Poland Tightens Work Visa Rules for Specific Countries

Starting on August 15, 2026, Poland will enforce stricter work visa rules for citizens of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela. As of this date, individuals from these countries will no longer be permitted to enter Poland visa-free with the intention of working. Instead, they must obtain the appropriate visa prior to arrival in Poland for employment purposes.

However, this change will not impact those who entered Poland before the specified date. Before August 15, eligible nationals of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela could legally enter Poland visa-free and subsequently seek employment if they met the necessary work authorization requirements. From August 15, 2026, individuals planning to work in Poland will need to secure a visa before entering the country.

Employers recruiting workers from these nations should review the new immigration arrangements. On August 22, 2026, a second significant change will come into effect. From this date, citizens of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela will generally be prohibited from working in Poland based on a work permit if they had entered the country visa-free and continued to stay under visa-free status.

There is an important exception to this rule. Workers who began employment with a work permit while legally staying visa-free before August 22, 2026, will not be affected by the new restriction. Foreign nationals with work authorization through alternative legal means, such as students and graduates, will not be impacted by the August 22 restriction if their employment authorization stems from another eligible status.

Employers in Poland need to reassess their workforce arrangements involving Colombian, Georgian, and Venezuelan nationals. Companies may need to secure visas or other necessary work authorization for future employees. Existing workers should be checked to determine if they remain protected under the transitional rules. Early planning is crucial, especially for employees expected to travel to Poland after August 15 or commence work after August 22.

The changes imply that employers can no longer rely on visa-free entry being sufficient for workers from these three countries. Businesses should reassess their recruitment timelines and immigration requirements before affected employees travel to Poland.