Blog

Changes Signed by the President of Poland

On May 10, 2025, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, signed amendments to the Act on Foreigners, which fundamentally change the conditions for obtaining the Blue Card (Niebieska Karta UE) – a work and residence permit for highly qualified specialists from outside the EU.

These changes are the result of implementing EU Directive 2021/1883, aimed at simplifying the migration of skilled workers to European Union countries. Poland, facing shortages of IT specialists, engineers, and doctors, now offers more flexible conditions for foreigners but increases financial requirements for employers.

When Do the New Rules Come into Force?

The law was officially published in the Dziennik Ustaw on May 10, 2025. According to Polish law, it will come into force on July 1, 2025 (the first day of the month after 14 days from publication).

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

• If you submitted documents before May 10, your application will be considered under the old rules.
• If you apply after May 10, you will automatically be subject to the new requirements.

Key Changes in Blue Card 2025

New Minimum Salary Threshold

The most important criterion is the salary. It must now be 150% of the average salary in Poland, which in 2025 equals 12,272.60 PLN gross.

Why is this important?
In 2024, the threshold was 10,733.22 PLN, now it has increased by nearly 15%.
If your salary is lower, the Blue Card will be denied.

Contract Length Reduced to 6 Months (Previously 1 Year)

Previously, a labor contract for at least 12 months was required; now 6 months is sufficient. This is especially beneficial for IT specialists, who often work on short-term projects.

Freedom to Change Employer

After 2 years of working on a Blue Card, you can change employers without reissuing the card. Previously, this required permission from the Office for Foreigners.

Mobility Within the EU

• Short-term (up to 90 days) – you can work in another EU country without additional permits.
• Long-term (after 18 months) – right to relocate to another EU country for work.

Electronic Submission of Documents

Applications are now submitted only online via the MOS system (Platforma Usług Elektronicznych). This speeds up the process but requires accurate data entry.

Blue Card Without a Degree: New Opportunities

Previously, a higher education degree or 5 years of experience was required. Now exceptions are introduced:

• ✅ List of professions with 3 years of experience
  The government will publish a list of specialties (mainly IT, engineering, medicine) where 3 years of experience is sufficient even without a diploma.
• ✅ Recognition of Non-formal Education
  Courses and certificates (e.g., Google IT Certificates) may be considered during application review.

How Will the Application Process Change?

New Required Documents

In addition to the standard package (passport, contract, diploma), you will now need:

• Proof of salary (bank statement or letter from employer).
• Proof of experience (if no diploma).

Processing Timeframes

Due to transition to the electronic system, acceleration is expected:

• Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław – up to 3 months.
• Other regions – up to 6 months.

Reasons for Refusal: New Grounds

• Salary below 12,272.60 PLN.
• Errors in the online application.
• Lack of qualification proof.

Comparison: Blue Card vs. Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu)

Conclusion

• Blue Card – for highly paid specialists planning a career in the EU.
• Residence Permit – for those who want to open a business (JDG) or work for a lower salary.

Consequences for Employers

🔹 Advantages:

• Simplified hiring of foreigners (less bureaucracy).
• Ability to hire specialists for short projects (from 6 months).

🔹 Disadvantages:

• Must pay at least 12,272 PLN – more expensive than hiring Polish workers.
• Competition for talent with Germany and the Netherlands, where salaries are higher.

What Should Current Blue Card Holders Do?

• Cards issued before July 1, 2025, remain valid under old conditions.
• Upon renewal, new rules apply automatically.
• If salary is below threshold, a switch to a residence permit is required.

Upcoming Changes (2026–2027)

Poland plans to:
✅ Expand the list of professions eligible for the Blue Card.
✅ Extend the validity period from 3 to 5 years.

Final Advice: Is It Worth Applying for a Blue Card Now?

✔ Yes, if:

• You are an IT specialist, engineer, or doctor.
• Your salary is above 12,272 PLN.
• You plan to work long-term in the EU.

✖ No, if:

• Your salary is below the threshold (consider a residence permit).
• You want to open a business (JDG) – the Blue Card does not allow this.

Tip: Submit documents before July 1 to avoid higher experience requirements!

Contact Us for Consultation

Phone: +48 71 880 85 08
Address: Piłsudskiego 43, Wrocław