Legalization of Residence and Planning Recruitment of Foreign Workers – A Practical Guide
- dariafulei
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Legalization of residence for foreign workers and the related administrative timelines is one of the key aspects that every temporary employment agency planning to hire employees from outside Poland should know. Understanding the procedures and the actual waiting times for administrative decisions allows for better planning of the entire recruitment process and helps avoid costly delays.
Key Steps in Legalizing Residence and Employment of Foreigners
Foreigners who wish to take up legal employment in Poland must have the appropriate document authorizing legal residence, such as a visa, residence card, or work permit. Residence is considered legal from the day the application for a permit is submitted until the day the final administrative decision is issued. However, processing times may vary, which is important when planning employment.
In practice, applications to labor offices for entry into the register of declarations on assigning work are usually processed within 7 working days. Only after obtaining the appropriate permits is it possible to sign a contract and start work. From June 2025, stricter regulations will apply, including tougher penalties for illegally assigning work to a foreigner, emphasizing the importance of carefully following procedures.
Challenges Related to Electronic Procedures and New Regulations
New regulations have introduced the requirement to use electronic systems for submitting applications and declarations, while authorities gain greater oversight powers. Employers must be prepared for more formalized procedures as well as criminal and financial liability for violations, which are now more strictly enforced.
Changes also include expanding the scope of responsibility of company board members employing foreigners, requiring greater awareness and diligence when planning employment. The digitalization of processes may create technical barriers but gradually streamlines administrative work, accelerating access to the necessary permits.
How Should a Temporary Employment Agency Plan Recruitment of Foreigners?
Ensuring complete and correct documentation – it is crucial to verify in advance whether the foreign worker has valid residence documents and declarations legalizing work in Poland.
Accounting for processing times – administrative decisions typically take around 7 working days for entry into the register of declarations, and from several weeks up to a month for residence or work permits in individual cases.
Continuous monitoring of legal changes – regulations regarding the employment of foreigners in Poland are dynamic, so it is very important to follow new laws and interpretations.
Close cooperation with authorities and legal advisors – specialist support helps avoid formal errors and high penalties.
By properly planning the process and understanding the actual administrative timelines, temporary employment agencies can hire foreigners effectively and safely, ensuring legality and compliance with applicable law. This, in turn, contributes to building a positive company image and gaining partners’ trust.
