Employment of U.S. Citizens in Poland

Last updated: 18.09.2025

Introduction: US Citizens working in Poland

Poland and the United States have maintained close economic and political ties for many years. Economic cooperation between the two countries is dynamically evolving, and the U.S. is one of Poland’s key trade partners outside the European Union.

Numerous American companies operate in the Polish market, particularly in sectors such as information technology, finance, manufacturing, and defense industries.

Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive location for investment, offering a highly skilled workforce, competitive operational costs, and economic stability.

As a result, there is growing demand for highly qualified workers from the U.S., creating numerous employment opportunities for U.S. citizens in Poland.

Below, we discuss the key aspects of employing U.S. citizens in Republic of Poland.

In this article, we outline the key legal aspects of employing foreign nationals from US, in accordance with Polish immigration laws and current immigration regulations.

Visa-Free Travel for US Citizens

Poland and the United States maintain special visa-free entry arrangements, simplifying the procedures for U.S. citizens’ entry and stay in Poland. Employment of U.S. citizens in Poland operates under different rules compared to citizens of the European Union or non-EU countries.

Under an international agreement between Poland and the U.S., American citizens can enter Poland without a visa for up to 90 days.

A significant benefit for U.S. citizens is the lack of a “180-day rule”, which applies to many other countries. This means that after using the 90-day stay in Poland, a U.S. citizen can leave the country and return the very next day for another 90-day period.

This flexibility allows for multiple trips to Poland without having to wait between stays, making this system particularly advantageous for those conducting business activities, attending conferences, or handling other business purposes.

Legalization of Stay and Work in Poland

While the visa-free system allows U.S. citizens to stay in Poland for a short period, U.S. citizens must fulfill additional requirements, such as obtaining a work permit, to work legally in Poland.

Employment of non-EU citizens without the proper authorization and required documents is illegal in Poland. Therefore, the U.S. citizen’s employer must ensure legal compliance by obtaining the permit before the foreign worker begins any duties.

The procedure for obtaining work permit depends on the type of employment and involves the employer submitting an application to the local Voivodeship Office which has jurisdiction over the employer’s legal status and place of business.

The Poland work visa or work permit is typically granted for a specified period of up to three years and applies to a specific Polish company and job position. A change in job title or contracting party (such as a new employer) often requires applying for a new permit.

More detailed information on the procedure for obtaining a work permit can be found in another article on our website here.

Legally work in Poland without work permit

It is also worth mentioning that U.S. citizens have the unique opportunity to establish a sole proprietorship in Poland, which distinguishes them from most other foreigners.

This form of business allows U.S. citizens to legally run their own business and legally work without the need for a work permit, which can be an attractive alternative for those operating under B2B contracts.

In such cases, the foreign national may apply for a temporary residence permit granted for the purpose of running a business in Poland, provided that all necessary documentation —- including a business plan, bank statements, proof of sufficient financial means, and health insurance – is submitted in accordance with Polish immigration regulations.

Additionally, U.S. citizens intending to stay longer than one year may apply for a residence card, which confirms their legal status in Poland and is typically issued for up to three years. For longer-term relocation, foreigners may also qualify for a permanent residence permit or even permanent residency after meeting specific conditions under Polish law.

National Visa for US citizens in Poland

Type D visa

If a U.S. citizen’s stay in Poland exceeds 90 days and is related to a longer period of employment, it is necessary to obtain a type D national visa, also referred to as a long stay visa.

This visa allows for a legal stay in Poland for up to one calendar year and enables travel within Schengen countries, though with restrictions – up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as defined by Schengen visa rules.

The application process for a national visa must be submitted at the Polish consulate in the U.S. citizen’s country of residence.

To obtain a type D visa for employment purposes, a work permit must first be obtained and attached to the visa application. A national visa (type D) may also be extended if required by the employment conditions.

If a U.S. worker plans to stay in Poland for more than one year, they may apply for a temporary residence permit from the Voivode of their place of residence. This residence permit is valid for up to three years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Employing U.S. Citizens in Poland

Advantages:

• Visa-Free Travel: Allows for easy and quick access to Poland without the need for complex visa procedures, which is beneficial for short-term stays and business negotiations.
• Flexibility in Business Operations: U.S. citizens can freely establish a sole proprietorship in Poland, offering greater opportunities for B2B cooperation without needing a work permit.
• High Qualifications: U.S. citizens often possess skills that can be highly valuable to Polish employers, particularly in sectors such as IT, finance, or science.

Disadvantages:

• Work Permit Requirements: Employing U.S. citizens under an employment contract or civil-law contract requires obtaining a work permit, which can involve time-consuming formalities.
• Need for Legalization of Stay: The need to obtain a national visa and residence permit can increase the costs of employing U.S. citizens.

Key Takeaways: Employing U.S. Citizens in Poland

Employing U.S. citizens in Poland is possible under favorable conditions, particularly in the context of short-term stays within the visa-free regime.

However, for longer-term employment, it is necessary to meet formal requirements, such as obtaining a work permit and a national visa.

The international agreement between Poland and the U.S. that waives the visa requirement for short stays facilitates U.S. citizens’ business operations in Poland, and the option to establish a sole proprietorship is an additional advantage, making B2B collaboration easier.

FAQ: Employment of U.S. Citizens in Poland