Legalization of employment of foreigners

Employing people from outside the European Union for teams is becoming a more and more common practice among business owners. Thanks to our many years of experience in this area, we offer a professional and comprehensive service of legalization of employment of foreigners in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

The effective process requires specialized knowledge and experience that we have developed over the past years, cooperating with offices throughout the country.

Feel free to contact us – we will be happy to help you and provide support in the processes related to the employment of foreigners.

• pre-verification of legal status and possessed documents entitling a foreigner who is a candidate for employee to legal residence and employment,
• obtaining a PESEL number for a foreigner,
• development of the documentation for registration of residence of the EU Member States nationals and citizens of countries belonging to the European Economic Area,
• applying, on behalf of the Employer, for the issuance of work permits for foreigners and obtaining a work permit extension,
• preparation of proposals aimed at obtaining a stay permit in the Polish Republic based on the current legal status of a foreigner,
• implementation of uniform procedures for obtaining work permits and stay permits for foreigners,
• advice on the most suitable method of conducting legalization procedures,
• ongoing reporting on current legal status of foreigners employed in accordance with the adopted principles,
• representing an employer in the Labor Office, Voivodeship Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs,
• supporting a foreigner in obtaining the necessary documents to stay in the territory of Poland – concerns mainly non-EU citizens – a driver’s license and a marriage license valid in the territory of the Republic of Poland, as well as obtaining stay permits for children of foreigners born in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

If you want to personally discuss our offer for HR and Payroll services or want to see in person how the applications and solutions we offer work – visit our offices in Warsaw or Poznań.  We invite you to meet our specialists and if you prefer remote contact – please see the “contact” tab  and contact us by phone, e-mail or via the contact form.

1. What does the legalisation of a foreigner’s employment involve?

It is the process of ensuring that a foreign national can legally stay in Poland and perform work in compliance with applicable regulations. It includes verification of documents and, where required, obtaining the appropriate work or residence permits.

2. Where should the process of employing a foreigner begin?

It should start with verifying their residence status and the documents they hold. Based on this, the appropriate legal pathway is determined, and only then are the necessary applications and documentation prepared.

3. How long does it take to obtain a work permit?

The duration of the procedure is not uniform. In practice, it ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of application and the workload of the relevant authority.

4. Can an employer outsource the process to an external provider?

Yes. In practice, many companies choose this solution to reduce the risk of formal errors and to streamline communication with authorities.

5. Does the support also include obtaining a PESEL number?

Yes, where required in a given case. Obtaining a PESEL number is often a necessary step for completing further employment-related formalities.

6. What are the consequences of illegal employment of a foreigner?

The employer may face financial penalties and administrative liability. In some cases, additional legal consequences may also arise.

7. Does the support also cover residence legalisation?

Yes. In many cases, employing a foreigner requires their residence status to be regularised as well, which is why appropriate residence applications are also prepared.

8. Can a foreigner work while the procedure is ongoing?

This depends on the specific circumstances. In certain situations, it is allowed, provided that statutory conditions are met.

9. What does the cooperation process look like in practice?

The process begins with an analysis of the foreigner’s legal situation and the employer’s needs. Then the appropriate procedure is selected, documentation is prepared, and the case is handled before the relevant authorities, with ongoing updates on its progress.

10. Does every foreigner need a work permit?

No. The requirement depends on citizenship and the legal basis of stay. As a rule, EU/EEA citizens can work without permits, whereas for individuals from outside these areas, a work permit is usually required.