FAQ

A work permit is issued by the Voivode at the request of the employer and is specific to a particular foreign national, work conditions and period of time. Some foreign nationals may also be eligible to work on the basis of a declaration of entrusting work (applicable to citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova or Ukraine). 

Foreign nationals may be employed on the basis of civil law contracts, including contracts for services or specific work. The aforementioned contracts are subject to the provisions set forth in the Civil Code. 

Foreign nationals employed in Poland are required to pay social insurance contributions in accordance with the same terms as Polish citizens. They are also entitled to social insurance benefits, except in cases where international agreements provide otherwise. Please note that certain forms of remuneration, such as a contract for specific work, are not subject to contributions and therefore do not entitle the employee to benefits. 

The employer is required to ensure that the foreign national has the necessary documentation to prove their right to remain in Poland. This includes providing evidence of the foreign national’s right to work in Poland and applying for the appropriate work permit. The employer must also inform the relevant authorities of any changes in the foreign national’s employment status.  

In accordance with the relevant legislation, foreign nationals employed under an employment contract are entitled to leave on the same terms as Polish citizens. The length of leave is dependent on the length of service, with a standard allowance of 20 or 26 days per year. 

Employers are legally required to adapt the workplace for such purposes, and funding may be available to assist with this. Persons with disabilities are entitled to reduced working time standards and additional breaks and additional leave. 

Foreigners residing in Poland pay PIT on all their earnings, regardless of the place where the income was earned. The detailed rules depend on international agreements aimed at avoiding double taxation.

The basic requirement is a pass in the school-leaving examination and submitting the certificate of passing secondary school final examinations. Foreigners are required to produce a document certifying that the Secondary Education obtained corresponds to the secondary education obtained. For the second and third cycle of studies, a diploma certifying the completion of the corresponding lower cycle of studies is required. 

Quote:
“I had to submit my high school diploma, and have it legalised at the Polish Embassy, I had to pass the practical and theoretical exams, and I had to choose whether to study full-time in Polish or English. (Anastasia, Georgia)” 

Polish citizens can study full-time at public universities free of charge. Depending on their legal status, foreigners may be exempted from paying the fee, e.g. if they hold a Pole’s Card or know Polish at C1 level. Fees are usually charged for part-time studies at public universities and for all studies at private universities. 

Special scholarships are available for students with a disability certificate. Universities have support units that adapt the teaching process to the needs of people with disabilities, including consultation with a psychologist, the loan of learning aids and the adaptation of examinations. 

Some diplomas are automatically recognised on the basis of international agreements. A nostrification procedure is required in the absence of such agreements. The KWALIFIKATOR system available on the NAWA website can be used to check recognition procedures. 

The academic year has a starting date of 1 October and has a duration of two semesters. Each semester ends with an examination session, and students have the opportunity to retake exams in the resit session, which takes place before the start of the new semester or academic year. 

You need to have completed secondary education (or equivalent) and prove that you reside in Poland. For the duration of their studies, foreign students must also have health insurance.

Yes, under the same conditions as Polish citizens, foreigners who are legally resident in Poland have the right to study at public institutions. They are also entitled to additional support, such as classes to prepare them for school and classes to help them. 

Children who live in the town where the institution is located are admitted to public kindergartens and schools. Recruitment to kindergartens is based on a points system, and children are admitted to primary schools in the district regardless of their nationality. 

Foreigners have the right to: 

• A preparatory department that allows for an intensive study of the Polish language. 

• Additional tuition in the Polish language (a minimum of 2 hours per week for a maximum of 24 months). 

• Extra tuition in selected subjects (up to 3 hours per week for a period of 12 months). 

• Support from a cultural assistant for the entire 12 months of the course. 

At the request of their parents, children from national minorities can learn the minority language at school. Diplomatic missions and organisations can arrange to teach the language and culture of the country the student comes from. 

Foreigners taking exams, such as the eighth grade exam or the high school graduation exam, have the right to adjust the conditions of the exam, e.g. by being able to use a bilingual dictionary or by extending the time of the exam. 

Yes, primary schools provide free textbooks and workbooks. These are loaned to students for the duration of their studies. 

Foreigners who have a primary school education in Poland have access to education under the same conditions as Polish citizens. If a student has a school leaving certificate from a school abroad, he or she may be accepted at the discretion of the school’s head teacher, if places are available.

The Municipal Office or Town Hall can assist you with a range of services, including the application for a PESEL number, the registration of permanent or temporary residence, the issuance of an ID card, the registration of a business activity, and the payment of local taxes and fees. 

To obtain a driving licence, a foreigner must reside in Poland for at least 183 days in a calendar year, complete a driving course, undergo a medical examination and pass a test. Formalities are completed in the relevant district office communications department. 

Yes, foreigners can do vehicle registration in Poland. The Communication Department of the District Authority Office handles formalities related to vehicle registration. 

