Residence card

03/02/2025

Poland’s 2025 Immigration Reforms: What Foreigners Need to Know

Poland is set to introduce significant immigration reforms in 2025, impacting work permits, student visas, and employment regulations. These changes aim to modernize the system, enhance security, and streamline processes for foreign workers and students. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Digitalization of Work Permit Processes

The entire work permit application process will transition to a fully electronic system, eliminating paper submissions. This shift is expected to streamline procedures and reduce processing times.

2. Elimination of the Labor Market Test

Employers will no longer need to conduct a labor market test to prove the unavailability of local workers before hiring foreigners. Instead, authorities may establish lists of occupations where work permits for foreigners will not be issued, based on regional labor market conditions.

3. Mandatory Employment Contracts

Foreign workers will be required to have formal employment contracts, such as "Umowa o Pracę." Other contract types, like "Umowa o Dzieło" and "Umowa zlecenie," will no longer qualify for work or residence permits.

4. Stricter Penalties for Illegal Employment

Employers engaging in illegal employment practices will face increased fines ranging from PLN 3,000 to PLN 50,000 per violation. Additionally, work permits may be denied to employers who cannot justify the necessity of hiring a foreign worker.

5. Reforms to Student Visas

To prevent abuse of the student visa pathway, new reforms will introduce stricter entry requirements for foreign students. Applicants will need to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency level of B2 and pass knowledge or qualification tests. A national database accessible to consulates will be established to monitor foreign students more effectively. Universities admitting students from high-risk regions will face increased scrutiny.

6. Integration Programs for Foreign Workers

The government plans to introduce integration programs to help foreign workers adapt to life in Poland. These programs will include Polish language courses and training to navigate the local job market.

7. New Migration Strategy 2025–2030

Poland has adopted a new migration strategy titled "Regain Control, Ensure Security," focusing on regulating migration to enhance national security. The strategy outlines changes in entry procedures, employment principles, student migration, integration, and citizenship rules. These reforms aim to modernize Poland's immigration system, balancing the country’s economic needs with security concerns. Foreign nationals and employers should stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and take advantage of new opportunities.

Sources:

The Migration Bureau. (2025). 2025 Poland Immigration Law Changes for Foreigners. Retrieved from https://themigrationbureau.com Residence Angels. (2025). New Immigration Rules in Poland 2025. Retrieved from https://residence-angels.com EY Global. (2025). Poland Announces New Polish Migration Strategy for 2025-2030. Retrieved from https://www.ey.com YouTube. (2025). New Immigration Law in Poland 2025! New Visa, Work, Study Rules. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com