What to watch for in Work and stay
- Work limits depend on the type of student residence permit; verify the official rule.
- Do not plan for work rights to cover all living costs.
- Post-study stay options depend on conditions; research them early.
Poland
Poland: Work and stay
Working while studying in Poland and staying after graduation.
Work rights and after graduation
Full-time students with a student visa or temporary residence permit do not need a work permit; study.gov.pl states no weekly hour limit ('technically as much as you like', studies come first). Graduates of full-time programmes at Polish higher-education institutions do not need a work permit if their residence permit is in order. Part-time graduates do not get free labour-market access per a provincial office FAQ.
After graduation: A temporary residence permit for graduates of Polish universities looking for work or starting a business lasts 9 months, can be granted only once and only right after graduation; it does not itself give work rights but full-time graduates may work without a work permit. Applications are filed through MOS; documents include diploma, proof of job search, insurance and funds. Study in Poland itself does not specify a post-study period, only that the residence permit should be in order. The provincial-office page predates mandatory MOS filing (27 April 2026), so procedure details need re-checking.
Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.
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