Single Permit for Residence and Work in Poland — Complete Guide for Foreign Workers

If you work in Poland as a non-EU citizen and want to regularise both your stay and employment with a single document, the single permit for residence and work (Polish: jednolite zezwolenie na pobyt i pracę) is exactly what you need. It is one of the most important permits for foreign workers in Poland, including temporary employees working through staffing agencies such as Nexflow.

What is the single permit for residence and work?

The single permit is a residence card that simultaneously grants the right to:

• legally reside in Poland — typically for up to 3 years,
• perform work for a specific employer, in a specific position, and for a stated salary.

The legal basis is Article 114 of the Law on Foreigners (Ustawa o cudzoziemcach). One permit replaces two separate documents: a work permit and a residence card.

Who can apply?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can obtain the single permit if they:

• are legally present in Poland (on a visa, employer's declaration, or previous residence card),
• have a contract with an employer (or a temporary employment agency),
• the employer is willing to formally confirm the employment conditions.

Note for Nexflow workers: Since Nexflow is a temporary employment agency, the permit is issued with Nexflow as the employer of record. The permit document specifies the terms of work, including position and salary. If you change the user company within Nexflow's assignments, you may need to update or reapply for your permit.

How to apply?

Step 1: Submit the application
The application is submitted in person at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in the region where you live. Nexflow can help prepare the employer-side documents.

Step 2: Required documents

• completed application form,
• valid passport (original + copy),
• 2 photographs (35×45 mm),
• documents confirming employment (contract, employer's declaration),
• proof of accommodation (lease agreement or employer's statement),
• proof of payment of the administrative fee (approx. 440–500 PLN).

Step 3: Wait for a decision
Processing time: 1 to 6 months (varies by voivodeship office). During this period you can legally stay and work in Poland, provided you submitted the application before your previous document expired.

Step 4: Collect your residence card
After a positive decision, you receive a physical biometric residence card with an embedded chip. The card is recognised throughout the Schengen Area.

What does the single permit give you?

• Legal residence and work — one document instead of two.
• Freedom of movement in Schengen — travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• A path to permanent residence — after 5 years of legal stay, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
• Access to public services — NFZ health insurance, schooling for children, PESEL number, etc.

Frequently asked questions

What if my application is pending and my visa has expired?
If you submitted the application before your visa or previous residence card expired, you are entitled to a "pending stay" status until the decision is issued. Ask the office to stamp your passport with this confirmation.

Can I work for a different employer?
Not without amending the permit. The single permit is issued for a specific employer. Changing employers requires a new application.

Does Nexflow help with this process?
Yes. As a temporary employment agency, Nexflow is a party to the permit process and helps prepare the employer-side documentation. Contact your Nexflow coordinator for detailed guidance.

Key timelines

Summary

The single permit for residence and work is the most convenient document for a foreign worker planning to live and work in Poland long-term. It provides legal residence, employment authorisation, access to NFZ, and lets you build your future in Poland. If you plan to stay in Poland for the long haul — start the process as early as possible.

Need help? Contact your Nexflow coordinator — we'll help you gather the documents and walk you through every step.

Nexflow — your partner in work and life in Poland.