Work of a foreign student

When work does not require a permit

• Residence card for studies. A foreigner with a temporary residence permit for studies can work without a work permit (Art. 3 para. 1 point 14 of the Act on the conditions for entrusting work to foreigners).
• Full-time studies. A full-time student in Poland at a university approved to admit foreigners or not subject to approval also works without a permit and without a declaration - e.g. while staying on a student visa (§ 1 point 12 of the regulation, Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1620).
• Internships. A student can work as part of a professional internship provided for in the study programme at a Polish university (§ 1 point 13).

The right to work without a permit lasts only during studies and a valid stay. After removal from the list of students or withdrawal of the permit you lose this basis - see removal from the list. Other cases are described in the guide when work does not require a permit.

Work cannot replace studies

A permit for studies is withdrawn when circumstances show that it is used for another purpose (Art. 148 para. 1 point 1 of the Act on Foreigners). A further permit is refused when the previous permit was used for another purpose (Art. 147 para. 2).

Student insurance

With an employment contract, the employer registers you for health insurance (Art. 66 para. 1 point 1 letter a of the Act on publicly funded healthcare services). With a contract of mandate, the obligation depends on whether you are subject to social insurance (Art. 66 para. 1 point 1). A student without other insurance can insure voluntarily with the NFZ - with a contribution based on a lower amount and without an additional fee for a break in insurance (Art. 68 para. 4 point 3 and para. 9). See: health insurance.