As of December 1, 2025, Poland has officially increased work permit fees from 100 PLN to 400 PLN and enforced strict housing rules. Verify the new costs on the official gov.pl website here.
For the last three years, Poland has been the favorite destination for workers from South Asia who found Italy or Germany too difficult. It was cheap, fast, and had loose requirements.
That era officially ended on December 1, 2025.
In a sudden regulatory overhaul that has caught many recruitment agencies by surprise, the Polish Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy has enforced a new set of strict immigration rules. The goal? To stop the “Visa Shopping” scandal and align Poland’s standards with the rest of the Schengen Zone.
If you are planning to apply for a Polish Work Visa in 2026, here are the three massive changes you need to know immediately, verified by official government sources.
1. The Fee Hike: Prices Quadruple Overnight
The biggest shock is the financial cost. For years, the official government fee for issuing a work permit was a nominal 100 PLN (approx. €23). This low cost led to employers applying for thousands of permits they didn’t need.
The New Fees (Effective Dec 1, 2025):
According to the new regulation published on the Official Government Portal (gov.pl), the fees have changed as follows:
- Type A Work Permit: Increased to 400 PLN (approx. €95).
- Seasonal Work Permit (Type S): Increased to 120 PLN (up from 30 PLN).
- Declaration of Entrustment: Increased to 400 PLN.
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What this means for you:
Recruitment agencies in India and Pakistan will likely increase their “service charges” significantly, citing this government hike. If an agent asks for more money now, you should verify these rates on the Office for Foreigners (UDSC) Official Site before paying. This is different from the Italy New Immigration 2026 rules where fees remained stable but quotas were strict.
2. The New “Mandatory Housing” Rule
Previously, you could get a Polish Work Permit just with a job contract. Where you lived was your problem.
Now, Poland has copied strict rules similar to other EU nations.
The New Rule:
Employers must now provide proof of accommodation at the time of applying for the Work Permit. You can check the documentation requirements on the Polish Border Guard Website, which outlines entry conditions:
- The housing must meet “sanitary and residential standards.”
- If the employer provides the housing (common for factory/construction jobs), they must sign a declaration stating the exact address.
This effectively kills the “Fake Job Contract” market. A fake company cannot provide a verified residential address for 50 workers. This aligns with broader trends we see in our Europe Visa Category.
3. The Student Visa Crackdown (Warning for Students)
This update also touches on the student sector. Following the scandal where student visas were used as a “backdoor” to work in the EU, Poland has tightened the screws.
The New Rejection Stats (Late 2025 Data):
- Bangladesh: 70% Rejection Rate.
- Iraq & Nigeria: Over 60% Rejection Rate.
- Pakistan & India: Scrutiny has doubled.
If you are applying for a Student Visa just to work (Uber/Bolt), be warned: Consulates are now verifying tuition fee payments and interviewing students in English. Official study regulations can be found on the Study in Poland Gov Page. If you cannot speak English or haven’t paid the full year’s fee, rejection is almost guaranteed.
Is Poland Still Worth It?
Despite the stricter rules, Poland remains a top choice for one reason: High Salary Potential in Logistics.
With the competition shifting due to the Romania Work Visa 2026 Quota, Poland still pays better for truck drivers and welders (avg. €1,000 – €1,500 net).
However, the “Cheap Poland” days are over. You must now budget for higher fees and ensure your employer is 100% legitimate with housing proof. For a wider comparison of costs, check our Visa Guide.
Summary of Changes
| Feature | Old Rule (Pre-Dec 2025) | New Rule (2026) |
| Work Permit Fee | 100 PLN | 400 PLN (4x Increase) |
| Housing Proof | Not Mandatory | Mandatory for Permit |
| Georgia Citizens | Simplified Procedure | Removed (Need Full Permit) |
| Processing Time | 30-60 Days | 60-90 Days (Due to checks) |
For those looking for easier alternatives, you might want to check the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa if you have remote work, or explore other Middle East Opportunities if Europe proves too difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I applied before December 1, 2025, do I pay the new fee?
No. Applications submitted before December 1, 2025, are processed under the old fee structure (100 PLN). The new 400 PLN fee applies only to new applications registered after this date.
Does the “Housing Rule” mean I get free accommodation?
Not necessarily. It means the employer must arrange and prove accommodation exists. They can still deduct the rent from your salary (usually 300-500 PLN per month), but the contract must state this clearly.
Can I still convert my Student Visa to a Work Permit?
Yes, but it is harder. You must prove you are actually studying. If you have 0% attendance and try to switch to a work permit, the immigration office will likely reject it and cancel your student visa for “false pretenses.”
Is the “Seasonal Work” quota affected?
The quota remains, but the fee has increased from 30 PLN to 120 PLN. Seasonal visas (9 months) are still the fastest way to enter for agriculture jobs.
Why was Georgia removed from the list?
This is a major geopolitical update. Citizens of Georgia previously had “simplified access” (no work permit needed). As of late 2025, this privilege was revoked due to high rates of irregular migration. Georgians now need full work permits like Indians or Filipinos.
Where can I appeal a visa refusal?
You can file an appeal with the specific Voivodeship office or the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw within 14 days of receiving the decision.
