How to Get a UK Work Visa from Poland
Are you a Polish citizen looking to work in the UK? Since Brexit, Polish citizens, like most EU nationals, now need a visa to work for a UK employer. Whether you’re pursuing career growth, skilled employment or short-term opportunities, understanding the visa application process is the first step toward starting your journey.
This guide will walk you through the visa options available, eligibility requirements and application steps tailored for Polish citizens.
Do Polish citizens need a Visa to Work in the UK?
Yes, Polish citizens require a visa to work in the UK. The type of visa you need depends on the nature and duration of your work. Here are some common exceptions:
- Irish Citizenship: If you’re an Irish citizen, you don’t need a visa due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain: If you already have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you won’t need an additional visa to work.
- EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS): If you were living in the UK before December 31, 2020 and have pre-settled or settled status under the EUSS, you can continue to work without a visa.
Types of UK Work Visas for Polish citizens
The UK offers various work visa options depending on your skills, qualifications and the type of work you’ll be doing:
1. Skilled Worker Visa
- For professionals with a job offer in eligible fields such as healthcare, IT and engineering.
- Requirements:
- Job offer from a UK-based, Home Office-approved sponsor
- Minimum salary of £26,200 or £10.75/hour (lower thresholds for certain shortage occupations)
- Proof of English proficiency - Cost: Starts from £719 for applications from outside the UK.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
- Specifically for medical professionals, caregivers and adult social workers working with the NHS or UK care providers.
- Requirements: Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa but with no healthcare surcharge.
- Cost: Starts from £247.
3. Seasonal Worker Visa
For temporary agricultural workers, allowing up to 6 months of employment in the horticulture sector.
4. Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa
- For individuals working under international laws, such as diplomatic roles or roles with recognised organisations.
- Cost: £298 application fee.
5. Innovator Founder Visa
For entrepreneurs with a unique and innovative business idea that has been endorsed by a UK-approved body.
6. Graduate Visa
- For students who have completed a degree in the UK, allowing them to work for up to 2 years.
Eligibility requirements for Polish Citizens
While specific requirements vary by visa type, common eligibility criteria include:
- A valid job offer or certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS test results)
- Proof of financial savings to support yourself in the UK (typically £1270)
- A valid passport or travel ID
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results are not required for Polish citizens but are required if you have lived in these countries you’ve lived in any of these listed countries for 6 months or more or if you were living in any of those listed countries within the last 6 months
Steps to apply for a UK Work Visa from Poland
- Choose the Right Visa: Determine which visa suits your work and career goals.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare essential documents, including:
- Valid passport or travel ID
- Certificate of sponsorship from your UK employer
- Proof of financial savings (e.g. bank statements)
- Proof of English proficiency - Apply Online: Submit your application via the UK Visas and Immigration portal
- Book a Biometrics Appointment:
- Schedule your biometrics appointment at a visa application centre in Poland.
- Provide fingerprints, a photo and supporting documents. - Pay the fees: Pay the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge (if applicable).
- Await a decision:
- Processing typically takes 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
Cost of applying for a UK Work Visa
The costs vary based on the visa type:
- Skilled Worker Visa: From £719
- Health and Care Worker Visa: From £247
- Temporary Work Visas: From £298
In addition to visa fees, most applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year.
Can you bring your family?
Most work visas allow you to bring your spouse and children as dependants. Each dependent must pay the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Why Polish professionals choose the UK
The UK offers Polish professionals diverse opportunities across industries like healthcare, education and construction. Many Polish citizens also move to the UK to improve their earning potential and support family members back home.
How Paysend can help you stay connected
Once you’re settled in the UK, staying connected to loved ones in Poland becomes a priority. Paysend offers:
- Fast transfers: Send money to Polish bank accounts in minutes, fee free! Or send to SEPA bank account or a bank card for as little as £1.
- Low fees: Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- Competitive exchange rates: Maximise the value of your transfers
- Secure transactions: Your money is safe with our advanced security standards
With Paysend, you can support your family in Poland effortlessly while focusing on your career in the UK. If you’re looking to make an international money transfer to Poland today, then download our app for free:
Or, if you’re reading on a browser, you can create your account through our official Paysend website.
Start your journey today
Applying for a UK work visa from Poland is straightforward with the right preparation. Explore your visa options, gather the required documents and take the first step toward building your future in the UK.
Ready to send money home? Start your transfer today with Paysend.
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