Employment changes · Employing foreigners

Withdrawal, revocation and expiry of a work permit — what to do

Published: 26 July 2026 · Author: Dariusz Włodarczyk Kancelaria TRC · Reading time: approx. 6 min

A permit may be withdrawn, revoked or simply expire. We explain the differences between these situations, their consequences for the legality of work and residence, and how to react.

1. Three different situations

Legal institutionIn brief
WithdrawalThe authority deprives the holder of the permit on grounds set out in the act
RevocationRemoval of the permit from legal circulation in specified cases
ExpiryThe permit ceases to apply by operation of law (e.g. end of employment)

2. Consequences for the employee and the employer

Each of these situations means losing the basis for work, and in the case of a single permit it may affect residence as well. A quick reaction is necessary so that the work does not become illegal.

Note: after the end of employment or the withdrawal of the document, continued work is illegal — see penalties.

3. How to react

Establish the reason and the legal basis of the decision, check whether an appeal is possible and sort out the employee's residence situation (e.g. a new basis for work or residence).

4. How to prevent it

The best prevention is keeping to the conditions stated in the document, meeting deadlines and fulfilling obligations towards the authority — see the checklist.

Show more: what an appeal against a decision looks like

Appeal against a decision

A decision on withdrawal or revocation may usually be appealed within the statutory time limit. It is worth assessing the chances and the arguments before lodging an appeal — sometimes it is more advantageous to regularise the situation on a new basis at the same time.

Permit withdrawn or expired? We will help you sort out the situation

We will assess the basis of the decision, the possibility of an appeal and the path to legal work and residence for the employee.

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Legal note: this article is informative and does not constitute legal advice. Legal status: 2026 (Act of 20 March 2025, Journal of Laws 2025, item 621; Act on Foreigners).

Sources: Act of 20 March 2025, Journal of Laws 2025, item 621; Act on Foreigners, Journal of Laws 2013, item 1650; UdSC. The above discussion is our own; the provisions cited should be verified against the current text of the act before taking action.