For jobseekers, Poland offers numerous benefits such as a good average salary, a high number of paid leaves, enhanced medical facilities and many more.

Though permanent residents of Poland do not need a work permit to work here, non-EU residents require it to carry out the same function.

Thus, if you are a non-EU resident from India, you must know how the entire application process operates regarding the Poland work visa for Indians. Read along!

A work visa is an official document that entitles a foreign national to work legally in Poland.

There are various types of work visas available for non-EU citizens, such as Indians who are willing to work in Poland. These are as follows:

• Work Permit (Type A)
• Work Permit (Type B)
• Work Permit (Type C or E)
• Business visa (Schengen Visa C or D)
• Freelance or Entrepreneur Visa (Temporary Residence Card)

Below are discussed the eligilibility to get a work visa for Indians in Poland -

Work Permit (Type A)

Foreign nationals such as Indians who are going to work for a Polish employer, sent by a foreign employer or will have a position on a management board in Poland can apply for this type of permit.

Work Permit (Type B)

Foreign nationals who will work as a board member in a legal entity or a limited company, in an organisation or join to manage a limited or a limited joint-stock partnership as a general partner or have proxy rights are eligible for a Type B visa. This visa is available for those who will reside in Poland for more than 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.

Work Permit (Type C or E)

This variant of work permit is issued in Poland to those individuals who work under a foreign employer and is sent to work in Poland at one of the employer’s offices there. It means individuals can obtain Type C or E work visas in Poland, especially if they are sent through an intra-company transfer.

Business visa (Schengen Visa C or D)

Foreign nationals, including Indians willing to visit Poland for business purposes, are eligible for Schengen Visa.

Freelance or Entrepreneur Visa (Temporary Residence Card)

Freelancers considering setting up businesses in Poland can apply for a special freelance or entrepreneur visa.

Individuals considering working in Poland must need a Polish employer to complete the work permit application procedure on their behalf. The application process involves the following steps:

Step 1 – Labour market test conducted by an employer

Before initiating to apply for a foreign work permit, employers must carry out a labour market test. It is essential for employers to learn about the conditions regarding employment in the local labour market. This test ensures that there are no suitable Polish or EU employees to carry out the required task and position.

• Employers first submit a notification of vacancy in the County Labour Office.
• Next, the Labour Office scrutinises the data of all unemployed people and job seekers.
• In case the Labour Office finds out enough position persons fulfil the job requirements, then the authority will arrange recruitment amongst these eligible individuals. Otherwise, employers can proceed to apply for a work permit.
• Here, a comparative analysis occurs between the employer submitted remuneration proposed to the Labour office submitted remuneration. This comparison is based on the same or similar position for similar work where these sums need to be similar.
• At this stage, it is the County Commissioner’s duty to issue the relevant decision.
• If the decision works in favour of the employer, the governor issues the decision to the employer, who can be then able to apply for a work permit and temporary residence permit on behalf of the foreign national employee.

Step 2 – The application process

Employers can start the application process by submitting the required documents at this stage. First, however, they need to fulfil certain conditions. These are:

• The employers have set favourable employment conditions under all applicable employment rules, including the provisions of the Labour Code.
• Remuneration is no less than the average monthly wage by more than 30%, as per the Voivodship Office.

Step 3 – Issuing work permit

The Local Government Head of Poland, Viovode, issues a Polish work permit. After getting approval of the work permit application, three of these copies are generated for the Voivodeship Office, employer, and employee, respectively.

Once employers provide employees with a work permit, they can start working in Poland.

Employers need to complete other obligations. These are as follows:

• Employers must inform the respective authority regarding the steps necessary to issue a work permit and any event that can hamper this process.
• Implement the conditions specified in the contract with the foreign national (here Indians). The contract should be available in writing and translated (if required) to a language that the respective employee can understand and read before signing.
• An employer must inform the Voivode in case foreign employees fail to initiate work within 3 months of the work permit issuance or finish work more than 3 months before expiry. Employers must inform about any changes in the job duty.

The requirement of documents for Poland's work visa changes based on the type of work permit applied for.

Below is discussed the list of documents needed to apply for various types of work visas in Poland:

Work Permit (Type A) + Work Permit (Type C or E)

• A Valid passport.
• Proof that the applicant has enough financial security and support to manage themselves during their stay. For this, they have to submit proof of income or sponsorship declaration from close acquaintances in a Schengen country, and bank statements.
• Letter of Employment provided by a Polish employer.
• A copy of the itinerary that includes confirmed reservation and airline ticket.

Business visa (Schengen Visa C or D)

• Visa application forms.
• Original passport having validity for at least more than 6 months from the date of travel.
• Old passports (if any) that should not have been issued more than 10 years ago. There must be a minimum of 2 blank pages in the passport.
• A letter with details of the identity of the visa candidate, objective of travelling, duration and place of stay in Poland.
• The applicant’s income tax returns or form 16 from the previous 3 years.
• Bank statement of the last 6 months with bank seal and signature.
• Salary slips for the last 3 months.
• Proof of registration of the company.
• A document that can be used as proof of the applicant’s overseas insurance.
• Return air tickets.
• 2 photographs.

Freelance or Entrepreneur Visa (Temporary Residence Card)

• An employment contract.
• Proof of accommodation in Poland (e.g. rental contract).
• Documents stating that applicants can support financially support themselves throughout their stay in Poland.

The  Poland work visa fees for Indians is €80.

There are some reasons which can lead to the refusal of Poland work visa. These are as follows:

• Having a criminal record or police case
• Not presenting documents that can support the applicant’s purpose of staying in Poland
• Submitting a damaged passport
• Not having 6 months of passport validity and 2 blank pages
• Submitting fake ticket
• Furnishing fake travel insurance
• Submitting photographs of incorrect size
• Getting a job under a weak or blacklisted company
• Not passing a medical test
• Not clearing embassy interview.

The above discussion explains the process of obtaining a Poland work visa for Indians. Determine the correct work permit type as per the job requirement and get the chance to work in Poland.