Poland’s Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has confirmed that, as of 1 December 2025, all categories of standard work permits cost significantly more. Type A and B permits—used for local hires—now cost PLN 200 for contracts up to three months and PLN 400 for longer engagements, up from a flat PLN 100. Fees for secondment permits (Types C, D and E) have jumped to PLN 800.
The price rises were enacted via a package of executive ordinances published on 25 November but only publicised to employers on 10 December. The measures accompany a fully digital, single-dossier filing process on the praca.gov.pl portal that requires employers to upload contracts, tax-clearance certificates and proof of adequate housing where applicable. Failure to submit the correct fee receipt results in an automatic rejection.
For companies seeking hands-on support, VisaHQ’s Poland team (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) can streamline the entire application by pre-checking documentation, generating the correct payment slips and liaising with county labour offices to minimise the risk of under-payment rejections. Their online platform integrates with the new government portal, offering real-time status updates and helping HR departments budget accurately for the higher fees.
![Poland Doubles Standard Work-Permit Fees under New Immigration Ordinances]()
Envoy Global’s Warsaw practice notes that county labour offices are already returning under-paid filings, extending processing times and jeopardising start dates for Q1 2026 assignees. Multinational companies with large engineering projects have started recalculating cost-of-assignment budgets and informing cost-centres of the new tariff structure.
The ministry argues that fees had not been adjusted since 2014 and that higher income will fund additional staff and anti-fraud technology. Trade associations welcome digitisation but warn that Poland risks losing talent to Germany and the Czech Republic if processing times lengthen. Employers therefore have a strong incentive to submit complete, error-free digital dossiers the first time around to avoid costly delays.
Assignees already holding valid permits are not affected, but any extension filed after 1 December must use the new forms and fee levels. HR teams should revise offer templates immediately and brief recruiters so that salary packages reflect the higher administrative costs.
The price rises were enacted via a package of executive ordinances published on 25 November but only publicised to employers on 10 December. The measures accompany a fully digital, single-dossier filing process on the praca.gov.pl portal that requires employers to upload contracts, tax-clearance certificates and proof of adequate housing where applicable. Failure to submit the correct fee receipt results in an automatic rejection.
For companies seeking hands-on support, VisaHQ’s Poland team (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) can streamline the entire application by pre-checking documentation, generating the correct payment slips and liaising with county labour offices to minimise the risk of under-payment rejections. Their online platform integrates with the new government portal, offering real-time status updates and helping HR departments budget accurately for the higher fees.
Envoy Global’s Warsaw practice notes that county labour offices are already returning under-paid filings, extending processing times and jeopardising start dates for Q1 2026 assignees. Multinational companies with large engineering projects have started recalculating cost-of-assignment budgets and informing cost-centres of the new tariff structure.
The ministry argues that fees had not been adjusted since 2014 and that higher income will fund additional staff and anti-fraud technology. Trade associations welcome digitisation but warn that Poland risks losing talent to Germany and the Czech Republic if processing times lengthen. Employers therefore have a strong incentive to submit complete, error-free digital dossiers the first time around to avoid costly delays.
Assignees already holding valid permits are not affected, but any extension filed after 1 December must use the new forms and fee levels. HR teams should revise offer templates immediately and brief recruiters so that salary packages reflect the higher administrative costs.
