Hiring foreigners in 2026: what the amendment changed

The headline change

The labour market test (TRP) has been abolished for most positions, a significant relief for employers who previously had to wait 30 days for a starosta opinion.

In its place: an obligation to publish the job offer in the national system for 14 days, a different kind of formality.

Three hiring routes

Statement of work assignment (oświadczenie o powierzeniu pracy): the simplest option, for citizens of 6 countries (UA, BY, MD, GE, AM, RU). Up to 24 months of work, fully online formalities.

Type A work permit: for citizens of other countries. Requires documents from both employer and worker. Processing time: 30–90 days depending on voivodeship.

Combined residence and work permit: for workers already in Poland. Handled at the voivodeship office, averaging 4–6 months.

What was sped up in 2026

• Electronic applications for all procedures (end of paper).
• Office decisions within 30 days (with penalties for missing the deadline; previously a dead-letter rule).
• Ability to change employer without a new permit (if the role is similar).

What was tightened

• Penalties for illegal employment: from PLN 30k up to PLN 50k per foreigner.
• An obligation for monthly verification of employee document validity, with a penalty of up to PLN 10k per breach.
• Tighter PIP (labour inspectorate) inspections in "sensitive" sectors: hospitality, construction, care.

Common employer mistakes

• Hiring on a civil-law contract instead of an employment contract does not waive the permit obligation.
• No A1 for a worker posted into Poland from abroad.
• Failing to register with PUP (district employment office) the actual position (different from the permit description).

We run the full legalisation process, from application to residence card. Including for workers' families. Reach out if you're planning hires in 2026.