Employment can provide a basis for a Polish residence card. A work contract and a residence permit serve different purposes, however. Before filing, check whether the particular procedure is available to you, which employment conditions must be proved and what the employer needs to prepare.
When does the work-based route apply?
A temporary residence and work permit is generally considered when employment justifies a stay exceeding three months. It is not the right procedure for every contract. Seasonal work, posting by a foreign employer and highly qualified employment may fall under different routes.
Your present immigration status matters as well. A job offer alone does not establish that you can successfully use this procedure. The ordinary permit conditions appear in Article 114 of the Foreigners Act.
Check that the employment details match
Compare the employer, position, contract type, working hours, employment period and pay. The application and annex should describe the actual arrangement.
The ordinary procedure has requirements concerning health insurance and remuneration, including the statutory minimum and pay comparable to similar work. Do not copy a minimum-wage amount from an old template. Check the current figure and how the requirement applies when preparing the documents.
For agency work, establish which details concern the agency and which concern the user employer. Resolve differences in company names or workplace details before sending the application.
What should you prepare with your employer?
- A valid travel document and the materials needed for a standard MOS filing.
- The contract or other evidence of the agreed employment terms.
- The employer’s annex for the relevant application.
- Health insurance evidence and other documents required for your procedure.
- Your current residence decision and work-authorization documents where relevant.
Since April 27, 2026, ordinary applications have been filed through MOS. For a standard temporary residence and work permit, the employer completes and electronically signs Annex 1. Check that the person signing is authorized to represent the company. Current forms appear on the voivodeship office website.
A contract does not replace a mandatory annex. Agree a preparation schedule with the employer early.
Can you work while the application is pending?
Filing alone does not grant unrestricted access to the labor market. Continuing employment during the procedure is possible when the statutory conditions are satisfied. The review needs to cover your previous work authorization, timely filing, employer, employment terms and any applicable exemption.
If the employer or terms change, do not assume your existing authorization covers the new job. A notification, permit amendment or another procedure may be necessary. Check this before starting the new employment.
What if the employer is late with the documents?
Identify the missing document or signature and agree who will provide it. Check the end date of your lawful stay. A saved MOS draft is not a submitted application. Our MOS application guide explains submission and receipt of the acknowledgment.
Pobyto can discuss work-based residence card assistance, document checks and coordination with the employer. Service prices are separate from official charges.
Checked on October 19, 2026. Residence rights and authorization for a particular job require separate assessment of the applicant’s documents.
