Step 1: Find a Seasonal Job in Poland
The first step is to secure a seasonal job offer from a Polish employer. Seasonal work typically includes time-limited roles in agriculture (e.g., harvesting) or tourism (e.g., hospitality during the summer or winter holidays).
Make sure that the job you’re applying for qualifies as seasonal work, as defined by Polish regulations—these are jobs tied to specific seasons and usually do not last longer than nine months in a calendar year.
Step 2: Apply for a Seasonal Work Permit
Once you have a job offer, you or your employer must apply for a seasonal work permit through the District Labour Office or online via praca.gov.pl.
Application Process:
- Form Submission: Fill out the official seasonal work permit application form, available both online and at the local Labour Office.
- Employer’s Role: The employer must submit documents such as the work contract and details of employment duration.
Required Documents typically include:
- Completed application form
- Proof of application fee payment
- Valid passport and passport-sized photographs
- Copy of the work contract
- Proof of health insurance
- Employer’s registration documents (e.g., company deed, financial records)
- Labour Market Test (if applicable): For certain nationalities, a declaration from the starost (county official) may be required, proving that no Polish or EU worker was available for the job
Once the application is submitted, the Labour Office will review both your and your employer’s documents before issuing the permit.