Foreigners who are resident in Poland for tax purposes (staying in Poland for more than 6 months of the year) are obliged to pay taxes under the same conditions as Polish citizens. The taxes of non-residents are subject to special rules. 

A Trusted Profile is an electronic signature that allows you to conduct business, confirm your identity and sign documents. You can set this up in an Office or online, but you need to confirm that you want to use it.

IKP is a platform where you can have access to your referrals, prescriptions and medical records. Use a web browser or my IKP mobile application to access your account. To use IKP, you need a PESEL number. 

Yes, free healthcare in Poland is available to foreigners who are insured in Poland or in an EU country. In the absence of insurance cover, treatment in public facilities is at the patient’s expense. 

The majority of prescriptions are issued electronically (e-prescription). All you have to do is show your PESEL number and prescription code at the pharmacy for the purchase of medicines. Prescriptions are valid for a specific period, usually 30 days, although you may be able to get a longer prescription for medicines for chronic conditions. 

Primary health care includes treatment of common illnesses, prescriptions and referrals for tests and specialist care. To access primary health care services, you must complete a declaration of choice of doctor and nurse. 

Yes, some vaccinations are compulsory in Poland. They are free of charge, even for foreigners staying in Poland for more than 3 months. Recommended vaccinations are at the expense of the patient and are not the responsibility of the National Health Fund. 

The system of emergency medical services includes the emergency departments (ED) of hospitals and the emergency number 112. Patients are referred to the Emergency Department in cases of sudden threats to life or health, such as accidents.

The landlord is obliged to deliver the premises in a condition suitable for the agreed use and to maintain them in such condition throughout the term of the lease. The maintenance of building services such as water, gas, electricity and heating is the responsibility of the landlord. 

The tenant shall be responsible for the maintenance of the premises and rooms in a proper technical and sanitary condition. The tenant is responsible for minor repairs and maintenance. This includes repairs to floors, doors, windows and electrical appliances. In addition, the tenant shall be responsible for the payment of the rent on the agreed date. 

The occasional tenancy is a special type of tenancy that requires the tenant to sign a notarial declaration in which the tenant undertakes to vacate and surrender the premises at the end of the contract. This type of lease allows for easier eviction if the tenant fails to comply with the lease, which is more beneficial to the owner. 

The purchase of real estate in Poland by foreigners is subject to the approval of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration. Citizens of European Economic Area countries and Switzerland are exempt from this requirement and may purchase property without authorisation. A permit is also not necessary for the purchase of a self-contained dwelling house. 
Quote: “Poland helps those returning by giving them money to live on. In Poland, the price of food is lower. You can easily repay a loan if you have a job. I have made my dreams come true, we have an apartment, I have bought a car.” 

Yes, applications for council housing are open to foreigners, but availability is limited. There is a long waiting period and certain income, and social criteria must be met in order to obtain social housing. 

Foreigners are required to register if they intend to stay in Poland for more than 4 days (for non-EU citizens) or 30 days (for EU and EFTA citizens). The registration is a confirmation of the actual place of residence and requires the presentation of documents confirming the right of residence in Poland.

Yes, foreigners can use foreign driving licences in Poland. However, the rules vary depending on the country where the licence was issued. Driving licences issued in the EU, EFTA and some other countries are recognised without having to be exchanged. In the case of other countries, a foreign driving licence may be valid for the first 6 months of stay, after which it must be exchanged for a Polish document. 

In countries outside the EU and EFTA, the Green Card is an international insurance certificate. Drivers travelling to countries that have joined the Green Card system must have this document in order for their liability insurance to be recognised in that country. In some cases, as a result of a multilateral agreement between countries, the Green Card system is not needed at all. 

Use a car seat or other restraint system for children under 150 cm tall. This excludes vehicles such as taxis and buses. The child can be transported in the rear seat, secured with a seatbelt, if the child is 135-150 cm tall and their weight prevents them from using a seat. 

In Poland, the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the blood of a driver may not exceed 0.2 parts per thousand. The state of intoxication starts at 0.5 per mille. Driving a vehicle after drinking alcohol (blood alcohol content between 0.2 and 0.5 per mille) is a misdemeanour, and driving while intoxicated (over 0.5 per mille) is a felony punishable by imprisonment, a fine and a driving ban. 

A foreign driver should have an identity document, a driving licence and vehicle documents such as a registration certificate and proof of third party insurance. In the case of vehicles with a foreign registration number, additional confirmation of the right to drive in Poland may also be required. Some drivers do not need to carry certain documents (e.g. a driving licence) (e.g. Polish citizens registered in the relevant Polish registers).

Yes, there is a toll in Poland. It is charged on some sections of motorways. There is no vignette system – tolls are charged for each journey. Information on tolled sections can be found on the websites of the road managing authorities. 

To use telecommunications services, such as mobile telephony, it is necessary to register a SIM card, which requires the provision of personal data such as a PESEL number or passport number. Internet and TV services are usually offered by subscribing to different operators. 

