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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa, work permit or residence permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Poland鈥檚 embassy or .

Entry requirements

If you鈥檙e going to Poland to work (or any other鈥�EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Poland is in the Schengen area. If you鈥檙e travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps 鈥榬olling鈥�.

If you鈥檙e staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Polish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

If you鈥檙e working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Poland. It includes a checklist of documents that you鈥檒l usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with鈥�鈥痮谤鈥�embassy in the UK.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• 鈥榣egalised鈥� (with an apostille)鈥痮r notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Poland, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Poland鈥檚 authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you鈥檙e travelling to Poland for up to 30 days for:

• running or attending job interviews
• going to court as witness
• attending trade fairs
• attending board meetings
• meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
• meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
• internal auditing
• post-meeting productive work
• providing legal advice to a client
• fact-finding visits
• negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference
• supervising the work of a vendor or contractor
• supervising and managing a team
• team building activities
• receiving classroom-based or on-the-job training
• shadowing someone鈥檚 job

These activities are covered by the鈥�Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Poland鈥檚 exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they鈥檙e exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country鈥檚 authorities.

The following may not require a visa or permit in Poland if they鈥檙e for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:

• foreign language teachers
• members of the armed forces and civilian staff working for the non-Polish military based in Poland, or delegates implementing an armament programme under an agreement with Poland
• presenters of scientific or artistic issues
• mass media, press, radio and TV correspondents, photographers and filmmakers
• artists, actors, singers, dancers, orchestra conductors, instrumentalists, and mime artists
• athletes taking part in sports competitions or international events and those working in connection with these events
• work for churches and religious associations
• work for members of the European Parliament

The following may not require a visa or permit in Poland if they鈥檙e for up to 3 months:

• carrying out technical installations, repairs and maintenance, supplying technical equipment and training clients how to use it, as long as your UK employer is the producer
• training employees of a company in Poland who purchased technology from your UK employer
• collecting ordered technological equipment, machinery or other equipment as long as it is produced by an organisation in Poland

Working on a short-term assignment

You can work without a visa or permit at:

• a Polish branch office, for up to 30 days in a calendar year
• a client site, for up to 30 days in a 6-month period

You need a work permit if you鈥檙e doing one of the following:

• working for an employer that does not have a branch, plant or any other activity in Poland
• providing a temporary and one-off service

You have to keep your UK employment contract and stay on UK payroll.

Intra-company transfer permits (EU ICT) from other countries

If you have an EU ICT from another country you can work in Poland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period if you鈥檙e transferred to a Polish branch.

You may be able to work in Poland for longer if the circumstances justify a stay for longer than 3 months. In this case, the permit will only be granted for the validity period of the residence document issued by the original host country.

The company in Poland must be able to demonstrate capital and organisational relations with your UK-based employer.

Your employer has to before you start working.

Exemptions are covered by the visa waiver.

Register your address

You have to register your address with the local town hall if you鈥檙e staying in Poland for more than 30 days.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you鈥檙e exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment letter
• an employment confirmation letter
• a contract
• proof of required qualifications, such as a degree or professional certificate

Further checks

If you鈥檙e not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Poland鈥檚 embassy or .

Applying for visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you鈥檒l need to check the exact rules and processes with Poland鈥檚鈥�embassy鈥痮谤鈥�.

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you want family members to join you. Marriages need to be recognised in Polish law.

.

Long-term permits

You need to apply for a long-term permit if you鈥檙e in Poland because you鈥檙e:

• transferring from a UK-based company to a Polish branch
• working for a company in Poland on a Polish contract
• providing services to a client in Poland
• carrying out self-employed work
• conducting research work

Long-term permits are valid for up to 3 years depending on which one you need.

The application process happens in 3 parts:

1. Your employer applies for a work permit.

2. You [apply for a D visa](https://www.gov.pl/web/unitedkingdom/d-type-national-visa 鈥痑t the Polish consulate in the UK.

3. You apply for a temporary residence work permit once in Poland, if you need to stay longer than the duration of your visa.

