The Polish labor market is entering a new era. Starting June 1, 2025, Poland will implement a groundbreaking set of reforms that reshape how foreign workers — particularly non-EU nationals — can be hired and employed.
For business owners, HR directors, and international employment agencies, these changes are more than just bureaucratic updates. They represent a rare opportunity to fill urgent labor shortages faster, streamline recruitment processes, and access skilled workers from outside the European Union, while also posing new compliance responsibilities that cannot be ignored.
In this article, we will break down the 7 most important employment rules for foreigners in Poland 2025, explain their impact on employers and agencies, and show how to adapt quickly to stay competitive in the evolving European labor market.
Why Poland is Reshaping Employment Rules for Foreigners in 2025
The rise of foreign workforce demand in Poland
Poland has become one of the top destinations for migrant workers in the EU. With over 1 million foreign employees already in the country — mostly from Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Vietnam, and Asia — the demand for non-EU manpower continues to grow. Sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality cannot function without foreign labor.
At the same time, demographic challenges — an aging workforce and declining birth rates — mean that Polish companies are facing chronic labor shortages that domestic recruitment alone cannot solve.
EU alignment and modernization goals
The reforms introduced in June 2025 align Poland more closely with EU standards, especially regarding the EU Blue Card directive, while also simplifying outdated bureaucratic procedures. By removing obstacles such as the labor market test and digitizing the process, Poland is aiming to:
- Attract more highly skilled professionals.
- Reduce hiring delays for essential industries.
- Support employers in filling vacancies quickly.
- Encourage agencies to source talent globally.
Key Employment Rules for Foreigners in Poland (Effective June 2025)
Let’s explore the 7 most game-changing employment rules every employer and agency must know.
1. Blue Card 2.0 – More flexibility, easier mobility
The EU Blue Card has been reformed to make Poland a more attractive destination for professionals. Holders of the Blue Card now enjoy:
- Freedom to start a business in Poland under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
- Simplified job change procedures — no need to reapply for permits when switching employers.
- Short-term mobility across the EU — Blue Card holders from another EU country can work in Poland for up to 90 days within 180 days without additional paperwork.
For employers, this means faster access to highly skilled non-EU workers and fewer legal barriers when hiring top talent.
2. Full digitalization of applications – Goodbye paperwork
One of the biggest frustrations for companies has always been the mountain of paperwork required for foreign hiring. From June 2025:
- All applications for work permits and declarations of employment must be filed electronically only.
- Employers must submit a signed employment contract before the worker begins employment, whether under a permit or declaration.
- Contracts not in Polish must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Employers are required to store contracts and translations for at least two years after employment ends.
This digital shift accelerates the hiring process but also demands better HR organization and compliance systems.
3. Abolition of labor market test – Faster access to workers
Previously, employers had to prove that no local workers were available before hiring foreigners. This “labor market test” often caused significant delays.
Starting June 2025:
- The test is abolished for most cases.
- Instead, authorities will publish a list of restricted professions considered “protected” for Polish citizens.
- If the position is not on the list, employers can hire foreigners without extra approval.
This change is a game-changer for industries struggling with urgent labor shortages, making it easier and faster to bring in workers from outside the EU.
4. Stricter contract requirements and storage obligations
While the system is faster, it comes with tighter compliance obligations:
- Employers must ensure contracts are properly signed and translated.
- Copies must be stored for two years beyond termination.
- Audits and inspections may occur without prior notice.
Failure to comply can lead to fines or suspension of employment rights for foreign workers, directly affecting business continuity.
5. Higher penalties for illegal employment (up to 50,000 PLN)
The Polish government is cracking down on illegal employment practices. Key updates include:
- Maximum fines increased from 30,000 PLN to 50,000 PLN per foreign worker.
- Penalties are now case-specific, with harsher consequences for fraud, concealment, or repeat violations.
- Labor inspectors and border guards have expanded authority to conduct surprise inspections.
For HR directors and agencies, this means compliance is no longer optional. A single mistake could cost tens of thousands of PLN and damage business reputation.
6. Prioritization for companies of national importance
To support critical sectors of the economy, the new rules allow certain companies to enjoy priority processing of work permits and applications.
If your company or agency operates in industries deemed “strategically important” for Poland — such as construction, infrastructure, energy, or healthcare — you may benefit from fast-track approvals, giving you a competitive edge.
