As of July 13, 2021, the Poland.Business Harbour program (PBH) is available for the citizens of Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.
Originally launched in 2020 for citizens of Belarus, the PBH is a fast-track visa for IT professionals and their families, as well as owners and employees of small, medium, and large companies. Poland’s government has also introduced a series of financial incentives and support services for startups and larger companies to get established and settled in Poland.
Program Highlights
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Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine who wish to obtain a visa under the Poland.Business Harbor program, are subject to the simplified visa procedure.
- The program is for IT specialists; startups; small, medium, and large enterprises.
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PBH visa holders can start employment without the obligation to obtain a work permit. They are also entitled to open a sole proprietorship in Poland.
- A PBH applicant’s future IT employer must also apply to join the program. The future employer will need to issue a document confirming its interest in hiring the candidate. This rule does not apply to citizens of Belarus.
- Foreign entities not registered in Poland willing to employ remotely cannot sponsor PBH visa applicant
Requirements Based on Role
- Freelancers: a document confirming technical education or at least one year of experience in the IT industry and proof of interest on the part of one of the partner companies in the program.
- Startups: a document confirming qualification for the Poland Prize program,
- Operators of a small, medium, or large enterprise: a document confirming qualification to the program by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.