What documents do you need to work legally in Poland?
Poland has become one of the most attractive European countries for foreign workers, thanks to its growing economy, relatively low cost of living, and high demand for labor in sectors like logistics, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand what documents are required to work legally in Poland.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential documents you need to start your legal employment journey in Poland, especially if you are a non-EU citizen.
1. Valid Passport
Your passport is your primary identity document. Make sure:
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It is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
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It has enough blank pages for visas and stamps.
Some employers might request a copy of your entire passport, so be ready with a scanned version.
2. Work Permit (Zezwolenie na Pracę)
If you're a non-EU/EEA citizen, you’ll most likely need a work permit. There are several types, but the most common are:
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Type A – for foreigners working in Poland under a Polish employer’s contract.
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Type B – for board members residing in Poland for over 6 months.
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Type C, D, E – for employees sent to work in Poland by foreign employers.
Your employer is typically responsible for applying for the work permit on your behalf, which is issued by the Voivodeship Office.
Important: You cannot apply for this yourself—it must be done by the company hiring you.
3. National Visa (Type D) or Temporary Residence Permit
Once your work permit is approved, you must apply for a National (Type D) visa at the Polish consulate or embassy in your home country. This visa allows you to:
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Enter Poland legally
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Stay for over 90 days
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Work with the employer who sponsored your permit
If you plan to stay longer than a year, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Karta Pobytu), which is renewable.
4. Employment Contract (Umowa o Pracę or Umowa Zlecenie)
Before you start working, you must sign a legal employment contract with your employer. There are two main types:
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Umowa o Pracę (Employment Contract) – offers full employee rights, including insurance and paid leave.
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Umowa Zlecenie (Civil Law Contract) – more flexible but less protection.
You should always get a written contract in a language you understand.
5. PESEL Number (Optional but Useful)
PESEL is a Polish identification number used for administrative tasks like:
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Registering your address
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Opening a bank account
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Accessing healthcare
While not always required for work, having a PESEL makes your life in Poland much easier.
6. Proof of Accommodation
When applying for a visa or residence permit, you must show that you have a place to live in Poland, such as:
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A rental agreement
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Employer-provided housing confirmation
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Invitation letter stating accommodation
7. Health Insurance
You need proof of valid health insurance to work and live in Poland. This can be:
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Public insurance (ZUS) – if you're employed with an Umowa o Pracę.
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Private insurance – especially useful while waiting for your public insurance to activate.
8. Medical Certificate (If Required by Employer)
Some jobs—especially in warehouses, construction, or healthcare—require a medical fitness certificate. Your employer may send you for a health check-up before employment starts.
Summary: Checklist of Required Documents
| Document | Required For | Who Provides / Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | All | You |
| Work Permit | Most Non-EU | Employer |
| National Visa (Type D) | Non-EU | You (via Consulate) |
| Employment Contract | All | Employer |
| Proof of Accommodation | Visa/Permit | You / Employer |
| Health Insurance | All | Employer / You |
| PESEL Number (Optional) | Living in PL | Local Office |
| Medical Certificate (If needed) | Certain Jobs | Employer |
Final Thoughts
Working in Poland can open up new opportunities for career growth, better earnings, and European experience. But it’s crucial to have the right documents in place to avoid legal problems or job rejections.
Always verify requirements with:
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Your employer
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The Polish consulate or embassy
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Or a certified immigration consultant
Thinking of working in Poland? Drop your questions in the comments or contact us — we’re here to help you get started the right way.
