Found a better job offer in Poland? Congratulations! That’s great news for your career. However, remember that if you hold a temporary residence and work permit (the so-called “single permit” or residence card “with work”) tied to your current employer, changing your place of employment involves necessary formalities. Neglecting them can lead to the loss of legal work status and even legal residence in Poland. What exactly do you need to do?

Introduction: found a new job in Poland? Congrats! But what about your residence card?

Many foreigners working in Poland based on a temporary residence and work permit enjoy the stability this document provides. However, the job market is dynamic, and new, more attractive opportunities often arise. Changing jobs is a natural part of career development, but for holders of a single permit, it means taking legal steps to update their status. Ignoring these procedures is a straightforward path to problems.

The residence card “with work” – tied to a specific employer

A standard temporary residence and work permit is closely linked to the employment conditions specified in the Voivode’s decision. This decision indicates the specific employer, position, minimum salary, and sometimes the working hours. This means the permit authorizes you to work only for that employer and under those conditions. Starting work for a different employer or significantly changing conditions with the current one (e.g., position) without completing the formalities is illegal.

Obligation #1: notifying the voivode about job termination

If you stop working for the employer indicated in your residence decision (e.g., you resign, the contract expires, or you are dismissed), you have a legal obligation to notify the Voivode who issued your permit about this fact.

  • Deadline: You must do this within 15 working days from the date the reason for granting the permit ceased (i.e., from the day you stopped working).
  • Form: It’s best to submit the notification in writing, with proof of delivery, to the Voivodeship Office.
  • Consequences of failure to notify: Failure to report this fact can be grounds for withdrawal (cofnięcie) of your temporary residence and work permit.

What happens after losing the job? Time to find a new one (and legalize)

Simply notifying the Voivode about losing your job is just the beginning. What happens to your permit?

  • The permit is not automatically withdrawn immediately after job loss, especially if you notified the office on time. Regulations provide a certain period (often interpreted as about 30 days from job loss, but not guaranteed) during which you can look for new employment.
  • Crucially: You must find a new employer as soon as possible and initiate the procedure to legalize work with them before the Voivode decides to withdraw your current permit due to the cessation of the purpose of stay.

Legal work for a new employer – How to do it?

To legally start working for a new employer, you need to update your permit. You usually have two options:

Option 1: Applying for a NEW Residence and Work Permit

  • You find a new employer willing to hire you who meets the conditions (e.g., obtains labor market test information for you, if required).
  • You submit a completely new application for a temporary residence and work permit to the Voivodeship Office, indicating the new employer and new conditions. You attach all required documents (including Attachment No. 1 from the new employer, new contract, etc.).

Option 2: Applying to AMEND the Existing Permit

  • In some situations, instead of filing a new application from scratch, you can apply for an amendment (zmiana) of your current temporary residence and work permit. The amendment involves “swapping” the employer details and working conditions in the existing decision.
  • This option is often faster but not always possible (e.g., if changing to a completely different occupation or if the Voivodeship Office has a different practice). It also requires submitting relevant documents from the new employer (Attachment No. 1, contract, LMT info if needed).

When Can You Start the New Job?

This is a very important question! As a general rule, you cannot start working for the new employer immediately after signing the contract. Legal commencement of work is usually possible only after:

  • Receiving a new, positive decision on the residence and work permit linked to the new employer, OR
  • Receiving a positive decision amending your current permit.

There are some specific, complex exceptions and interpretations regarding the start date (especially concerning permit amendments), so it is always advisable to consult a lawyer or the Voivodeship Office directly on this matter to avoid illegal employment.

Exceptions – When is changing jobs simpler?

The rules above mainly apply to the single permit for temporary residence and work. If you hold:

  • A permanent residence permit,
  • An EU long-term resident permit,
  • A temporary residence permit for a graduate of a Polish full-time university program,
  • A temporary residence permit for a spouse of a Polish citizen,
  • Other permits with the annotation “access to the labor market” (dostęp do rynku pracy), then you generally have free access to the labor market and can change employers without needing a new work permit or amendment to your residence decision (although other notification duties, e.g., towards the labor office, might still apply).

Olga’s story: changing jobs step by step (and legally)

Olga worked at Company A based on a temporary residence and work permit. She received an attractive offer from Company B. She signed a contract with Company B with a start date one month later. Immediately after finishing work at Company A (by mutual agreement), within 5 working days, she submitted a written notification to the Voivodeship Office about the job loss. Simultaneously, Company B prepared Attachment No. 1 for her and obtained the labor market test information. Olga, before 30 days had passed since losing her job, submitted an application to amend her permit, attaching the documents from Company B. She had to wait for the amended decision to be issued and only after receiving it could she legally start working at Company B.

Summary: plan your job change in advance!

Changing jobs while holding a residence card tied to an employer requires action and planning. Remember the key steps:

  1. Notify the Voivode about finishing work (within 15 working days).
  2. Find a new employer and submit an application for a new permit or an amendment to the current one.
  3. Do not start the new job before obtaining the appropriate decision.

Careful planning and completing the formalities will help you avoid problems with the legality of your stay and work in Poland.

Changing jobs in Poland and unsure how to do it legally with your residence card? Need help preparing the notification for the Voivode or the application for a new/amended permit? Contact our law firm. We will help you navigate this process safely.

Na zdjęciu widzimy mężczyznę o krótkich, kręconych włosach i brodzie, ubranego w brązową kurtkę na ciemnej koszuli. Siedzi przy oknie, a ciepłe światło padające z boku subtelnie oświetla jego twarz, nadając całej scenie spokojny, refleksyjny nastrój. Jego spojrzenie jest zamyślone i skierowane jest lekko ku górze. W tle wisi flaga Polski.
Permit for stay for humanitarian reasons – Who can obtain it?
Na zdjęciu widzimy mężczyznę w garniturze, siedzącego przy biurku w profesjonalnym otoczeniu — prawdopodobnie w urzędzie lub biurze związanym z zatrudnieniem lub sprawami imigracyjnymi. W dłoniach trzyma dwa dokumenty: jeden oznaczony jako „OLD CONTRACT” (stara umowa), a drugi jako „NEW CONTRACT” (nowa umowa). Na biurku przed nim leży trzeci dokument zatytułowany „WORK PERMIT” — czyli pozwolenie na pracę. W tle widoczna jest flaga Polski oraz godło z białym orłem.
Change of employer and work permit – How not to break the law