So you're an international student in Poland, and you want to work. Great! But here's the thing: the rules about work permits and visas can be confusing. Do you need a work permit? Does your student visa allow you to work? What if you want to work after graduation? The answers depend on where you're from, what kind of student you are, and what kind of work you want to do.

Here's the reality: The rules have changed in recent years to make it easier for students to work, but there's still a lot of confusion. Some students don't need work permits at all. Others need them for certain types of work. And the rules are different for working during studies versus after graduation. It's a maze, but we're here to help you navigate it.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about work permits and visas for international students in Poland. We'll cover who needs what, how to apply, what documents you need, and what to expect. Because understanding the system is the first step to working legally and avoiding problems.

The Big Picture: Who Needs What?

The short answer: It depends on where you're from and what you want to do.

EU/EEA students: Don't need work permits. Your student status is enough.

Non-EU students: Usually don't need work permits for typical student jobs, but there are exceptions.

After graduation: Different rules apply – you'll need to change your residence permit.

The key distinction:

  • Student visa/residence permit – for studying (may allow limited work)
  • Work permit – for working (usually not needed for students, but sometimes required)
  • Work visa/residence permit – for working after graduation

Pro tip: Don't confuse your student visa with work authorization. They're related but different things. Your student visa allows you to study (and may allow limited work), but it's not a work visa.

EU/EEA Students: The Simple Case

Who qualifies: Students from EU countries, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland.

Work permits: Not needed. EU/EEA students can work freely in Poland without any work permit or special authorization.

Student visa: Not needed. EU/EEA students don't need a visa to study or work in Poland. You just need:

  • Valid ID or passport
  • Proof of enrollment (for student benefits)
  • Registration certificate if staying longer than 3 months

What this means:

  • You can work from day one
  • No work permit needed
  • No restrictions on hours or type of work
  • Same employment rights as Polish workers
  • Can work full-time or part-time

Registration:

  • If you're staying longer than 3 months, you should register your stay
  • This is separate from work authorization
  • Usually done at your local municipality (Urząd)
  • Free of charge

Pro tip: Even though you don't need a work permit, you still need to follow all other rules – taxes, social security, employment contracts, etc. Working "under the table" is still illegal.

Reality check: Just because you can work doesn't mean you should work full-time while studying. Polish universities expect students to focus on their studies, and working too much can affect your academic performance and visa status (if you have one for other reasons).

Non-EU Students: The More Complex Case

Who qualifies: Students from outside the EU/EEA who are studying in Poland.

The good news: Most non-EU students don't need work permits for typical student jobs. The rules were relaxed in recent years to make it easier for students to work.

Student visa/residence permit: You need this to study in Poland. It may also allow you to work under certain conditions.

Work permit: Usually not needed for:

  • Part-time work during the academic year (up to 20 hours per week)
  • Full-time work during holidays
  • Work for your university
  • Student internships
  • Typical student jobs (restaurants, retail, tutoring, etc.)

Work permit: May be needed for:

  • Full-time work during the academic year
  • Certain regulated professions
  • Work that's not covered by the student work exemption
  • Work after graduation (different rules apply)

Pro tip: Most students don't need work permits for typical part-time student jobs. But if you're unsure, check with your university's international office or a legal advisor.

Reality check: The rules can be confusing, and they may change. Always check the current regulations, and when in doubt, ask for help from your university or a legal advisor.

Student Visa and Residence Permit: What They Allow

Student visa (wiza studencka):

  • Allows you to enter Poland and study
  • Usually valid for the duration of your studies
  • May allow limited work (check the conditions)
  • Must be obtained before coming to Poland

Temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy):

  • For longer stays (usually more than 3 months)
  • Allows you to study and may allow limited work
  • Must be applied for in Poland
  • Usually valid for 1-2 years, renewable

What they typically allow:

  • Studying at a Polish university
  • Limited part-time work (usually up to 20 hours per week during academic year)
  • Full-time work during holidays
  • Work for your university
  • Student internships

What they don't allow:

  • Full-time work during the academic year (usually)
  • Work in certain regulated professions (may need additional permits)
  • Work after graduation (you'll need to change your permit)

Pro tip: Your student visa/residence permit is primarily for studying. Work is usually a secondary benefit with restrictions. Don't assume you can work full-time just because you have a student permit.

Reality check: The specific conditions depend on when you got your visa and what the current regulations are. Always check the conditions on your specific visa/permit.

Work Permits: When Do You Actually Need One?

