How to Verify Poland Work Permit

If you're considering working in Poland, either as a foreign worker or an employer hiring internationally, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of a work permit. Ensuring that a work permit is valid not only ensures legal compliance but also protects you from potential legal or financial risks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to verify a Poland work permit efficiently and effectively.

 

1. Understanding the Types of Work Permits in Poland

Before diving into the verification process, it’s important to understand the different types of work permits issued by the Polish government:

• Type A Work Permit: For foreign nationals employed by a Polish company.
• Type B Work Permit: For foreign nationals managing a branch or representative office in Poland.
• Type C Work Permit: For employees of foreign companies temporarily working in Poland.
• Type D Work Permit: For employees of foreign companies working on a project in Poland.
• Type E Work Permit: For foreign nationals working in Poland for any employer in any industry, on a temporary basis.

Each work permit type comes with specific documentation and requirements. Knowing the type of permit will guide you through the correct verification process.

 

2. Check the Work Permit Issuer

The first step in verifying a Poland work permit is to check the authenticity of the issuing authority. In Poland, work permits are issued by the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) based on the applicant’s job, nationality, and circumstances.

To ensure a work permit is legitimate:

• Confirm the issuing office: Verify that the permit is issued by the Voivodeship Office of the appropriate region. Each office is responsible for issuing work permits in a specific administrative region of Poland.
• Check for the official stamp and signature: A genuine work permit will have the official stamp of the Voivodeship Office and the signature of the relevant official.

 

3. Verify the Work Permit Number

Every Poland work permit comes with a unique identification number. This number can be cross-checked to confirm the work permit’s legitimacy.

• Request the work permit number: Ask the applicant or employee for the permit number.
• Cross-check with the Voivodeship Office: Some regional offices provide online services where employers can verify permit numbers. If the information is unavailable online, contact the relevant office directly and inquire about the permit number's authenticity.

 

4. Check the Work Permit Expiry Date

Work permits in Poland are issued for specific time frames, depending on the type of work and the agreement with the employer. A valid work permit should clearly state the start and end date.

• Ensure it hasn’t expired: Check the expiry date to ensure the permit is still active.
• Renewal process: If the work permit is close to expiring, check the process for renewing it to avoid employment disruptions.

 

5. Check the Applicant’s Details

Verify the details on the work permit against official documents such as the applicant’s passport or national ID.

• Personal details: Check for the applicant's name, nationality, and date of birth.
• Job details: Ensure that the job title and the name of the employer match the offer letter or contract provided by the employee.

 

6. Use the Polish Ministry of Family and Social Policy

The Ministry of Family and Social Policy (Ministerstwo Rodziny i Polityki Społecznej) provides an online portal for verifying work permits. Employers can check whether an individual’s permit is valid and corresponds to the specific job and employment status.

• Visit the Ministry’s website: Go to the Ministry's official website and find the section on work permits for foreigners.
• Submit the required details: You will need to provide the applicant’s details or the permit number to verify the work permit.

 

7. Consult with Legal or HR Professionals

If you're unsure about the verification process or if something seems suspicious, it’s wise to consult with a legal expert or an HR professional who specializes in Polish labor law.

• HR departments: Larger companies typically have HR departments or teams who handle work permit verification.
• Legal assistance: For complex situations, you may want to hire a lawyer to assist with the verification process.

 

8. Be Aware of Fraudulent Work Permits

Unfortunately, like in many countries, fraudulent work permits do exist. To protect yourself from fraud, be sure to:

• Look for inconsistencies: Check for spelling errors, mismatched information, or unusual formatting.
• Research the employer: Verify the legitimacy of the employer and the job offer.
• Avoid cash payments: Be cautious if asked to make large payments or if the process seems unusually quick or effortless.

 

Conclusion

Verifying a Poland work permit is an essential step for both employers and foreign workers to ensure compliance with Polish immigration and labor laws. By checking the authenticity of the permit number, confirming details with the issuing authority, and using online resources provided by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, you can ensure that the work permit is valid and avoid any legal complications.

Taking these steps will not only keep you compliant with Polish regulations but also foster a trustworthy and transparent working relationship with employees and employers alike.