Yes, the ownership of pets such as dogs and cats is subject to a number of regulations. For example, a special permit is required to breed breeds that are considered dangerous. There is a dog licensing fee which can be paid at the local authority in some towns. 

Non-working days in Poland are 1 January (New Year’s Day), 6 January (Epiphany), 1 May (Labour Day), 3 May (Constitution Day), 15 August (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), 1 November (All Saints’ Day), 11 November (Independence Day) and the first and second days of Christmas. 

There are restrictions on Sunday trading in Poland. There are a number of designated trading Sundays throughout the year, on which trading is restricted, with exceptions for petrol stations, pharmacies, bakeries and small businesses where the owner personally conducts sales. 

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, women and men have equal rights. This includes the right to equal pay for work of equal value, equal opportunities in access to education, employment and social security. 
Quote: “To me, Poland feels like freedom. Even more of being cared for, because from what I have personally noticed, people in Poland care more about human rights, women’s rights, men’s rights and animal rights.”

A person applying for a repatriation visa must submit an application to the Polish Consul, enclosing documents proving Polish origin and ties to Poland, such as a Polish identity card, baptismal certificate or documents confirming service in the Polish army. There must also be proof of the existence of the conditions for establishment in Poland, e.g. a tenancy agreement. 

Yes, a repatriation visa may be issued to the spouse of the repatriate and their descendants (up to the fourth degree of kinship) who intend to settle in Poland together with the repatriate. In the case of children who are minors, the consent of the other parent is required, and if the child is over 16 years old, his or her consent is also required. 

Upon arrival in Poland, a returnee must register his or her civil status (birth, marriage) at a Polish civil registry office, obtain an identity card and register in Poland. It is also worth your while to apply for a PESEL number. 

Repatriates can count on one-off financial assistance for development and current maintenance, which is paid by the Staroste. In addition, assistance will be provided to cover the cost of travel to Poland, the renovation of the home and part of the cost of purchasing the home. 

Yes, returnees who do not have a home can receive a place in a returnee adaptation centre or assistance in the form of a resolution from the local council obliging them to provide a home for at least two years.  

Yes, repatriates can attend free Polish language courses organised by consulates or special adaptation centres in Poland. These courses are part of the adaptation process to life in Polish society. 

Quote: “I took a more responsible approach. To move to a new country, you have to learn the language.” 

Repatriates are entitled to free health care for a period of 90 days from the date of their arrival in Poland. After this period, they must be insured with the National Health Fund in order to have access to public health care. 

The adaptation centres provide repatriates with accommodation, meals, and language and vocational courses. A stay at the centre lasts up to 90 days. In exceptional cases, it can be extended. There, repatriates can learn about Polish history and traditions and take part in adaptation courses. 

Repatriates who have difficulty finding work can expect to be reimbursed for some of the costs of upgrading their skills, and employers can be encouraged to create jobs for repatriates. Training and the payment of social security contributions are also included in these programmes.

A child acquires Polish citizenship if at least one of its parents has Polish citizenship, regardless of the place where the child was born. If the adoption took place before the child reached the age of 16, the child can also acquire citizenship through adoption. 

Yes, foreigners can apply for Polish citizenship on the basis of various criteria, such as long-term residence in Poland, possession of a Polish card, obtaining refugee status or on the basis of a decision by the President of the Republic of Poland. A foreigner must meet the relevant requirements, such as a knowledge of the Polish language and the existence of a stable source of income. 

The Pole’s Card is not equivalent to Polish citizenship, but it is a document confirming that a foreigner belongs to the Polish nation. However, the Pole’s Card provides a number of rights, including the right to work in Poland without a permit, access to the Polish education and health care system in emergencies, as well as the possibility of obtaining a visa enabling settlement in Poland. 

To get married in Poland, the prospective spouses must go to the registry office with the necessary documents, such as an identity card and birth certificates. The foreigner must also produce a document attesting to the person’s capacity for marriage in accordance with the law of the country of origin. It is possible to have both a civil and a religious marriage, which has the same effects as a civil marriage once the legal requirements have been met. 

A marriage taken abroad by a Polish citizen or a foreigner is recognised in Poland if it was contracted in accordance with the law of the country in which it took place. In order for such a marriage to be officially recognised, it must be registered at the Polish registry office by means of a copy of the marriage certificate. 

The birth of a child in Poland must be reported to the registry office, which will issue a birth certificate based on the documents received from the hospital and the parents’ notification. The birth of a child to a foreigner in Poland does not automatically confer Polish citizenship unless certain conditions are met, e.g. the parents are unknown or stateless. 

Foreign documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates or diplomas may require additional authentication in the form of legalisation or an apostille clause, depending on the country of origin of the document. In some cases, it may also be necessary to have the documents additionally legalised at a Polish diplomatic mission or consulate. 

Legalisation is the process of certification of the authenticity of a foreign document so that it can be used in Poland. An apostille clause is sufficient instead of legalisation for countries that are party to the Hague Convention. Documents issued in countries within the European Union do not normally need to be legalised or apostilled.