Summary of All Changes
| Change | Effective Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New application forms | December 1, 2025 | Old forms no longer accepted; download from MOS or office website |
| MOS v2.0 online system | Rolling out 2026 | Online submission of TRC applications; requires Trusted Profile |
| Health insurance minimum | June 1, 2025 | Increased from 30,000 EUR to 50,000 EUR coverage |
| Minimum wage | January 1, 2026 | Increased to 4,666 PLN gross/month |
| Restricted professions list | June 1, 2025 | Certain jobs blocked per county; check local PUP |
| Employer notification (15 days) | June 1, 2025 | Employer must report foreigner’s job loss within 15 working days |
| Minimum 10 hours/week | June 1, 2025 | Positions under 10h/week no longer qualify for work permits |
| Student B2 requirement | 2025 | B2 language certificate required in language of instruction |
| Priority processing | June 1, 2025 | Strategic employers get expedited TRC processing |
| EU Blue Card update | 2025 | 3+ years experience accepted without university degree |
New Application Forms (December 2025)
As of December 1, 2025, all TRC applications must use new forms (wniosek o udzielenie zezwolenia na pobyt czasowy) and updated annexes (Zalacznik 1, 2, 3, 4). Old forms are automatically rejected.
The new forms can be generated through the MOS system or downloaded from your Voivodeship Office website. Key differences from old forms: updated fields for electronic delivery address (e-Doreczenia), expanded employer information section, and new declarations required.
Practical issue: As of early 2026, the MOS system does not yet generate the new forms correctly in all voivodeships. Burman Robinson, which tracks MOS system availability across all 16 voivodeships, recommends verifying with your specific office whether they accept online submissions or still require paper forms. As of February 2026, only 5 of 16 voivodeships fully support MOS v2.0 for TRC applications.
MOS v2.0 Online System
The Modul Obslugi Spraw (Case Management Module) version 2.0 is the new online platform for submitting and tracking TRC applications. Key features:
— Submit applications entirely online through a web browser
— Upload documents digitally (scans accepted)
— Track application status in real time
— Communicate with the office through the system
— Save progress and edit applications before final submission
Access requirement: You need a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) to use MOS v2.0. Set this up at any bank offering ePUAP integration, or in person at a government office. According to immigration experts, setting up a Trusted Profile before you need it is strongly recommended for anyone planning to legalize their stay in 2026.
Current status (February 2026): MOS v2.0 is available in some voivodeships but not all. The full nationwide rollout date has not been confirmed. In voivodeships where MOS is not yet active, paper applications remain the only option.
Health Insurance: 50,000 EUR Minimum
Since June 2025, the minimum health insurance coverage for TRC applicants increased from 30,000 EUR to 50,000 EUR. This applies to all new applications and renewals.
Options that meet this requirement:
— ZUS/NFZ (employer-provided): Automatically meets the requirement if you are legally employed
— University insurance: Most universities offer compliant coverage for students
— Private insurance: Must explicitly state 50,000 EUR coverage valid in Poland. Basic policies start from approximately 299-500 PLN/year
Warning: Many cheap travel insurance policies and some older private policies still show 30,000 EUR coverage. The Voivodeship Office will reject these. Verify the coverage amount before submitting.
Restricted Professions List
Each powiat (county) can now publish a list of professions for which work permits are refused due to sufficient local labor supply. This means a work TRC application for a listed profession in that powiat will be denied.
As of February 2026, most powiats have not yet published their lists. When they do, the lists will be available at the local Powiatowy Urzad Pracy (District Employment Office) website. Check before applying.
This restriction does not apply to EU Blue Card holders, graduates of Polish universities, or workers exempt from the labor market test.
Employer Obligations
Two new employer requirements effective June 1, 2025:
15-day notification: Employers must notify the Voivodeship Office within 15 working days if a foreign employee who holds a work-based TRC loses their job (termination, resignation, or contract end). Failure to notify is a legal violation.
Minimum 10 hours/week: Work positions under 10 hours per week no longer qualify for work permits or work-based TRCs. This closes a loophole previously used by some employers to sponsor TRCs with minimal actual employment.
Student Visa Tightening
In response to concerns about “visa mills” (institutions enrolling foreigners for immigration purposes rather than genuine education), Poland introduced several measures:
— B2 language requirement: Students must demonstrate B2 proficiency in the language of instruction
— Institution scrutiny: Schools where foreign students constitute 80-90% of enrollment face investigation
— Swiadomy Student campaign: Government program to identify and shut down fraudulent enrollment schemes
— Enrollment verification: Voivodeship Offices increasingly verify actual class attendance for student TRC renewals
What This Means for You
If you are applying for the first time: Use the new forms, get 50,000 EUR insurance, and set up a Trusted Profile for MOS access. Check whether your voivodeship accepts online submissions.
If you are renewing: Your old form will not be accepted. Download and fill the new form. Update your insurance if it only covers 30,000 EUR.
If you are an employer: Update your internal processes for the 15-day notification requirement. Ensure Appendix 1 matches the new form format. Check the restricted professions list for your powiat before initiating TRC applications for foreign employees.
If you are a student: Prepare a B2 language certificate. Ensure your institution is legitimate and in good standing. Maintain actual class attendance.
Last updated: February 2026. Part of Poland Immigration Guide — free, independent immigration information.