Poland: draft rules to restrict work under visa-free regime for certain nationals
On 27 March 2026, the Polish government published a draft regulation introducing new restrictions on employment for nationals of selected countries staying in Poland under the visa-free regime. The proposal aims to tighten control over access to the labour market and prevent misuse of visa-free entry for employment purposes.
The restriction is introduced via a newly defined country list, determined based on security and migration risk considerations.
Which law introduces the changes?
Draft regulation issued on the basis of the Act of 20 March 2025 on the conditions for assigning work to foreigners in Poland.
What are the changes?
Nationals of selected countries will not be allowed to work in Poland while staying under the visa-free regime. They will instead be required to obtain a national visa or a residence permit before starting employment.
The draft regulation also includes a transitional provision: nationals of affected countries who started working during a visa-free stay before the regulation enters into force may continue working under the existing rules.
The draft regulation includes the following countries: Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela.
The implementation date of the new provisions is yet to be confirmed.