Urgent Compliance Update for Employers of Foreign Students in Poland

The transitional period for student work permit exemptions in Poland ends on 30 June 2026. From 1 July 2026, new regulations change how employers must verify the immigration status of international student employees.

New Rules for Work Permit Exemptions

Foreign nationals studying in Poland are no longer automatically exempt from holding a work permit. To qualify for the exemption under the new rules, a student must be enrolled in a full-time degree programme at either a public university or a private higher education institution that has received formal approval from the Ministry of Interior and Administration.

This narrows the scope of the previous exemption. Employers can no longer assume that any valid student status clears an individual for employment without a permit.

Excluded Programmes and Higher Risk Categories

Several categories of study that previously allowed for flexible employment are now excluded from the exemption. Employers must note that the following arrangements require a valid work permit from 1 July 2026:

• Part-time studies: Evening, weekend, or extramural programmes.
• Postgraduate courses: Any non-degree postgraduate qualifications.
• Executive education: MBA programmes and similar professional certifications.
• Non-approved private institutions: Any private college or university that lacks explicit Ministry of Interior and Administration approval.

If an international worker is enrolled in any of these programmes, they must hold a valid work permit to continue working legally.

Financial and Operational Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Polish authorities have indicated strict enforcement of these updated rules. Failing to secure the correct permits for staff who no longer qualify for the exemption carries severe consequences.

• Fines: Both the company and the individual worker face substantial financial penalties for illegal employment.
• Recruitment bans: Convictions for non-compliance can result in a company being barred from hiring foreign nationals in the future.
• Reputational damage: Public procurement opportunities and corporate partnerships may be impacted by compliance breaches.

Action Required for Employers

Companies employing international students in Poland must act immediately to mitigate legal risks.

Audit Existing Staff

Review the workforce data to identify all foreign nationals currently employed under the student exemption. Do not rely on outdated onboarding documentation.

Verify Institution Status and Programme Type

Request official, up-to-date certificates of enrolment from each student employee. This documentation must explicitly state the full-time status of the course and the exact name of the awarding institution. Cross-reference the institution against the official Ministry of Interior and Administration list of approved entities.

Initiate Permit Applications

Where an employee is found to be on a part-time course, an MBA, or enrolled at a non-approved institution, begin the work permit application process immediately. Ensure that contracts are amended or suspended if the permit cannot be obtained before the legal deadline to avoid penalisation.