Poland Tightens Migration Rules for International Students and Foreign Workers

Poland has introduced stricter migration regulations that will significantly impact international students and foreign workers seeking to enter the country for education or employment.

Stricter Requirements for International Students

According to Polish authorities, international students applying for a national visa will now be required to submit proof of B2-level proficiency in the language of instruction for their academic programme. This new requirement is intended to ensure that students are genuinely pursuing education in Poland and not using the student visa pathway for work or irregular residence in the EU.

To strengthen oversight, Polish authorities have enhanced cooperation with university administrators. As part of the revised rules, universities must now notify immigration authorities if a student holding a visa and residence permit fails to attend their studies. This move is aimed at identifying and preventing misuse of student visas.

Foreign Workers Face New Barriers

Foreign workers, while important to the Polish economy, will also face tighter entry controls. Under the new policy, regional authorities—specifically the heads of counties—will be responsible for compiling lists of professions in which foreign nationals will no longer be eligible for work permits.

This measure is designed to prioritize Polish citizens in the local job market by reserving certain roles for nationals. At the same time, it supports the government's broader goals of ensuring safe, legal, and controlled migration.

Poland’s Role in EU Migration Landscape

Poland continues to be a key player in migration within the European Union. In 2023, the country issued the highest number of residence permits among EU member states. According to Eurostat, Poland granted a total of 642,789 residence permits, accounting for 17.2% of all residence permits issued across the EU.

Of these, 427,162 permits were granted for employment purposes, highlighting Poland’s role as a major destination for migrant workers. Meanwhile, 30,926 permits were issued for education purposes.