Work permit

On May 1st, 2014 new immigration rules (Aliens Act) relating to the entry and stay of foreigners in Poland entered into force, replacing the previously applicable Act of 13th June 2003.
The significant change introduced by the new Act provides the possibility of obtaining work and residence permit by a foreigner in a single legalization procedure. Previous regulation required from foreigners applying for residence and work permit in Poland to take part in a two-step procedure.
First of all, Polish or foreigner employer was required to obtain a work permit for the foreigner. After receiving a work permit, the foreigner was able stay in Poland by obtaining a visa with permission to work or residence permit for a specified term. Currently, these two documents (work  and residence permit) will be replaced by a single document obtained in the course of a single procedure, based on a request submitted by the foreigner.