Why do Ukrainians need a work visa to Poland?

Poland is one of the most attractive countries for Ukrainians looking for work abroad. This is mainly due to the geographical proximity and the fact that the Polish language has many words similar to Ukrainian, which Ukrainians and those living in Ukraine can learn in a few months. However, in order to receive a decent income and avoid legal problems, it is necessary to obtain a work visa in Poland. How to do it and what is needed for this is the first thing to think about when preparing for a trip to Europe.

What is a work visa required for?

A work visa is required for official employment in Poland. Visa-free entry applies only to travelers - citizens of Ukraine and allows them to stay in the Schengen area for no more than 90 days in six months. There are various rules for legal work in the country, violation of which can lead to non-payment of wages by the employer, broker fraud, deportation or a ban on entry into the country.

What work visas can Ukrainians get?

If you plan to work in Poland for less than 90 days, you do not need a work visa, but you must have a valid biometric passport. If the employment is for more than 90 days, you will need a work visa. This visa is also required if you do not have a residence permit (so-called residence card) or a biometric passport.

There are two types of visas that can be issued: internal and Schengen. The choice depends on the duration of work and on the employer.

So, Ukrainians can apply for the following work visas:

• C 05 - issued to persons who plan to work in Poland up to 90 days within 6 months and do not have a biometric passport. This Schengen visa is short term.
• D 05 - the right to work 180 days a year. This is a national visa that allows the holder to engage in any type of work activity, with the exception of seasonal work.
• D 05a - can only be hired for seasonal work. The visa holder is allowed to work no more than 9 months a year.
• D 06 - the visa holder can engage in any type of labor activity in Poland for one year (365 days), with the exception of seasonal work.

These visas allow the holder to work legally only in Poland. With their presence, you can stay in other countries of the Schengen area for 90 days every six months for tourism purposes.

Only two types of visas can be obtained on one passport. It is impossible to get two Schengen visas or two national visas at the same time. For example, if you have a Schengen visa in your passport, you may be issued an internal work visa in a country outside the Schengen area.

In addition to a biometric passport, visa and bypass card, official work in Poland requires an employment contract with an employer, a seasonal work permit and a permanent residence permit.

Difference between seasonal and voivodship visa

Seasonal work visas allow the holder to work in Poland for up to 9 months only for a specific season. They may include the following types of work:

• work in the field of tourism;
• harvesting;
• other work in agriculture.

Voivodship visas are intended for work for one year and can be obtained at the invitation of the voivode. A regional visa allows the holder to work in all jobs, except for seasonal jobs, and for only one employer.

What do you need to get a work visa?

Below is a list of documents required to obtain a work visa in Poland:

• Passport with at least two blank pages, which expires within three months from the date of the last scheduled departure from the EU. If you have another passport, present it as well.
• Ukrainian passport.
• Copy of internal passport - page 1, page 2, marital status, place of residence.
• Copy of international passport - page 1, visa page. If you are applying for a Schengen visa, make a photocopy of the visa page for the last 3 years.
• Identification code and a copy of the code.
• Two photographs (not older than 6 months). Be sure to tell the photographer that you need these photos to get a visa, as they are different from a regular ID (about 70-80% of the face, the photos themselves are 3.5x4.5 cm in size).
• Visa Application. It must be filled in by hand in Latin letters and a photograph must be attached to it.
• When applying for a work visa, you must also pay the visa fee and provide the original payment receipt.
• Confirmation of financial stability. Bank statements on the status of the current account and cash flow for the last 6 months are required, as well as proof of employment and wages (if applying for a Schengen work visa).
• Insurance policy - both the original and a photocopy are required. Applies only to insurance companies approved by the EU. Rates depend on the type of insurance.
• Original and photocopy of documents that confirm the purpose of the trip. Citizens of Ukraine must provide a permit for seasonal work.

Letter of invitation from the employer

An invitation letter from the employer is the basis for obtaining a visa. It is a certificate from the Polish side about the intention to offer a job or a work permit issued by the relevant authorities at the place of residence of the employer. A typical letter of invitation from an employer or governor contains the following information:

• The name of the company from which the invitation is sent, and its requirements.
• Information about the invited employee (name, surname, date of birth, place of residence, passport details, etc.).
• Purpose of the visit.
• Duration of the visit.
• Signature, seal of the company from which the invitation is sent.

The company must be registered with the Ministry of Labor (Urząd Pracy) and have the appropriate registration number.