Poland offers three main types of invitations for opening a work visa: simplified invitation, seasonal, and voivodeship. Each differs in processing times, scope of application, and opportunities after the visa closes — from two weeks to three months.
Simplified invitation: fast, but only for four countries
A simplified invitation is a special employment procedure for foreigners that Poland created for countries whose workforce it needs. However, it is not available to everyone: currently, the invitation applies only to four countries — Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, and Moldova. Previously, the list included Russia and Georgia, but they were excluded.
If you are a citizen of one of these four countries, a simplified invitation is the most optimal option. The invitation is issued for a maximum of 24 months (2 years), but the visa you receive based on it will be issued for only 1 year — this rule applies to all types of invitations.
Processing times for a simplified invitation average 5–10 business days. After receiving the invitation, you can immediately apply for a visa.
Seasonal invitation: for any country, maximum 9 months
A seasonal invitation is suitable for citizens of any country in the world without exception. However, it is intended only for seasonal work: in fields, on farms, in hotels, and other places with seasonal specifics.
The main feature of a seasonal invitation is its validity period. It is issued for a maximum of 9 months (270 days). If you submit documents at the beginning of the year, the invitation is valid until the end of the year. If you submit documents in the middle of the year — for example, in June or July — the invitation will be valid only until the end of the calendar year, that is, for the remaining months.
The processing time for this invitation is approximately 2 weeks, making it a convenient tool for quickly obtaining documents and submitting a visa application.
Voivodeship invitation: for any work, but long processing
A voivodeship invitation is the most universal of the three types. It is suitable for citizens of any country and allows you to work in any field: in warehouses, at enterprises, as a welder, mechanic, or in any other position. Unlike a seasonal invitation, there are no restrictions on the type of work.
The invitation can be issued for a period from 1 year to 3 years, although the visa under it is also issued for only 1 year. The main disadvantage of this type of invitation is the lengthy processing time: on average, this takes 2–3 months.
However, a voivodeship invitation has a significant advantage over a seasonal one: after closing your visa, you can apply for a residence card (residence permit in Poland). With a seasonal invitation, this option is not available — after working for 9 months, you will need to leave Europe and open a new visa.
Comparison of three types of invitations
The choice of invitation type depends on your citizenship, processing times, and future plans. If you are from one of the four countries, a simplified invitation will save time. If you need quick processing and seasonal work is suitable, choose seasonal. If you are looking for a long-term solution and willing to wait — a voivodeship invitation will open the path to a residence permit.
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