Around the globe - your visa guide (Episode 2: Poland)

Navigating global immigration systems can feel complex, but the right guidance makes all the difference. Around the Globe: Your Visa Guide is a podcast series designed to bring clarity, expert insight and practical advice to individuals and businesses exploring international mobility.

In each episode, host Ilda de Sousa is joined by trusted immigration lawyers from jurisdictions around the world to explore key visa routes, explain how different immigration systems operate and highlight what these pathways could mean for individuals, families and employers planning an international move.

At Kingsley Napley, our work is strengthened by a long‑standing network of specialist lawyers across multiple countries. This collaborative approach ensures our clients receive clear, reliable and up‑to‑date guidance - wherever in the world their plans may take them.

In Episode 2, Ilda is joined by Piotr Sawicki of Sawicki Wspolnicy, a leading law firm in Poland, to explore why Poland is increasingly attracting global businesses and international talent. Peter discusses Poland’s rapid growth as an investment hub, driven by significant M&A activity and the expansion of multinational companies in sectors such as technology and R&D - and how this growth has led to a growing demand for skilled foreign workers.

The conversation breaks down the practical steps for foreign professionals and employers, including visa eligibility checks, work permits, and how different nationalities are affected by Poland’s immigration framework. Peter also shares valuable insight into recent visa reforms, increasingly strict application processes and extended waiting times for visas and residence permits, highlighting the importance of early planning.

The episode also addresses common compliance pitfalls for employers, particularly around onboarding timelines and role changes, and explores the current and potential future pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship amid ongoing political debate.

Whether you are a business considering expansion into Poland, an employer hiring international staff, or an individual planning a move, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you understand Poland’s immigration landscape and avoid costly delays.

Join us as we travel around the globe, one visa route at a time.

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Over the past decade, Poland’s position in the European market has changed dramatically. According to Peter, foreign investors who may once have overlooked Poland are now actively analysing it as a key destination for expansion.

One of the clearest indicators of this shift is the scale of recent investment activity. In 2025 alone, Poland accounted for roughly half of the region’s €42 billion in M&A transactions. High‑profile deals, such as Santander Bank’s sale of assets to Erste Group, demonstrate Poland’s growing role on the international investment stage.

Beyond M&A, global technology giants including Intel, Google and Microsoft continue to expand their research and development operations in Polish cities such as Warsaw and Kraków. Together, these trends paint a picture of a market that has moved from emerging to established — and one that is increasingly competitive.

From low‑cost labour to high‑skill workforce

This investment boom has created a significant secondary effect: labour shortages.

Poland is no longer viewed as a source of inexpensive labour. Instead, it has evolved into a high‑skill workforce hub, supported by strong universities and a steady output of well‑qualified graduates. As Peter explains, employers are now competing internationally for specialised talent, and in many sectors demand exceeds local supply.

As a result, immigration has become essential for sustaining growth. International hiring is no longer optional for many businesses — it is a strategic necessity.

Where do foreign professionals start?

For individuals looking to relocate to Poland, there is no “one‑size‑fits‑all” solution. The process depends heavily on nationality, visa‑free access, and the nature of employment.

The first step is always to assess whether the individual can enter Poland without a visa. If employment is involved, determining the correct type of work permit is critical. While EU nationals and some visa‑exempt nationals may only need a work permit, others — such as Indian nationals — require both a visa and a work permit, resulting in longer and more complex timelines.

Early eligibility checks and a clear immigration strategy are therefore essential foundations for any move.

A more demanding visa system

Recent years have seen Poland’s immigration processes become more stringent. The changes introduced between 2023 and 2025 have impacted not only work visas but also study visas, with stricter scrutiny across the board.

A particular challenge is the way many Polish consulates now allocate visa appointments. In several jurisdictions — especially across Asia — applicants must enter lottery systems to secure an appointment, with no certainty on timing. Waiting periods can range from months to over a year, creating serious difficulties for employers trying to onboard staff quickly.

Despite reforms, delays remain unresolved and, in some cases, have worsened.

Residence permits and long waiting times

Residence permits present another challenge. Processing times vary significantly by region, but in major centres such as Warsaw, applicants can expect waits of one to one and a half years. In some northern regions, this can extend to two or even two and a half years.

Given these timelines, forward planning is critical. Applications should be submitted well in advance — ideally at least a year before an existing visa or permit expires.

Looking ahead, the Polish government has committed to further digitalisation by 2026. While work permits are already processed digitally, this has not yet translated into faster outcomes. Whether broader digital reforms will meaningfully improve processing times remains to be seen.

Common pitfalls for employers

Foreign employers often underestimate the administrative realities of hiring in Poland. One of the most frequent mistakes is treating immigration paperwork as if it operates on the same timelines as domestic employment documentation.

In practice, delays are common, and failure to factor them in can result in employees working without valid authorisation - typically unintentionally, but with serious legal consequences.

Another frequent oversight occurs when employees are promoted or change roles. Immigration permissions must be updated to reflect these changes, and failing to do so can lead to non‑compliance.

Long‑term residence and citizenship

For those planning long‑term settlement, the current pathway to Polish citizenship involves several stages. After five years of legal residence and work, an individual may apply for permanent residence. Following three further years holding permanent or EU long‑term residence, they become eligible to apply for citizenship.

However, this framework may change. Political discussions are ongoing about extending residence requirements and introducing additional conditions, such as enhanced language testing or assessments of Polish history and culture.

Planning is essential

Peter’s key message for companies entering Poland is simple: planning and expert guidance are indispensable.

With lengthy processing times, evolving regulations and significant compliance risks, working with knowledgeable immigration advisors from the outset can help businesses avoid delays, unlawful employment, and operational disruption.

As Poland continues its transformation into a major European investment hub, understanding and anticipating its immigration landscape will be crucial for success.