Some foreigners work in Poland without a permit thanks to free access to the labour market. We explain who is entitled to it, how to confirm it and which obligations still must not be skipped.
1. What free access is
Free access to the labour market means that a foreigner may work without a permit and without a declaration, on the same terms of access as a Polish citizen (although they still need a lawful contract and the required registrations).
2. Who has free access
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| A strong residence title | Permanent residence, EU long-term resident |
| Protection | Refugee status, subsidiary protection, consent to stay on humanitarian grounds |
| Family ties | Family member of a Polish citizen or of an EU/EFTA citizen |
| Other | Selected categories indicated in the act (e.g. graduates, certain students) |
3. How to confirm it
Access follows from the residence title and its annotations (e.g. "access to the labour market") or directly from the act. The employer should record the basis in their documentation.
4. Common misunderstandings
A visa or visa-free travel alone usually does not grant free access — that is a different category. See work on a visa and under visa-free travel.
Show more: access for the family of an EU citizen vs a third-country national
The family of an EU citizen vs the family of a third-country national
A family member of an EU/Polish citizen usually enjoys access to the labour market. The situation of the family of a third-country national depends on the basis of residence — which is why each case is worth assessing individually.
Check whether your employee has free access to the labour market
We will verify the residence title and its annotations to determine whether a permit is needed or whether work is allowed straight away.
Book a free consultationLegal note: this article is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Legal status: 2026 (Act of 20 March 2025, Journal of Laws 2025 item 621; Act of 12 December 2013 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 commentary above is our own; the provisions cited should be verified against the current text of the act before taking action.