Poland Ends Work Rights for Colombia, Georgia & Venezuela Visa-Free Travelers – August 2026

WARSAW, August 13, 2026 — Poland has announced that nationals of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela will no longer be able to work in the country without a visa, effective August 15, 2026 and August 22, 2026, according to updated guidance from the Polish government.

The two-phase policy change removes the ability for citizens of these three countries to enter Poland visa‑free for the purpose of employment and to work on the basis of a work permit while staying visa‑free.

Poland removes work rights for visa-free entrants from Colombia, Georgia & Venezuela from August 2026.

Two-Phase Implementation Timeline

Date	Change
August 15, 2026	Nationals of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela can no longer enter Poland visa‑free for the purpose of employment; they must obtain a visa before arrival
August 22, 2026	Nationals of these countries can no longer work in Poland on a work permit if they entered and are staying visa‑free

Grandfather Clause: Those who arrived before August 15 and those who started working on the basis of a work permit while staying visa‑free before August 22 will not be affected by these rules.

Who Is Affected?

Affected	Not Affected
Colombian, Georgian, and Venezuelan nationals entering Poland visa‑free for employment purposes after August 15	Those who arrived before August 15
Colombian, Georgian, and Venezuelan nationals working on a work permit while staying visa‑free after August 22	Those who started working while staying visa‑free before August 22
—	Those with work authorization on another basis (e.g., students, graduates)

The policy stems from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy's (MRPiPS) new procedures for submitting work permit applications, as announced on July 3, 2026.

Impact on Employers

Impact	Details
Reassessment Required	Employers must review their talent management arrangements for affected nationals
Visa Requirement	Existing and future employees must obtain a visa before entering Poland for work
Hiring Delays	Additional time required for visa processing
Compliance Risk	Employers must ensure affected employees are not working without proper authorization

Employers with Colombian, Georgian, or Venezuelan employees or candidates should immediately assess their status and take steps to secure the necessary visas and work permits where required.

Related News

Poland Introduces Mandatory Online Portal for Residence Permit Applications

Switzerland Tightens Visa Rules for Somalia and Guinea, Suspending Facilitations

Slovakia Immigration Reforms July 2026: Longer National Visas, Extended Unemployment Grace Periods & New Central Visa Authority – What Employers & Foreign Nationals Need to Know

For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/poland

VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub. Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead. Move smarter.