Poland has stunned employers by raising the fee for its popular “oświadczenie” (declaration of intent to employ a foreigner) from PLN 100 to PLN 400, effective 1 December, according to an official circular released by the Lubelskie Voivodeship and confirmed nationwide on 6 December. The simplified filing—often used by agriculture, logistics and construction firms for short-term hires—now costs the same as a full-length work-permit for long assignments. Fees for seconded workers doubled to PLN 800, while seasonal-work charges remain PLN 100.
Just as disruptive is Warsaw’s decision to prune the nationality list. Georgian citizens—who accounted for an estimated 12 % of declarations in 2024—are no longer eligible. Only Armenians, Belarusians, Moldovans and Ukrainians can be hired through the express path. Existing declarations for Georgians stay valid until expiry, but renewals must follow the longer, costlier permit route.
![Work-Authorisation Shock: Poland Quadruples “Oświadczenie” Fee and Drops Georgia From Fast-Track List]()
Labour-law specialists say the hike forms part of Poland’s broader immigration overhaul designed to curb low-wage inflows, steer employers toward higher-skilled talent and reduce fraud. Yet the timing, weeks before the winter hiring peak, leaves mobility managers scrambling to adjust budgets and talent pipelines. HR leaders in retail distribution and fruit-processing—sectors heavily reliant on Georgian pickers—warn of potential labour shortages and upward wage pressure.
Practical steps for global-mobility teams include auditing current declarations, forecasting spend under the new tariff, and pre-booking translation services now required for qualification documents. Companies engaging Georgian nationals should initiate standard work-permit processes at least eight weeks in advance, or consider alternative labour pools in neighbouring countries.
Just as disruptive is Warsaw’s decision to prune the nationality list. Georgian citizens—who accounted for an estimated 12 % of declarations in 2024—are no longer eligible. Only Armenians, Belarusians, Moldovans and Ukrainians can be hired through the express path. Existing declarations for Georgians stay valid until expiry, but renewals must follow the longer, costlier permit route.
Labour-law specialists say the hike forms part of Poland’s broader immigration overhaul designed to curb low-wage inflows, steer employers toward higher-skilled talent and reduce fraud. Yet the timing, weeks before the winter hiring peak, leaves mobility managers scrambling to adjust budgets and talent pipelines. HR leaders in retail distribution and fruit-processing—sectors heavily reliant on Georgian pickers—warn of potential labour shortages and upward wage pressure.
Practical steps for global-mobility teams include auditing current declarations, forecasting spend under the new tariff, and pre-booking translation services now required for qualification documents. Companies engaging Georgian nationals should initiate standard work-permit processes at least eight weeks in advance, or consider alternative labour pools in neighbouring countries.
