Step-by-Step Application Guide For Poland Jobs

You are non-EU/EEA or an experienced professional seeking to make a big career move? The Polish labour market is thriving and vibrant and Poland is experiencing a massive demand of skilled foreign labour, especially in the information technology, financial and BPO sectors. However, the process of applying to the Polish job opens and the visa process can be like a minefield.

This is your step-by-step guide intended to reduce the confusion. We have divided the whole process of going through your Polish CV to obtaining your National Visa (Type D) and Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) into 15 steps that you can do. This is the roadmap you need to follow in order to be sure to get the offer of the dream job in Poland!

Job Search and Preparation (The Foundation)

It is a very important step that involves preparing your profile to succeed in the Polish competitive job market.

Step-by-Step Application Guide for Poland Jobs

The first step to a successful Polish job search is to learn the Polish job search sites

No more using a single location. Localized job portals tend to be common among Polish employers.

Best Sites: Begin with Pracuj.pl (the most popular local board), LinkedIn Poland to search professional jobs, and specialty sites such as No Fluff Jobs (technology) or Careers in Poland.
There are other Channels: Do not overlook the recruitment agencies or the European portal EURES. A lot of vacant jobs remain undetected and are taken via such sources.
Actionable Advice: Create job alerts using narrow-focused keywords such as English-speaking jobs or your job (e.g., Senior Software Developer).

Step 2: Refine Your CV and cover Letter

The Polish Application Documents standard is markedly different to the one adopted in other nations. This is the most common step which is not followed, resulting in rejection.

CV (zyciorys) Polish: Make it short (1-2 pages). A photo is customary. Add a strong professional summary, and measure your achievements (e.g. raised sales by 15%).
The Mandatory Legal Clause: You have to put the GDPR clause (or personal data protection clause) in the bottom of your CV, authorizing the employer to use your data to recruit you. Your application is, under the Polish law, automatically invalid without it.
Cover Letter (list motywaczny): The cover letter should always be specific to the job posting, the reasons why you should be hired in the company culture.

Step 3: Understanding the Polish Work Culture & Language

The respect shown towards the Polish work culture is the main element in the compliance and success of E-A-T.

Professionalism & Punctuality: Punctuality and professionalism are extremely prized. Expect to be formal, particularly at the first meeting.
Language Skills: Although most of the multinational companies have employment opportunities where English is spoken, basic skills of the Polish language are a sign of dedication. Even the casual expressions are welcomed at the Polish interview.

The Application and Interview (Securing the Offer)

After preparation of documents, you are now ready to get to work with employers.

Step 4: Learn how to use the Online Application

A majority of submissions are on-line application. Ensure that you have perfected your resume to be able to come out of the Application Tracking System (ATS) test. Documents that are needed must be uploaded in a proper manner.

Step 5: Overcome the Polish Interview.

The Polish interview is typically spread over a number of interview stages (usually a brief phone interview (to test motivation and salary expectations), HR interview and then technical assessment or management interview).

Be Prepared: You should research on the background of the company and be prepared to respond to interview questions that are common like questions concerning your experience, motivation, and reasons why you moved to Poland. Be professional to the utmost.

Step 6: Manage the Job offer and employment contract.

Congratulations! Upon a good background check and reference checks, you get a formal offer of employment. Check the details of the employment contract, the salary and the start date should be checked before acceptance. This form of offer is the most vital document towards the next stage.

Legal & Relocation (The Non-EU/EEA Mandate)

This is the most complicated yet manageable section of the application in the case of non-EU/EEA applicants. Without these steps, you are legally prohibited to work.

Step 7: Your Work Permit is Applied By Your employer

Important: Your Employer in Poland will have to submit your Work Permit (Zezwolenie na pracue) to the local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewozyki). You cannot do this yourself.
Types of Work Permit: The most popular is the work permit type A. It is important to note that there are other types of work permit types (B, C, D, E, S) based on the type of employment.
The Labor Market Test: In other instances the employer has to carry out a labor market test to demonstrate that no Polish or EU citizen is eligible to occupy the job.

Step 8: The National Visa D Work Visa Application

After the Work Permit is accepted and forwarded to you, you are allowed to start the visa application process with the closest Polish embassy or consulate in your country of origin.

The most important Visa: This is the National Visa (Type D): This visa permits more than 90 days of stay and gives you the right to work.
Work Visa Checklist: You will have to prepare the necessary documents with you such as your passport, the original Work Permit, an evidence of accommodation, and an evidence of funds.
Processing Time: The processing time will take between 15 and 60 days.

Step 9: Registration of Arrival and Residence.

Upon entering Poland:

Residence Registration (meldunek): Within several days of your arrival, you have to register your address at the local city/district office.
PESEL Number: Request PESEL number (national identification number) needed to pay taxes, social security.
Health Insurance: Your employer will take care of your enrollment in Health Insurance (NFZ).

Step 10: Apply for the Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu)

To stay long-term, you will also have to apply to the Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu), replacing the visa and lasting up to 3 years. This is also done at the Voivodeship Office.

FAQs

Should I get a Work Permit when I am an EU/EEA citizen?

No. EU/EEA citizens are not required to have a Work Permit to work in Poland. But you have to enroll your stay when it is more than 3 months.

What is the duration of the Work Permit processing time?

The recommended processing time in the Voivodeship Office is between 1 and 3 months but it depends greatly on the region and the complexity of the case.

What is the GDPR provision and what makes it a mandatory provision?

The GDPR provision (or personal data protection provision) is a legal stipulation in Poland which expressly authorizes the employer to process your personal data during the recruitment process. In its absence, your application is invalid.

So, where are English speaking jobs in Poland?

LinkedIn Poland, large job portals such as Pracuj.pl, career pages of big multinationals BPO, SSC and IT firms in such cities as Warsaw, Krakow and Wrocaw are the best places.

How does a National Visa (Type D) and a Temporary Residence Permit differ?

The National Visa (Type D) is a sticker in your passport that enables you to enter and work no more than one year. Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) is a work and stay permit that can be obtained on long-term basis and must be applied to when already in Poland.

Final Thought

Poland is a place that is friendly and has huge professional development. Take up the challenge, take the steps and begin your relocation guide journey today!

Disclaimer

Disclosure: The information presented in this job application is only educational and informational. The Polish regulations of a Work Permit and a National Visa (Type D) are changing. Before submitting your application, please make certain that all the details and needed documentation are confirmed with the official Polish employer, the local Voivodeship Office or the Polish embassy/consulate.