Both permits provide legal employment in Poland, but they cater to different needs and job types. Here’s a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages of a Seasonal Work Permit (Valid for up to 9 months)
- Faster Processing – Issued in as little as 10 days, making it ideal for those looking for quick employment.
- Lower Cost – Usually cheaper than a Voivodeship work permit, especially with promotional offers.
- Easier to Obtain – Requires fewer formalities, making visa approval more straightforward.
- Suitable for Temporary Jobs – Ideal for agriculture, hospitality, retail, logistics, and seasonal construction work.
- Employer Commitment – Employers are more willing to hire seasonal workers due to the shorter contract duration and simplified hiring process.
❌ Disadvantages of a Seasonal Work Permit
- Short-Term Validity – Limited to 9 months within a calendar year; requires re-application if you wish to continue working.
- Limited Job Opportunities – Only available for seasonal sectors like agriculture, hospitality, logistics, and retail.
- No Direct Residence Permit Pathway – Unlike the Voivodeship permit, a seasonal work permit does not lead to a residence permit.
✅ Advantages of a Voivodeship Work Permit (Valid for 1-3 years, renewable)
- Longer Employment Duration – Valid for 1-3 years with the option to renew.
- More Job Opportunities – Suitable for manufacturing, IT, construction, logistics, healthcare, and skilled professions.
- Leads to a Residence Permit – After 3 months of continuous employment, workers can apply for a temporary residence permit (up to 3 years).
- More Stability for Employers – Companies prefer Voivodeship permits for skilled and long-term workers.
❌ Disadvantages of a Voivodeship Work Permit
- Slower Processing Time – Takes 45-65 days to be issued, compared to 10 days for a seasonal permit.
- Higher Cost – The total processing fee is usually higher than that of a seasonal permit.
- More Documentation Required – The application process is more complex and requires additional paperwork.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 🔹 Choose a Seasonal Work Permit if you want fast processing, short-term work, and jobs in agriculture, hospitality, or logistics.
- 🔹 Choose a Voivodeship Work Permit if you are looking for long-term employment, a wider range of job opportunities, and the possibility of applying for a residence permit.