Employment changes · Employing foreigners

When a new work permit for a foreigner is required

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

Not every change in working conditions requires a new document, but some do. We explain which changes require a new permit or declaration and which do not.

1. Changes not requiring a new permit

Some changes require neither a new permit nor the registration of a new declaration — for example, certain formal changes on the employer's side. The scope of such situations is set out in legislation.

2. Changes requiring action

A new permit or an amendment is usually required by material changes in conditions: the employer, the position, remuneration below the agreed level, working time. In practice this must be assessed for the specific change.

To be verified: the catalogue of changes that do and do not require a new document follows from legislation and is sometimes clarified — confirm before making the change.

3. How to react

Before making a change, establish its impact on the document and, if necessary, file an application for a new permit or its amendment, preserving the continuity of legal work.

4. The risk of doing nothing

Continuing work on changed terms without the required update may be treated as unlawful entrustment of work.

Show more: examples of changes in practice

Examples in practice

A move to a higher position, a reduction of pay below the level stated in the document or a change of employer usually require action. A change of registered address or of the employer's legal form — not necessarily. Assess every change individually.

Changing a foreigner's working conditions? We will check what it means for the document

We will assess whether the change requires a new permit or its amendment and carry out the procedure without any break in the legality of work.

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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; Zielona Linia. The above discussion is our own; the provisions cited should be verified against the current text of the act before taking any action.