Introduction
Applying for a Poland type A work permit can be a complex process, and many applicants face unnecessary delays or rejections due to common mistakes. To help ensure a smooth and cost effective Poland visa work permit process, here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
Who needs a Poland work permit?
Not all foreigners are required to apply for a Poland work permit. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and their families can work in Poland without one. Exemptions also include foreigners like: spouses of Polish citizens, individuals with refugee status or humanitarian protection, foreign language teachers, artists working up to 30 days per year, students and doctoral candidates, as well as journalists and trainers involved in EU or international aid programs.
Remote workers employed by non-Polish companies also do not need a work permit, although they must still obtain a visa to reside in Poland.
1. Submitting incomplete documentation
One of the primary reasons for work permit of Poland rejections is missing or incomplete documents. Applicants must ensure they meet work permit requirements including:
- A correctly filled-out Poland work permit application form
- Employer’s company registration documents
- A valid employment contract or promise of employment
- Proof of company activity and financial stability
- Payment confirmation of administrative fees
How to avoid it:
Double-check all required documents with your employer before submission. Use a checklist to ensure nothing is missing.
Additional details:
According to official guidance, employers must also provide:
- Copy of the worker’s passport
- Proof of employee’s health insurance
- Company deed and profit/loss statement
- Evidence of employer’s legal status from the National Court Register.
2. Providing incorrect or inconsistent information
Any inconsistency in personal details, job descriptions, or employer information can lead to delays or rejection. Common errors include incorrect passport numbers, mismatched job descriptions, and outdated employer details.
How to avoid it:
Ensure all documents contain accurate and matching information. Verify your details with your employer before submission.
Additional details:
Even minor mistakes (such as spelling variations or mismatched dates) often lead to extra verification by the Voivodeship office, which can extend processing time by several weeks.
3. Applying for the wrong types of work permit
Poland has various work permits depending on the nature of employment. The Type A permit is for foreigners employed by a Polish employer or Poland hiring Agency based on a local contract. If applying under the wrong category, your application may be rejected.
Solution:
Confirm with your employer and the Polish authorities that a Type A work permit is appropriate for your job position.
Additional details:
Other type of work permit include:
- Type B: For company board members
- Type C/E: For intra-company transfers
- Type D: For export services by a foreign employer
- Type S: For seasonal work in agriculture or accommodation.
Applicants usually also need a visa:
- Schengen Visa C (short stay, up to 90 days)
- National Visa D (long stay, up to one year)
- EU Blue Card (for highly qualified workers)
- Freelance/Entrepreneur Visa (valid for 2 years, requires Polish clients)
Type D visa cannot be extended; in contrast, a Type C Schengen visa may be extended in limited cases. Long-term residence permits (valid up to 3 years) are obtained separately through Polish authorities.
Foreign workers seeking long-term residence may need to prove Polish language proficiency (via public exam, Polish university diploma, or accepted certificates).
4. Not meeting salary and employment conditions
Poland sets a minimum salary threshold and employment conditions for foreign workers. If the offered salary is below the legal minimum or does not comply with Polish labor laws, the application will likely be denied.
How to avoid it:
Ensure that your job offer meets Polish wage regulations and that the contract complies with labor laws.
Additional details:
Salary offered to foreign workers cannot be more than 30% lower than the average monthly wage for the region, according to Voivodeship regulations.
5. Late submission or work permits processing delays
Processing a Type A work permit can take several months. Many applicants fail to consider this timeline and risk their visas or residence permits expiring before approval.
How to avoid this mistake:
Apply well in advance—preferably at least 3–6 months before your intended start date. Follow up with the authorities if there are delays.
Additional details:
Average processing time is up to 12 weeks, though delays are common if documents are incomplete. The procedure cannot be formally expedited, so preparation is crucial. Workers must register their address and collect a residency card upon arrival in Poland.
6. Lack of Employer compliance
The employer plays a crucial role in the application process. If they fail to provide necessary documents, have unresolved legal or tax issues, or do not justify the need to hire a foreign worker, the application may be rejected.
How to avoid:
Ensure your employer understands their responsibilities and has all required documents ready.
Additional information:
- Employers must provide financial records, tax compliance proof, and valid business registration.
- Employers may need to conduct a labor market test first, proving no Polish/EU candidates are available. Employers must start early with the labor market test and prove that no EU/Polish candidate is suitable before hiring a foreigner.
7. Ignoring legal application assistance
Many applicants attempt to navigate the process of obtaining permit to work without Poland work permit consultants and end up making costly mistakes.
How you can avoid it:
Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or an experienced HR specialist familiar with legal regulations in Polish work permits field to review your application.
Specialized consultants can also assist with:
- Visa applications at Polish consulates
- Family member applications
- Renewals (which must start 30 days before expiration)
- HR compliance
- Employee onboarding.
Detailed application process
To better understand the work permit procedure, here is a typical step-by-step outline:
- Labor market test – in many cases, employers must first prove that no suitable Polish or EU candidates are available.
- Employer application – the employer submits the application at the Voivodeship Office along with the required documentation, including company deed, profit/loss statement, legal registration (KRS), and the employment contract.
- Decision – once approved, the permit is issued. Three copies are made: one for the Voivodeship Office, one for the employer, and one for the employee.
Other considerations
Applicants should be aware that a Poland work permit is tied to one employer. Changing jobs requires a completely new application. Additionally, both visas and permits have limited validity, so renewals must be initiated at least 30 days before expiration to avoid legal issues.
Additional considerations:
- Type D work permits are more expensive than other types.
- A residence permit is often required if you intend to stay beyond one year.
- No digital nomad visa exists in Poland as of 2025.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a Type A work permit in Poland without unnecessary delays. Preparation, accuracy, and compliance with Polish labor laws are key to a successful application. If in doubt, seek professional assistance to guide foreigner through the process smoothly.
Additional notes:
- Permit validity: Tied to one employer—changing jobs requires a new application.
- Fees: Work permits cost ~PLN 100–187 (€23–44), visas €80–90, residence card €23.
- Family members: Spouses and children may apply for dependent visas if the main applicant is approved.
Work permit application in Switzerland
Check also our article about work permit and job possibilities in Switzerland.