Job Discussion Forums

[spiral78]

I guess didn't have either residency or work visa.
How'd you get your residency docs? Are they easy to get in Poland?
In the CR, it's mostly by marraige only (I think, though things might easily have changed on me!), but I know the laws are different.

[scottie1113]

My school helped with the paperwork and visits to the office, but I needed, in no particular order: notarized copy of my birth certificate, copy of my university degree, copy of my CELTA, copy of my contract with my school, copy of my lease agreement, copy of a letter from the IRS stating that I didn't owe any back taxes, copy of a bank statement proving that I was solvent, and a copy of a police check showing that I wasn't a criminal.

Before I came to Poland, I didn't know that I would need the last three and I didn't have them, so I filled in a form stating that I had $5000 (I didn't, and had no bank account at the time), but it was accepted. Same with the letter from the IRS. They accepted a statement that I didn't owe any back taxes, and also a statement that I wasn't a criminal.

During the 45 days that I had to wait until I received a decision, the police went to my flat twice to interview me. Since I was working, I wasn't there either time, but a call from my school to the police took care of this. The same thing happened the second time I applied for a renewal of my residency card. The last time the police visited my school to interview me but I was in class when they came, so my director told that that I wasn't a terrorist and this satisfied them. I also had to visit my local tax office to get a copy of a document showing that I oay Polish taxes. I do, so that was simple to get. Because I'm an employee of my school and don't have my own company (and don't want to set one up), I don't pay ZUS. No problem with that either.

All in all, pretty easy although a little time consuming. Next time around I'll probably be married, so that may help a little, and during my fifth year I can apply for Polish citizenship, which I intend to do, as I plan to stay in Poland until I croak.

I hope this answers your question.

[jenngalla]

I know someone who worked at AngloEnglish but she really didn't enjoy her time there! Apparently the DoS was overly critical and made her feel worthless. Could have simply been a personality clash but I'd be wary.

[wojbrian]

Everything changed once Poland joined the EU.

An American needs a work permit if they are going to work for a private language school. If you work for a regular school you don't need one.

When I filled out my residency paperwork I had everything but a work permit. The reason I was turned down was no work permit. I received my ban for not having a work permit.

I think if someone has been in Poland for a while this is bypassed or isn't needed.

So, if someone tells you no work permit is needed they are WRONG.

The school really doesn't have to do that much to hire an American.
1. offer of work, needed to get the work permit
2. documentation of income, they want to know you can support yourself
3. copy of contract in Polish


The rest of the paperwork is things you have to do yourself.
1. paperwork showing no back taxes owed
2. apartment lease
3. proof landlord has permission to lease apartment
4. copy of passport
5. pictures
6. insurance paperwork
7. documentation of registration with the city you live in


They can also ask for other things!