End of visa-free work. Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia must arrive with a visa

What is changing

Until now, citizens of these three countries could enter Poland without a visa (visa-free travel, 90 days in any 180-day period) and — holding a work permit arranged by the employer — take up work. The new regulation closes this route. From the day it enters into force, a work permit alone does not entitle a citizen of Colombia, Venezuela or Georgia to perform work during a visa-free stay. Visa-free travel as such does not disappear — you can still come for tourism or visits. The change concerns work only: to work, you must enter on the appropriate visa.

Legal basis

Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy (Rozporządzenie Ministra Rodziny, Pracy i Polityki Społecznej) of 31 July 2026 on the list of states whose citizens holding a work permit are not entitled to perform work while staying on the territory of the Republic of Poland under visa-free travel (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 1072), promulgated on 7 August 2026. The regulation was issued on the basis of art. 3 ust. 4 of the Act of 20 March 2025 on the conditions for the admissibility of entrusting work to foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Poland (Dz.U. 2025 poz. 621 ze zm.). In § 1 three states are listed: the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Georgia and the Republic of Colombia. Pursuant to § 3, the regulation enters into force on 22 August 2026 (upon the lapse of 14 days from promulgation).

Who is affected and from when

The new prohibition covers citizens of Colombia, Venezuela and Georgia. The regulation provides, however, a transitional provision: anyone who started work before the day of entry into force (i.e. before 22 August 2026), while in Poland under visa-free travel and holding a work permit, may continue it under the existing rules until the end of the current visa-free stay period (§ 2). After it ends, further work requires entry on a visa.

National work visa — step by step

1. Work permit. The employer in Poland applies for a work permit (or another authorising document, e.g. a declaration — where applicable in a given case). This is the starting document for the whole procedure.

2. Registration in the e-konsulat system. On the e-konsulat website select „Wiza krajowa — zarejestruj formularz” (National visa — register the form) and then „Wiza krajowa — praca” (National visa — work). Fill in the preliminary application with basic data and the details of the document authorising work.

3. Full application within 48 hours. After a correct verification you will receive by e-mail a link to the full application. You have 48 hours to complete, save and print it.

4. Appointment date (possible draw). When there are more applicants than slots, dates are allocated by an electronic draw. You will be informed of the result and the appointment date by e-mail.

5. Visit at the consulate. Come on the appointed date with the printed and signed form, the original of the work permit and a complete set of documents: a valid passport (valid for at least another 3 months after the visa expires, at least 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years), documents confirming the purpose and conditions of stay, financial means and health/medical insurance.

6. Decision. A national visa (D) authorises a stay longer than 90 days; its validity period may not exceed 1 year. After entering on this visa you may take up work, and in Poland — if needed — submit an application for a temporary residence and work permit to stay longer.

In the event of a visa refusal, you may request a re-examination of the case by the consul (14 days to submit; the consul examines it within 7 days), and then a complaint to the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw (Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny w Warszawie) (30 days). The detailed list of documents and the way to book an appointment depend on the specific consulate — check the website of the Polish post competent for your place of residence.