Poland: no more work without a visa

While the 90-day Schengen visa exemption continues to apply to Colombian, Georgian and Venezuelan nationals for non-lucrative visits, Poland now prohibits any on-the-spot regularisation or employment under this status.

A a regulation published in the Polish Journal of Lawson 10 August 2026 closes access to the local labour market for visa-free arrivals: for any professional activity on Polish territory — whether a local contract or an intra-European secondment of more than 90 days — a work visa must be obtained in advance from the relevant consular authorities.

The new work visa rules from 22 August 2026

✅ On-the-spot regularisation is no longer possible: a Colombian, Georgian or Venezuelan national can no longer arrive under the Schengen visa exemption and subsequently apply to change their status to employee in Poland. The work visa must be obtained from the consulate in the country of origin before any entry into Polish territory for professional purposes.

✅ From 22 August, no new employment can begin under the visa-free regime: even if a work permit (type A) has already been issued by the employer, an employee who entered under the Schengen visa exemption cannot start working on that permit alone. The full procedure — visa and work permit — must be completed before arriving in Poland.

✅ A transitional clause protects employees already in post before 22 August: those who had legally started working under the visa-free regime before that date may continue until the expiry of their authorised stay. Beyond that, a work visa will be required for any continuation or renewal.

Hiring in Poland: three actions to take now

• Check the nationality of every candidate or employee planned for Poland in the context of an employment contract or secondment: Colombia, Georgia and Venezuela are now outside the visa-free scope for professional entry. Short business trips without an employment relationship are not affected.
• Factor in longer consular processing times: the sudden increase in work authorisation demand will put pressure on Polish consulates. Add at least 4 to 6 weeks to your mobility timeline.
• Audit active assignments: for each employee currently in Poland under the visa-free regime before 22 August, identify their authorised stay expiry date and initiate the visa procedure before that deadline — the transitional clause does not renew automatically.