What to choose to work in Poland: a work visa, a residence card or a work permit?

If you plan to work in Poland, it is important to understand what documents are required for legal employment. A work visa, a residence card and a work permit are the three main methods of legalization, but each has its own characteristics. In this article we will look at how they differ, what rights they give and how to apply for them.

1. Work visa to Poland

What is it?
Work visa (category D05A or D06) is a document that gives the right to enter and work officially in Poland for up to 180–365 days.

Who is it suitable for?
– For those who are going to work in Poland for the first time.
– For those planning a short-term job.
– For those who do not want to immediately apply for a residence card.

What rights does it give?
– Legal employment in Poland with a specific employer.
– Possibility of extension upon resubmission.
– Opens access to the design of a residence card in the future.

What are the restrictions?
– You cannot change employer without a new visa.
– You cannot work in other EU countries.
– After the expiration of the period, you need to leave the country or extend your legalization.

How to apply?

1. Receive a job offer (consecration or permission).
2. Collect documents (passport, photo, insurance).
3. Submit an application to the Polish consulate.
4. Wait for a decision (usually 2–4 weeks).

Tip: A work visa is convenient for first employment, but for long-term work it is better to apply for a residence card.

2. Card of residence (Karta Pobytu)

What is it?
The Life Card is a residence permit in Poland, which allows you to live and work in the country long term. Issued for a period for 1–3 years with the possibility of extension.

What types of life cards are there?

– Temporary residence card (karta czasowego pobytu) – for work, study, business.
– Card of permanent residence (karta stalego pobytu) – Permanent residence in Poland, you can work without restrictions.

– EU Residence Card – available after 5 years of legal residence.

Who is it suitable for?
– For those who want to work in Poland more than 1 year.
– For those who want to change employer without obtaining a new visa.
– For those who plan to live in Poland with their family.

What rights does it give?
– Legal stay in Poland without a visa.
– Possibility of changing employer (if there is a new job).
– Possibility of leaving and entering Poland without a visa.

– Possibility to obtain a mortgage, business registration and other benefits.

What are the restrictions?
– The card is issued for the duration of the contract – if you are fired, you will have to look for a new job.
– The registration process takes 3–6 months.
– To obtain a card, you need to prove a stable income and housing.

How to apply?

1. Prepare documents (passport, employment contract, registration, insurance).
2. Submit an application to the Office for Foreigners.
3. Go through biometrics and wait for a decision.

Tip: If your visa is about to expire, but you want to stay in Poland, apply for a residence card – this will extend your legal stay!

3. Work permit (Zezwolenie na pracę)

What is it?
A work permit is a document that gives right to employment foreigner in Poland. It is issued to a specific employer and does not replace a visa or residence card.

What types of permissions are there?
Type A – if the work is related to a Polish company.
Type B – if you work in Poland as a director of a company.
Types C, D, E – for traveling employees.

Who is it suitable for?
– For those applying for a work visa.
– For those who want to change employer.
– Those who get jobs in large companies.

What rights does it give?
Legal employment.
Possibility to extend a visa on its basis.

What are the restrictions?
Valid for one employer only.
You cannot work for another company without a new permit.

How to apply?

1. The employer submits an application to the voivodeship.
2. The process takes from 1 to 3 months.
3. After receiving the document, you can apply for a visa or residence card.

Tip: A work permit is not required for citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Moldova and Georgia, if available consecration (simplified job invitation).

4.What to choose: visa, residence card or permit?

If you are traveling to Poland for the first time needed work visa
Do you want to stay in Poland for several years? Draw up a household card! If the employer requires permission apply for permission

Best option: come on a visa and apply for a residence card – this way you can stay in Poland without leaving.

To work legally in Poland, it is important to prepare the documents correctly. A work visa allows you to enter and work, a residence card allows you to stay for a long time, and a permit allows you to officially settle.

Do you want to find a legal job in Poland? Leave a request – we will select vacancies for you and help with documents!