If you are currently working in Poland and your work permit is about to expire, you may be wondering: Can I extend my Poland work permit?
The simple answer is yes, in most cases you can extend it, but you must follow the correct legal process and apply on time.
Understanding Poland Work Permit
In Poland, most non-EU nationals need:
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A Work Permit (Type A, B, C, etc.), and
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A Temporary Residence and Work Permit (combined permit), or
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A valid visa allowing work.
The work permit is issued by the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in the region where you work.
If your current permit is expiring, you must apply for an extension before it becomes invalid.
Can You Extend a Poland Work Permit?
Yes, you can extend your Poland work permit if:
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You are still employed with the same employer, or
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You have a new employer willing to apply for you
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Your work contract is being renewed
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You apply before your current permit expires
If you apply on time, you can legally continue working while waiting for a decision.
Important: You must submit the extension application before the expiry date.
Types of Work Permits That Can Be Extended
Most common work permits that can be extended:
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Type A (standard employment contract)
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Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Karta Pobytu with work rights)
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Seasonal work permits (in limited cases)
If you are working under a short-term declaration (Oświadczenie), extension rules may differ.
When Should You Apply?
Apply at least:
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30–60 days before your permit expires
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Or earlier if your Voivodeship Office has long processing times
Late applications can result in:
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Illegal stay
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Fines
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Entry bans
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Visa refusal in future
Documents Required for Extension
Documents usually include:
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Completed application form
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Valid passport (copies of all pages)
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Current work permit
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Employment contract or new contract
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Employer documents (company registration, tax details)
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Proof of accommodation in Poland
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Health insurance
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Payment receipt of government fee
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Passport-size photos
Requirements may slightly vary by region.
Who Applies – Employee or Employer?
It depends on the type:
For Work Permit (Type A)
The employer submits the application.
For Temporary Residence and Work Permit
The employee applies personally at the Voivodeship Office.
Processing Time
Processing usually takes:
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1 to 3 months
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In busy regions like Warsaw, it may take longer
If you applied before expiry, you receive a stamp in your passport allowing legal stay until a decision is made.
Government Fees
Typical fees:
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Work Permit extension: approx. 50–100 PLN
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Temporary Residence and Work Permit: approx. 440 PLN
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Residence card issuance: 100 PLN
Always check updated fees at your local Voivodeship Office.
What If You Change Employer?
If you change employer:
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A new work permit is usually required
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You cannot automatically transfer your old permit
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Your new employer must apply before you start working
Working for a different employer without permission is illegal.
What Happens If You Do Not Extend?
If your permit expires and you did not apply:
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You lose legal work status
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You may need to leave Poland
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You risk future visa rejection
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You may face penalties
Always apply early to stay protected.
Can You Extend Multiple Times?
Yes. There is no fixed limit on extensions if:
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You have legal employment
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You pay taxes and social insurance
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Your employer continues the contract
After several years, you may qualify for:
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Long-term EU residence permit
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Permanent residence in Poland
Can Family Stay During Extension?
If your residence status is valid during processing, your dependent family members can usually remain legally if they also applied properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying after expiry
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Missing employer documents
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Not updating address
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Working with different employer without new permit
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Ignoring official letters from Voivodeship Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while waiting for extension?
Yes, if you applied before expiry.
Can I travel outside Poland during processing?
Travel may be restricted if your visa has expired. Check carefully before leaving.
Is extension guaranteed?
No. Authorities check salary, contract validity, and employer compliance.
Can I convert work permit into permanent residence?
Not directly, but legal stay counts toward long-term residence eligibility.
Final Advice for EU Helpers and Applicants
Poland allows work permit extensions, but timing and documentation are critical. Always:
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Apply early
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Keep employment continuous
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Maintain legal stay
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Follow regional office guidelines
For complex cases (employer change, gap in employment, visa expiry), professional legal advice is recommended.