Residence and work · Employing foreigners

Single permit — temporary residence and work for a foreigner in one decision

Publication date: 26 July 2026 · Author: Dariusz Włodarczyk Kancelaria TRC · Reading time: approx. 7 min

Instead of arranging residence and work separately, a foreigner may obtain a single decision combining both entitlements. We explain what the single permit is, when it pays off and how to file the application through MOS.

Table of contents
  1. What the single permit is
  2. Difference from a work permit
  3. How and when to file
  4. The employer's role
  5. Legal basis and sources

1. What the single permit is

It is a temporary residence and work permit — a single decision of the voivode legalising residence and granting the right to work for the indicated employer. Legal basis: the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners.

2. Difference from a work permit

Single permitWork permit
What it coversResidence + workWork only
Who appliesForeignerEmployer
SystemMOSpraca.gov.pl
Key point: a work permit alone does not grant the right of residence — the single permit combines both elements.

3. How and when to file

You file the application through MOS; from 27 April 2026 applications for temporary residence are filed exclusively electronically. See how to file an application through MOS.

4. The employer's role

Remember: the employer signs the work-related annex electronically — without it the application is incomplete.
Show more: what happens when you change employer

Options and risks when changing employer

The single permit is tied to a specific employer and specific conditions; a change may require a new decision or an amendment of the permit. Working on new terms without updating the document is risky — see changing employer and the residence card.

Residence and work in one application — we'll handle it for you

We will prepare and file the single permit application through MOS, coordinate the employer's annex and keep an eye on the deadlines.

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Legal note: this article is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Legal status: 2026 (Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners; MOS from 27.04.2026).

Sources: Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners, Journal of Laws 2013 item 1650; mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. The commentary above is our own; the provisions cited should be verified against the current text of the act before taking action.