Foreigners from EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland can work in Poland without work permit or establish own business. Foreigners who don’t come from EEA countries  need to apply for a work permit. It is important to know that you can’t yourself apply for a work permit. Only your future employer can do it.

Stay in Poland for less than 3 months doesn't require any additional permits.Work permits are issued by a local voivode. It is issued for a fixed period of time, however no more than 3 years and may be extended.

There are few cases when the permit is not required e.g:

  • If you are a student of full-time tertiary studies in Poland studying on the basis of a visa,
  • If you are a student of full-time studies in Poland studying on the basis of a residence permit issued for the purpose of continuing tertiary education in Poland for the full year,
  • If you are a graduate of Polish secondary schools, or has completed full time studies or full-time doctoral studies at Polish universities and scientific and research institutions;
  • If you are a foreign language teacher,
  • If you have a permit to settle in Poland,
  • If you have a permit for a long-term resident of EU,
  • If you have a permit for tolerated stay in Poland,
  • If have a permit for temporary residence in Polish territory on the basis of an agreement with the Polish scientific institution,
  • If you are the spouse or a former spouse of a Polish citizen, provided that they have a residence permit for Polish territory,
  • If you have a refugee status granted in Poland,
  • If you have been granted subsidiary protection in Poland,
  • If you has a valid Pole's Card.

Note: For more detailed information, contact the local Voivodship Office or visit the website http://www.paiz.gov.pl.