Poland’s Immigration Policy in 2025: A Complete Guide for Businesses, Investors and Entrepreneurs

Poland’s immigration policy is set to change fast this year. Here’s what businesses need to know to operate in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.

By Sam Cairns | 8 April 2025

In just 35 years, Poland has gone from a communist planned economy to a private sector powerhouse. Recording the highest growth across EU in 2024 Q4, Poland is Central and Eastern Europe’s (CEE) clear economic capital.

As money has flown into Poland, so have people. The country now hosts 1.13 million foreign workers – almost 7% of all registrants on its social insurance system.

As Poland rolls out a major overhaul of its migration system in 2025, businesses need to pay attention. The new policies reflect a shift in tone – one that aims to balance growing labour market needs with heightened concerns around national security, social cohesion, and long-term integration.

This guide breaks down the latest changes, what they mean in practice, and how companies can confidently navigate the Polish immigration system to bring in the talent they need.

Poland’s Changing Approach to Immigration

For most of modern history, Poland has traditionally been viewed as a country of emigration rather than immigration. For decades, millions of Polish citizens left the country to live and work abroad, particularly after joining the EU in 2004.

But the 2010s and early 2020s saw that trend flip. Driven by strong economic growth, labour shortages, and regional instability (especially the war in Ukraine), Poland became one of Europe’s top destinations for foreign workers, issuing more first residence permits than any other EU country for seven consecutive years.

This has stoked businesses’ labour forces. But it has also led to debate and disorientation among a populace not used to such large inflows.

🇺🇦 Ukrainian Migration: A Turning Point

The influx of 3.5 million Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 has significantly impacted Poland’s labour market and demographics. All those legally residing in the country are able to work, including roughly 960,000 refugees receiving temporary protection, access to healthcare, education, and the right to work. Approximately 70% of this number are active in the country’s labour market.

This has created some new challenges. Public services and local housing markets have felt the strain of this rise in numbers. Poles are generally strongly supportive of the Ukrainian struggle, but fears over social integration and cohesion have grown.

This experience of a sudden surge in migration has shifted Polish sentiment. While many Poles remain supportive of migration from culturally similar countries like Ukraine, attitudes toward immigration from outside Europe have become more cautious.

In 2024, Poland’s new right-leaning government introduced its 2025–2030 migration strategy, framed around security, control, and selectivity.

Poland’s 2025–2030 Immigration Strategy: What’s Changing?

Launched under the banner “Regain control. Ensure security,” the Government’s new strategy sketches out the highly selective approach it intends to take to migration over the remainder of the decade.

The authorities are clear that they will prioritise social integration and cohesion over filling gaps in the labour force. Nonetheless, the new rules do provide some leeway for employers in shortage industries. Let’s investigate.

The Key Themes of Poland’s New Immigration Policy

1. Controlled Entry – Poland is tightening its immigration policy to ensure the Council of Ministers can set the rules for visa issuance to non-EU nationals. The country will also be implementing border digitalisation processes.
2. Selective Migration: Only migrants who serve the economy, according to a point system, will be eligible to work in Poland.
3. Revised Asylum Framework – The Government will award itself the right to suspend asylum applications in emergency situations.
4. Labour Market Access – Poland will be liberalising access to work permits in occupations with skill deficits, while clamping down on occupations with surpluses.
5. Student Visas – The strategy seeks to address potential abuses of student visa systems with stricter rules for foreigners entering via the educational route
6. Integration Policies – Newcomers will come under pressure to integrate with Polish norms, values and language skills
7. Citizenship Rules – The strategy will potentially introduce higher thresholds and stricter vetting for Polish citizenship, with harder cultural tests
8. Polish Diaspora Support – The Polish government want to attract skilled emigrants back home to support the labour force

This strategy introduces more structure, more scrutiny, and more selectivity.

Many of the details are yet to be clarified, but businesses that plan ahead for a stricter framework will benefit.

So in the meantime, what are the current routes for immigration to Poland?

Immigration Options Based on Nationality

Current Polish immigration policy affords different entry options according to the applicant’s nationality. As a member of the EU, Poland is obliged to uphold the right of free movement throughout the bloc.

Let’s go through the different options open to foreign nationals.

🇪🇺 EU/EEA citizens

This is the simplest route. These individuals can:

• Work freely
• Register a business
• Set up branch offices or offer cross-border services

No visa or work permit required—just register with local authorities.

