Before Arrival

🪪👷 How to Get a Work Visa to Poland

A Polish National Work Visa (Type D) allows non-EU citizens to legally enter Poland for employment based on a valid job offer from a Polish employer.

The visa is usually issued for up to 1 year. If you plan to stay and work in Poland longer, you should apply for a Temporary Residence (Karta Pobytu) after arriving. (How to Get Karta Pobytu)

🪪 Types of Polish Work Visas

Poland issues several types of work visas depending on the purpose and duration of employment.

Type D05 (National Work Visa)

  • Issued for non-seasonal employment
  • Based on a Declaration of Employment (Oświadczenie)
  • Usually issued for employment under simplified procedures available to eligible nationalities

Type D05a (Seasonal Work Visa)

  • Issued for seasonal employment
  • Based on a Seasonal Work Permit
  • Allows work only in seasonal sectors such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Tourism
  • Seasonal work may be authorized for up to 9 months during a calendar year

Type D06 (National Work Visa)

  • Issued on the basis of a Work Permit (Zezwolenie na pracę)
  • Intended for long-term non-seasonal employment
  • Allows work according to the conditions specified in the work permit
  • Can be issued for employment lasting longer than 6 months

🔢 Step-by-step Guide

  1. Find a Job in Poland (How to Find a Job in Poland)
  2. Receive a Work Permit or Oświadczenie from Your Employer
  3. Prepare the Required Documents (See list below)
  4. Book a Visa Appointment through e-Konsulat or the Polish Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
  5. Attend the Appointment and Pay the Visa Fee
  6. Wait for the Visa Decision

📑 Required Documents

  • Completed Visa Application Form (You fill in the form when you apply for a visa throught e-Konsulat)
  • Valid Passport
  • Residence Permit or Visa (Only If Applying Outside Your Country of Citizenship)
  • 2 Passport Photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
  • Employment Contract (Original + copy)
  • Proof of Accommodation in Poland (Umowa o najmu, accomodation from employer, hotel)
  • Proof of Sufficient Financial Means (800 PLN/Month + 2500 PLN for return ticket if your country does not border Poland)
  • Health Insurance Covering at Least 30,000 EUR for the Entire Stay in the Schengen Area
  • Visa Fee Payment Receipt (80€ – Payment when applying via e-konsulat online or at a visa centre in cash)

⚠️ Additional Documents

  • For a “half-year” D05A visa: a declaration (oświadczenia).
  • For a “seasonal” D05B visa: a certificate from the register of applications for seasonal work
  • For a “voivodeship” D06 visa: a work permit (zezwolenie na pracę)

📄 What Is a Work Permit?

Most foreigners need a work permit before applying for a work visa. The employer in Poland applies for the permit on your behalf. The type of document depends on your nationality and the planned employment.

⏳ Processing Time

Most work visa applications are processed within 15 calendar days.

In some cases, the processing time may be extended if additional verification is required.

💻 How to Complete a Visa Application via e-Konsulat

1) Go to https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl and choose your country

Country

2) Click on “Wiza Krajowa – Zarejestruj Formularz” to fill in the application form and register to the consulate

❗If this button is not available, select ‘Wiza Krajowa – Wypełnij Formularz’

3) Complete the Captcha

4) Fill in the fields – select a Wiza D – W celu wykonywania pracy in the first field (If there is no such option, you will need to click “Wiza Krajowa – Wypełnij Formularz“, download and print out the application form and book an appointment at VFS Global Visa Centre)

5) Complete and print out the form, including the barcode. If the barcode does not appear, this means that the application has not been registered in the system. (Does not apply if you are simply filling in the form and printing it out without registering to the embassy)

🔄 Can you change your employer?

Yes, but not by simply starting a new job.

A Polish work visa itself is not tied to one employer, but your right to work is based on the work authorization (Work Permit or Declaration of Employment) issued for a specific employer.

If you want to change your employer after arriving in Poland:

  1. Find a New Employer
  2. The New Employer Must Obtain a New Work Permit or Declaration of Employment for You
  3. Sign a New Employment Contract