Poland’s Changes to the EU Blue Card

Another significant part of the forthcoming immigration reform in Poland concerns Blue Card holders. The Act amending the Act on Foreigners and other related legislation will enter into force on June 1, 2025.

What to Expect

• Individuals applying for a Blue Card will be required to present a contract valid for a minimum of 6 months. Currently, the minimum required contract duration for issuing a Blue Card is 1 year.
• The Act introduces new rules for confirming work experience for a Blue Card application. Individuals working in occupations listed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs must confirm only 3 years of professional experience to qualify for a Blue Card. Those whose occupation is not included on the list must demonstrate at least 5 years of professional experience, which is currently the minimum requirement in all cases.
• Individuals residing in Poland based on refugee status or subsidiary protection will be eligible to apply for the Blue Card. Currently, this is not possible.
• Blue Card holders will gain the right to work in Poland and change employers without additional restrictions, provided their salary is not lower than the amount specified in their residence permit decision.
  • Currently, if a Blue Card holder has been residing in Poland for less than 2 years on the basis of the Blue Card, they cannot change their employer without first updating their Blue Card.
• Notification obligations will be limited. If the Blue Card holder changes their employer or no longer fulfills the requirements to hold the Blue Card (e.g., quits their job and does not have a new employer), they will be obliged to notify the Immigration Office in 15 working days. Failing to fulfill this obligation will result in canceling the Blue Card.
• In case the Blue Card holder quits their job and seeks a new employer, their Blue Card cannot be canceled:
  • during the first 3 months of an unemployment period, if they stay in Poland on the basis of the Blue Card for less than 2 years,
  • during the first 6 months of the unemployment period if they stay in Poland on the basis of the Blue Card for more than 2 years.
• A new temporary residence permit is being introduced for the long-term mobility of a Blue Card holder. This type of residence permit is dedicated to individuals residing in other EU countries based on the Blue Cards or based on a residence permit issued for the long-term mobility of a Blue Card holder.
  • To receive such a permit, an individual needs to confirm that they:
    • concluded a contract which is valid for at least 6 months,
    • hold a Blue Card issued by another EU country and resided in this country on the basis of this Blue Card for at least 12 months or resided in this country on the basis of a residence permit issued for the purpose of a long-term mobility of a Blue Card holder for at least 6 months,
    • hold health insurance,
    • receive an annual salary that is not lower than the equivalent of 150% of the average salary in the national economy in the year preceding the application submission.

Holders of the new residence permit will be able to move to Poland with their family members, who can apply for a residence permit for dependents. Both holders of Blue Cards and holders of residence permits for long-term mobility Blue Card holders will be able to open business activity in Poland without additional limitations.