Hiring in Poland
As global hiring becomes more common, so does the need to stay aligned with ever-evolving immigration laws. In Poland, immigration compliance is more than just a formality — it’s a legal obligation that affects both short-term assignments and long-term hires.
Recent Remote Work Regulations (2023 Update)
In 2023, Poland introduced new regulations to address the rise of remote work and cross-border employment. These updates place additional responsibility on employers to ensure that remote or hybrid employees — even those working temporarily from within Poland — hold the appropriate legal status. This means verifying not only the individual’s work permit but also their right to reside and perform duties remotely.
If an employee is working from Poland without the correct visa or permit, even on a short-term basis or while technically employed elsewhere, the situation could still be treated as illegal employment.
Consequences of Non-Compliance for Employers and Employees
Polish authorities take employment law violations seriously. Employers found hiring or hosting workers without the proper permits can face heavy penalties, including:
- Significant fines
- Potential bans on hiring foreign workers
- Reputational damage
- Legal proceedings or audits
Employees who work illegally can also face consequences, such as fines, deportation, and restrictions on re-entering Poland or other EU countries in the future.
Why Legal Status Matters — Even for Short-Term or Remote Workers
It might seem like a minor issue if someone is visiting Poland for a few months and working remotely. However, under Polish law, “working” doesn’t always mean having a local contract — it could simply mean performing tasks for an employer, even abroad.
Whether it’s a digital nomad staying in Poland on a tourist visa or a contractor joining your team remotely from Warsaw, legal status must be verified. Employers are expected to document their employees’ right to work and retain that proof in case of inspections or audits.
In short: if someone is doing work from Poland — regardless of who they’re working for — they need the correct visa or permit. And as the employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that’s in place.
How an Employer of Record (EOR) Can Help
Navigating the complexities of immigration compliance and managing work permits in Poland can be overwhelming, especially when hiring remote workers across borders. This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) can be invaluable.
An EOR acts as a third-party intermediary that handles the legal and administrative aspects of employment for businesses. They take on the responsibility of ensuring that workers are compliant with immigration laws, including securing the proper work permits and visas. Here’s how an EOR can help streamline the process:
- Quick Visa and Work Permit Processing: The EOR has expertise in local immigration laws and can quickly navigate the application process for work permits and visas, ensuring there are no delays.
- Avoid Legal Risks: By working with an EOR, you can avoid costly fines and penalties associated with non-compliance, as they handle all the legal formalities of hiring foreign workers.
- Seamless Onboarding: The EOR ensures that all employees, even those working remotely from Poland, have the necessary legal status to work. This includes handling paperwork, residency status verification, and tax compliance.
- Ongoing Compliance: Immigration laws can change frequently. An EOR stays up to date with the latest regulations, ensuring that your workers’ visas and permits remain valid throughout their employment.
By partnering with an EOR, employers can focus on their core business activities while the EOR takes care of compliance. This helps mitigate the risk of legal issues, improves the efficiency of your hiring process, and ensures that your remote workers are always working legally, no matter where they are based.