Transferring to a Polish branch of a UK-based company

You need to apply for one of these long-term permits if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Poland:

• Type C work permit if you鈥檙e working for more than 30 days in a calendar year
• Polish EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit if you鈥檙e highly skilled and working for up to 3 years, or 1 year if you鈥檙e a trainee

Type C work permit

To qualify for a Type C work permit you must:

• keep your UK employment contract
• stay on UK payroll and be paid at least the for the province where you鈥檒l be working

This Type C permit takes 2 to 5 months to get. It鈥檚 valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

Family members can join you as dependants once your permit has been secured.鈥�.

How it works

You need to check with Poland鈥檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer鈥�鈥痶o the 鈥�(local authority).
2. Once approved you at the Polish consulate in the UK.
3. You register your address at your local town hall in Poland.
4. You apply for a鈥�鈥痑t the immigration office in Poland, if you need to stay longer than the duration of your D visa.

Application documents

Poland鈥檚 authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application forms
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
• 1 standard passport photo (35mm x 45mm) for each applicant
• marriage certificate, if married
• birth certificates for any children
• documentation showing your UK employer鈥檚 legal status, such as a certificate of incorporation
• business profile for the UK company including legal name, registered address and names of representatives, issued by the registry authorities, such as Companies House
• assignment letter signed by a representative of the UK company
• organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and branch in Poland
• declaration that the UK employer does not have a criminal record, signed by an authorised representative of the UK company
• National Court Register (KRS) excerpt for the Polish company
• accommodation lease agreement (required once in Poland)
• confirmation of insurance covering the whole period of the assignment

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT)

You need a Polish if your UK-based employer transfers you to a branch in Poland for:

• up to 3 years
• 1 year if you鈥檙e a trainee

You cannot use this permit for trips to Poland for less than 90 days.

To qualify you must:

• have a bachelor鈥檚 level degree or at least 3 years鈥� relevant work experience
• have specialist knowledge in the field
• have worked for the UK company for at least 12 months, or 6 months if you鈥檙e a trainee
• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have proof that you can return to the UK company once your assignment ends in Poland
• earn at least the for the province where you鈥檒l be working
• keep your UK employment contract
• be on UK payroll

The ICT takes 3 to 4 months to get. You can鈥檛 extend it beyond 3 years, or 1 year if you鈥檙e a trainee.

Family members can join you on a long-term EU ICT permit.鈥�.

How it works

You need to check with Poland鈥檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. The Polish branch submits a鈥�鈥痶o the 鈥�(local authority).

2. Once issued, you at the Polish consulate in the UK.

3. You submit your fingerprints and collect your residence permit card at the immigration office once in Poland.

4. You register your address at your local town hall in Poland.

Application documents

Poland鈥檚 authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
• 1 standard passport photo (35mm x 45mm) for each applicant
• marriage certificate, if married
• birth certificates for any children
• proof of temporary address in Poland, such as a hotel reservation or lease agreement
• proof of professional qualifications
• UK employment contract
• proof that you鈥檙e returning to the UK at the end of your assignment
• assignment letter from the UK employer
• documentation showing your UK employer鈥檚 legal status, such as a certificate of incorporation
• business profile for the UK company including legal name, registered address and names of representatives, issued by registry authorities, such as Companies House
• organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the branch in Poland
• declaration that the UK employer and company in Poland don鈥檛 have criminal records, signed by authorised representatives of both companies
• National Court Register (KRS) excerpt for the Polish company
• proof of health insurance covering the whole period of the assignment, for you and any dependants
• proof of travel date to Poland, such as plane tickets or hotel reservations
• accommodation lease agreement (required once in Poland)

Working for a company in Poland on a Polish contract

You need a type A work permit if you鈥檝e been offered a Polish employment contract for up to 3 years.

To qualify you must:

• have an offer of employment from a Polish company
• have relevant experience and qualifications
• meet minimum monthly income requirements 鈥� check for up-to-date amounts with the Polish authorities as they may change over time
• be placed on a Polish payroll

This permit takes 2 to 5 months to get. It鈥檚 valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

Family members can join you as dependants with this permit type. They鈥檙e not allowed to work in Poland.鈥�.

