How to Prepare Documents for Work in Poland: A Step-by-Step Guide for Specialists

What documents do you need to work legally in a Polish factory? We break down all the stages: from the Work Invitation (Oświadczenie) to getting a visa and a PESEL number.

For many welders and fitters, the process of moving to Poland seems like an insurmountable quest. A bunch of incomprehensible Polish words (oświadczenie, zezwolenie, PESEL), queues, visa centers, and the fear of being turned back at the border.

But in reality, if you work with a reliable agency, bureaucracy is kept to a minimum. The experts at Zvaryuvalnyk.xyz have prepared a simple step-by-step guide for you: how to legally arrive in Poland and start working without unnecessary stress.

Step 1: Getting an Invitation from the Employer (Oświadczenie)

You cannot just show up at a factory and say, "I want to work here." First, the Polish employer must officially declare to the state that they are hiring you.

For citizens of certain countries (like Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova), a simplified procedure applies. The factory issues a Declaration of Entrusting Work (Oświadczenie). This is done quickly—usually taking 7 to 14 days. This document is the basis for your legal employment.

Step 2: Visa or Biometric Passport?

With the Invitation in hand, you have two ways to cross the border:

With a Biometric Passport (Visa-free): You can enter Poland and work legally for 90 days. This is the ideal option for those who want to leave quickly, test their skills at the factory, and see if the job suits them.

Work Visa (D05A): If you want to go for six months or a year right away, you need to submit the Invitation along with an application to the Visa Center. The process takes about 2-3 weeks, but you receive a visa for 180 or 365 days.

Step 3: What to Take With You Across the Border?

At the border, the Polish border guard (Straż Graniczna) will definitely ask the purpose of your visit. To pass the control in 5 minutes, you should have the following folder of documents:

Valid biometric passport.

Printed Work Invitation (Oświadczenie / Zezwolenie).

Medical insurance (preferably for the first few weeks until you are registered in the Polish ZUS system).

Contact details of your coordinator (phone number and accommodation address).

Your welding diplomas and certificates (TÜV, UDT)—these will be needed at the factory.

Step 4: First Days in Poland (On-site Formalities)

Upon arrival, you don't step up to the welding machine right away. The first 2-3 days are dedicated to legalization:

Obtaining a PESEL number (Polish identification number)—done at the local municipality (Urząd).

Signing the employment contract (Umowa Zlecenie / Umowa o Pracę).

Passing the medical examination (Badania lekarskie) and safety training (BHP)—we wrote about this in detail in previous articles.

Why is it easier with us?

The Zvaryuvalnyk.xyz team takes care of all the paperwork. We issue Invitations for free, provide consultations on crossing the border, and our coordinator in Poland guides you by the hand through the institutions to get your PESEL and medical check-up.

Moreover, after a few months of work, we help our specialists submit documents for a Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) so you can live and work in Europe for years! Go to the "Vacancies" section and start your legal journey with professionals.