Big changes are coming to Poland’s work permit system starting June 1, 2025, as part of a sweeping update to the country’s immigration law. These changes will make it faster to hire some foreign workers in Poland, while introducing stricter rules for employers.

Whether you’re a business hiring global talent or a foreign national planning to work in Poland, here’s what you need to know — and how to stay compliant.

 Labor Market Test Eliminated — Replaced by a Protected Professions List

The labor market test in Poland, a key hurdle in hiring non-EU workers, will be eliminated. In its place, a Protected Professions List will outline jobs that foreign nationals cannot fill.

 What’s changing:

• No more job advertising or proving a labor shortage
• Faster work permit application process
• However, employers can only hire foreign nationals for jobs not on the protected list

The list hasn’t been published yet, but exceptions will exist (e.g. Turkish nationals employed legally for 4+ years).

Signed Contracts Now Mandatory for Work Permit Holders

From now on, employers must submit a signed employment contract when applying for a Work Permit or Special Permission Work Permit, a step that wasn’t required before.

 Key impact:

• No more informal or verbal arrangements
• Employers face penalties or permit revocation if contracts aren’t submitted

 Expanded Employer Notification Requirements

Employers and foreign employees will now be legally required to report key changes, such as:

• Worker’s change of address
• Increased work hours
• Early termination of employment

New Data Retention Rules for Employers

Companies hiring foreign nationals must now retain employment records for at least two years after the employee leaves.

This includes contracts, work hours, and personal data, increasing administrative burden and compliance risk.

 Fast-Track Work Permit Processing Introduced

Select employers will benefit from faster processing times if they:

• Are vital to Poland’s economy
• Frequently hire the same foreign workers
• Hire for shortage occupations

 Work Bans for Certain Visa Holders

Foreign nationals in Poland on the following visa types will no longer be allowed to work:

• Family visit visas
• Short-term study (non-degree) visas
• Medical treatment visas
• Visa-free entries

This is a sharp departure from current policy, restricting work rights for visitors and students.

 Other Key Changes to Poland’s Immigration Law

• Consolidation of work permit categories
• Tougher grounds for permit refusal
• Increased fines for illegal employment
• Broader list of immigration-related offenses

What Employers Should Do Now

These changes reflect Poland’s effort to modernize its immigration system, making it more efficient, but also more regulated. To prepare:

• Audit your current foreign workforce
• Update hiring and documentation procedures
• Watch for the publication of the Protected Professions List
• Train HR teams on new compliance and reporting rules

Conclusion

The new Poland work permit rules in 2025 mark a turning point for employers and foreign nationals alike. While the system is getting more streamlined, it’s also becoming stricter and more data-driven. Companies that act early will avoid penalties and keep their hiring pipelines moving. For more information, contact us