POLAND BUSINESS HARBOUR VISA PROGRAMME

Poland Business Harbour – a special visa programme for foreign nationals

Going abroad to work or setting up your own business in a foreign country is always a major challenge and a logistical undertaking. Virtually every country has its own specific regulations in this regard, including those relating to accounting, legal formalities and special permits. A ray of hope comes in the form of special programmes that make it much easier for people from abroad to realise their career plans.

In this respect, the Polish market is becoming increasingly attractive. Modern hubs are springing up here, branches of many foreign companies are expanding, and Poles themselves have come to believe in the power of start-ups and self-employment, which enable them to secure a better future and independence. One of the programmes currently operating in Poland is the Poland Business Harbour scheme, designed specifically for foreign nationals wishing to develop their businesses here. Who is eligible for this programme, what are its rules, and what are the benefits of taking part?

What is Poland Business Harbour?

Poland Business Harbour (PBH visa) is a true ‘haven’ for modern companies led by foreign nationals and growing in Poland. Thanks to this programme, working in Poland becomes much easier and more enjoyable. It is a solution designed specifically for three groups:

1. IT specialists,
2. start-ups,
3. fully established companies.

The programme’s origins date back to the unrest in the Belarusian market, when it was decided to create a scheme that would enable the swift and efficient relocation of these companies and specialists from Belarus to Poland. Interestingly, this comprehensive programme was developed in just one week and is a pioneering solution on the Polish and European markets! It is the only solution of its kind in the whole of Europe, and one we are proud to showcase. The programme allows foreign nationals to work in Poland without the need to obtain a work permit. It also makes it easy to set up a business and relocate with immediate family. Currently, over 13,500 foreign nationals are already participating in the programme.

The programme makes Poland a popular choice for specialists from across the eastern border, who find it much easier to develop their careers in the Polish labour market. Attracting IT specialists is a priority in this era of digitalisation, globalisation and the growth of e-commerce. The programme makes it much easier to access benefits and collaborate with other companies that have signed up to Poland Business Harbour. One such company is the ‘Firma dla Każdego’ Foundation Business Incubator, which enables you to set up a business quickly and benefit from a full range of services, including access to compliant accounting, reduced business operating costs and many other benefits, including reduced red tape and the payment of necessary contributions.

Poland Business Harbour and the residence card

When the programme was launched in December 2020, it was initially open to citizens of Belarus. Since July 2021, the programme has also been extended to citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova. The programme’s terms allow IT specialists to work and settle in Poland. All these documents must be obtained before arriving in Poland. In the case of Poland Business Harbour, a foreign national can apply for a work permit in Poland – or the so-called Blue Card – upon arrival in the country. PBH allows you to set up a business in Poland and work here whilst bypassing many complicated procedures.

What is the PBH procedure?

Firstly, you must provide a document confirming that the company participating in the PBH programme wishes to employ you. You should also have a technical qualification in IT or be able to demonstrate at least one year’s experience working in IT. The next step is to contact the Polish consulate and submit an application for a visa under the Poland Business Harbour scheme. After a few weeks, a specialist who receives a positive response from the consulate can come to Poland and start their business.

On the basis of a PBH visa, they may either be employed under an employment contract or provide services on a B2B basis. The latter option is particularly interesting, as foreigners are normally required to go through numerous formalities in order to set up a business in Poland, which in practice involves long waiting times for decisions from the authorities, numerous formalities and high costs, which discourages new entrepreneurs. The PBH procedure allows one to avoid all these inconveniences.