The latest collaboration between the Migration Observatory at the Center for Sustainable Development of the University of Gdańsk, the Provincial Labor Office in Gdańsk, and the Gdańsk Labor Office took place with the participation of a wide range of public administration representatives and labor market experts. The report was authored by Dr. Kamila Kowalska (Migration Observatory, University of Gdańsk).
An increasing number of companies in Poland are choosing to hire foreign workers. For many businesses, this is no longer merely a way to fill staffing gaps, but a permanent element of their development strategy. However, as interest grows, a significant challenge arises: how to hire foreign nationals legally, efficiently, and without risk?
“Changing regulations, various employment pathways, and numerous formalities mean that even experienced employers may have doubts about where to start and what to pay special attention to. It was precisely to address this need that, at the request of the Provincial Labor Office in Gdańsk as part of the activities of the Pomeranian Cooperation Platform for Foreigners in the Labor Market (PPW), a guide was developed, according to the Provincial Labor Office in Gdańsk on its website.
The guide systematically presents key information regarding current legal regulations (as of January 31, 2026) in an accessible format, taking into account the latest changes in the law. It explains the rules for employing foreigners in Poland and discusses the documents authorizing employment—both for European Union citizens and non-EU nationals.
The publication consists of three parts:
- the most important legislative changes,
- issues related to residence statuses and access to the labor market, including various forms of employment legalization (permits, declarations, notifications),
- practical checklists that guide employers step by step through the procedure for hiring a foreigner.