Poland’s seasonal work permit system allows employers in agriculture, horticulture, and tourism to hire foreign workers for periods of up to nine months within a calendar year. This pathway is distinct from the standard work permit and offers a faster, simplified process.
Eligible Sectors and Positions
Seasonal permits cover a wide range of positions including fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, greenhouse work, and hospitality roles in hotels and restaurants during peak tourist seasons. The list of eligible occupations is defined by regulation and updated annually.
Employers must demonstrate that the work is genuinely seasonal in nature and that they cannot fill the positions with local workers. The labor market test is simplified compared to standard work permits, typically requiring only a brief notification to the local employment office.
Application and Fees
The employer applies at the Starost (county authority) office. The application fee is 30 PLN. Processing takes approximately seven working days for straightforward cases. Workers from Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova benefit from additional simplified procedures.
Seasonal workers are entitled to the same employment protections as Polish workers, including minimum wage, working hour limits, and health and safety standards. Employers must provide or arrange accommodation at reasonable cost.