Top 5 Changes in Poland’s Migration Law for 2025.
The year 2025 is rapidly approaching, bringing with it substantial modifications to Poland’s migration legislation. The anticipated changes aim to streamline the processes associated with the employment of foreign nationals, reduce the waiting periods for decisions, and enhance access to highly skilled professionals. These reforms are expected to benefit entrepreneurs and investors in Poland by enabling them to better leverage the opportunities presented by the international labor market.
Throughout this year, our migration department has been detailing the specific changes. Should you wish to explore a particular topic in greater depth, I invite you to follow the link provided in the article heading.
1. Poland’s Migration Strategy:
A crucial element of the reforms in the migration management system is the proposed Migration Strategy of Poland, which serves as a declarative document outlining the future direction of the nation’s migration policy. While the Strategy is broad and serves as a framework, its principles are being progressively implemented through specific legislative proposals and administrative actions.
The primary aim of the Strategy is to establish a transparent, efficient, and adaptable migration system that addresses the needs of the ever-evolving labor market while also facilitating the integration of migrants into Polish society.
Among the principal assumptions outlined in the document are:
- The employment regulations for sectors experiencing labor shortages will be simplified to enhance access to job opportunities, while simultaneously restricting employment in areas with an excess of workers.
- The process for legalizing the residency of foreign nationals will be transitioned to a digital format, enabling online applications and alleviating the burden on offices that currently handle paper documentation.
- The criteria for acquiring citizenship will be revised to include a test assessing knowledge of Polish culture and social norms, along with a stipulation requiring residency in Poland prior to the restoration of citizenship.
- The visa policy will be made more straightforward and transparent, ensuring that the procedures for obtaining visas are clear and unambiguous.
- The integration of foreign nationals will be bolstered through a system of incentives for employers and modifications to the operations of employment agencies, aimed at streamlining the hiring process.
2. Revised regulations for the employment of foreign nationals:
In 2025, significant changes will be implemented regarding the employment of foreign nationals in Poland, with the objective of simplifying and standardizing the legalization processes.
The proposed regulations will specifically include:
- Reduction of application processing times,
- Increased utilization of integrated electronic tools, making it mandatory to apply for work permits online,
- A shift away from civil law forms of employment towards formal employment contracts. This focus on full-time employment is anticipated to enhance the protection of foreign workers’ rights, provide them with clear advantages, and improve the predictability of their working conditions.
3. Changes Regarding the EU Blue Card:
Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, Poland intends to implement substantial modifications to the EU Blue Card system, with the goal of streamlining procedures and enhancing the appeal of this permit for highly skilled non-EU workers.
The proposed amendment to the Foreigners Act will allow EU Blue Card holders to engage in business activities under the same conditions as Polish citizens. Furthermore, it is anticipated that more flexible regulations will be introduced to enable these individuals to change employers without the necessity of obtaining a new permit, thereby promoting greater professional mobility for foreigners in Poland.
In terms of short-term mobility, EU Blue Card holders from other EU Member States will be permitted to reside and work in Poland for a duration not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day timeframe without the requirement of an additional work permit.
4. Electronic Application Submission via the MOS:
A significant enhancement will be the introduction of the MOS (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) platform, which will facilitate the electronic submission of applications for work and residence permits for foreigners.
Starting in 2025, applicants will have the ability to upload necessary documents remotely and monitor the status of their applications in real time. This transition will eliminate the option of handling cases through paper submissions. This initiative is expected to not only reduce processing times and minimize the need for in-person visits to offices but also improve access to information regarding required documents and timelines, thereby ensuring greater transparency throughout the entire process.
5. Simplified Residence Legalization for Ukrainian Nationals:
Beginning in 2025, Poland will implement a streamlined process for Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection to apply for a residence card featuring a CUKR endorsement.
This procedure will be entirely electronic, allowing applications to be submitted online through the Office for Foreigners’ website. The residence card, which will be valid for a duration of three years, will be accessible to individuals who fulfill specific criteria, including maintaining uninterrupted CUKR status for a minimum of 365 days and possessing a CUKR PESEL on both 4 March 2024 and the date of application.
