Immigration to Poland: visas, residence cards and the EU Blue Card

Introduction

Citizens of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland can live and work in Poland without permits; after three months they register their residence with the voivode. People from other countries need a residence basis: a visa, residence card or permanent residence permit, and usually also a work permit to work.

How it works

• a national visa (type D) allows you to come and work on the basis of a permit for its period of validity
• a temporary residence permit is issued by the voivode, usually for the duration of employment or business; the document is a residence card
• the EU Blue Card is for specialists with higher education or experience and a salary above a threshold announced each year
• residence applications are filed electronically, and fingerprints are given in person at the voivodeship office
• the employer has obligations: a written contract before work starts, notifications and monitoring the validity of documents

Why it matters and what is important

For a company, the key issues are deadlines and lawful employment: procedures take weeks or months, and the employer pays the penalties for work without the required permit. Choosing the right residence basis from the outset saves further applications.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Legal status as of 17 October 2026.