Your work contract is ending in one month. Or you just got fired. Or you quit. Whatever the reason — this is one of the most critical moments in your legal life in Poland, and what you do in the next few days can make or break your status.
Understand Your Grace Period
When your work contract ends, your Karta Pobytu does NOT automatically become invalid. Your residence permit is valid until its expiry date. However, the WORK BASIS for your permit may no longer be valid. Here is the key distinction:
- Residence permit (Karta Pobytu) — still valid, you can stay in Poland
- Work basis — if tied to that employer, now potentially violated
- You have approximately 30 days to regularize your situation
Option 1: Find a New Employer Quickly
The fastest solution: sign a new contract within 30 days and apply for permit amendment or new Karta Pobytu. Your new employer handles a new work permit (or you use the same category if permitted).
Option 2: Switch to a Different Permit Basis
- Business basis: register a JDG and apply for entrepreneur-based Karta Pobytu
- Family basis: if you have a spouse with valid status
- Humanitarian or other special circumstances
Option 3: Voluntary Departure
If you cannot find a solution, it is far better to leave Poland voluntarily before your status becomes irregular. A voluntary departure has NO ban attached. An administrative removal has a 1-3 year ban.
What You Should NEVER Do
- Continue working without a legal basis — this is illegal employment
- Ignore the situation hoping it resolves itself
- Leave Poland without cancelling your Karta Pobytu registration
- Accept cash-in-hand work as a temporary solution
Time is everything. Every day without legal work basis after your contract ends increases your risk. Act within the first week, not the last.
Contract just ended? Do not wait — contact Legal Solution — 98% approval rate.