Employment changes · Employing foreigners

Change of employer versus the residence card and work permit

Published: 7 August 2026 · Author: Dariusz Włodarczyk Kancelaria TRC · Reading time: approx. 6 min

Does a foreigner want to change employer? We explain when a new basis for work is needed, how the change affects the residence card and how to carry it out without a gap in legality.

Table of contents
  1. A document tied to the employer
  2. When a change requires a new document
  3. Impact on the residence card
  4. How to make the change safely
  5. Legal basis and sources

1. The document is tied to the employer and to specific conditions

A work permit and a single permit are as a rule linked to a specific employer, position and conditions. Changing these elements may require action.

2. When a change requires a new document

A change of employer usually requires a new basis for work (a new permit/declaration or an amendment to the permit). Some changes (e.g. of the employer's name) may not require a new document. See when a new permit is needed.

Risk: working for a new employer or on new conditions without updating the document may be illegal.

3. Impact on the residence card

With a single permit, a change of job may affect the validity of the basis for residence. That is why a change of employer is planned in advance and in the right order.

4. How to make the change safely

Determine whether a new basis is needed, file the appropriate application/declaration and make sure that legal work and residence continue without interruption between documents.

Show more: the order of steps when changing employer

The order of steps when changing employer

First establish the basis for work with the new employer (permit/declaration), and only then start work. Avoid a "gap" — a period in which the old basis no longer applies and the new one is not yet in place.

Changing employer? We will guide you through it without risk

We will determine whether a new basis for work is needed, file the appropriate applications and ensure the continuity of legal work and residence.

Book a free consultation

Legal note: this article is informative and does not constitute legal advice. Legal status: 2026 (Act of 12 December 2013 on Foreigners; Act of 20 March 2025, Journal of Laws 2025, item 621).

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