7. Improved short-term mobility for EU Blue Card holders
Companies operating across EU borders can now benefit from increased mobility:
- Workers with a Blue Card from another EU country can temporarily work in Poland without a new permit.
- This opens opportunities for multi-country projects and cross-border workforce sharing.
For multinational employers and agencies, this reform provides greater flexibility in workforce allocation.
What These Rules Mean for Employers and Agencies
Opportunities – Faster hiring, wider talent pool
With the removal of the labor market test and the shift to digital systems, hiring non-EU workers is faster than ever before. Agencies that build strong pipelines in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will gain access to a global talent pool.
Risks – Compliance responsibilities, penalties
The flip side of opportunity is risk. Employers face heavier penalties for even small mistakes, and inspections will be more frequent. Agencies must invest in compliance processes to avoid fines.
Competitive advantage for agencies who adapt early
Those who adapt quickly to the new system — mastering the digital submission tools, understanding restricted professions, and building global recruitment pipelines — will capture market share from slower competitors.
Step-by-Step Guide for Hiring Foreign Workers in Poland under the 2025 Rules
Preparing contracts and certified translations
Before submission, ensure every contract is signed and, if necessary, accompanied by a certified Polish translation.
Using electronic submission platforms
Get your HR team trained on the new electronic filing systems, as paper forms are no longer accepted.
Understanding restricted job lists
Monitor the official list of restricted professions to ensure your vacancies qualify for foreign recruitment.
Ensuring audit-readiness and compliance
Maintain organized digital records and prepare for potential audits without notice.
Best Practices for Employment Agencies and HR Leaders
Building partnerships outside the EU (e.g. Vietnam)
Countries like Vietnam are emerging as reliable sources of skilled, disciplined, and motivated workers. Agencies that build recruitment pipelines in these regions will secure a steady flow of candidates.
Vetting and training workers before arrival
Pre-screening and training workers in language, culture, and skills reduces integration challenges in Poland and ensures better performance.
Aligning with Blue Card advantages for top talents
Use the Blue Card program to attract engineers, IT specialists, and healthcare professionals, offering them greater mobility and career growth opportunities.
Why Firstman Vietnam is Your Trusted Partner in Supplying Foreign Workforce to Poland
At Firstman Vietnam, we specialize in connecting Polish companies and European employment agencies with a reliable foreign workforce, particularly from Vietnam.
Proven track record
We have supported industries such as construction, steel, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare, delivering workers who are skilled, motivated, and compliant with Polish and EU standards.
Compliance expertise
Our operations strictly follow Vietnamese labor export regulations and EU employment law, ensuring that your recruitment process is safe, legal, and transparent.
Tailored recruitment pipelines
From initial candidate screening to pre-departure training and documentation, we provide end-to-end manpower solutions tailored to the needs of your company.
Final Thoughts – The Future of Employment in Poland
Poland’s 2025 employment reforms are not just about law; they are about reshaping the future of work and migration.
- For employers, they offer faster hiring and access to global talent.
- For agencies, they present opportunities to expand pipelines and partnerships.
- For workers, they promise greater mobility and protection.
The companies that succeed will be those that embrace compliance, build strong partnerships, and act early to secure skilled workers before competitors do.
✅ Conclusion & Next Steps
Poland’s new employment rules for foreigners in 2025 are reshaping the way companies hire non-EU workers. For businesses and employment agencies, the key to success lies in adapting early, ensuring compliance, and building strong recruitment partnerships.
If your company is seeking skilled and reliable foreign workers for Poland, Firstman Vietnam is ready to support you with end-to-end manpower solutions and compliance expertise.
📞 Contact Firstman Vietnam Today
- Email: admin@firstman.vn
- Hotline: +84 944 578 111
- Website: firstman.asia
📚 Official References from the Polish Government
For further information and confirmation of the new regulations, please refer to the official announcements from the Government of Poland below:
- Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Poland – official announcement: “Labour market laws will come into effect on 1 June 2025”
👉 https://www.gov.pl/web/family/thats-a-given-labour-market-laws-will-come-into-effect-on-1-june-2025 - Ministry update: “Changes to the labour market became effective on 1 June” (covering digitalization of procedures and new employment services rules)
👉 https://www.gov.pl/web/family/it-is-happening-on-1-june-changes-to-the-labour-market-became-effective