Think You’re Safe in Poland? 2025 Immigration Law Says Otherwise

What used to be a flexible, sometimes forgiving system has become highly digitised, tightly controlled, and increasingly unforgiving of mistakes. This blog breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025 Poland immigration law.

The new Immigration Law passed by the Polish government comes into effect from June 1. Should you, as a foreigner in Poland, be worried? Probably. Is there increased risk and scrutiny on your life in Poland? Sure!

If you’re a student, freelancer, remote worker, or someone juggling multiple contracts, you’ve probably felt the tension in the air. Newly enforced Poland immigration rules rolled out in June 2025 have reshaped the rules for legal stay, employment, and visa eligibility for non-EU nationals.

Living in Poland in 2025 isn’t what it used to be. Whether you’re filing a new residence permit, worried about your student visa, or unsure if your freelance gigs are even legal anymore, here’s what you need to know.

Key Changes in 2025 Poland Immigration Law

MOS Platform: Digital-Only Applications

From June 1, 2025, all residence permit applications must be submitted through the MOS (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) platform. Paper applications, postal submissions, and in-person forms are no longer accepted. This change eliminates the infamous “90-day mail-in loophole” where foreigners extended their legal stay by mailing documents on the final day.

Applicants must use a verified Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) or a secure electronic signature. Though digital submission increases transparency and efficiency, it places new responsibility on applicants to file correctly and before their visa or permit expires.

Digital-only submissions also mean authorities can timestamp your application down to the minute. Submitting late by even a few hours can result in automatic denial.

Note: In-person appointments are still required later for biometrics and document verification.

Labour Market Test Abolished – But New Restrictions Possible

The long-standing requirement for a labour market test (Starosta opinion) has been abolished. Employers can now offer jobs to non-EU nationals without needing to prove that no Polish or EU citizen could fill the position.

However, a new system of protected professions allows voivodes to publish occupation-specific bans on hiring foreigners in certain regions if unemployment rises in those sectors. No official lists have been issued for this yet.

This means while hiring may be easier for employers in the short term, certain jobs may be closed to foreigners in the future. Monitoring local announcements from the Voivodeship Office is now essential.

Tightened Employer Compliance

Poland is no longer taking employer claims at face value. Businesses hiring foreign nationals must now meet stricter legal and financial standards to qualify as sponsors. If your residency hinges on a job offer, the employer’s status and history will now directly affect your permit. This change targets unregistered firms, tax-dodging companies, and job offers made on paper but never honoured in practice. Employers sponsoring foreign workers must now meet stricter compliance requirements:

• No outstanding tax or ZUS (social security) liabilities
• Valid and active business registration
• Mandatory submission of the signed employment contract before the job begins
• Minimum salary must meet or exceed regional market standards

Work permits will be denied if:

• The job is under 10 hours/week
• The employer is newly established (<12 months) and applying for a long-term permit
• The foreign worker’s salary is below the minimum wage or unfairly lower than Polish counterparts

Authorities are now equipped to check business health and authenticity using integrated systems. Fraudulent offers or shady employers will be blacklisted.

Part-Time Contracts and Hour Limitations

The reformed Poland immigration rules have tightened the screws on part-time workers, putting an end to the flexibility many used to stay legally employed. If you’re juggling multiple low-hour contracts to meet residency requirements, that window is closing fast. New thresholds now determine whether your contract qualifies for a temporary residence permit, and not all gigs get the government’s approval. New minimum working hours now apply to work permit eligibility:

• No work contracts can be below 1/4 of full-time (i.e., under 10 hours/week)
• Only a 1-year work permit for work contracts between 10–20 hours/week
• Full-time or 1/2-time+ contracts can receive permits for up to 3 years

This impacts many freelancers, English teachers, and seasonal workers who previously relied on multiple short-term contracts. Combining several short-term contracts is no longer a workaround.

Student Visa Restrictions and Language Requirements

Students moving to Poland by enrolling in a university and treating it as a safe passage will face the heat. Ditching the university course without legitimately completing it isn’t an option anymore, as Poland has cracked down on the misuse of student visas. Key changes include:

• B2 language proficiency required in the language of instruction (Polish or English)
• A cap of 50% foreign students per institution
• Institutions must report no-shows or exmatriculated students immediately

Students in non-degree programs or short language courses no longer have automatic work rights. Even full-time university students may soon need a work permit.

Student visas no longer allow a switch to a work or business residence permit within Poland. Most applicants must now leave the country and apply from abroad. Educational institutions are under pressure to enforce enrollment and class attendance strictly.

Who’s Most Affected by the 2025 Poland Immigration Law Changes?

