Publication date: 26.09.2025
What does a Polish residence card mean and what rights does it give ?
A residence card is a document confirming a foreigner's legal stay in Poland. It can be issued in various forms—for example, a temporary residence permit, a permanent residence permit, or a long-term EU resident permit. The rights depend on the type of card:
A temporary residence card allows you to live and work in the EU with a residence card in Poland (if it has the appropriate annotations).
A permanent residence card and an EU resident card provide broader rights, including unlimited access to the Polish labor market.
However, It's worth emphasizing that a Polish residence card alone does not grant rights equal to those of EU citizens and is not always sufficient to work in other member states.
Residence card and work abroad are an important topic for people living in Poland and wanting to travel to another EU country for work purposes. A residence card alone entitles you to legally reside and work in Poland, but it does not automatically grant you the right to employment in other member states. To legally work abroad, you must obtain the appropriate work permit or work visa in the destination country.
Does a residence card entitle to work in another EU country without additional permits ?
What rights does a Polish residence card give in the EU ? A Polish residence card gives you the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), but it does not automatically entitle you to work in other EU countries. To legally take up employment, for example, in Germany, France, or the Netherlands, a foreigner requires a separate work permit or work visa issued by the authorities of the given country. An exception are holders of an EU long-term resident card, who have the right to move to another Member State for work purposes, but must still meet local requirements (e.g., residence registration, application for access to the labor market).
"Residence card in Poland, work in the EU" is a common question from foreigners who want to know whether their document allows legal employment in other European Union countries.
Is a residence card in Poland enough for legal work in the EU ? Is a residence card in Poland sufficient for legal work in the EU? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by foreigners planning to work in another European Union country.
EU regulations regarding freedom of movement and work.
Does a Polish residence card give the right to work in the EU ? Freedom of movement and work throughout the EU applies mainly to EU citizens. Foreigners from outside the EU with a residence card in one country do not have automatic access to the labor market in another. Regulations contained in Directive 2003/109/EC provide that long-term residents can apply for the right to reside and work in another EU country under simplified rules, but this is not an automatic process.
Polish residence card and work permit in the European Union are important issues for those planning to take up employment outside Poland. A residence card in Poland confirms legal residence and the right to work in Poland, but it does not replace a work permit in other EU countries. Most member states require a separate permit or work visa before a foreigner can legally take up employment. Therefore, it is worth checking the regulations of the destination country and submitting the appropriate application before leaving.
Conditions vary by EU country--exceptions and additional procedures.
Each EU country may introduce its own requirements for the employment of foreigners. For example:.
Germany-- requires an application for a residence permit for work purposes, even if you have a residence card from Poland.
The Netherlands-- checks whether the employer has conducted a labor market examination before issuing a permit.
Czechoes-- require a so-called employee card or Blue Card.
It's worth checking the procedure at the embassy or immigration office of the destination country before leaving.
How to obtain a work permit in another EU country with a Polish residence card.
The standard procedure includes:
Finding an employer in the destination country.
Signing a preliminary contract or obtaining a promise of employment.
Submitting an application for a residence and work permit at the immigration office of the country you are traveling to.
Presenting documents: passport, Polish residence card, proof of health insurance, and financial resources.
Application processing times vary from several weeks to several months depending on the country.
Risks and limitations—when a residence card is not enough.
A common mistake is to work in another EU country only with a Polish residence card—this is illegal and may result in a financial penalty, an order to leave the country, or even an entry ban. Please remember that a residence card issued in Poland is only valid in Poland for work and permanent residence.
Documents and IDs worth having with you.
During travel and administrative procedures, it is a good idea to have:
A valid passport.
A Polish residence card.
Copies of residence documents and employment contract.
Insurance confirmation health,.
Financial resources for living while waiting for a decision.
Practical tips--how to prepare and avoid legal problems.
- Consult an immigration lawyer or an organization supporting foreigners in your destination country.
Check the deadlines--some countries require a permit before entry.
Do not work illegally--this may negatively impact your status in Poland and future visa applications.
Ensure continuity of your stay in Poland—departures longer than 6 months may affect the possibility of extending your residence card.
Residence card Poland work in EU. A Polish residence card confirms a foreigner's legal stay in Poland and may grant the right to work, but its scope depends on the type of card. It does not automatically entitle you to work in other EU countries, so you should check local regulations and obtain the appropriate permit before leaving.
F.A.Q.
Question
Does a Polish residence card give you the right to work in every EU country?
Answer
No. A residence card issued in Poland allows for legal residence in Poland and travel within the Schengen Area, but does not automatically entitle you to work in other EU countries – a separate permit is required there.
Question
Do I need a work permit if I have a permanent residence card?
Answer
Yes. Even if you have permanent residence in Poland, you must obtain a work or residence permit in the country you are moving to. The exception isEU long-term resident status is a simplified procedure.
Question
What if my profession is regulated (e.g., doctor, teacher)?
Answer
You must undergo an additional procedure for recognition of professional qualifications in the country where you want to work. Only after completing it can you legally take up employment in regulated professions.
Question
Does the residence card have to be valid for the entire period of work abroad?
Answer
Yes. The validity of the residence card is proof of your legal status in Poland. If your card expires while you're abroad, you may have trouble returning and renewing your status in Poland.
Question
What documents should I prepare before taking up work in another EU country?
Answer
Passport, residence card, employment contract or promise of employment, health insurance, documents confirming qualifications, and means of subsistence until a residence permit is obtained.
Question
Do EU regulations on freedom of work apply to residence card holders?
Answer
Not fully. Freedom of work applies to EU citizens. Residence card holders can only benefit from partial simplifications, for example, in the procedure for obtaining residence in another country, but do not have automatic employment rights.
