Since 1 July 2026, foreign students in Poland can only work without a work permit if they study full-time at a public university or an institution approved by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
The transitional period ended on 30 June 2026. Employers can no longer assume that any valid student status allows someone to work. This guide explains who is still exempt and what to check.
Key facts
- 1 July 2026New rules in force after the transitional period ended
- Full-time onlyPart-time, evening and weekend students need a work permit
- Approved institutionsPublic universities, or private institutions on the Ministry’s list
- No postgraduate or MBAThese programmes do not qualify for the exemption
- Employer’s dutyCheck the institution, the mode of study and residence status
- GraduatesGraduates of Polish universities can still work without a permit
Who can work without a permit
A foreign student is exempt from the work permit requirement if they are enrolled in full-time studies at one of these institutions:
- public academic universities,
- military and state service universities,
- universities run by churches and religious organisations,
- research institutes and Polish Academy of Sciences institutes, or
- private universities approved by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration to admit foreign students.
The Ministry publishes the list of approved private institutions. If a university is approved, its branches are covered too. The student must also hold valid residence status in Poland.
Who now needs a work permit
| Type of study | Work permit needed? |
|---|---|
| Full-time studies at a public or approved institution | No |
| Part-time, evening, weekend or extramural studies | Yes |
| Postgraduate (non-degree) courses | Yes |
| MBA and other executive programmes | Yes |
| Private institutions not on the Ministry’s list | Yes |
| Students of foreign universities, such as Erasmus students | Yes |
Risks of getting it wrong
Employing a student who no longer qualifies for the exemption, without a permit, is illegal employment.
- Fines. Both the employer and the worker can be fined for each case of illegal employment.
- Future permits. A record of illegal employment can lead to refusal of work permits for other foreign hires.
- Business impact. Breaches can affect public tenders and relationships with clients who audit their suppliers.
What employers should check
1. Audit your staff
List every foreign national working under the student exemption. Do not rely on documents collected at onboarding.2. Get a current certificate
Ask each student for an up-to-date certificate of enrolment showing the institution’s full name and full-time study.3. Check the institution
Confirm that it is a public university or appears on the Ministry of the Interior and Administration’s list.4. Apply for permits
Where a student does not qualify, apply for a work permit or declaration. Suspend work until it is granted.Repeat the check at the start of every academic year and whenever a student changes course or institution. For the wider rules on employing foreigners, see our guide to hiring foreigners in Poland.
Frequently asked questions
Can a graduate keep working without a permit?
Yes. Foreign graduates of full-time studies at Polish universities can work without a work permit.
What if a student moves from full-time to part-time study?
They lose the exemption. A work permit or declaration is needed before they can continue working.
Where do I find the list of approved institutions?
The Ministry of the Interior and Administration publishes it. We check it for every student we employ.
Employing international students in Poland?
We check student status, the institution and permits for every hire, and handle work permit applications when needed, as part of our compliance and risk management service.
Based on the Act of 20 March 2025 on the conditions for entrusting work to foreigners and the Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of 20 November 2025. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
