Poland faces labor shortages amid administrative hurdles

Poland is facing significant labor shortages across several key sectors, including healthcare, transport, education, logistics, construction, and technical industries. According to the ‘Barometr Zawodów’ (Occupational Barometer) report, there is a high demand for skilled workers, yet many applicants fail to meet specific professional requirements or lack necessary certifications.

While there is an increasing interest from job seekers outside the European Union—including individuals from South America, Asia, and Africa—employing them remains difficult. Business representatives, such as Konfederacja Lewiatan, have noted that administrative hurdles and government policies have created bottlenecks. Despite calls for a ‘fast track’ for workers in deficit occupations, the Ministry of Labor has previously withdrawn such proposals due to social reception concerns.

Currently, employers face long waiting periods for work permits, sometimes exceeding six months, and residency legalization processes can take significantly longer. This administrative delay, combined with a reduction in work permits for non-EU citizens, creates a disconnect between the urgent needs of the economy and the availability of legal labor.