Poland’s Labor Shortage Crisis: Government Scraps Labour Market Test for Most Work Permits – 800,000+ Vacant Positions to Be Filled Faster

Poland scraps labour market test for most work permits – 800,000+ vacant positions to be filled faster.

Warsaw, March 25, 2026 — In one of the most significant immigration reforms in recent Polish history, the government has officially abolished the Labour Market Test for the vast majority of work permit applications, effective immediately.

The move, announced today by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, removes a long-standing bureaucratic hurdle that required employers to prove no suitable Polish or EU worker was available before they could hire a non-EU national. This change is expected to dramatically speed up the recruitment of foreign talent and help Polish companies address acute labor shortages across multiple sectors.

What Changed?

Until yesterday, most employers had to:

• Publish a job offer for at least 14 days

• Register it with the local Labour Office

• Wait for a formal statement confirming no Polish/EU candidates were available

From today, this requirement has been removed for nearly all work permit categories, including:

• Specialist and highly skilled positions

• Shortage occupations (already on the official shortage list)

• Intra-company transfers

• Executive and managerial roles

• Most standard employment contracts

The Labour Market Test will still apply in a very limited number of low-skilled categories where Polish authorities want to protect local workers.

Why Poland Made This Move

Poland is experiencing severe labor shortages caused by:

• Low birth rates and an ageing population

• Massive emigration of young Poles to Western Europe over the past 20 years

• Strong post-pandemic economic growth, especially in manufacturing, logistics, construction, and IT

Current official data shows over 800,000 vacant positions nationwide, with some regions and sectors reporting vacancy rates above 15%. Employers have repeatedly complained that the old Labour Market Test was slow, bureaucratic, and often pointless because suitable local candidates simply did not exist.

Immediate Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

• Faster processing: Work permit applications that previously took 2–3 months can now be approved in a matter of weeks.

• Lower costs: No more advertising fees or waiting periods.

• Greater flexibility: Companies can hire the best candidate regardless of nationality.

• Easier recruitment from Asia: India, Nepal, Philippines, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are expected to see increased demand.

The reform is particularly welcomed by the automotive, electronics, logistics, and construction industries, which have been heavily reliant on Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Asian workers.

Reactions

• Business associations (including Lewiatan and Business Centre Club) welcomed the change as “long overdue” and “pro-growth.”

• Trade unions expressed cautious support but demanded stronger wage protections to prevent undercutting of Polish workers.

• Opposition parties criticised the government for “opening the floodgates” without sufficient integration measures.

What Foreign Workers Need to Know

If you are planning to work in Poland:

• The work permit process is now significantly simpler and faster.

• You still need a valid work permit (or visa) before starting employment.

• Language skills and professional qualifications remain important for faster approval.

For the latest Poland work permit guides, salary requirements, and application tips for 2026, explore our complete collection here: Poland Visa & Immigration Updates

This bold reform positions Poland as one of the more open and business-friendly destinations in Central Europe for foreign talent. Companies that have been struggling to fill positions can now move much faster — a development that could significantly ease labor shortages in the months ahead