🇺🇸 US & 🇨🇭Swiss citizens

Thanks to long-standing international agreements, Americans and Swiss nationals enjoy some similar business rights to Poles, including:

• Forming or joining a company
• Operating a business under Polish law

These benefits come from:

• The 1990 Poland-US Economic Treaty
• The EU-Switzerland Agreement on Free Movement

🌐 Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA)

If your employee isn’t from the EU, US, or Switzerland, they’ll need a visa and work authorisation. Their options depend on:

• Type of employment
• Business ownership
• Qualifications
• Labour market needs

A Guide to Polish Work Permits: A & D Explained

If you’re not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, married to a Pole or a graduate of a Polish university, you will need a Polish work permit to carry out any paid employment in the country. Let’s go through the different types.

🔹 Type A Permit: Local Employment

This is the most common permit for foreigners directly employed by Polish companies.

Requirements:

• Job offer from a registered Polish employer
• Relevant experience and qualifications
• Income above legal minimums (varies by region)
• Local payroll registration

Validity: Up to 3 years (renewable)

Family: Can join, but may need separate work authorisation

🔹 Type B Work Permit – Management Board Members

This permit is designed for foreigners who are members of the management board of a legal entity registered in Poland (e.g., a Limited Liability Company or Joint-Stock Company).

Who needs it?

• CEOs, Managing Directors, and other executive-level figures who serve on a company’s board and are involved in its daily operations.

Key points:

• Typically issued for up to 5 years

• Applicant must demonstrate the legal basis of appointment (e.g. shareholder resolution)

• Permit is tied to the specific company and role

This permit is ideal for foreign founders or investors who actively manage their Polish entities.

🔹 Type C Work Permit – Intra-Company Transfers (Polish Branch)

Type C permits apply when a foreign employer assigns a worker to their branch or office in Poland.

Who it’s for:

• Employees of multinational companies temporarily posted to Poland to work at a local branch, subsidiary, or affiliated company on secondments or intra-company transfers.

Requirements:

• The employee remains on foreign payroll

• The assignment must be documented and time-limited

• The posting must benefit the Polish entity’s operations

This route is often used in global expansion scenarios or short-term operational transfers.

🔹 Type D Permit: Cross-Border Assignments

This permit applies to foreigners who remain employed by foreign companies but provide services to clients in Poland.

Requirements:

• Earning at least the minimum wage for the province where work will be performed
• Maintaining employment with the foreign employer
• Staying on the foreign company’s payroll

Good fit for:

• Project-based workers
• Consultants or service providers

Still subject to wage and compliance rules. Valid for up to 3 years.

🔹 Type E Work Permit – Other Circumstances

Type E covers any employment situation not specified under Types A through D.

Typical use cases include:

• Foreigners hired by international organisations

• Non-standard contracts or employment setups (e.g., freelance roles with Polish companies under specific arrangements)

• Project-based work with unique structures

Note: Type E applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and additional documentation or justification is usually required.

EU Blue Card and Specialised Talent Options

For highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries, Poland offers the EU Blue Card option. This provides advantages such as:

• Faster processing for specialised roles
• Potential exemption from labour market tests
• Enhanced mobility within the EU after certain periods
• More favourable conditions for family reunification

Eligibility requirements for the EU Blue Card in Poland:

• Education or professional experience: Applicants must hold a relevant university degree or demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in the same field.
• Employment contract: As of Q1 2025, applicants need a valid employment contract lasting at least six months, reduced from the previous one-year requirement.
• Minimum salary threshold: For 2025, the gross salary must be at least PLN 12,272.58 per month (approximately 150% of the average national salary from 2024). This represents a significant increase from previous years.
• Non-EU citizenship: The EU Blue Card is exclusively available to citizens of non-EU countries seeking legal employment in Poland.
• Health insurance: Valid health insurance coverage in Poland is mandatory, either through public insurance (ZUS) or private coverage meeting specific standards.
• Place of residence: Proof of residence in Poland must be provided through documentation such as rental agreements or property ownership deeds.

Changes for 2025:

1. Business activity rights: Beginning in Q1 2025, EU Blue Card holders can engage in business activities under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
2. Employer flexibility: More flexible regulations allow Blue Card holders to change employers without obtaining a new permit, promoting greater professional mobility.
3. Short-term mobility: Holders of Blue Cards issued by other EU Member States can now reside and work in Poland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without requiring an additional work permit.
4. Reduced contract duration: The minimum employment contract duration has been reduced from one year to six months, making it easier to qualify.
5. Experience-based eligibility: The 2025 update allows applicants with at least three years of relevant work experience to qualify, particularly in high-demand sectors like IT, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

EU Posted Workers Directive in Poland: 2025 Implementation

Poland has implemented key changes to its posted worker regulations in line with the EU Posted Workers Directive, with significant updates effective May 1, 2025.

