How will the changes affect foreigners and what you need to know about the mandatory conclusion of an employment contract? Learn in detail about the new employment rules in Poland, which will come into force from the first days of 2025

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Poland is a popular destination for foreign professionals looking for work and study opportunities. Thousands of expats arrive in the country every year, including citizens of Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Uganda.

However, Poland recently announced significant changes to its work visa policy for 2025 that will affect foreigners. The main updates include mandatory employment contracts, an increase in work permit fees and new visa requirements. The changes aim to simplify immigration for skilled workers while ensuring a more regulated labor market.

More details on the new requirements for employment in Poland in 2025 below.

Key updates to the Poland Work Visa Program 2025

1. Mandatory employment contracts

From January 1, 2025, employers can no longer hire foreign workers under civil law contracts. All work permits must be linked to formal employment contracts to comply.

2. Increase in work permit fees

The work permit fee is expected to be in line with the minimum wage. The main proposed fees include: EUR 80 for a national visa (type D), EUR 40 for a temporary residence permit.

Read how to legally work in Poland for foreigners here.

3. Changes to visa requirements for Colombian citizens

From August 15, 2024, Colombian citizens will need a visa to work in Poland, regardless of the length of their stay. This policy change aligns Colombia's requirements with those of other non-EU countries, ensuring uniformity of visa rules.

4. Visa reform bill

The new bill aims to simplify the visa and residence permit processes, strengthen monitoring and introduce fines for non-compliance.

The changes in migration policy reflect Poland’s desire to regulate labor migration while attracting qualified specialists to address the country’s critical shortage of personnel.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Mandatory employment contracts for greater security

According to official information, all foreign workers in Poland will be able to work exclusively on the basis of an employment contract starting in 2025. This means that other forms of employment, in particular civil law contracts, such as an agency contract (umowa zlecenie) or a contract for work (umowa o dzieło), will become unavailable to foreigners.

- The new rules define several main forms of employment relationships for foreigners:

1. Employment contract (umowa o pracę) is the most common form of employment, which provides for social guarantees such as paid vacation, sick leave and pension benefits.

2. Appointment to a position.

3. Election to a position.

4. Cooperative employment contract.

- What are the reasons for the changes?

The Polish government made this decision due to several key factors:

1. Combating the shadow economy. Civil law contracts are often used to avoid tax and social deductions. This leads to underpayment of funds by the state budget and creates unequal conditions on the labor market.

2. Protection of workers' rights. Workers on civil law contracts do not have such benefits as paid sick leave, vacations or contributions to the pension fund. The transition to employment contracts guarantees workers basic social protection.

3. Equal conditions for all workers. The innovations create the same rules for local and foreign workers, which contributes to fair competition on the labor market.

By introducing mandatory employment contracts, reviewing visa fees and expanding visa categories, Poland provides greater stability and opportunities for foreign specialists. Therefore, in 2025, Poland will remain a promising destination for employment of foreigners.

Let us remind you! Polish citizenship by descent is a procedure for obtaining a Polish passport by persons who had Polish ancestors. We have already told you who can apply for Polish citizenship by descent and what is the procedure for obtaining a permit.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

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