Employing foreigners in Poland: why it is an increasingly popular solution
For many years Poland has been an attractive labour market for foreigners. We welcome workers from many countries because we can offer better employment conditions than many other European countries. For some, the advantage is competitive pay; for others, it is stability and quality of life in Poland.
Increasingly, staff shortages in specific industries can be filled effectively by experienced workers from abroad. However, it is worth remembering that the process of hiring a foreigner can be more complex than hiring a Polish citizen.
In this article we explain step by step how hiring a foreigner in Poland works, which documents are required and how to ensure legal work and residence.
Who counts as a foreigner, and what are their rights to work in Poland?
Legally, a foreigner is anyone who does not hold Polish citizenship. However, how they can work legally depends on which country they come from.
There are two main groups of foreigners:
- Citizens of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland — can work in Poland without a permit.
- Citizens of non-EU countries — must have an appropriate work permit or a declaration on entrusting work (oświadczenie o powierzeniu wykonywania pracy).
There are also exceptions that exempt people from the permit requirement. These include holders of the Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka), people with refugee status and students studying in Poland.
Hiring a foreigner in Poland step by step
1. Checking the legality of stay
The basis of employment is the foreigner’s legal stay in Poland. The employer should check on what basis the foreigner is staying in the country — it may be a visa, a residence card or visa-free travel.
Note that not every visa allows you to work — for example, a student or tourist visa does not give that right.
2. Choosing the right employment procedure
The type of procedure depends on the foreigner’s country of origin and the kind of work. The most common forms are:
- A declaration on entrusting work (oświadczenie) — the simplest procedure, for citizens of countries including Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Armenia.
- A work permit (type A, B, C, D or E) — issued by the voivode depending on the type and length of employment.
- A residence and work permit — for people already in Poland who want to continue working legally.
3. Documents required to hire a foreigner
To apply for a declaration or permit, you need to prepare a full set of documents, including:
- a copy of the foreigner’s passport,
- the contract or job offer,
- proof of payment of the official fee,
- information about the position and the salary.
Once the permit or declaration has been obtained, the employer must sign a contract in a language the foreigner understands. The employee must then be registered with ZUS within 7 days of starting work. The foreigner may start work only under the conditions set out in the permit.
Residence card — essential for longer stays and work in Poland
A foreigner planning to stay in Poland for more than 3 months should apply for a temporary residence permit, commonly known as a residence card. The most common solution is a residence and work permit, which combines the right to stay legally and the right to work in one document.
To obtain a residence card, you need to:
- submit an application to the Voivodeship Office responsible for your place of residence,
- attach the completed form, photos, a copy of your passport, your employment contract, proof of address registration (zameldowanie) and proof of payment,
- wait for the decision — processing usually takes 3–6 months, though in practice it may take longer,
- remember that a residence card is valid for a maximum of 3 years.
A well-prepared set of documents significantly speeds up the procedure and minimises the risk of formal errors.
Why trust Alimat Group?
At Alimat Group we fully understand that employing a foreigner in Poland is about more than formalities.
For us, the whole process begins before the worker even arrives in the country. Already at the recruitment stage we explain in detail what the job involves, what the conditions are and which documents are needed.
We help with all the necessary formalities:
- we prepare the documents needed to obtain a visa,
- we support you in obtaining a residence card,
- we provide transport to Poland and help with accommodation,
- we help with matters such as occupational health checks and opening a Polish bank account.
On arrival, the worker comes to our office in Kutno, where we help with the final formalities and take them to their new workplace.
With Alimat Group you are never on your own — we are with you throughout recruitment and the legalisation of your employment, and we support you every day while you work in Poland.
Summary
Hiring a foreigner in Poland involves a few formalities, but with the right support the whole process runs smoothly and without stress.
If you are looking for a reliable partner for the legal employment of workers from abroad, contact us.
Alimat Group means experience, security and full support — from the first step to signing the contract and stable employment in Poland.