Poland’s visa rules, effective June 2025, impact specific groups, requiring compliance. Affected are:

• Non-EU students freelancing or working informally, especially in non-degree courses or private language programs.
• Freelancers relying on tourist or student visas now face blocked pathways to legalise their stay.
• Employers using Umowa zlecenie or underreporting contracts are no longer recognised for residence permits.
• Switchers who frequently change the purpose of stay or employment contracts without proper notification to the authorities.
• Language schools employing teachers under 10-hour contracts, which are now ineligible for residence-based employment.

Each of these groups must re-evaluate its current legal status and transition strategies.

Increased Oversight and Digital Monitoring

Poland has integrated its immigration systems with tax, social security, and border control authorities. Frequent checks will reveal any inconsistencies in ZUS payments, taxes, or employment status.

Key developments:

• Authorities can now digitally verify a foreigner’s purpose of stay
• Border Guard and Labour Inspectorate can conduct joint inspections
• No-shows, early contract terminations, or job changes must be reported

Failing to update employment details or educational status can result in permit revocation. Even a one-week mismatch in employment or ZUS registration can raise a red flag.

EU Blue Card Gets an Upgrade

While several visa paths are tightening, one route is quietly gaining traction, and it’s not just for the academic elite. With its recent overhaul, the EU Blue Card has transformed from a niche permit into a competitive option for experienced professionals, skilled migrants, and aspiring entrepreneurs. It now offers more than just a residence title, it’s a fast track to long-term legal security and economic mobility in Poland. The revised EU Blue Card program now includes significant benefits and lowered thresholds:

• Expanded eligibility: 3–5 years of professional experience can replace a formal degree
• Lower salary thresholds: generally 120–135% of the average national wage, depending on industry
• Business activity allowed: Blue Card holders can register a sole proprietorship or Sp. z o.o.
• Shorter processing times: targeted turnaround of 60–90 days
• Flexible job-switching without needing new permits
• Enhanced family reunification: spouses and children may gain residence permits faster

This makes the Blue Card the preferred route for highly qualified professionals aiming for long-term settlement in Poland.

Business and Startup Residency: Stricter but Still Viable

Setting up a business in Poland is still a valid route to residency, but does anything these days come without conditions? With closer scrutiny and higher proof of genuine economic activity, the bar has been raised for entrepreneurs and digital founders seeking a foothold through company formation. Poland does not offer a dedicated “Startup Visa,” but it remains possible to apply for temporary residence on the basis of business activity.

Here are the updated rules:

• Sole proprietorships are allowed only if the applicant already holds long-term EU residence or a Blue Card
• Applicants must demonstrate active business operations, not just registration
• Income thresholds or job creation (e.g., 1+ Polish employee) are often required for renewal
• Incubator partnerships are scrutinised and cannot serve as a proxy for residence permit eligibility

You can still register a Sp. z o.o. and apply for a permit, but expect a detailed audit of financial viability, contracts, and tax registration.

Must read: Freelancing in Poland – Work Permits & Taxes Explained

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Poland Immigration Rules

Poland’s 2025 immigration reform is the most significant legal shift in years. Digitalisation, enforcement, and policy alignment with EU norms reshape how foreigners live and work in the country.

Whether you’re a student, freelancer, job-seeker, or startup founder, these reforms demand that your status be airtight.

SG Advocates can help you:

• Review your application before submission
• Understand if your job or visa is at risk
• File the right documentation under the new rules

Book a consultation with them and protect your legal stay in Poland!

Note: This blog is written in professional collaboration with the immigration lawyer firm SG Adwokaci. Mention it to unlock an additional discount on their expert residency services.

FAQs – 2025 Poland Immigration Law

1. Can I still work on a student visa in 2025?

Yes, but only if you are enrolled in a qualifying full-time degree program and meet new language and reporting requirements. Some students may also need separate work permits.

2. Is the Umowa zlecenie valid for work permits?

Yes, it is still possible to get a valid work permit with umowa zlecenie, but with all the restrictions, umowa o pracę is a safer option.

3. I overstayed my visa by 10 days. Will I be banned?

Possibly. The new system flags overstays automatically, and a short delay may trigger a re-entry ban or residence permit denial.

4. Can I switch from a student to a work visa within Poland?

In most cases, no. You must now apply from outside Poland unless your existing status specifically allows in-country conversion.

5. Can Blue Card holders start a business?

Yes. Blue Card holders can run their own business or register a company, which offers additional pathways to long-term stay.

6. Can I apply for a business residence permit as a tourist?

Technically, it is possible under Polish law to apply while holding a tourist visa. However, due to increased scrutiny over legal stay and the declared purpose of your visit, it is strongly recommended to apply for a business visa if your goal is to obtain a business residence permit.

7. Does applying online mean my permit is automatically valid?

No. Online submission just initiates the process. You must still attend biometric appointments and meet all documentation requirements.

Further read: 9 Legal Mistakes That Could Trigger Deportation from Poland in 2025