Poland Visa & Policy Updates
Poland has transitioned to a fully digital immigration system, requiring all residence applications to be submitted through
New requirements for Poland work authorization took effect Aug. 22
Starting Aug. 22, citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela staying in Poland under visa-free travel can no longer work solely on that basis. Affected foreign workers, contractors and expats must secure formal work visas to remain legally employed in the country. The rule change also applies to many individuals currently residing in Poland under visa-free status.
Poland temporary residence waits hit 12 months under stricter June 1 rules
Stricter labor and residency rules in Poland and Hungary have extended processing times for work permits and residency cards to nearly a year. The policy shift reduces permit availability and increases scrutiny for foreign professionals and expats seeking to relocate to these Central European hubs.
Poland reclassifies Ukrainians as economic migrants under the CUKR route
Polish municipalities are tightening scrutiny on temporary protection applications, often reclassifying applicants as economic migrants. This shift reduces access to social benefits and complicates the residency path for Ukrainians seeking to remain in Poland long-term.
Poland MOS residence permit rules require personal e-signatures starting April 27
Poland's Office for Foreigners clarified that residence permit applications in the Case Handling Module must be signed by the applicant or a legal representative. Using an unauthorized person with power of attorney to sign digitally may result in the application being treated as never filed.
Poland residence permit applicants face 2 separate fees under new MOS rule
Foreigners applying for Polish residence permits must now provide specific proof of payment formats for stamp duties and card issuance fees. Failure to use the accepted bank transfer or treasury office receipts can lead to application delays or rejection.
New electronic filing rules for Poland residence permits start April 27
Poland has transitioned to a fully digital residency process, requiring all expats and remote workers to submit applications via the MOS platform. The system aims to streamline the mandatory filing process for temporary and permanent stay permits.
MOS 2.0 moves Poland’s residence filings online
Poland is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, requiring all temporary and permanent residence applications to be submitted through the MOS 2.0 portal. Paper applications will be rejected after the April deadline, making digital literacy and document scanning essential for expats.
What to Know About Poland's Extended Border Controls
On or around April 9, 2026, Poland confirmed the extension of temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania until October 1, 2026 (controls originally reintroduced in 2025 for migration management). This affects land crossings with potential delays for travelers, including intra-Schengen movement relevant to expats and nomads based in or transiting Poland.