Changing employers
In a situation in which a foreigner has a visa authorising him to undertake legal work within the territory of the Republic of Poland, a change of employer does not result in having to obtain a new visa. It is different for a holder of a residence and work permit on the grounds of which he is residing in Poland: if the foreigner changes his job, he also needs to apply for a new residence and work permit
To work legally it is necessary to obtain a work permit or another document authorising to perform work. A document from a previous employer is not enough!
A foreigner does not have to take any extra action if the basis of legal work is his work permit, while
- the new employer has to obtain a work permit for the foreigner and execute a contract with him in writing,
- the former employer should settle with the employee and return his copy of the work permit to an adequate voivodeship office.
If the foreigner resides in Poland and works on the basis of a common residence and work permit, he himself has to contact the voivode in case of potential loss of a job (he has to report it within 15 working days), as well as in case of a change of position (he has to apply for a new common residence and work permit within 30 days from the day he lost his job).
If the foreigner has a residence and work permit issued on the grounds of working at ABC Sp. z o.o. as a shop assistant and he wants to change the position (e.g. to a shop manager) then he has to inform the voivode who has issued the residence and work permit within 15 working days. In both cases an application for a new residence and work permit is needed. or finish working for this company and undertake work for XYZ Sp. z o.o.
A change in the common residence and work permit is only possible if you work for a temporary employment agency. In other cases it is necessary to obtain a new common residence and work permit.