How it works

You need to check with Poland鈥檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer carries out a labour market test with the local labour office unless you have a鈥�.

2. Your employer submits a鈥�鈥痶o the 鈥�(local authority).

3. Once approved you at the Polish consulate in the UK.

4. You register your address at your local town hall in Poland.

5. You apply for a鈥�鈥痑t the immigration office in Poland, if you need to stay longer than the duration of your D visa. This could be either an EU Blue Card or Single Permit.

Application documents

Poland鈥檚 authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• 惫补濒颈诲鈥�
• results from the labour market test, if applicable
• declaration that the Polish employer does not have a criminal record, signed by a board member or director
• documents confirming that you meet the job requirements, such as a diploma certificate, training certificates or a letter setting out your professional experience

Providing services to a client in Poland

You need a type D work permit if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a company in Poland for which you will be providing a service.

To qualify you must:

• earn at least the for the province where you鈥檒l be working
• keep your UK employment
• stay on UK payroll

This permit takes 2 to 5 months to get. It鈥檚 valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

Family members can join you as dependants with this permit type.鈥�.

How it works

You need to check with Poland鈥檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer鈥�鈥�(same form for type D) to the 鈥�(local authority).

2. You at the Polish consulate in the UK.

3. You register your address at your local town hall in Poland, if you鈥檙e staying for longer than 30 days.

4. You apply for a鈥�鈥痑t the immigration office in Poland, if you need to stay longer than the duration of your D visa.

Application documents

Poland鈥檚 authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application forms
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
• standard passport photo (35mm x 45mm) for each applicant
• marriage certificate, if married
• birth certificates for any children
• documentation showing your UK employer鈥檚 legal status, such as a certificate of incorporation
• business profile for the UK company including legal name, registered address and names of representatives, issued by the registry authorities, such as Companies House
• assignment letter signed by UK company representative
• power of attorney signed by UK company representative
• work order or service agreement between the UK and Polish companies
• declaration that the UK employer鈥痙oes not have a criminal record, signed by a board member or director
• National Court Register (KRS) excerpt for the Polish company
• national business registry number for the Polish company
• company tax number for the Polish company
• proof of travel date to Poland, such as plane tickets or hotel reservations
• proof of health insurance for you and any dependants
• letter of invitation from Polish company
• accommodation lease agreement (required once in Poland)

Self-employed work

There are no work permit options for self-employed people coming from the UK.

If you want to carry out self-employed work you must already be living in Poland and have one of the following residence permits:

• permanent residence permit
• long-term EU residence permit
• dependant residence permit for joining your family
• residency permit issued because you married a Polish citizen
• student residence permit
• refugee or similar status, such as consent to stay for humanitarian reasons or temporary protection

Research work

You need a鈥�鈥痠f you鈥檙e conducting scientific research or development work with a research organisation in Poland.

To qualify you must have:

• at least a master鈥檚 degree that allows you to start a PhD
• a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation in Poland
• proof that the research organisation is covering your living expenses
• proof that the research organisation is paying for your return travel to the UK 6 months after your position ends

The research permit takes 2 to 4 months to get. It鈥檚 valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

Family members can join you as dependants with this permit type. They鈥檙e not allowed to work in Poland.鈥�.

How it works

You need to check with Poland鈥檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You at the Polish consulate in the UK.

2. You register your address at your local town hall in Poland, if you鈥檙e staying longer than 30 days.

3. You submit a 鈥痶o the 鈥�(local authority).

Application documents

Poland鈥檚 authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
• standard passport photo (35mm x 45mm) for each applicant
• marriage certificate, if married
• birth certificates for any children
• master鈥檚 level or higher degree certificate
• hosting agreement with an approved research organisation
• statement from the research organisation confirming they will cover your living expenses and return travel
• proof of health insurance for you and any dependants
• proof you have enough money to cover your stay
• accommodation lease agreement (required once in Poland)

Polish government guidance

Read official Polish government information on:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always鈥�check general travel advice for Poland, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.