The general rule: Most students don't need work permits for typical student jobs. But there are exceptions.

You DON'T need a work permit if:

  • You're working part-time (up to 20 hours per week during academic year)
  • You're working during holidays (full-time is usually allowed)
  • You're working for your university
  • You're doing a student internship
  • You're working in typical student jobs (restaurants, retail, tutoring, etc.)

You DO need a work permit if:

  • You want to work full-time during the academic year
  • You're working in certain regulated professions (healthcare, teaching in schools, etc.)
  • Your work is not covered by the student work exemption
  • You're working after graduation (different type of permit)

The process (if you need one):

  1. Your employer applies for the work permit (not you)
  2. Application goes to the local labor office (Urząd Pracy)
  3. Process can take several weeks
  4. There are fees involved (usually paid by employer)
  5. You get the permit, then you can work

Pro tip: If you need a work permit, your employer should handle the application. You shouldn't have to do it yourself. If an employer asks you to get your own work permit, that's a red flag.

Reality check: Getting a work permit can be time-consuming and expensive. Most students avoid this by sticking to jobs that don't require permits.

Types of Work Permits

Type A work permit:

  • For employment under an employment contract
  • Most common type
  • Employer applies for it
  • Valid for specific employer and position

Type B work permit:

  • For being a member of a management board
  • Less common for students
  • Specific requirements

Type C work permit:

  • For working for a foreign employer while in Poland
  • For certain types of assignments
  • Less common for students

Type D work permit:

  • For working for a foreign employer for more than 30 days per year
  • Specific requirements
  • Less common for students

Type E work permit:

  • For working for a foreign employer for up to 30 days per year
  • Less common for students

Pro tip: Most students never need to deal with work permit types. If you're working typical student jobs, you probably don't need a permit at all.

Reality check: The work permit system is complex and designed primarily for regular employment, not student work. That's why most students are exempt.

Working During Studies: The Rules

During the academic year:

  • EU/EEA students: No restrictions
  • Non-EU students: Usually limited to 20 hours per week (or 120 hours per month)
  • All students: Should prioritize studies

During holidays:

  • All students: Can usually work full-time
  • Summer break: Full-time work is usually allowed
  • Winter break: Full-time work is usually allowed
  • Other breaks: Check with your university

The 20-hour limit:

  • Applies to non-EU students
  • Usually not strictly enforced for typical student jobs
  • But it's still the official rule
  • If caught exceeding, you could face problems

Pro tip: Even if the limit isn't strictly enforced, be careful. Working too much can affect your studies, and if you're caught, you could face consequences.

Reality check: The 20-hour limit is per week, not per job. If you have multiple part-time jobs, the total hours across all jobs count toward the limit.

Working After Graduation: Different Rules

The situation changes: After you graduate, your student visa/residence permit is no longer valid for work. You need to change your status.

EU/EEA graduates: Can continue working freely, no restrictions. Just need to register if staying longer.

Non-EU graduates: Need to change your residence permit from student to work permit. This is a separate process.

The process:

  1. Get a job offer
  2. Employer applies for work permit (if needed)
  3. You apply for new residence permit (for work purposes)
  4. Process can take several weeks or months
  5. You can usually stay in Poland during the process

Requirements:

  • Valid job offer
  • Work permit (if required)
  • Proof of qualifications (if needed)
  • Health insurance
  • Sufficient funds
  • Clean criminal record

Pro tip: Start planning early if you want to stay and work after graduation. The process can take time, and you don't want to be stuck without proper authorization.

Reality check: Working after graduation is a separate topic with its own rules and procedures. If you're planning to stay, research the requirements well in advance of graduation.

Documents You'll Need

For working as a student:

  • Valid passport
  • Student visa or residence permit
  • Student ID card
  • PESEL number (Polish tax identification number)
  • Bank account (for receiving salary)
  • Work authorization (if required for your specific situation)

For working after graduation:

  • Valid passport
  • Work permit (if required)
  • Job offer/employment contract
  • Proof of qualifications (if needed)
  • Health insurance
  • PESEL number
  • Bank account
  • Application for work residence permit

How to get a PESEL number:

  • Apply at your local municipality (Urząd Miasta/Gminy)
  • Bring your passport, visa/residence permit, and proof of address
  • Usually takes a few days to process
  • Free of charge

Pro tip: Get your PESEL number as soon as possible after arriving in Poland. You'll need it for many things, including opening a bank account and working.

