Key Points
- New immigration rules take effect in Poland on June 1, 2025.
- Employers must use electronic systems for work authorization applications.
- Stricter compliance, contract filing, and penalties for violations are introduced.
Overview
Effective June 1, 2025, Poland will implement a significant reform to its immigration framework for foreign workers and sponsoring employers. Under the new rules, employers must submit work authorization requests using a digital system. This move aims to improve transparency and streamline processing. Authorities will also apply broader rejection criteria for work authorization applications, signaling tighter scrutiny.
Employers must now submit signed employment contracts before a foreign national begins work. Additional notification deadlines and documentation requirements are being introduced, and authorities will conduct enhanced right-to-work checks to ensure legal employment practices.
Penalties for noncompliance have increased, with employers facing steeper fines for illegal employment or procedural violations. However, the reform also introduces a fast-track channel for sectors identified as critical to Poland’s economy, expediting application processing for employers contributing to national economic priorities.
Remote work arrangements are also addressed. While full remote employment still requires compliance with standard procedures, occasional remote work for foreign entities will be permitted without needing a separate work permit.
Looking Ahead
Employers in Poland should begin reviewing their immigration procedures and ensure that HR, compliance, and legal teams are prepared for the June 1 rollout. Particular attention should be paid to contract timelines, document preparation, and the new digital submission platform. Companies operating in priority sectors may benefit from reduced processing times, but all employers should expect closer enforcement and increased risk exposure for noncompliance. Early adaptation will be critical to avoiding disruptions and penalties.
