Work Authorization in Poland
To work legally as a non-EU citizen you need: work authorization (permission to work) AND legal residence (permission to stay). These can be separate or combined.
| Type | Duration | Processing | Fee (2026) | Includes Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Permit (TRC+work) | Up to 3 years | 1-12+ months | 440 PLN + 100 card | Yes |
| Oswiadczenie | 6 months in 12 months | 7 working days | 400 PLN | No |
| Work Permit Type A | Up to 3 years | 1-3 months | 200-400 PLN | No |
| EU Blue Card | Up to 3 years | 2-6 months | 440 PLN + 100 card | Yes |
| Seasonal Work | Max 9 months/year | 7-30 days | 100 PLN | Separate TRC: 170 PLN |
Oswiadczenie is the fastest option (7 days) but only covers work, not residence (you still need a visa or TRC). Valid for max 6 months in any 12-month period — NOT 24 months. Available only for citizens of: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine. Registration fee: 400 PLN (increased from 100 PLN in December 2025). After 3 months on oswiadczenie + employment contract with the same employer — you can apply for a single permit TRC without the labor market test.
EU Blue Card: for professionals with higher education or 5 years equivalent experience. Contract min. 6 months. Salary min. 13,355.34 PLN gross/month (2026). Advantages: permanent residence after 27 months (21 with B1 language), EU mobility after 12 months, partner gets work-authorized TRC.
Need to start work fast: Employer registers oswiadczenie (7 days). Then apply for single permit TRC while working.
Want work + residence in one: Apply for single permit directly. Takes longer but covers both.
High salary + qualifications: Consider EU Blue Card for long-term advantages.
Minimum 10 hours/week: Positions under 10 hours do not qualify for any work authorization.
Sources: Act on Foreigners; Act on Employment Promotion; mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl; GUS communiqué Feb 9, 2026; Fragomen; Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1620.
Last updated: March 2026. Part of TRC Guide.
Last updated: March 2026. Part of TRC Guide — free, independent immigration information.