How to change employer with an active work residence card: a step‑by‑step checklist

Brief situation overview

If the decision granting temporary residence and work names a specific employer, changing employer usually requires notifying the voivode and submitting an application to change the permit.

Is an application required?

The obligation depends on the permit type and annotations in the decision: when an employer is specified, a wniosek o zmianę zezwolenia is usually required; if the decision includes a note about free access to the labour market, changing the permit may not be necessary.

Who and when must be notified about ending employment

In some procedures the employer or an authorised person must notify the voivode in writing about termination of employment. Some sources mention a 15‑day period — you should confirm that deadline and the exact list of responsible persons at your local urząd.

How to submit the application

Submission is usually made via the Moduł Obsługi Spraw electronic system; the system will request the employer’s contact e‑mail to send required attachments and confirmations. The application is submitted to the voivode of your actual place of stay.

Typical documents

Usually required: completed electronic forms/załączniki, a copy of or the decision granting the permit, passport, photo, documents confirming end of previous employment (świadectwo pracy) and documents from the new employer (umowa, information on salary). The exact list depends on the województwo and specific urząd.

Is a physical plastic card replacement needed?

In practice the requirement to issue a new plastic card varies: in some cases updating the decision in the system is sufficient, in others a new plastic card must be obtained. Confirm this with your wojewódzki urząd.

Step‑by‑step checklist

Check the wording and annotations of your permit decision. Clarify notification obligations with your employer and at your województwo. Gather the standard set of documents and complete the forms in the system. Submit the application via Moduł Obsługi Spraw and await the decision; ask in advance about issuance of a new card and any applicable fees.

We can assist

Describe your situation — we can help check which documents to collect and how to submit the application, and direct you to the appropriate service for changing the case.