The draft regulation, long awaited by employers, has just been published. It concerns the list of shortage occupations, and its significance for companies hiring foreign nationals is crucial.
According to the draft, foreign nationals working in shortage occupations will be able to take advantage of the so-called “fast track” in the process of legalizing their residence and work.
What is the list of occupations in short supply?
The draft regulation of the Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy introduces an official list of occupations affected by labor shortages in Poland.
The list includes as many as 329 professions and has been submitted for public consultation.
In practice, this means:
- identifying industries in which labor shortages are systemic in nature,
- formal grounds for prioritizing applications concerning foreign nationals.
Fast track—what does that mean in practice?
The most important change for employers is the ability to use a fast-track process in legalization processes.
✔️ Priority for provincial governors
Applications for:
- work permits,
- temporary residence and work permits
Applications concerning foreign nationals working in professions on the shortage list may be processed on a priority basis.
✔️ Priority in visa proceedings
Furthermore, the list of occupations facing labor shortages will also serve as serve as a basis for consuls to prioritize the processing of:
- visa applications,
- cases involving foreign nationals planning to work in occupations included on the list.
As a result, the fast-track process covers the entire legalization process —from the visa, through employment, all the way to residency.
Why is this project so important to employers?
From the perspective of the labor market, this is one of the most anticipated implementing regulations of recent months.
In practice:
- reducing the waiting time for administrative decisions,
- greater predictability of legalization processes,
- real support for companies struggling with staffing shortages.
Furthermore, the project addresses current challenges:
- protracted administrative proceedings,
- the growing number of applications,
- operational pressure in logistics, manufacturing, and services.
The Legislative Process—What Should You Watch Out For?
It is worth noting that:
- draft is in the consultation phase,
- The final version of the list is subject to change,
- Its practical implementation by government agencies.
For employers, on the other hand, this is a good time to:
- verify whether the occupations for which employees are being hired are included in the list,
- make organizational preparations for expedited procedures,
- Plan recruitment activities in advance.
What does this mean for the market from our perspective?
From NJOB’s perspective, the draft regulation:
- confirms the systemic nature of staffing shortages in many industries,
- strengthens the role of foreign nationals in stabilizing the labor market,
- shows that the government is beginning to prioritize the real needs of businesses.
However, the fast-track process does not eliminate all risks. The following remain critical:
- accuracy of the documentation,
- compliance of employment models with regulations,
- a responsible approach to legalizing employment.
Therefore, companies should treat this project as a tool, not an automatic solution to all HR problems.
The draft regulation on shortage occupations is an important step toward streamlining the processes for legalizing the employment of foreign nationals.
The fast-track process has the potential to significantly reduce waiting times for decisions, but its effectiveness will depend on its implementation and administrative practices.
The NJOB Group will monitor the legislative process on an ongoing basis and keep you informed of any further changes.
We are your trusted partner.
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Source: https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/D2025000062101.pdf