The reforms focus strongly on digital processes, labour-market protection and closer alignment with European Union standards.

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Online-only procedures for employing foreign workers in Poland

Under the new rules, almost all procedures connected with employing foreigners are handled exclusively through an electronic system. This now applies to:

• work permit applications
• declarations on entrusting work to a foreigner
• submissions of explanations and appeals
• delivery of decisions and official correspondence

Paper forms and email applications are no longer accepted.

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Employers are required to:

• upload a signed employment contract before the foreign national starts work (for both standard work permits and registered declarations)
• notify the authorities if the employee never starts work or leaves earlier than planned, as this may result in the permit or declaration being revoked

Residence permits will also be gradually moved online, with authorities given up to two years to fully implement the new digital system.‍

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New model for legalising employment – simpler but stricter

Poland has removed the previous labour-market test and the obligation to obtain the starosta’s opinion. Instead, authorities will use county-level lists of restricted occupations based on factors such as unemployment levels and mass layoffs.

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For professions that appear on these lists, hiring foreign workers may be limited. The stated objectives are:

• protecting employment opportunities for Polish citizens
• reacting more quickly to changes in the labour market

These amendments do not introduce additional job-security guarantees for foreigners; they can still be dismissed on the same terms as Polish employees.

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Main improvements for 2025 include:

• Shorter contract requirement– minimum contract length reduced from 12 months to 6 months
• New mobility options within the EU– Blue Card holders can now work in another EU member state for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without applying for a new work permit (short-term mobility)
• Possibility to run a business– Blue Card holders may engage in business activity related to their profession, including individuals whose cards were issued before 1 June 2025
• More flexible Blue Card decision– the card no longer indicates a specific employer or job title, which makes changing employer or position easier
• Simpler job changes– changing employer or internal role does not require a new permit, provided the work remains in a highly skilled occupation and the salary meets the required level
• Uniform salary threshold– for 2025 applications, the gross monthly salary must be at least PLN 12,272.58
• Updated notification duties– employers and employees must inform the voivode (provincial governor) about:
  
  • loss of employment
  • change of employing entity
  • loss of required qualifications
  • start of long-term mobility in another EU member state

• Better protection after job loss– Blue Card holders with at least two years of residence now have up to six months to secure new employment; for those with a shorter stay, the 90-day period still applies

All EU Blue Card applications are submitted electronically, in line with the wider shift to digital immigration procedures.

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2025: heavier penalties for illegal employment

The new legislation significantly increases sanctions for employing foreigners without proper authorisation:

• fines now range from PLN 3,000 to 50,000 for each unlawfully employed worker
• in serious cases – such as misleading a foreign national, charging for “help” with legalisation or submitting false declarations – additional penalties of up to PLN 6,000 per person may be imposed
• foreign workers can also be fined (at least PLN 1,000) for taking up employment without the required permit
• the National Labour Inspectorate and the Polish Border Guard can carry out unannounced inspections and impose administrative fines of up to PLN 10,000 without court involvement

For employers, immigration compliance, accurate documentation and continuous monitoring of permits have become critical business priorities.

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What the new rules mean for your business

The 2025 reforms to Poland’s immigration system create both opportunities and obligations for employers:

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Opportunities:‍

• easier use of the EU Blue Card to attract highly qualified international staff
• faster and clearer procedures thanks to full digitisation

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Responsibilities:

• ‍‍strict observance of online procedures and reporting duties
• careful verification of the legal status and documentation of foreign employees
• managing the increased financial and reputational risk associated with non-compliance

Poland’s 2025 immigration changes modernise and digitise procedures, reshape the EU Blue Card into a more flexible tool for attracting skilled foreign professionals, and at the same time significantly raise the compliance bar for employers through stricter obligations and tougher penalties.

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Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.

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For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

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The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.