Poland Eases Employment for Foreigners: New Rules in 2025

In 2025, Poland significantly updated its immigration policy, simplifying procedures for the legal employment of foreigners. These new changes open doors for thousands of skilled workers from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa who are seeking jobs in a stable and promising country. Special focus has been placed on attracting professionals in construction, IT, and youth — including students and graduates who wish to stay and work in Poland.

If you're looking for a legal way to start your career in Europe — now is the time to explore the opportunities Poland offers today. Read on to learn about the key benefits, programs, and support available to you.

Simplified Procedures for IT Professionals and Construction Workers

In 2025, Poland radically changed its approach to immigration policy in sectors with critical labor shortages — particularly IT and construction. The elimination of the Labour Market Test means that employers are no longer required to prove the absence of a suitable local candidate before hiring a foreigner.

This significantly shortens processing times and simplifies administrative procedures. Instead of waiting 2–3 months, work permits can now be issued within 2–4 weeks.

Key advantages for IT and construction professionals:

• Fast visa processing (within 14–21 working days);

• Minimum bureaucracy: employers can apply directly;

• Priority service in visa centers;

• Option to obtain a residence permit after only 3 months of employment.

These changes create ideal conditions for professionals from South Asia and Africa seeking stable jobs with competitive salaries in the EU.

New Opportunities for

Students and Graduates

Poland has updated its approach to young foreigners studying or who have graduated from Polish universities. Now, graduates can stay in the country without immediate employment by applying for a temporary residence permit with work rights for up to 3 years.

This allows them to:

• Legally work without needing additional permits;

• Start their own business;

• Have more time to find a qualified job;

• Integrate more easily into the local labor market.

In addition, Polish universities cooperate with companies in IT, engineering, logistics, and healthcare, enabling students to receive job offers even before graduation. Internships also provide priority processing in visa centers.

Thanks to these changes, Poland has become one of the most attractive EU countries for young professionals aiming to build a career in Europe.

"Karta Polaka" Program — Extra Benefits

The "Karta Polaka" program grants official status to individuals of Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Georgian origin, allowing them to legally live and work in Poland without needing additional work permits.

Holders of the card can start working immediately after crossing the border, without needing voivodeship permits or employer declarations. This significantly speeds up the hiring process. They are also allowed to start businesses under the same conditions as Polish citizens — with no capital or registration restrictions.

The program is especially valuable for students and youth — it provides access to free education at public universities, along with the right to scholarships, dormitory housing, and full student health insurance.

Other benefits include discounted public transportation in major cities and free admission to many museums, reducing the cost of living during the first months in Poland.

The "Karta Polaka" is an effective tool for legal migration and long-term employment in Poland, especially for qualified workers, young professionals, and those with a technical education.

Conclusion

Poland is actively simplifying legal employment for foreigners, opening new opportunities for IT professionals, construction workers, students, and holders of the "Karta Polaka". Streamlined bureaucracy, the removal of the labour market test, and graduate preferences make Poland one of the most accessible and attractive labor markets in Europe.

If you plan to work legally in the EU, now is the time to act. The Get Legal Work team will support you at every stage — from preparing documents to connecting with verified employers in Poland. We work quickly, transparently, and officially.