Poland is introducing new immigration and employment rules for nationals of Colombia, Georgia and Venezuela in August 2026.
From August 15, 2026, citizens of these three countries will no longer be able to enter Poland visa-free if they plan to work. Instead, they will need to obtain an appropriate visa before entering Poland for employment purposes.
However, the change will not affect people who entered Poland before August 15, 2026.
Visa-Free Entry for Work Ends on August 15
Until now, eligible nationals of Colombia, Georgia and Venezuela could enter Poland visa-free and later take up employment if they met the relevant work authorization requirements.
That process will change from August 15.
Anyone from these countries planning to travel to Poland specifically for employment will need to secure a visa before arrival.
Employers recruiting workers from Colombia, Georgia or Venezuela should therefore review upcoming start dates and immigration arrangements.
New Work Permit Restriction Starts August 22
A second important change will take effect on August 22, 2026.
From that date, nationals of Colombia, Georgia and Venezuela will generally no longer be allowed to work in Poland on the basis of a work permit if they entered the country visa-free and continue to stay there under visa-free status.
There is, however, an important exemption.
Workers who started employment on the basis of a work permit while legally staying visa-free before August 22, 2026 will not be affected by the new restriction.
Students and Graduates Are Not Affected
The new rule does not apply to foreign nationals who have work authorization through another legal basis rather than a standard work permit.
For example, certain students and graduates may already have separate rights to work in Poland. These individuals will not be affected by the August 22 restriction if their employment authorization comes from another eligible status.
What Employers Need to Do
Employers in Poland should review their current and planned workforce arrangements involving Colombian, Georgian, and Venezuelan nationals.
Companies may need to arrange visas or other necessary work authorization for future employees. They should also check whether existing workers remain protected under the transitional rules.
Early planning will be important, especially for employees expected to travel to Poland after August 15 or begin work after August 22.
The changes mean employers can no longer assume that visa-free entry will be sufficient for workers from these three countries. Businesses should reassess recruitment timelines and immigration requirements before affected employees travel to Poland.
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