Quotas for Hiring Drivers in Poland #
As of March 14, 2025, Poland employs a system of work permits for foreign workers, including drivers. While the term “quota” isn’t explicitly used in Polish legislation in the same way it might be in other countries, the number of work permits issued can effectively act as a limit on the number of foreign workers allowed to work in Poland.
General Principles #
The key principle is that employers in Poland must prioritize hiring Polish citizens or EU/EEA citizens before hiring third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA citizens). To hire a third-country national, an employer typically needs to obtain a work permit. The process involves a labor market test to ensure no qualified Polish or EU/EEA workers are available for the position.
Work Permits and Types #
There are different types of work permits in Poland, including:
- Type A: Applies to foreigners working in Poland based on an employment contract or civil law agreement with an employer whose registered office or place of residence is in Poland.
- Type C to E: Relate to specific situations, such as being delegated to Poland by a foreign employer.
- Seasonal Work Permit (Type S): For specific sectors like agriculture, forestry, tourism, and horticulture.
For international transport drivers, the Type A permit is the most relevant.
Labor Market Test #
Before a work permit is issued, the local labor office (Powiatowy Urząd Pracy) conducts a labor market test (tzw. “test rynku pracy”). This test assesses whether there are any registered unemployed Polish or EU/EEA citizens who meet the employer’s requirements for the job. If suitable candidates are available, the work permit will likely be denied.
Exemptions #
Certain categories of foreigners are exempt from the work permit requirement. However, these exemptions generally do not apply to international transport drivers unless they meet very specific criteria (e.g., holding a specific type of Polish residence permit or being a graduate of a Polish university).
Driver-Specific Considerations #
For international transport drivers, the following points are crucial:
- Code 95: Drivers from outside the EU/EEA need to obtain Code 95 qualification to work as professional drivers in Poland. This usually involves completing a training course and passing an exam.
- Visa Requirements: Depending on the driver’s nationality, a visa might be required in addition to a work permit.
- Health Insurance: Employers are responsible for ensuring that foreign employees have health insurance.
How to Check Current Requirements #
To get the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the following resources:
- Your local Polish Embassy or Consulate: They can provide specific information based on your nationality and circumstances.
- Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna): For information on entry and stay regulations.
- Polish Ministry of Family and Social Policy (Ministerstwo Rodziny i Polityki Społecznej): This ministry is responsible for labor regulations.
- biznes.gov.pl: Official Polish government website for businesses, including information on employing foreigners.
Important Note #
The rules and regulations regarding work permits can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant Polish authorities before making any decisions.
