New Schengen Visa Rules for Foreign Workers and Students in Poland

Poland Implements New Schengen Visa Rules for Foreign Workers

Starting June 1, Poland introduces significant changes to its immigration policies through two new laws from the so-called migration package. The first law amends the Act on Foreigners, streamlining the entire work permit process into a digital system integrated with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) and Border Guard data.

Key changes include:

• Elimination of the local labor market test requirement, speeding up processing times
• Creation of a wage database to ensure salary offers match market rates
• Potential limits on foreign worker numbers during local employment downturns

Nadia Winiarska, an expert at Konfederacja Lewiatan, notes: "The new system will create fast-track options for strategic companies, repeat employers, and shortage occupations." However, she warns that a Schengen visa from another country will no longer suffice for obtaining a temporary residence and work permit in Poland.

Stricter Schengen Student Visa Requirements

The second law introduces tighter controls for international students, particularly affecting Poland's private universities where foreign students comprised 10% of all enrollments in 2023/2024.

New requirements include:

• Written confirmation from the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) for non-EU/EFTA/OECD applicants
• Minimum B2 language proficiency certification in the language of instruction
• Entrance examinations for most international candidates
• A 50% cap on foreign student enrollment at any institution

Private universities must obtain Ministry of Interior approval to recruit international students by June 2026, with only public academic institutions exempt from this requirement.

Impact on Schengen Zone Mobility

These reforms significantly affect mobility within the Schengen area:

• Workers can no longer use Schengen visas from other countries for Polish employment
• Students face additional documentation requirements even with valid Schengen visas
• Employers must report foreign worker status changes within strict timelines

Failure to comply with new reporting requirements carries fines up to 5,000 PLN for employers. The changes aim to balance labor market needs with tighter immigration controls in the Schengen zone.