The Employer Declaration (Oświadczenie o powierzeniu pracy cudzoziemcowi) is one of the fastest ways for foreign nationals from selected countries to start working in Poland. This simplified procedure allows employment for up to 24 months without the need for a full work permit.
Eligible Nationalities
The simplified declaration procedure is available to citizens of six countries: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and certain other nationalities as determined by regulation. This system was originally designed to address seasonal labor needs but has evolved into a vital tool for filling year-round positions.
How the Process Works
The employer registers the declaration at the local Powiatowy Urząd Pracy (District Employment Office). The office has seven working days to register the declaration or refuse it. Once registered, the foreign worker uses this document to apply for a work visa at the Polish consulate in their home country.
The declaration must specify the employment conditions, including the position, salary, working hours, and duration. The offered salary must be comparable to what a Polish worker would receive for the same position — this prevents wage dumping and ensures fair treatment.
Important Limitations and Rules
Workers employed under a declaration must start working within six months of the declaration date. The maximum employment period is 24 months per declaration. After this period, the employer must apply for a standard work permit if they wish to continue the employment.
The employer must provide a written employment contract in a language the worker understands. Working conditions must match those specified in the declaration — any changes require a new declaration or work permit.