Key Requirements

• Third-country nationals posted to Poland now need either a Polish work visa or a temporary residence permit specifically for employment purposes
• Foreigners with residence documents from another Schengen country can work in Poland with appropriate Polish work permits
• Foreigners on visas issued by other Schengen countries can no longer work in Poland as posted workers

Equal Treatment Provisions

• Posted workers must receive the same salary components and allowances as local Polish workers
• After 12 months (extendable to 18 months with notification), all Polish employment conditions apply
• Equal treatment applies to remuneration, work hours, leave entitlements, and health and safety standards

Administrative Requirements

• Companies must notify Polish authorities of any assignment changes
• Labor inspections have expanded rights to verify compliance
• Non-compliance penalties range from PLN 1,000 to PLN 30,000

These changes require companies to review employment terms, prepare for potential audits, implement tracking systems for work documents, and update mobility policies to account for longer lead times for assignments to Poland.

Business Immigration Options in Poland

Given the standout growth rate, more and more global entrepreneurs are picking Poland to set up their businesses. In 2023, Poland attracted 229 foreign direct investment projects.

The Polish immigration system provides several useful routes for businesses looking to set up operations.

Starting a Company in Poland

Foreign entrepreneurs have several options depending on their residence status:

1. Company Registration Process:
   • Choose a legal form (Limited Liability Company/Sp. z o.o. being most popular)
   • Select a company name and business address
   • Prepare Articles of Association
   • Complete registration with appropriate authorities

   The minimum share capital required for an LLC is 5,000 PLN (approximately 1,200 EUR)

2. Operational Requirements:
   • Maintain required financial thresholds
   • Demonstrate that the business activity benefits the Polish economy
   • Fulfil financial reporting obligations

Temporary Residence Permit for Business

If you’re running a company in Poland, you may qualify for a residence permit based on business activity.

To qualify, you need to show:

• The business is active and contributes to the Polish economy
• You have enough income to support yourself and any dependents
• Compliance with tax and reporting obligations

This permit gives foreigners the right to stay in Poland for more than three months to run their business. Applications must be submitted before the expiration of legal stay, with all required documentation.

Board Members & Corporate Representatives

If your staff are directors or board members, they’ll need a residence and work permit specific to business activity. Required documents include:

• Shareholder resolutions granting authority and compensation
• Contracts
• Proof of insurance and housing
• Company financials

Pro tip: Company structure and profit levels can affect eligibility.

Labour Market Test: A Key Step for Most Permits

Before many permits can be issued, employers usually need to prove there are no suitable Polish or EU candidates.

This “labour market test” includes:

• Advertising the role
• Working with local job centres
• Submitting evidence of failed recruitment attempts

Exemptions apply if:

• The job is on a skills shortage list
• The role is senior or highly technical
• The employee holds a Blue Card or a similar high-skill visa

Note: On 1 May 2025, the labour market test is being replaced with a protected professions list. This will mean that employers can only hire foreign nationals whose professions are not on this list, which has not yet been published. The process for recruiting immigrants for listed roles will be streamlined.

Documents Needed to Work in Poland

To secure a visa, work permit or business permit, you’ll need to submit certain documents to support your application.

For Work Permits:

• Completed permit application forms
• Valid passport copies
• Standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• Employment contract or assignment letter
• Company registration documents
• Proof of qualifications and experience
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Poland

For Business Permits:

• Business registration documents
• Tax records and financial statements
• Evidence of economic benefit to Poland
• Shareholder resolutions (for board members)

Integration: Becoming Part of Polish Society

Poland’s new strategy puts heavy emphasis on helping foreigners adapt—and requiring them to do so.

New measures include:

• 49 Integration Centres across the country
• Mandatory language and civic training
• Emphasis on “accepting Polish social norms and values”
• Monitoring the social impact of immigration

The Government has stated that it is pushing for greater “acceptance by foreigners of the norms and principles in force in Polish society”.

This means businesses may need to support staff with integration efforts, especially if seeking long-term permits or settlement pathways.

What’s New in Poland’s Immigration Policy in 2025?

As the country adapts to its increasing attractiveness in the eyes of the world, its immigration system is changing too. Here are the biggest shifts this year:

1. Digital-first processing – Online forms, faster systems
2. Clearer rules for skills shortages – Streamlined pathways for targeted roles in industries with skill shortages
3. Stricter controls – Tougher checks, fewer loopholes
4. Greater transparency – Defined permit categories and timelines
5. Higher integration expectations – More support, more accountability

Poland may temporarily suspend asylum claims during times of high pressure or security threats.

