercial power of attorney | Voivode |
| C, D, E | Foreigners posted to Poland by a foreign employer | Voivode |
| S – seasonal | Agriculture, horticulture, short-term accommodation, seasonal catering | Starost / local labour office (PUP) |
Type A permits are usually granted for up to 3 years. Exact validity periods depend on the decision, so always read the dates written on your permit.
Seasonal work permit
Seasonal work (praca sezonowa) is allowed for a maximum of 9 months in a calendar year. The industries are listed in a government regulation and mainly cover farming, gardening, short-term accommodation and seasonal food service. An entry for seasonal work can cover up to 3 consecutive years, which is useful if you come back every season. Seasonal work cannot be done on a declaration (oświadczenie).
Nationals of Armenia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine
These four nationalities can also work on the simpler declaration of entrusting work (oświadczenie o powierzeniu wykonywania pracy). Georgia was removed from this list on 1 December 2025. Read more in our guide to the declaration of entrusting work.
Work permit fees from 1 December 2025
| Situation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Work up to 3 months | 200 zł |
| Work longer than 3 months | 400 zł |
| Posting of a worker (types C–E) | 800 zł |
| Seasonal work permit | 100 zł |
The employer pays the fee. Be careful: a legitimate employer or agency does not charge workers for “buying” a permit.
How to apply step by step
- Find an employer who is ready to hire you legally and sign the offer.
- The employer creates an account on praca.gov.pl and fills in the application. Attachments must be signed with a qualified electronic signature or trusted profile (profil zaufany).
- You send your documents – usually a copy of all used pages of your passport. Documents in a foreign language (other than the passport) need a sworn translation into Polish.
- The employer pays the fee and submits the application.
- The office checks the employer. Unpaid social security (ZUS) contributions or tax debts are a ground for refusal.
- The permit is issued. The employer sends you a copy, which you need for your visa application.
- You apply for a national D visa at a Polish consulate, unless you already live legally in Poland. See our Poland work visa guide.
Processing times differ from one voivodeship office to another, so plan ahead and ask your employer for the case number.
What changed with the new law (June 2025)
- No labour market test. The employer no longer needs a certificate from the starost that no Polish worker is available. Instead, a starost may publish a list of occupations for which no permits are issued locally.
- Online only. Every application, declaration and attachment goes through praca.gov.pl.
- No classic extension. Under the new rules you generally file a new application instead of “extending” the old permit. Confirm the current procedure with your voivodeship office before your permit expires.
- Visas that never allow work. Visas issued for tourism (01), visits (02), purposes 11, 14, 20 (temporary protection) and 23, transit visas and visas issued by another Schengen country do not give the right to work on a permit or declaration.
Your employer’s obligations
- Sign a written contract before you start work, with a translation into a language you understand.
- Send a copy of the contract to the office through praca.gov.pl before you start.
- Pay you at least the minimum wage – 4,806 zł gross per month or 31.40 zł per hour in 2026 – and not less than Polish workers in a similar job.
- Inform you about your right to join a trade union.
- Keep a copy of your residence document for the duration of the work plus 2 years.
You can learn more about pay in our article on the minimum wage in Poland 2026.
Work permit vs residence card
A work permit is tied to one employer and one position. If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a temporary residence and work permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i pracę), which gives you a residence card (karta pobytu). Read our residence card guide or check the overview on our legalization page.
Official information is available on praca.gov.pl and the government helpline Zielona Linia.
Looking for a legal job in Poland?
JobPartner connects foreign workers with employment agencies that hire legally. Register for free and create your candidate profile – it takes a few minutes. We do not promise a job or a visa, but we help you reach agencies that follow Polish law.
FAQ
Who applies for a Polish work permit – me or the employer?
The employer in Poland applies, online only through praca.gov.pl. You provide copies of your passport and other documents, but you cannot apply for a type A work permit on your own.
How much does a work permit in Poland cost in 2026?
Since 1 December 2025 the fee is 200 zł for work up to 3 months, 400 zł for work longer than 3 months, 800 zł for posted workers and 100 zł for a seasonal work permit. The employer pays it.
Is there still a labour market test in Poland?
No. The labour market test was abolished by the law that came into force on 1 June 2025. Instead, local authorities can publish a list of occupations for which permits are not issued in their area.
Can I start working as soon as the permit is issued?
Only if you also have a residence title that allows work, such as a national D work visa or a residence card. Tourist and Schengen visas from other countries do not allow you to work in Poland.
This article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change – check the current rules on gov.pl or ask our recruiter.