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Poland visas

Poland work visa

EU single market citizens can work in Poland without a visa. Poland also allows visa-free nationalities to work during their visa-free stay.

Ways to get a Poland work visa

  1. Work during a visa-free stay

    No visa needed

    Citizens of all the listed short-stay visa-free countries and territories.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  3. Van Der Elst temporary work rule

    Other permit

    Workers from outside the EU single market who are employed within it and temporarily work in another member country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

Who needs it

Travellers outside these exemptions need the applicable permission for their work and length of stay; detailed Polish work visa rules are not specified.

Who doesn't

EU single market citizens can work without a visa. All listed visa-free nationalities may work during their visa-free stay in Poland.

Good to know

  • Work during a visa-free visit does not extend the permitted short stay.
  • Stays over 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for travellers outside the EU single market.
  • The short-stay exemption does not establish what work a Schengen tourist visa holder may do.
  • A separate working holiday programme is available to certain young travellers.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Poland?

Travellers outside these exemptions need the applicable permission for their work and length of stay; detailed Polish work visa rules are not specified. EU single market citizens can work without a visa. All listed visa-free nationalities may work during their visa-free stay in Poland.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Poland?

There are 3 options: Work during a visa-free stay (no visa at all); Work under freedom of movement (no visa at all); Van Der Elst temporary work rule (a special permit).

Who can go to Poland without a work visa?

Citizens of all the listed short-stay visa-free countries and territories. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How long can I stay on a Poland work visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the short-stay visa exemption.

What rules do I have to follow on a Poland work visa?

Work during a visa-free visit does not extend the permitted short stay. Stays over 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for travellers outside the EU single market.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Poland?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Poland visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Poland be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Poland work visa rules?

On Poland's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Poland?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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