Living in Poland as foreigner
Colombians who decide for migration to Poland often seek new job opportunities that Europe offers. Working in other countries in Europe than most popular like Germany is a chance for them to develop their careers and improve their quality of life. In Poland, especially in larger cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Bydgoszcz Colombians find employment in various sectors. Popular fields include IT, marketing, gastronomy, and welding.
To work in Poland, Colombian citizens need to obtain a visa and a work permit. These procedures can be time-consuming, but for many Colombians, the effort is worthwhile due to the stability and prospects the Polish job market offers.
Step 1: Finding employment in Polish labour market
The first step for Colombians considering Poland as a career destination is securing a job offer. Unlike EU citizens, Colombians cannot enter Poland and freely work without prior authorization. A signed contract with a Polish employer is the foundation for the visa and work permit process.
- Where to find jobs: Colombians often rely on job boards such as Pracuj.pl, LinkedIn, OLX, or niche recruitment agencies like Working Project.
- In-demand sectors: Beyond IT and marketing, Poland faces a shortage of skilled workers in logistics, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Employers actively recruit from Latin America to fill these gaps.
- Language requirements: While English is sufficient for some corporate roles, Polish language skills increase employability in hospitality, trade, and customer service.
Step 2: Work permit processing in Poland for expats
The process of obtaining the right to live and work legally in Poland consists of several formal steps. It usually begins with finding a job offer from a Polish employer. Once employment is secured, the employer must apply for a work permit (Polish: Zezwolenie na pracę) at the local Voivodeship Office. The type of work permit issued depends on the nature of the job and the foreigner’s status in Poland. Most Colombian workers receive a Type A work permit, which applies to foreigners working for a Polish employer.
Expanded Details:
- Types of work permits in Poland:
- Type A: The most common for Colombians, tied to one specific employer in Poland.
- Type B: For foreigners serving as board members in Polish companies.
- Type C, D, E: For those delegated to Poland by foreign companies.
- Processing times: Typically 6–12 weeks, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete.
- Employer’s role: Only the Polish employer can apply for the work permit. Colombians cannot initiate this process independently.
- Required employer documents: Company registration, proof of need to hire a foreigner, and a valid job contract.
Once approved, the work permit is sent to the Colombian applicant, who then uses it to apply for a visa.
Step 3: Applying for a National Visa (Type D)
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- A recent passport-sized photo
- The original work permit or a certified copy
- Proof of accommodation in Poland (such as a rental agreement or invitation letter)
- Travel medical insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay
It is important to note that visa processing times can vary depending on demand and the completeness of the documents. It’s advisable to begin preparations well in advance of the planned travel date. Once the visa is approved, the individual is allowed to enter Poland for a specified period, typically up to one year.
Expanded Embassy Information:
- Polish Embassy in Bogotá (Colombia):
- Address: Carrera 7 No. 71-21 Torre B, Oficina 1502, Bogotá.
- Visa appointments must be booked online via the e-konsulat system.
- Processing time: Usually 15–45 days, depending on the season.
- Role of VFS Global in Colombia:
- In some cases, visa applications are collected by VFS Global, a company authorized to assist with document submission, biometric data collection, and tracking applications.
- VFS does not make decisions but facilitates the process, reducing embassy congestion.
- Common mistakes:
- Submitting incomplete financial proof.
- Not having valid health insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR.
- Forgetting to translate documents into Polish or English.
Step 4: Temporary residence permit, permanent residence and work permit in Poland
If a Colombian worker intends to stay longer in Poland and European Union, they must apply for a Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Karta pobytu czasowego) at the Voivodeship Office in the region where they live. This permit combines both residence and the right to work and can be issued for up to three years, depending on the duration of the employment contract. The application must be submitted while the applicant is still legally residing in Poland and Schengen area on a valid visa.
Expanded Details:
- Processing time: 3–8 months depending on the city. Warsaw has the longest waiting periods.
- Documents required:
- Valid passport and visa
- Proof of accommodation
- Work contract and employer declaration
- Proof of income (minimum: national minimum wage)
- Health insurance confirmation
- Rights granted: Legal residence, work authorization, access to healthcare, possibility to open a bank account.
- Next step: After several years of residence, Colombians may apply for a Permanent Residence Card or even Polish citizenship, provided they meet language and integration requirements.
Step 5: Registration, PESEL, and Social Security
In addition, foreigners residing in Poland are required to register their address (meldunek), obtain a PESEL number (Polish national identification number), and be registered with ZUS (the Polish Social Insurance Institution) by their employer. These steps are essential for access to public healthcare, social services, and legal employment protections.
Expanded Details:
- Meldunek: Mandatory within 30 days of arrival. Can be temporary or permanent.
- PESEL: Issued automatically upon registration or requested via local administration. Required for taxes, healthcare, and contracts.
- ZUS registration: Employer responsibility. Guarantees pension contributions and access to NFZ (public healthcare).
Challenges Colombians face in Poland
Though the process is straightforward on paper, many Colombians encounter challenges such as long waiting times, lack of information in Spanish, or confusion due to changes in immigration laws. Some choose to work with immigration consultants or legal advisors to navigate the system more efficiently.
Expanded List of Challenges:
- Limited Spanish-language resources in Polish institutions.
- Embassy appointment shortages in Bogotá.
- Strict document translation requirements.
- Long waiting times for residence permits processed by polish government.
- Adapting to Polish workplace culture and bureaucracy.
Leisure and lifestyle for foreign employess in Poland
In their free time, Colombians living in Poland enjoy the various attractions the country offers. Many engage in the cultural life of cities, attending concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Poland is also an excellent place for travel enthusiasts. Colombians often visit picturesque spots like the Tatra Mountains, the Masurian Lakes, and Baltic Sea beaches.
Colombians also form active communities where they celebrate their traditions and culture. They organize meetings, dance parties, and culinary workshops, where they share their cuisine and music with Poles and other foreigners.
Expanded Lifestyle Insights:
- Colombian community groups: Active on Facebook and WhatsApp, organizing events such as Colombian Independence Day celebrations.
- Food & culture: Restaurants in Warsaw and Krakow serve Latin American cuisine, and Colombians often introduce locals to dishes like arepas and bandeja paisa.
- Travel tips: Low-cost airlines make weekend trips across Europe affordable, allowing Colombians to visit Spain, Italy, or Germany with ease.
- Integration programs: NGOs and polish authorities in Warsaw and Wrocław offer Polish language courses and cultural adaptation workshops.
Are living in Poland as foreigner and searching for jobs in Poland ? Or need permanent residence permit ? Contact Working Project, WhatsApp: +48 537 363 837, mail: info@workingproject.eu.