12/06/2025
Important information regarding job changes!!!
How to properly notify the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) about job loss and changing employers – Step-by-step guide
Notify the Voivodeship Office within 15 working days of losing your job
You are required to inform the Voivodeship Office within 15 working days (approximately 3 weeks) from the date of termination.
If your Voivodeship Office does not provide a specific form for this, you can write a free-form letter.
Be sure to include in the header: your full name, date of birth, case number, decision number, residence card number and series (if applicable), and your correspondence address.
In the body of the letter, include the name of the company you left, its NIP (Tax ID), address, and the exact date of termination.
Send this notification with a yellow acknowledgment slip (żółta zwrotka) and attach a copy of the termination agreement or świadectwo pracy (certificate of employment), if available.
Keep a copy of the letter and all attached documents for your records.
Alternatively, you may submit the letter in person at the office — bring two copies and request that one be stamped with the date of receipt for your own records.
Find a new job within 30 days from the date of job loss
If you are a Ukrainian citizen, send a copy of your new employment contract and a letter stating that you have started a new job.
If you are a citizen of another country, you must apply for a change of decision (zmiana decyzji). Submit the following:
Application form for change of decision
Annex from the new employer
ZUS ZUA (social insurance registration form)
Proof of payment (240 PLN)
Copy of the current decision, residence card, and passport
If you do not find a new job within 30 days
Register with the Labour Office (Urząd Pracy) and obtain confirmation of your registration.
Send a letter to the Voivodeship Office explaining the reason you haven’t started working yet and request an extension of the deadline to find a new employer.
This extension can be granted twice, for a maximum of 30 days each time.
Please note: Not all offices agree to grant such extensions. If your request is denied, you may need to submit a new application for a residence permit under different circumstances or try to find a job before your case is assigned to an inspector.
Submitting a new application legalizes your stay.
If you change voivodeships (regions)
You must notify the Voivodeship Office that issued your residence card that you have changed voivodeships.
Your case will be transferred to the new office.
There, you must submit an application for plastic card replacement, along with:
Two passport-sized photographs
Proof of address (zameldowanie)
Copy of your current decision
Additional important notes
Most Voivodeship Offices require original documents or notarized copies.
If you send only plain photocopies, the Office may not consider your notification valid.
Your previous employer is also obligated
The employer on whose basis you received your residence card is legally required to inform the Voivodeship Office within 15 calendar days of your termination.
If you do not send your notification in time, the office may start the process of revoking your residence permit.
If you completed a post-secondary school (policealna) or higher education program while holding your residence permit
You are required to send a copy of your diploma to the Voivodeship Office.
This will automatically remove the employment-based condition from your residence permit.