On December 1, 2025, new regulations came into effect which, among other changes, removed Georgia from the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a simplified work authorization process known as the “declaration on entrusting work to foreign nationals”.
Declarations on entrusting work to foreign nationals
A declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner is a simplified procedure, compared to a work permit, for legalizing work in Poland. It is issued by the employer’s local county labor office (not by the voivodeship office as in the case of a work permit).
However, the declaration procedure applies only to citizens of a few countries indicated in an interministerial regulation. Under the new regulation, declarations only apply to citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Effective December 1, 2025, Georgia has been removed from the list.
Citizens of Georgia who have been entrusted with work based on a declaration registered before the amended regulation entered into force may continue working under that declaration until the expiry date of the declaration.
Higher fees for declarations and work permits
Another regulation entering into force on December 1, 2025 is the regulation on the amount of fees for work permit applications and declarations on entrusting work to a foreigner.
From December 1, 2025, the fee submitted with a declaration will be PLN 400 (previously PLN 100). Cases already initiated before the effective date will follow the previous rules.
Work permit application fees will also change on December 1, 2025:
- PLN 200 – for work permits up to 3 months
- PLN 400 – for work permits longer than 3 months
- PLN 800 – for delegations of foreign workers to Poland
- PLN 100 – for seasonal work permits.
Precise specification of cases exempt from work permits
The new regulation (issued under Article 3(7) of the Act of March 20, 2025) clarifies the special cases where foreigners can work without a work permit, complementing the statutory provisions introduced on June 1, 2025. These include:
- Participation in EU and international assistance program (program development/supervision or training)
- Teachers conducting instruction in foreign languages – clarified with reference to the Education Law and specific types of institutions
- Delegation connected with defense program under agreements involving Poland
- Journalists – foreign correspondents accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Artistic and audiovisual work – with explicit limits (up to 30 days per calendar year)
- Occasional lectures/speeches/presentations – also with a 30-day limit
- Athletes and sports-related staff – clarified rules for persons delegated by international sports organizations; 30-day limit for athletes employed by Polish clubs
- Pupils and youth workers in vocational training or internships
- Participants in government business internship programs for Polish diaspora communities
- Researchers and scientific staff – a catalogue of technical and research-related activities
- Medical professions and other regulated professions (including physiotherapists and pharmacists), requiring valid professional licenses.
New time limits and more detailed conditions
In 2025, explicit 30-day annual limits were introduced for several categories (artistic performances, occasional lectures, athletes hired by Polish clubs), which is a significant clarification compared to the 2015 regulation.
Delegation of foreign employers (short delegations)
The new regulation also clarifies cases of delegating a person living abroad by a foreign employer for no more than 3 months per year, listing specific types of work (assembly, equipment acceptance, training, installation/dismantling of trade fair stands). These provisions formalize earlier practices.
Transitional rules – shortened adjustment period
According to §2 of the new regulation, foreigners working under the 2015 regulation whose situations are not covered by the new regulation may continue working without a permit, but not longer than 6 months from the effective date of the new regulation.
New requirements in the work permit procedure – unified and updated document lists
The regulation of November 20, 2025 specifies the exact list of documents that must be attached to a work permit application or a declaration.
Note that, since June 1, 2025, work permit applications and attachments must be submitted exclusively electronically.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.