Poland Tightens Migration Policies for International Students and Workers
Key Changes
1. Stricter migration rules for foreign students and workers took effect on **June 1, 2025**.
2. Both groups must now meet additional eligibility criteria for residence and work permits.
3. The reforms aim to promote **controlled, safe, and legal migration** to Poland.
New Requirements for International Students
- Students applying for a Polish national visa must prove B2-level proficiency in the language of instruction.
- Universities must report students who fail to attend classes, helping authorities prevent misuse of study visas for work or illegal stay.
- The government has strengthened collaboration with universities to monitor compliance.
Stricter Rules for Foreign Workers
- County officials will now determine which professions are off-limits to foreign workers, prioritizing Polish citizens for those roles.
- While foreign labor remains vital for the economy, the changes aim to balance job opportunities for locals while regulating migration.
Poland’s Migration Landscape
In 2023, Poland led the EU in issuing residence permits:
- 642,789 permits (17.2% of all EU permits)
- 427,162 for employment
- 30,926 for education
The new rules seek to manage migration flows while ensuring foreign students and workers contribute legally and productively to the country.