Poland Drops a Key Permit Hurdle for Type A Jobs

Poland has cut red tape for foreign hires and it matters fast. Since March 23, 2026, most employers no longer need the labor market test for standard work permits, so they can hire foreign nationals without first proving no local candidate is available. That saves weeks, honestly and pushes more of the process onto praca.gov.pl.

The change mainly affects expats, skilled workers and employers filling full-time roles above 25% FTE. Protected sectors still face limits and some cases still need checks or waivers, including seasonal agriculture, posted workers and jobs on the National Occupational Priority list. The result is simpler hiring, though not a free-for-all.

This is good news for people with a signed offer in hand. It’s less exciting for digital nomads, because remote work rules haven’t been relaxed and local employment still needs the proper permit or residence status. Tourists and short-term business visitors are mostly untouched, which is exactly how it should be.

What to do? Keep the paperwork tight, because Poland still wants proof and it still fines sloppy employers. You’ll need a signed contract, proof of qualifications or experience, health insurance and accommodation confirmation, then submit everything online, which, surprisingly, is now the standard route.

A few practical points:

• File online via praca.gov.pl.
• Expect fees, including 400 PLN for a work permit.
• Report contract start or termination quickly, because fines can hit 5,000 PLN.
• Watch for related digital residence changes on the MOS platform around April 2026.

Read our full Poland guide for the complete picture and check visa updates for more policy shifts.