Poland is introducing new immigration and employment rules for citizens of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela. The changes will take effect in August 2026.
The first major change will begin on August 15, 2026. From this date, citizens of the three countries cannot use visa-free entry to Poland for employment purposes.
People planning to travel to Poland specifically for work will need to obtain the appropriate visa before entering the country. The new requirement changes the previous process for eligible workers.
Previously, nationals of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela could enter Poland without a visa. They could then seek employment if they met the required work authorization conditions.
That arrangement will change from August 15. Employers and workers will need to consider the new visa requirement before making travel plans.
The change will not affect people who entered Poland before August 15, 2026. Their situation will continue to be covered by the applicable transitional arrangements.
A second restriction will begin one week later. From August 22, 2026, another employment rule will apply to nationals of the three countries.
Under the new rule, they generally cannot work in Poland using a standard work permit. This applies when they entered visa-free and remain under visa-free status.
There is an important exception to this restriction. Workers who began employment before August 22 can remain protected under the transitional rules.
This applies when they started working with a valid work permit. They must also have been legally staying in Poland under visa-free arrangements.
The new rules do not cover every foreign worker. Some people may have employment rights based on another legal status.
Certain students and graduates are examples of people who may have separate work authorization. Their rights will not be affected by the August 22 restriction.
Employers should carefully review their workforce arrangements before the new rules take effect. Companies hiring workers from the affected countries may need additional immigration procedures.
Businesses should check upcoming employee travel dates and planned employment start dates. This will help them determine which rules apply to each worker.
Employers may also need to arrange visas before affected employees travel to Poland. Other required work authorization should also be reviewed in advance.
The changes could affect recruitment schedules for Polish companies. Employers should avoid assuming that visa-free entry will continue to support employment.
Workers planning to travel after August 15 should also review their immigration requirements. Those expecting to start work after August 22 need additional attention.
Poland is introducing these changes through separate entry and employment restrictions. The two dates create different requirements for affected foreign nationals.
The transitional provisions are particularly important for existing workers. People already in Poland before the deadlines may receive protection under the relevant rules.
Employers should therefore assess both existing and future employees. Each worker’s entry date, legal status, and work authorization may affect their position.
Early preparation can help businesses avoid delays and immigration problems. It can also provide workers with clearer information before traveling.
The changes mean visa-free travel will no longer automatically support employment plans. Affected nationals will need to follow the new requirements.
For Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela, the August deadlines will be important. Employers and workers should review their individual circumstances before making employment or travel decisions.
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The new rules mark a significant change in how Poland handles employment-related entry. Businesses will need to update recruitment and immigration procedures accordingly.
