A temporary residence permit based on work (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i pracę) is the most common residence permit for non-EU nationals living and working in Poland. This guide explains the process in plain English.
Who Needs a Work-Based Residence Permit
Non-EU nationals who want to live and work in Poland for more than 90 days need a temporary residence permit. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work in Poland freely and do not need a permit — but must register their stay after three months at the regional Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki).
Core Requirements
- Valid employment contract with a Polish employer (minimum PLN 5,150 gross/month)
- Employer willing to sign the Annex 1 sponsorship declaration
- Valid entry document (visa, residence card, or biometric EU passport for visa-free nationals)
- Registered address in Poland
- Active health insurance
You can apply for a temporary residence permit from inside Poland — you do not need to leave the country. If you are applying from abroad, you will need a national (D-type) visa first.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Valid passport (and copies of all pages with entries)
- 4 passport photos
- Employment contract or employer's declaration of intent to employ
- Annex 1 — signed by employer
- Proof of address or accommodation (rental agreement — optional but highly recommended; no longer a strict legal requirement for work permits, but most offices still look for it to confirm your location)
- Proof of health insurance
- Optional/Upon Request: Criminal record certificate from country of origin (not strictly required by law for standard applications, but some regional offices may request it)
The Application Process
- Register your address in Poland (zameldowanie) and obtain your PESEL number — both are done simultaneously at your local commune office
- Set up a Profil Zaufany and a MOS account — required to submit your application online
- Prepare and translate all documents
- Submit the application through the MOS portal or in person at your regional Voivodeship Office
- Attend the in-person appointment (required in most voivodeships)
- Wait for the decision
- Collect your residence card (karta pobytu)
Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly by region. Warsaw is currently the longest — expect 6–12 months from submission to decision. Other voivodeships typically process in 3–6 months.
During this period, if you submitted the application while legally in Poland, you have the right to legally stay in the country — your presence is covered by a "stamp" (pieczątka). Please note that you have the right to continue working during this time only if you already had a valid work authorization (like a work permit or declaration) with the same employer, or if you are exempt from needing a work permit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting with incomplete documents — the office will issue a formal request (wezwanie), which resets timelines
- Starting the process too late — apply as soon as you arrive or before your current permission expires
- Salary below the threshold — even a short-term contract below PLN 5,150/month will result in rejection
- Untranslated documents — all foreign documents must be translated by a sworn translator
For professional support with your application, see our Residence & Citizenship services. If you are not yet sure which permit applies to your situation, take the free assessment.