How Businesses Should Adapt to Poland’s Immigration Changes

To avoid delays and reduce friction, businesses with Polish operations should:

Plan Immigration Timelines

Given processing timeframes of two to five months for most permits, businesses should:

• Begin immigration planning at least six months before intended relocation
• Allow for potential delays, especially during peak application periods
• Consider the impact of the new migration strategy on processing times

Understand employment restrictions

Businesses should carefully consider:

• Which positions qualify for labor market test exemptions
• Whether positions fall into deficit or surplus occupation categories
• If employees meet the qualification requirements for specific permits
• Alternative immigration routes if standard pathways are challenging

Choose the right business structure

The legal structure of Polish operations significantly impacts immigration options:

• Limited liability companies offer more flexibility for foreign stakeholders
• Rules for board members differ from those for regular employees
• Company registration status affects residence permit eligibility
• Financial thresholds must be met to demonstrate business viability

Support integration

Foreign entrants will come under increasing pressure to show their efforts to integrate. Businesses should do their best to help their employees with this.

• Offer cultural and language support
• Support community connections
• Assist with relocation and bureaucracy

Make use of the EU Blue Card

For highly-skilled talent, the EU Blue Card should be your first port of call.

Final Thoughts: Adapt Early, Stay Ahead

Poland’s immigration strategy for 2025–2030 is in line with a growing global trend: welcoming talent, but on clear terms.

The country remains open for business, especially in industries facing skill shortages. But the process is more structured, more selective, and requires better planning.

For businesses, the message is clear.

If you understand the rules, prepare your documentation, and align with Poland’s new priorities, you’ll be in a strong position to bring your people into one of Europe’s fastest-rising economies.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Poland’s Immigration Policy for 2025

Is Poland open to foreign workers in 2025?

Yes, Poland remains open to foreign workers—especially in industries experiencing labour shortages such as construction, IT, healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. However, the 2025–2030 migration strategy places greater emphasis on controlled, selective immigration aligned with economic priorities and national security goals.

What documents are required for a Polish work permit in 2025?

The standard documentation for a work permit (e.g. Type A) includes:

• A valid passport and biometric photo (35x45mm)
• Signed job offer or employment contract
• Completed permit application form
• Proof of qualifications and professional experience
• Health insurance coverage
• Confirmation of accommodation in Poland
• Labour market test result (if applicable)

How long does it take to get a work permit in Poland?

Processing times for most work permits in Poland range from 2 to 5 months, depending on the region and the complexity of the application. Businesses are advised to start the immigration process at least 6 months in advance of the intended relocation.

Can foreigners open a business in Poland in 2025?

Yes. Foreigners from the EU/EEA, the United States, or Switzerland can establish businesses in Poland under the same conditions as Polish nationals. Non-EU/EEA nationals can also set up companies—typically a Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.)—provided they have a qualifying residence status or apply for a business-related residence permit.

What is the EU Blue Card, and how does it work in Poland?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals. In Poland, it offers:

• Easier access to the labour market
• Equal employment rights to Polish nationals
• Free healthcare
• Ability to purchase real estate throughout the EU
• Pathways to permanent residency and family reunification

To qualify, applicants must have a higher education degree – or three years of relevant work experience – and a job offer with a monthly gross salary of PLN 12,272.58.

What are the most in-demand jobs in Poland in 2025?

As of 2025, the most in-demand roles fall into the following sectors:

• Information Technology (software developers, DevOps, cybersecurity)
• Engineering and construction
• Healthcare (nurses, caregivers, doctors)
• Logistics and transportation
• Skilled trades (electricians, welders, machine operators)

Jobs on the skills shortage list may benefit from streamlined permit procedures and exemption from labour market tests.

Do all work permits in Poland require a labour market test?

Not always. A labour market test is required for most standard roles, but exemptions apply if:

• The occupation is listed as in shortage
• The applicant holds a Blue Card
• The foreign worker is assigned under a bilateral agreement or intra-company transfer

Remember: the labour market test is soon to be replaced by a protected professions list.

Can family members of work permit holders move to Poland?

Yes. Family members of foreign workers can apply for dependent visas and temporary residence permits to join the primary applicant in Poland. However, spouses typically need their own work authorisation if they wish to be employed in Poland.

Are student visas still available in Poland?

Yes, but they are subject to stricter checks under the new migration strategy. The government has implemented measures to prevent abuse of the student visa route. Students must prove genuine enrolment and financial means, and must comply with residence regulations to avoid visa revocation.

What changes are coming to Polish immigration in 2025?

Key changes introduced or expected throughout 2025 include:

• Digitalisation of applications and permit renewals
• Simplified procedures for high-demand occupations
• Tighter visa controls to prevent system misuse
• Mandatory integration programs
• Greater scrutiny in asylum processing, including possible suspensions during periods of crisis