A trio of executive ordinances published on 25 November but effective 1 December have radically altered Poland’s cost structure for employing non-EU nationals. Filing a standard employer declaration now costs PLN 400 instead of PLN 100, while seasonal-work permits have jumped from PLN 30 to PLN 120. Traditional work-permit fees range from PLN 200 for assignments up to three months to PLN 800 for outbound service contracts.
The ordinances go beyond pricing. They impose a harmonised checklist that obliges employers to submit tax-compliance certificates, proof of no wage arrears and—newly—evidence of suitable housing whenever accommodation is bundled into the job offer. These documents must be uploaded to praca.gov.pl as part of the single digital dossier introduced the same day.
![Work-permit fees quadruple as Poland harmonises documentary check-lists]()
Legal practitioners warn that the financial hit could be substantial for manufacturing firms that rely on large cohorts of third-country nationals. Some HR leaders are exploring cost-sharing models, passing part of the fee to subcontractors or adjusting salary packages to offset expenses.
For mobility teams, the immediate action point is to update budgets and offer letters. Failure to include the correct fee receipt will result in the application being kicked back by county labour offices, adding weeks of delay at a time when Poland is competing with Germany and the Czech Republic for scarce skilled labour.
The ordinances go beyond pricing. They impose a harmonised checklist that obliges employers to submit tax-compliance certificates, proof of no wage arrears and—newly—evidence of suitable housing whenever accommodation is bundled into the job offer. These documents must be uploaded to praca.gov.pl as part of the single digital dossier introduced the same day.
Legal practitioners warn that the financial hit could be substantial for manufacturing firms that rely on large cohorts of third-country nationals. Some HR leaders are exploring cost-sharing models, passing part of the fee to subcontractors or adjusting salary packages to offset expenses.
For mobility teams, the immediate action point is to update budgets and offer letters. Failure to include the correct fee receipt will result in the application being kicked back by county labour offices, adding weeks of delay at a time when Poland is competing with Germany and the Czech Republic for scarce skilled labour.
