Warsaw, Poland — Poland’s recent overhaul of foreign worker visa regulations is causing significant disruptions for local businesses. The new rules, implemented in late 2025, were designed to streamline the hiring process for foreign labor but have instead led to unexpected complications.

This shift matters now as Poland grapples with a labor shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing demographic challenges-and-solutions/” class=”ca-internal-link”>challenges. with over 1 million job vacancies reported in 2025, the country is in dire need of foreign talent to sustain its economic growth. However, the new visa regulations have created a bottleneck, hindering businesses from filling critical roles.

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Background on the situation reveals that Poland’s labor market has been increasingly reliant on foreign workers, particularly from Ukraine, Belarus, and other Eastern European nations. According to the Polish Ministry of Family and social policy, foreign workers constituted nearly 15% of the workforce in 2024, a figure that has been steadily rising. The government‘s intention was to simplify the visa application process, reduce bureaucracy, and attract more skilled labor. However, the reality has been starkly different.

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Many businesses report that the new regulations have resulted in longer processing times for visas, increased costs, and a lack of clarity regarding eligibility criteria. For instance, a survey conducted by the Polish Chamber of commerce in october 2025 found that 63% of respondents experienced delays in hiring foreign workers due to the new rules, with an average wait time of 45 days for visa approvals, up from 20 days previously. As a result, companies are struggling to meet production demands and maintain service levels.

For example, a leading Polish furniture manufacturer reported a 30% decrease in output due to an inability to hire necessary skilled workers.

The impact is particularly acute in sectors like manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture, where the reliance on foreign labor is highest. For example, a leading Polish furniture manufacturer reported a 30% decrease in output due to an inability to hire necessary skilled workers. Similarly, restaurants in major cities like Kraków and Gdańsk are facing staffing shortages that threaten their operations during peak tourist seasons.

from a broader perspective, the implications of these visa changes extend beyond individual businesses. The Polish economy, which grew by 4.5% in 2024, is at risk of slowing down if the labor market remains constrained. Experts warn that if companies cannot fill positions, it could lead to reduced productivity and ultimately impact the country’s GDP growth.

multiple stakeholders are voicing their concerns. business leaders are calling for a revision of the visa rules to better align with market needs. The Polish employers‘ Association has urged the government to consider a more flexible approach, allowing businesses to have a say in defining the skills and qualifications required for foreign workers. On the other hand, labor unions emphasize the importance of protecting local jobs and ensuring that wage standards are upheld.

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Meanwhile, the government is facing pressure to strike a balance between attracting foreign talent and addressing domestic workforce concerns. In a recent statement, the minister of Family and social policy acknowledged the challenges posed by the new regulations but emphasized that the intent was to create a more sustainable labor market in the long run.

Looking ahead, the situation remains fluid. As businesses continue to voice their frustrations, the government may be forced to revisit these regulations sooner rather than later. potential adjustments could include expedited processing for certain sectors or a more transparent framework for employers seeking to hire foreign workers.

The Polish employers‘ Association has urged the government to consider a more flexible approach, allowing businesses to have a say in defining the skills and qualifications required for foreign workers.

Ultimately, the success of these visa policies will depend on the ability of both the government and businesses to adapt to the evolving labor landscape. For companies, this means exploring alternative strategies, such as investing in employee training and retention programs, to mitigate the impact of labor shortages. For policymakers, it may involve creating a more responsive regulatory environment that can quickly address the needs of the economy.

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As Poland navigates these challenges, the outcome will likely influence not only its economic trajectory but also the broader conversation about labor mobility and immigration policies in Europe. The question remains: can Poland find a way to balance the needs of its businesses with the realities of its labor market?