New Restrictions on Employment for International Students in Poland
As of July 1, 2026, Poland has introduced stricter rules for foreign students seeking employment. A student ID card no longer grants an automatic right to work. From now on, only full-time students enrolled at state-run academic universities or institutions listed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration are eligible to work without a separate permit.
The transition period has ended, meaning that simply holding a student card is no longer sufficient for legal employment. Part-time students and those attending post-secondary schools have lost the ability to work without first obtaining a permit. To verify student status, a valid certificate from the university is required. It is not just enrollment that matters, but also the type of institution and whether it meets the updated legal criteria.
If a university is not a public academic institution and does not appear on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration’s list, employing an international student without a work permit will be illegal starting July 1, 2026—even if it was formally allowed the day before. A current university certificate confirming full-time student status is essential. This document will be used to determine whether work is permitted without a permit or if another legal basis is needed for employment.
Impact of the New Rules on Students
So, if your university is private and not on the Ministry’s registry, employers must now obtain a standard work permit. Working without one is now considered illegal for both the company and the student. This change will affect many students who plan to work while studying, requiring them to carefully follow the new regulations.
These new employment restrictions for international students in Poland reflect a growing trend toward tighter control over labor migration and the legalization of work arrangements. This could lead to a decline in the number of foreign students choosing Poland for their studies, as the new rules make it harder to combine education and work. Students must stay informed about legislative changes to avoid legal issues and ensure their financial stability during their studies.
The recent changes in employment regulations for international students in Poland come amid a broader trend of tightening oversight on foreign workers. This shift not only impacts students but also raises questions about the employment landscape for various nationalities, including Ukrainians. To explore how these new rules affect the job market for Ukrainian workers, you can read more in our detailed analysis here.