Visas and work permits in Poland: Which nationalities get them the fastest?
- dariakalenikova
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
In a rapidly evolving labor market, fast and efficient access to foreign labor is becoming crucial for many companies operating in Poland. The year 2025 brought revolutionary changes to immigration procedures—a new, fully digital system and simplified formalities for selected countries have significantly impacted the speed of legalizing foreign workers.
For temporary employment agencies and employers planning international recruitment, being aware of these changes is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
What changed in 2025?
Major changes to Poland’s migration law came into effect in June 2025. The entire process has been digitized through the MOS platform, and application processing times have been shortened. All applications for work permits and temporary residence permits must now be submitted electronically, which greatly simplifies the procedure.
Who gets a permit the fastest?
The easiest and fastest access to the Polish job market is available to citizens of selected countries who can work based on an employer’s declaration:
🔹 Top 3 – fastest countries (only 7 days):
Ukraine
Georgia
Moldova
Why so fast?
Visa-free entry (biometric passport)
Work based on employer’s declaration
No need for full work permit procedure
⏱ Average processing time: 7 days
📌 Limit: up to 6 months of work per year
Countries with moderately simplified procedures
🔸 Armenia and Belarus – 22 to 52 days
Visa is required, but work is still allowed with a declaration
The process is simpler than the traditional route
⏱ Processing time: 3 to 7 weeks
📌 Mandatory consulate visit
Countries requiring the full procedure – longest waiting times
For many countries in Asia and other regions, employment in Poland still involves a full, multi-stage legalization process.
The entire process can take up to 120 days.
Country | Visa processing time | Work permit processing time | Total time | Difficulty level |
Kazakhstan | 15-45 days | 30-60 days | 45-105 days | Medium |
Uzbekistan | 15-45 days | 30-60 days | 45-105 days | Medium |
Nepal | 15-60 days | 30-60 days | 45-120 days | Medium to difficult |
Philippines | 15-45 days | 30-60 days | 45-105 days | Medium |
Bangladesh | 15-45 days | 30-60 days | 45-105 days | Medium |
Process stages for countries with the full procedure
Work permit (30–60 days)
Submitted by the employer
Labor market test required
National type D visa (15–60 days)
Submitted by the employee at the consulate
Prior permit required
Entry and registration (up to 14 days)
Border control
Registration at the voivodeship office
What affects the duration of the process?
🟢 Faster processing applies to:
Countries with bilateral agreements (e.g., Ukraine, Moldova)
EU/EEA citizens (no permit required)
Holders of the Polish Card
🔴 Slower processing includes:
Countries requiring a visa
Cases needing additional verification
Peak months (e.g., summer, end of year)
Strategic recruitment directions – recommendations for agencies
🎯 Priority countries:
Ukraine – fast process, high candidate availability
Georgia – stable market, low entry costs
Moldova – growing interest in migration, fast service
⚠️ Countries requiring planning:
Nepal – up to 4 months waiting time
Philippines – limited consulate appointments (lottery system)
Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan – standard procedures
Game-changing update – MOS and automation
The launch of the MOS platform is a real breakthrough. Thanks to the digital system:
The entire process is more transparent and faster
Documents are automatically checked for errors
Employers must provide a contract before employment, improving legal compliance
The regulatory modernization in 2025 opens major opportunities for the Polish labor market. Digitalization, simplification, and preferential procedures for selected countries can significantly reduce hiring time and improve the efficiency of international recruitment. For temporary employment agencies, this is a great moment to build a competitive edge by focusing on fast and reliable employment channels.
