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Work Visa and Relocation to the EU: Poland, Lithuania and More
Move to Poland, Lithuania and other EU countries through official employment. We take you through the contract, work permit, national visa and residence permit step by step, with no gray schemes.
A work visa in Europe is the most straightforward route for people who have neither significant capital nor a remote income. The pattern is similar in many countries: an employer agrees to hire a foreign worker, a work permit or single permit is issued, you get a national D visa, arrive and apply for a residence permit. In Poland, a work-based residence permit is issued for the length of your contract, up to a few years, and can be renewed when you sign a new one.
Know the limits before you start. A work status is usually tied to one employer, and changing jobs means notifying the authorities or getting a new permit. Rules also depend on your citizenship, so we check your case against the current entry rules of the country you choose before any documents are prepared.
Who it is for
- Skilled tradespeople who want official employment in the EU
- IT specialists, engineers, healthcare workers and other qualified professionals
- People who already have a job offer from an employer in Poland or Lithuania
- Families planning to join the main applicant later
Requirements
- An employment contract or an employer's written commitment to hire you
- A work permit or single permit, where the country requires one
- A salary at or above the national minimum and any conditions set for your profession
- A national D visa for entry for work, unless you can enter visa-free
- Housing, local address registration and health insurance
- No bans on entering the Schengen Area
What we do
- Review your profile and tell you which country and which legal basis are realistic for you
- Suggest legitimate job options with employers that hire foreign workers
- Check your employment contract and the employer's documents
- Prepare the paperwork for your work permit and D visa
- Book your appointment and prepare you for the consulate interview
- Help after arrival: address registration, residence permit application and documents for your family
Key documents
- Passport
- Employment contract or the employer's commitment to hire you
- Work permit, or the documents needed for a single permit
- Degree and qualification documents with translations
- Criminal record certificate, if the country requires it
- Proof of housing and health insurance
- Marriage and birth certificates for family reunification
How it works
- Assessmentyour profile, citizenship, target country and legal basis for moving
- Employer and contracta job offer and a check of its terms
- Work permitfiled by the employer or by you, depending on the country
- D visaapplication at a consulate or visa center, plus an interview
- Residence permitarrival, address registration and the application for your residence card
Timeline
A work permit and D visa usually take from several weeks to several months; a residence permit decision in Poland can take longer because of queues.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Citizens of Russia and Belarus face additional restrictions: Poland admits Russian citizens only under specific exceptions, and Lithuania does not accept visa applications from Russian or Belarusian citizens except for individual cases through its Foreign Ministry
- Job ads that promise a visa for sure are often scams, so we check the employer first
- A work-based residence permit is tied to your employer: a new job requires a notification or a new permit
- Queues for filing and processing at Polish regional offices (voivodeship offices) can be long
- Documents without sworn translations and legalization are not accepted
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is on request. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How do I get a work visa in Europe?
First you need an employer willing to hire you. In most countries the employer or you then apply for a work permit or single permit, after which you get a national D visa, enter the country and apply for a residence permit. We assess which country and route fit your profile and citizenship before you invest time in paperwork.
Can I move to Europe for work without speaking the local language?
Yes, for many skilled trades and technical jobs the local language is not required at the start, and in IT English is often enough. To renew your status, qualify for permanent residence and live comfortably, though, you will need the local language. We will explain the requirements in the country you choose.
How long does the process take?
A work permit and D visa usually take from several weeks to several months, while a residence permit decision in Poland can take noticeably longer because of queues. A lot depends on the employer and the regional office. We draw up a realistic schedule once the country is chosen.
Can I change employers?
Yes, but a work status is usually tied to a specific employer. In Poland, changing jobs means notifying the authorities and, as a rule, getting a new permit. Holders of an EU Blue Card have more flexible rules.
Can my family move with me?
Most often your family joins later through family reunification, once the main applicant holds a residence permit for a long enough period and has sufficient income. Conditions differ by country. We prepare your family's documents in advance so you don't lose time.
Does a work-based residence permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes, legal residence on a work permit counts toward long-term status. In Poland you can apply for EU long-term resident status after 5 years of residence, provided you speak Polish and have a stable income.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
