In the first four months of 2025, Poland issued 103,200 work permits for foreign nationals – a 12.5% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the overall decline, the nationality structure of new workers has shifted significantly. Colombians now lead (15,400 permits), followed by Filipinos, Indians, Nepalese, and Uzbeks. In contrast, only 1,200 permits were issued to Ukrainian citizens.

As Michał Wysłocki, expert at the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL) and Manager in the Immigration Team at EY Poland, explains:

“Employers need hands to work here and now,” he emphasizes, noting that the drop in permits is partly due to stricter procedures and more detailed inspections of employers’ business operations.

Wysłocki points out that many foreign nationals continue working in Poland by legalizing their stay through temporary residence permits, which reduces the demand for traditional work permits:

“We increasingly see foreigners already residing in Poland continuing their employment by obtaining temporary residence permits.”

The ABSL expert also comments on the growing number of Colombians in the Polish labor market:

“The popularity of Colombians stems from their previous access to visa-free travel. Although entry for work purposes has since been restricted, those arriving as tourists can still legally take up employment based on a work permit.”

Regarding Ukrainian workers, Wysłocki reminds us of the special regulations in place since 2022:

“Ukrainian citizens can work without a permit, provided the employer notifies the labor office within seven days of hiring. In practice, permits have been replaced by notifications.”

However, he adds:

“Everything has its limits – the number of Ukrainians who could potentially migrate to Poland is gradually being exhausted. Increasingly, Poland is seen as a transit country. Ukrainians are choosing to live and work in Western Europe.”