Poland has announced wide-ranging immigration reforms that will significantly impact how employers hire, onboard, and manage foreign talent. These changes, expected to roll out from early 2026, signal a major shift toward digitization, tighter eligibility rules, and increased compliance requirements.
For companies hiring in Poland, early preparation will be critical to avoid delays, onboarding disruptions, and compliance risk.
At a Glance: Key Changes in Poland’s Immigration Reforms
Poland's immigration reforms include:
A digital-only system for residence permit applications
Removal of special fast-track work authorization for Georgian nationals
Stricter work permit exemption rules for international students
Higher government fees for work permits and visas
New application forms and expanded documentation requirements
While some changes took effect in December 2025, others are expected to be implemented in stages through 2026 and beyond.
Digital-Only Residence Permit Applications
Poland is transitioning to a fully digital submission process for residence permits. Once implemented:
In-person applications will no longer be accepted
Applicants must create individual online accounts
Applications and supporting documents will require electronic signatures
Employer-provided documents must also be digitally signed
Although the legal start date is expected in early 2026, practical implementation may extend into 2027.
What this means for employers
HR teams and foreign employees must be prepared for end-to-end digital workflows. Organizations should review internal processes, ensure access to compliant e-signature tools, and provide guidance to employees unfamiliar with digital filings.
Changes to “Special Permission” for Georgian Nationals
As of December 1, 2025, Georgian nationals are no longer eligible for Poland's fast-track “Special Permission” work authorization.
Previously, this route allowed quicker approvals with fewer documents. Moving forward:
Georgian nationals must follow the standard work permit process
Processing times may increase from weeks to several months
Existing permits issued before December 1, 2025 remain valid
“Special Permission” status is now limited to nationals of Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.
What this means for employers
Hiring timelines for Georgian nationals will need to be adjusted. Workforce planning and start dates may require greater flexibility to account for longer processing times.
Tighter Rules for Student Work Permit Exemptions
Poland has also narrowed eligibility for student work permit exemptions.
Previously, full-time students at any Polish university could work without a permit. Now, exemptions apply only to full-time students enrolled at approved or exempt universities, such as public academic institutions
Transitional rules allow students already working under the old framework to continue for up to six months.
What this means for employers
Employers must now verify not only a student's enrollment status, but also whether their university qualifies under the new rules. In some cases, work permits may need to be secured once transitional periods expire.
Increased Fees and New Documentation Requirements
Poland has introduced significant cost and documentation changes, including:
Higher Work Permit Fees (Effective December 1, 2025)
Higher Visa Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)
Additional Compliance Requirements
Mandatory use of new residence permit application forms
Submission of copies of all passport pages
Additional employer statements confirming legal compliance
Authorities may request further evidence at any stage
What this means for employers
Budgets should be reviewed to account for higher government fees, and documentation processes must be updated to avoid refusals or delays.
Why These Changes Matter for Global Employers
Poland's reforms reflect a broader global trend: governments are tightening immigration oversight while pushing for digital transformation. While the goal is faster processing, the transition period may create complexity.
For employers, the risks include:
Delayed onboarding
Increased administrative burden
Compliance gaps across documentation and eligibility checks
Higher total employment costs
How Atlas HXM Supports Hiring in Poland
Atlas HXM helps organizations navigate evolving immigration landscapes through direct Employer of Record (EOR) and global mobility expertise.
With Atlas HXM, employers benefit from:
Local immigration and HR experts who monitor regulatory changes
End-to-end support for work permits and residence applications
Digitally enabled processes aligned with new government systems
Compliance-backed onboarding that reduces delays and risk
By combining local knowledge with global infrastructure, Atlas HXM enables businesses to continue hiring in Poland confidently—despite regulatory change.
Key Takeaway
Poland's immigration reforms represent one of the most significant overhauls in recent years. Employers hiring foreign talent should act early to update processes, timelines, and budgets.
With the right global employment partner, organizations can stay compliant, protect the employee experience, and continue expanding without disruption.
