Residence card based on work — requirements, documents and the employer's role

A residence card based on work is the most common legalization path for people who came to Poland to earn money. Formally, it's usually a single permit for temporary residence and work — one document that combines two things: the right to reside and the right to work for a specified employer. It's convenient, but there's one catch: since residence and work are linked, a change on the work side can undermine the basis for residence.

This post explains who can apply, what documents are needed, what role the employer plays, and what happens next. It will be useful for both sides — the employee and the company.

What the single permit for residence and work entails

Instead of arranging a work permit and residence separately, the foreigner receives one document covering both aspects. The permit is tied to a specific employer and the employment conditions indicated in the application. That's why any significant change — employer, position, work hours — requires action.

Who can apply

The foreigner submits the application, but without the employer's cooperation, the case won't move forward. It's the employer who confirms the employment conditions and completes their part of the documentation. That's why this topic so strongly connects two worlds: the employee and the company. On the employer's side, this involves specific obligations when employing foreigners, which must be kept in mind throughout the employment period.

What documents are needed

• valid travel document (passport),
• current photograph,
• Annex No. 1 — completed by the employer, confirms employment conditions,
• contract or information about working conditions and remuneration,
• confirmation of health insurance,
• confirmation of a stable income source,
• proof of fees.

Foreign-language documents require certified translation. The submission procedure is electronic — we've outlined the entire process in the guide how to submit a residence card application.

The employer's role — you can't do without it

This is an often underestimated element. The employer not only completes Annex No. 1, but also has their own reporting obligations to the office (including notifying about job loss within 15 days). In practice, cases move fastest when the employee and employer work in sync — or when the whole process is coordinated by one agency. That's exactly how our employment agency for foreigners works: we handle work and residence legalization in parallel, so there's no gap.

Costs and timelines

How long is the card issued for and what next

Temporary residence permits are usually issued for a period of up to 3 years. This isn't the end of the road, just a stage — subsequent years of legal residence and work bring you closer to permanent residence or EU long-term resident status. It's worth seeing this as a path: first card → subsequent ones → stability.

Changing jobs mid-term — watch out for the trap

Since the permit is tied to a specific employer, changing employment can be a moment when you most easily lose the basis for residence. After the amendment, this involves additional reporting obligations and short deadlines. Before you sign a contract with a new employer, read the post about changing employer and residence card — it will save you serious trouble.

FAQ — residence card based on work

Can I work immediately after submitting the application? It depends on your previous basis for residence and work. This needs to be assessed individually — a gap in work legality can be costly for both sides.

Is the card tied to one employer? The single permit is linked to a specific employer and conditions. Changing requires official action — details in a separate post.

Who completes Annex No. 1? The employer. They confirm the employment conditions.

How long will I get the card for? Temporary residence permits are usually issued for up to 3 years.

Can I later move to permanent residence? Yes, subsequent years of legal residence open the path to permanent residence or EU long-term resident.

We'll help — employee and employer

Working in Poland and want to regularize your residence? Are you a company that wants to employ a foreigner legally? Contact us — we'll prepare the documents and handle the case on both sides.