Poland Tightens Migration Rules: What Foreigners and Employers Should Know

Poland Introduces a New System to Control Foreign Residency and Employment

Starting July 1, 2025, Poland will implement new regulations to tighten procedures for obtaining residence permits and work authorizations. The government aims to strengthen immigration control, improve employment transparency, and reduce the number of illegal migrants.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that the key reform measure will be the digitalization of residency and work permit applications. This will streamline document processing, minimize bureaucratic delays, and eliminate fraudulent cases.

Reasons for Policy Changes

In recent years, Poland has become one of the primary destinations for foreign workers, particularly from Ukraine, Belarus, and other Eastern European countries. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, approximately 1.55 million foreigners currently hold valid Polish residence permits, with nearly one million Ukrainian citizens benefiting from temporary protection.

The increasing number of migrants has necessitated improvements in monitoring systems to prevent abuse and enhance social security.

What Will Change on July 1, 2025

- Application Digitalization. Residency and work permit applications will only be accepted online.
- The labor market test requirement for employment applications will be removed.
- Stricter Oversight of Educational Institutions. Increased inspections of universities and colleges admitting foreign students.
- Crackdown on fraudulent institutions exploiting immigration loopholes. Enhanced Employer Screening
- Introduction of a credibility assessment mechanism for companies hiring foreigners.
- Work permits may be denied if fraud is suspected.
- Regular compliance checks for employers.

Who Will Be Affected

Foreign nationals applying for residency and work permits.
Polish employers hiring international workers.
Educational institutions enrolling students from abroad.

Public and Business Reactions

Business leaders express concerns that the new measures could complicate the hiring process for skilled foreign workers. However, supporters argue that tightening control will help reduce illegal migration and increase transparency in labor relations.

Experts predict that the reforms may initially reduce the number of foreign workers in Poland but could ultimately lead to better migrant integration and a more sustainable immigration system.