EU Blue Card in Poland 2026: Salary Threshold, Rules and Changing Jobs
Since 1 June 2025 Poland's Blue Card works very differently: shorter contracts, no labour-market test, and job changes by notification. Here is what applies to applications filed in 2026.
EU Blue Card in Poland 2026: Salary Threshold, Rules and Changing Jobs
Since 1 June 2025 Poland's Blue Card works very differently: shorter contracts, no labour-market test, and job changes by notification. Here is what applies to applications filed in 2026.
13,355.34 złgross monthly salary threshold for applications filed in 2026
6 monthsminimum contract length (was 12)
15 working daysto notify the voivode about a job change or job loss
What the Blue Card is
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for work in a highly qualified occupation (art. 127 of the Act on Foreigners). Your residence card carries the annotation “Niebieska Karta UE”. It is aimed at people with higher professional qualifications and a well-paid contract.
Conditions in 2026
A contract for at least 6 months: an employment contract or a civil-law contract under which you perform work.
Higher professional qualifications for the job; in a regulated profession, the formal qualifications Polish law requires.
Salary of at least 150% of the average national wage of the previous year. For 2026 applications the base is 8,903.56 zł (GUS, 2025), so the threshold is 13,355.34 zł gross a month.
Health insurance (NFZ through employment or private cover).
The job is not on the list of occupations excluded under the 2025 Act on employing foreigners.
The labour-market test no longer applies to the Blue Card since 1 June 2025.
Fees and how to apply
Since 27 April 2026, applications for temporary residence permits are filed electronically in MOS. You then give fingerprints at the voivodeship office. Fees are paid as stamp duty for the permit and a separate 100 zł for the residence card; check your voivodeship’s current fee table before paying (example: Łódź voivodeship office fee table). Our MOS guide walks through the online form.
Changing jobs and losing your job
For decisions issued from 1 June 2025:
New employer: notify the voivode in writing within 15 working days (art. 134). The new job must still meet Blue Card conditions.
Job loss: notify within 15 working days. The permit is not withdrawn for unemployment of up to 3 months, or 6 months after 2 years on a Blue Card (art. 133).
Decisions issued before 1 June 2025 follow the old rules during their first 2 years.
Our free letter generator helps you prepare the written notice in Polish.
Family and long-term residence
Your spouse and minor children can apply for a temporary residence permit for family reunification (see family reunification guide). After 5 years of legal residence on a Blue Card in the EU, with the last 2 years in Poland, you can apply for the EU long-term resident permit, provided the other conditions are met.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Blue Card salary threshold in Poland in 2026?
13,355.34 zł gross per month: 150% of the 2025 average wage of 8,903.56 zł announced by GUS.
Can I change employer on a Polish Blue Card?
For decisions issued from 1 June 2025, yes: you notify the voivode in writing within 15 working days, and the new job must still meet Blue Card conditions.
How long can I be unemployed on a Blue Card?
Up to 3 months without the permit being withdrawn, or up to 6 months after 2 years on a Blue Card. You must notify the voivode within 15 working days.
Is the labour market test required?
No. It was abolished for the Blue Card on 1 June 2025.
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