A temporary residence and work permit (the so-called single permit) is a key document for non-EU foreigners who plan to legally live and work in Poland. Obtaining it requires meeting specific legal conditions set out in the Act on Foreigners.
 

Important: The single permit for temporary residence and work entitles the holder both to stay and work in Poland (under the conditions specified in the permit).

Who can apply for the permit?
Foreigners may apply for the right to stay and work if they:

  • are legally residing in Poland (e.g., on the basis of a valid national visa or temporary residence) with the intention of staying in Poland for more than 3 months, and the main purpose of their stay is to perform legal work,
  • have a job offer from an entity operating legally in the market,
  • will not be performing work in a profession that is on the list of occupations unavailable to foreigners due to the difficult situation on the labor market,
  • are not posted workers or performing seasonal work,
  • are not conducting business activity in Poland,
  • will receive remuneration at least in the minimum amount required by law,
  • have proof of accommodation and a source of subsistence (either separately or provided by the employer),
  • have health insurance financed by the National Health Fund or a private insurance policy covering medical treatment costs in Poland.
     

How to submit the application:

The application should be submitted to the voivode competent for the foreigner’s place of residence, no later than the last day of legal stay in Poland.

Important! The application must meet a number of formal requirements. Any mistake in the
application can, in practice, result in a delay of several months in the proceedings, and ultimately
lead to a refusal to issue the permit.
 

That is why it is so important to fill in the application correctly – as part of our services, we offer professional support from qualified attorneys and legal advisors in obtaining the single permit.
 

What does the decision look like?

A positive decision contains all information: from the duration, through the position and form of employment, to the required remuneration and indication of the authority and deadline for reporting loss of employment.

The decision on granting a single permit should be issued within 60 days from the date of submitting a correctly completed application. In practice, however, this period may be significantly extended. While waiting for the application to be processed, the foreigner cannot travel freely within the

Schengen area. The foreigner may only travel to their country of origin; however, if that country is subject to a visa requirement, they must obtain a visa to return to Poland.
 

Important! If you believe your application is being processed for too long, write to us. We will help
you speed up the decision process.

In cases specified in detail in the Act on Foreigners, the voivode issues a negative decision regarding the granting of a single permit (e.g., when the foreigner provided false information or used forged documents in the application). The foreigner has the right to appeal the received decision.

Remember! You have only 14 days from receiving a negative decision to appeal. If you do not do so, the decision becomes final. From that moment, you will have 30 days to leave the territory of Poland.

Contact us if you have received a negative decision and do not agree with it. We will check whether it was issued in violation of the law and help you write an effective appeal.
 

Residence Card

If the employer, scope of work, or type of contract changes, an application for a change of permit must be submitted. However, minor changes (e.g., company headquarters, job title with the same function) usually do not require a new permit – an update or notification is sufficient.
 

What happens if there is a change?

If the employer, scope of work, or type of contract changes, an application for a change of permit must be submitted. However, minor changes (e.g., company headquarters, job title with the same function) usually do not require a new permit – an update or notification is sufficient.

If you wish, we can verify whether a change of permit is necessary in your case.
 

Obligations after losing a job

Both the foreigner and the employer must report the termination of employment within 15 working days – incorrect or delayed notification may result in serious consequences, such as revocation of the permit.

After losing a job, the foreigner has 30 days to submit a new application for a single permit or register as unemployed at the district labor office.
 

Remember! Losing your job may affect the legality of your stay. Do not delay in taking the steps required by law.