GMI Legal Update: Poland.Business Harbour Visas Suspended!

On January 26, 2024, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs decided to suspend the Ministry’s participation in the Poland.Business Harbour program. Since Friday, January 26, 2024, Polish consulates have already started to deny applications for PBH visas.

Suspension of the MFA’s participation in the program means that it is no longer possible  to obtain a PBH visa, either under the so-called business path (suspended some time ago – see our previous information here: [link – here ] or under the so-called individual path.

Suspension of the Ministry’s participation in the program does not affect rights of holders of already issued PBH visas.

Foreigners seeking employment in the IT sector in Poland can still apply for Polish visas on general terms. However, in order for them to be able to legally perform work in Poland, entities that want to employ them will first need to obtain appropriate work permits or declarations on entrusting work to a foreigner.

Suspension of the ministry’s participation in the program is intended to last until new solutions are adopted guaranteeing proper verification of companies and foreigners benefitting from the program.

In the Ministry’s opinion, the functioning of the PBH program so far did not meet the expectations. In particular, some of the visas issued under this program were to be used for purposes inconsistent with the program’s purpose.

At the same time, the ministry announces the commencement of work on streamlining work visa procedures, especially in industries most valuable to the Polish economy.