How to get a residence permit in Poland in connection with work
A cost-effective and reliable way to move to Poland is labor migration. Find a job, receive an employer’s invitation or other legal basis, and apply for a temporary residence card. If everything goes well, a foreigner can receive permission to stay in the country for up to 3 years on the same card.
Documents required for work-based legalization
- Employment contract / job offer and employer’s declaration or work-permit basis.
- Confirmation of paying relevant taxes / ZUS contributions (where applicable).
- Proof of valid medical insurance.
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement or housing confirmation).
- Passport, biometric photo and fingerprints (during application).
Helpful details
- PESEL number facilitates administration and healthcare access.
- Keep copies of all documents and submission confirmations.
- Report any changes (employer, address) to authorities promptly.
Step-by-step: from job offer to residence card
- Find a job and receive an invitation / legal basis from the employer.
- Obtain a work visa at a Polish consulate if required for entry.
- Within the legal timeframe, submit your application for a temporary residence card (up to 3 years).
- After 5 years of legal stay, you may qualify for an EU long-term resident’s permit.
- Polish citizenship typically requires at least 10 years of residence (with specific conditions).
Processing times, fees and validity rules
Processing time depends on the voivodeship and caseload. Apply early and ensure completeness to avoid delays. If you submit your application on time, the confirmation/stamp may allow you to remain in Poland until a decision is issued.
PESEL, insurance and address registration (meldunek)
We support obtaining PESEL in Wrocław, health insurance arrangements, and address registration where required for your case.
How MaViAl supports legalization in Poland
- Guidance on choosing the correct legalization path and documents.
- Assistance with PESEL, insurance and accommodation confirmations.
- Job matching in Poland and Germany via verified employers.
- Ongoing support during the application process.
