Poland work visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Poland work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Poland consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Poland work visa
National (Type D) visa applications from the UK are lodged in person at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Poland, 10 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8AX. Poland does not outsource national visas in the UK.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Completed e-Wiza national visa application, printed and signed
- Biometric photo 35x45 mm
- Original work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) or registered employer declaration
- Employment contract or job offer letter
- Travel medical insurance covering the first 90 days (min. €30,000)
- Proof of accommodation in Poland
- Proof of funds for the stay and return
- Proof of UK immigration status
- Proof of fee payment
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- National work visa (Type D)€80
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
- Visa centre service fee (outside the UK)€30— Applies only where Poland uses an outsourced visa application centre. In the UK, applications go directly to the Consular Section in London — no service fee.
Poland offers no paid VIP or expedited processing. A new consular fee table took effect on 1 January 2026: fees are charged in GBP at the published rate (for example the national visa administration fee is £175, and reconsideration of a refused Schengen visa is £79). Check the current table on gov.pl before paying.
Booking an appointment
Book through e-Konsulat and attend the Consular Section in London in person. National visa slots are separate from the weekly Schengen releases and are first-come, first-served. There is no paid fast-track option.
Practical tips
Watch for the monthly appointment batch release — slots for work visas disappear within minutes. Have the work permit scanned and ready before you start the online form.
What is unusual about the Poland process
Poland issues the work permit to the employer, not to you; the permit number must match exactly what is entered in the application. After arrival, a temporary residence and work permit (karta pobytu) is applied for locally.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Consular Section, Embassy of the Republic of Poland10 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8AXThe only place in the UK where Polish visa applications can be submitted. Appointment via e-Konsulat required; nearest tube Blackfriars/Temple. The Manchester and Edinburgh consulates do NOT accept visa applications.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Poland consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Poland work visa cost?
- For a Poland work visa, the consular fee is €80. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National work visa (Type D) — €80; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Visa centre service fee (outside the UK) — €30. Poland offers no paid VIP or expedited processing. A new consular fee table took effect on 1 January 2026: fees are charged in GBP at the published rate (for example the national visa administration fee is £175, and reconsideration of a refused Schengen visa is £79). Check the current table on gov.pl before paying. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Poland work visa take to process?
- A decision on a Poland work visa typically takes around 20 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Poland work visa?
- National (Type D) visa applications from the UK are lodged in person at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Poland, 10 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8AX. Poland does not outsource national visas in the UK. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Poland work visa?
- The Poland consular network lists: Valid passport; Completed e-Wiza national visa application, printed and signed; Biometric photo 35x45 mm; Original work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) or registered employer declaration; Employment contract or job offer letter; Travel medical insurance covering the first 90 days (min. €30,000); Proof of accommodation in Poland; Proof of funds for the stay and return; Proof of UK immigration status; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Poland work visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Book through e-Konsulat and attend the Consular Section in London in person. National visa slots are separate from the weekly Schengen releases and are first-come, first-served. There is no paid fast-track option.
- Can I apply for a Poland work visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 1 submission point in the UK for Poland, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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