The duration of the entire process?

The whole procedure, which involves employer filing of the Work Permit, up to issuing of the visa, normally requires 3 to 6 months. The longest one (6-12 weeks) is the Work Permit, and the D-type Visa (around 15 working days but may be prolonged to 30 days or more during the busy times).

What is the present National Visa (D-TYPE) fee?

Consular fee of the National Visa (D-Type) to work in the country stands at a normal price of 135.21 Note that this fee cannot be refunded even in case of refusal.

Is a National Visa D acceptable to other Schengen countries?

Yes. The National Visa D gives you the permission to spend and work in Poland yet also allows short-term travel in other Schengen Member States to a maximum 90 days in any 180 days period to be spent in tourism or business.

What if my employer changes?

A current Work Permit and a visa / residence card are normally not validated in case you switch the employer in Poland. Your new employer has to apply on your behalf to a brand new Work Permit.

Poland Employment Visa (National D-Type)

Considering taking a career opportunity in one of the fast growing economies in Europe? Poland, having a dynamic labor market and being one of the major EU centers, has unbelievable opportunities. Nevertheless, the right to work can be obtained bypassing two immigration procedures, the Work Permit and the National Visa (Type D).

Getting to know the Two-Part Requirement

The Poland Employment Visa broadly refers to the National Visa (Type D) which is granted to undertake work in Poland (also known as legal work).2 This type of visa permits non-EU/EEA citizens to stay in Poland longer than 90 days (up to 365 days) and legally enter Poland to start working.

Importantly, without the previous consent of a Work Permit (Zezwolenie na pracue), there is no chance to receive this visa. Close cooperation with your Polish employer is a key to the successful application.

Step-by-Step Checklist Your 7-point Checklist

The procedure is a linear application process of which the most important initial step would be the employer-side Work Permit.

Accept an Authoritative Job Offer and Sign the Preliminary Contract

A job offer by a Polish firm (the Entity Entrusting Work) should be confirmed first, which should include the salary, working conditions, and the starting date, in a preliminary Employment Contract (Umowa o pracę or Umowa zlecenie).

The Employer Applies the work permit (Type A)

Your employer leads in this case, and generally makes a request to receive a Work Permit Type A (the most common type of Work Permit to work in a registered Polish company).It is submitted to the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewozyki) – the regional government office that is authorised to deal with the location where you are going to work.

Employing the National Court Register (NCR): One of the documents that the employer needs to accommodate the legal status of the company (e.g., a copy of your passport) and a copy of the National Court Register (NCR).
Labor Market Test: In certain circumstances, the employer has to take out a Starosta Information with the local Labour Office, where it is confirmed that there is no competent Polish or EU/EEA applicant against which they can fill the position.11 This provision is frequently done away with, in the face of an in-demand profession.

Work Permit Issuance

After the review of the application (processing time is typically 6 to 12 weeks), the Voivode approves and issues the official Work Permit document to the employer.12 Your employer should make the document available to you, the original copy of which is required in your visa application.

Fill Visa Application Online and Register

You will have to apply and complete the formal visa application form via the e-Konsulat System of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There, you also make your inevitable appointment.

Google Discover Optimization Tip: It can also be competitive in the slots of appointments. The e-Konsulat system is regularly checked as new slots are frequently announced on a particular day of the week.

Find All the Necessary Documents

The most important thing in avoiding delays is to prepare an entirely comprehensive and correct file ( Visa Processing Time can be 28 weeks ).You shall present the original and copies of the same to your consular appointment.

Be present in the Consulate/Embassy Appointment

You will be required to appear in person in the appointment that should be made at the closest Polish Consulate or Embassy (or Visa Application Center such as VFS Global, where it is relevant) in your home country.

During this appointment, you will present your documents, pay the National Visa Fee (usually, it is 135 Euros or the currency of the country of stay), and give your Biometric Data (photo and fingerprints).
Have a few questions about your work and intentions in Poland.

Take your Passport and National Visa (Type D)

After this, you will be informed to take the passport. Once it is approved, it will include the National Visa (Type D) sticker that is valid up to a year and allows you to enter Poland and start your professional career.

In addition to the Visa Staying Long-Term

The National Visa D is a compelling document and yet it is an entry visa. Assuming that your stay in Poland will last more than one year, once in Poland, you will have to apply to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu).

This is done within Poland in the local Voivodeship Office.
Temporary Residence Permit usually includes your right to reside and your right to work (a combined Temporary Residence and Work Permit).
The stamp duty on the Temporary Residence Permit is normally about PLN 440 (about 20 € 100).

FAQs

The duration of the entire process?

The whole procedure, which involves employer filing of the Work Permit, up to issuing of the visa, normally requires 3 to 6 months. The longest one (6-12 weeks) is the Work Permit, and the D-type Visa (around 15 working days but may be prolonged to 30 days or more during the busy times).
What is the present National Visa (D-TYPE) fee?

Consular fee of the National Visa (D-Type) to work in the country stands at a normal price of 135.21 Note that this fee cannot be refunded even in case of refusal.
Is a National Visa D acceptable to other Schengen countries?

Yes. The National Visa D gives you the permission to spend and work in Poland yet also allows short-term travel in other Schengen Member States to a maximum 90 days in any 180 days period to be spent in tourism or business.
What if my employer changes?

A current Work Permit and a visa / residence card are normally not validated in case you switch the employer in Poland. Your new employer has to apply on your behalf to a brand new Work Permit.

Final Thoughts

Poland is a very promising place to establish a career due to its friendly stance towards foreign experts. Precision, coordination with your employer and careful documentation is all that matters when it comes to successfully acquiring your Poland Employment Visa. Knowing the prerequisite of the Work Permit and taking the steps with the help of the e-Konsulat System, you spend a considerable chance in getting a successful entrance into the Polish labor market.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and provides a general guide based on publicly available official requirements. Immigration policies and consular fees are subject to frequent change. Readers are strongly advised to verify all details directly from the official Polish Embassy, Consulate, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website in their jurisdiction before submitting any application or making financial commitments.

Poland Employment Visa – Application Explained