A new employment offer does not automatically update your immigration documents. Before starting with a new employer, distinguish an employer’s work permit, your temporary residence and work permit, and a residence application that is still pending.
Identify the document that currently supports your work
Read the full decision and note the legal employer, role and any listed conditions. Then compare them with the new offer. A change of brand name, workplace or group company can mean different things legally; do not assess the change from the logo alone.
If you have an EU Blue Card, use the Blue Card job-change guide. Its rules should not be replaced with the standard residence-and-work procedure.
Three routes to distinguish
| Current position | What needs examination |
|---|---|
| Employer-specific work authorisation | Whether the new employer needs its own authorisation or an exemption applies |
| Issued temporary residence and work permit | Whether amendment, notification or another application is required |
| Residence case still pending | How the authority should be informed of changed facts and which work basis applies meanwhile |
The Office for Foreigners guidance on amendments describes the amendment process, including the obligation to notify loss of employment within 15 working days in the applicable standard-permit situation. Treat the actual event date as important. Do not wait for the next convenient appointment to have a deadline checked.
Use the current form and procedure
There is a new amendment application form applicable from April 2026. An amendment is not simply the same as a new MOS residence application. Check the prescribed filing method and current form for the particular procedure before sending anything.
The official amendment guidance lists a PLN 220 fee. That is distinct from the fee for a new residence-and-work permit and from a private firm’s service fee. An amendment also does not automatically extend the original permit’s validity.
Prepare a timeline before changing jobs
- Current employment end date and new employment proposal.
- Current residence decision and card expiry dates.
- Previous and proposed legal employer details.
- Proposed contract type, pay, hours and duties.
- Notifications or applications already submitted, with proof.
Keep signed documents and draft offers separate. If a proposed start date changes, update the person reviewing your case. Under the employment rules, having an application in progress should not be treated as a universal permission to start work for a new employer.
STAYLEGAL can review the residence side and coordinate employer documents. Describe your planned change before committing to a start date that depends on an unresolved immigration step.