The Application Process: Step by Step

If you need a work permit (most students don't):

  1. Get a job offer – Find an employer willing to hire you
  2. Employer applies – Your employer applies for the work permit at the local labor office
  3. Wait for decision – Process can take several weeks
  4. Get the permit – If approved, you receive the work permit
  5. Start working – You can begin work once you have the permit

If you need to change your residence permit (after graduation):

  1. Get a job offer – Find an employer willing to hire you
  2. Get work permit – If required, employer applies for work permit
  3. Apply for new residence permit – Apply at your local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki)
  4. Submit documents – Provide all required documents
  5. Wait for decision – Process can take several weeks or months
  6. Get the permit – If approved, you receive the new residence permit
  7. Start working – You can begin work once you have the permit

Pro tip: The processes can be time-consuming. Start early, and don't wait until the last minute. Also, keep copies of all documents – you'll need them.

Reality check: The application processes can be bureaucratic and slow. Be patient, follow instructions carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you're confused.

Common Issues and Problems

Working without proper authorization:

  • Problem: Working illegally can have serious consequences
  • Consequences: Fines, deportation, ban from re-entering Poland
  • Solution: Always check if you need authorization before starting work

Not understanding the rules:

  • Problem: Rules can be confusing and may change
  • Consequences: Working in violation of rules, even unintentionally
  • Solution: Check current regulations, ask for help from university or legal advisor

Expired visa/permit:

  • Problem: Working with expired visa/permit is illegal
  • Consequences: Fines, deportation, legal problems
  • Solution: Always keep your documents valid, renew in advance

Not having proper documents:

  • Problem: Missing documents can delay or prevent work authorization
  • Consequences: Can't start work, lose job opportunity
  • Solution: Prepare all documents in advance, keep copies

Pro tip: When in doubt, ask for help. Your university's international office, legal advisors, and other students can help you navigate the system.

Reality check: Most students don't have major problems, but working illegally or without proper authorization can have serious consequences. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Work Permits and Visas: A Comparison Table

To help you understand the system, here's a comparison:

Situation Work Permit Needed? Student Visa/Residence Permit Notes
EU/EEA student, part-time work No Not needed (just ID) Can work freely
EU/EEA student, full-time work No Not needed (just ID) Can work freely
Non-EU student, part-time student job Usually no Yes (student visa/permit) 20 hours/week limit
Non-EU student, full-time during holidays Usually no Yes (student visa/permit) Allowed during breaks
Non-EU student, full-time during academic year Usually yes Yes (student visa/permit) Rare, may need permit
Non-EU student, regulated profession Usually yes Yes (student visa/permit) May need additional permits
Non-EU graduate, regular work Usually yes No (need work permit/residence permit) Different process after graduation

Getting Help: Where to Turn

University resources:

  • International student office – Usually has information about work rules
  • Career services – May help with job search and work authorization
  • Student advisors – Can provide guidance

Government resources:

  • Local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) – For residence permits
  • Local Labor Office (Urząd Pracy) – For work permits
  • Local Municipality (Urząd Miasta/Gminy) – For PESEL and registration

Legal help:

  • Legal advisors – Can help with complex cases
  • Immigration lawyers – Specialized help for visa/permit issues
  • Student legal clinics – Free or low-cost legal help

Online resources:

  • Government websites – Official information about rules and procedures
  • University websites – Information for international students
  • Expat forums and groups – Experiences and advice from other students

Pro tip: Start with your university's international office. They deal with these issues regularly and can provide accurate, up-to-date information.

Reality check: Rules can change, and information online may be outdated. Always verify information with official sources or your university.

The Bottom Line

Work permits and visas for international students in Poland: The system is complex, but most students don't need work permits for typical student jobs.

EU/EEA students: Don't need work permits or visas. Just need valid ID and can work freely.

Non-EU students: Usually don't need work permits for part-time student jobs, but need valid student visa/residence permit. May need work permits for full-time work or certain types of jobs.

After graduation: Different rules apply. You'll need to change your residence permit from student to work permit.

What this means for you:

If you're from the EU/EEA, working in Poland is straightforward – no permits needed. If you're from outside the EU/EEA, you can still work, but you need to understand the rules. Most students work part-time without needing work permits, but you need a valid student visa/residence permit.

But more importantly: The system is designed to allow students to work while studying, but with restrictions to ensure you focus on your studies. Understanding the rules helps you work legally and avoid problems.

So check your situation, understand what you need, and get the proper authorization. Because working legally is important, and it's not as complicated as it might seem at first.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) Navigate the system, get your documents in order, and go find that job. Just make sure you do it the right way.