Loss of job during the legalization of stay

The process of obtaining a temporary residence and work permit in Poland can be lengthy and demanding. If you lose your job during this process, it is essential to act quickly and appropriately. Failing to do so may result in an unfavorable decision and the need to leave Poland.

This article outlines the key steps to take if you lose your job during the legalization process, along with practical advice on how to maintain your legal stay in Poland.

If you have applied for a temporary residence and work permit but have lost your job, you must immediately inform the Voivode (provincial governor) to whom you submitted your application.

Although the law does not specify an exact deadline for this notification, it is best to do so within 7 days from the date your employment ends.

In your letter to the office, you may also request additional time to complete your documentation—such as submitting a new Annex No. 1 from a prospective employer. This step may help prevent a negative decision.

After notifying the Voivode, your next priority should be to find a new job as soon as possible.

If you find a new employer, ask them to prepare the necessary documents (including Annex No. 1 to your application), and submit the updated information to the office.

Keep in mind that the authorities will not wait indefinitely. The sooner you submit the updated documents, the better.

Yes. If your application was submitted while you were legally residing in Poland, your stay remains legal until a final decision is issued.

However, the absence of employment may result in a negative decision, as the declared purpose of your stay (employment) must remain valid.

If you are unable to find a new employer, consider changing the declared purpose of your stay. For instance, you may indicate that your stay is to study, run a business, or join your family.

Important: The new purpose must be genuine and reflect your actual situation. Do not provide false information to the authorities.

Losing your job does not automatically mean losing your right to legal residence, but prompt and informed action is crucial.

To be granted a temporary residence permit in Poland, your stay must have a valid purpose. If you are applying for a temporary residence and work permit, your declared purpose is employment.

According to applicable regulations, this purpose must justify staying in Poland for more than 3 months.

If you lose your job and do not present a new, valid purpose for your stay, the Voivode may refuse to grant the permit due to a lack of justification for remaining in Poland for an extended period.

There is no strict template for this type of notification. A brief statement is sufficient, such as:

“I hereby inform you that as of [date], I am no longer employed at [company name].”

Some regional offices publish templates or guidelines for such notifications on their websites.

Yes, but only if the new employer obtains the appropriate documents:

• Most foreigners will require a Type A work permit.

• Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine may work based on a registered declaration of entrustment of work.

• Ukrainian citizens can also be registered via the praca.gov.pl portal by the employer.

A new law on the employment of foreigners will come into force on June 1, 2025.
Working illegally after this date will be punishable by a fine of at least PLN 1,000.

Do I need to resubmit the entire application if I change employers?

No. If you’re applying for a temporary residence and work permit, it is sufficient to submit a new Annex No. 1 from your new employer. You do not need to file a new application.

 

How do I change the purpose of stay in practice?

To change the purpose of your stay, submit a request to update your application along with documents confirming the new purpose.

Examples:

• If switching to studies, provide a certificate of enrollment.

• For staying with family, provide documentation confirming family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).

Depending on the new purpose, additional documents may be required, such as proof of health insurance or a letter of accommodation. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the list of necessary documents for your new application type.