Poland is an attractive country for foreign professionals, but settling here requires professional help as well. Without it you may encounter some difficulties.

About 20,000 foreigners from over 100 countries accept employment in Poland every year. They all have to fulfill certain requirements and follow a strict procedure that is in this respect similar to those in other countries.

First and foremost, foreigners are required to have a work permit, which involves persuading the employment office that there are no other individuals with your qualifications in Poland. Even if you are an expert in your field with excellent credentials, you have to collect and present Polish authorities with diplomas, references and certificates confirming your educational and work histories. It does not matter that these documents are not required in some other countries. Be prepared for the whole procedure to take some time.

How long? That depends. Although Poland is not a federation of states or lands like the United States or Germany, different requirements and deadlines may be followed in different regions of the country. For instance, it takes from seven to 21 days for a local employment office to issue a work permit for a foreigner, depending on certain details that are almost always incomprehensible.

Be aware that soon after arriving in Poland with your work visa, you should start preparing documents for the residence card application. Your visa will be valid only 90 days, just as your first work permit. The best solution is usually to entrust the acquisition of both work permit and residence card to a company that specializes in providing services for expatriates.
More information for expats in two weeks.

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