Poland Overhauls EU Blue Card. Immigration reform takes effect

From 1 June 2025, Poland implemented a far-reaching reform of its immigration and employment framework for foreign nationals. The changes significantly reshape work authorisation procedures and transform the EU Blue Card into a more flexible instrument aligned with EU standards. At the same time, the reform sharply increases penalties for illegal employment, making immigration compliance a critical issue for employers.

Mandatory digital procedures for Blue Card Poland

A cornerstone of the reform is the move to fully digital processes. Applications for work permits, declarations on entrusting work to foreigners, appeals and official correspondence are now handled exclusively through an electronic system. Paper submissions are no longer accepted. Employers must upload a signed employment contract before a foreign employee starts work and notify authorities if the employee never begins or leaves early. Residence permit procedures are also being digitised, with exclusive electronic filing expected to become mandatory in the first quarter of 2026.

Labour market control redefined

The previous labour-market test and the requirement to obtain the starosta’s opinion have been abolished. Instead, authorities rely on county-level lists of restricted occupations, based on indicators such as unemployment and mass layoffs. Hiring foreign nationals in listed professions may be limited. The reform does not introduce additional job protection for foreign workers, who remain subject to the same dismissal rules as Polish employees.

A more flexible EU Blue Card

The 2025 reform significantly enhances the usability of the EU Blue Card. The minimum contract duration has been reduced from 12 to 6 months, and the card no longer specifies a particular employer or job title, facilitating job changes. Blue Card holders may engage in short-term professional activities in other EU member states for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without obtaining a new work permit. Supplementary business activity related to the holder’s profession is also permitted.

A uniform salary threshold applies for 2025 applications, requiring a gross monthly salary of at least PLN 12,272.58. All Blue Card applications are submitted electronically, and both employers and employees must notify the voivode of key changes, including loss of employment or the start of long-term mobility in another EU country.

Stricter enforcement and penalties

Alongside greater flexibility, enforcement has become significantly stricter. Fines for illegal employment now reach up to PLN 50,000 per unlawfully employed worker, with labour inspectors and border authorities empowered to conduct unannounced inspections and impose administrative penalties. Foreign workers themselves may also face fines for working without proper authorisation, raising the compliance stakes across the board.

As reported by International Investment experts, Poland’s 2025 immigration reform modernises the EU Blue Card into a more attractive tool for skilled migration while simultaneously raising compliance standards for employers. For businesses, this creates opportunities to attract international talent more efficiently, but only with robust digital processes and continuous monitoring of immigration risks.