Can I work while waiting for my TRC?
If you are living in Poland and have applied for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), one of the most common and important questions is: Can I legally work while waiting for my TRC? The answer depends on your visa status, the type of application you submitted, and whether you were previously authorized to work. In this post, we’ll break down the rules and provide clear guidance for 2025.
What Is a TRC?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Poland allows non-EU citizens to stay in the country legally for more than 90 days. It's usually valid for up to three years and can be granted for purposes such as work, studies, or family reunification.
Applying for TRC: What Happens to Your Work Rights?
Once you submit your TRC application, you may enter a waiting period that lasts from a few months to over a year, depending on the city and type of application. During this period, your ability to work depends on your legal status before applying.
Here are the main scenarios:
1. You Had a Valid Work Permit or Visa Before Applying
If you were working legally in Poland under a national visa (type D) or a work permit, and you applied for a TRC before your visa or permit expired, you are allowed to continue working under the same conditions.
This is known as the "extension of legal stay" rule, based on a stamp (called a "stamp in the passport" or stempel w paszporcie) that you receive when your TRC application is officially accepted. This stamp proves your legal stay but does not automatically give you new work rights.
In short:
- You can work only if your previous permit allowed it.
- You must continue with the same employer and job position unless your TRC application covers a change.
2. You Applied for TRC Without a Previous Right to Work
If you arrived in Poland without a work permit (for example, on a tourist visa or visa-free entry) and then applied for a TRC to start working, you cannot start working until the residence and work permit is granted.
Even if you receive the stamp in your passport, it only extends your legal stay in Poland. It does not give you the right to work until your TRC is approved and the decision is issued.
3. You Are a Student or Graduate
If you're a student from a non-EU country, you are generally allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full-time during holidays) even while waiting for your TRC, provided you have submitted your application on time and have a stamp confirming your legal stay.
Graduates of Polish universities can also work full-time without a separate work permit after graduation.
Important Notes:
- Changing Jobs while waiting for a TRC is usually not allowed unless you apply for a new work permit or update your application.
- Your employer must be aware of your legal status and the limitations during the TRC processing period.
- Always keep documentation of your application submission, especially the stamped confirmation.
Conclusion
You can work while waiting for your TRC in Poland, but only if you were already working legally and have applied for the TRC before your previous permit expired. The key is to maintain continuous legal status and ensure your TRC application covers the same job and employer.
For others, working during the waiting period is not allowed until the application is approved. Always consult with your HR department or a legal advisor to stay compliant and avoid issues with immigration authorities.
Source: Office for Foreigners – Poland
