Short version: a karta czasowego pobytu on the work basis is tightly tied to a specific employer, role and salary stated in the voivode's decision. On dismissal, the foreigner has only 15 days for written notification to the voivode and 30 days total to find a new employer — otherwise the karta is automatically annulled. If a new role is found, two different procedures apply: zmiana decyzji (faster) or a fresh wniosek (for substantive changes). Most foreigners in this situation make one of four typical mistakes and lose status.
Who Falls Under the 15/30 Rule
Foreigners with karta czasowego pobytu on the bases of:
- praca u polskiego pracodawcy;
- delegowanie do pracy w RP;
- praca w zawodzie regulowanym;
- praca sezonowa.
Does not apply to:
- karta CUKR (Ukrainians) — no employer tie;
- EU Blue Card — simplified notification;
- karta stałego pobytu / EU resident — no tie;
- studencka karta — different rules;
- karta with "dostęp do rynku pracy" annotation (spouses of stałego, Blue Card, CUKR holders) — unrestricted.
If you hold an ordinary work karta — the 15/30 rule applies.
Post-Dismissal Timeline
Day 0. Notice received or porozumienie signed. The clock starts.
Days 0–7. Document preparation:
- copy of wypowiedzenie or porozumienie;
- fresh świadectwo pracy;
- PIT-11 / RMUA from the employer;
- if a job offer is in hand — copy of the future contract.
By day 15. Written notification to the voivode through MOS v2.0. Without it — even if a new job is found in 5 days — the karta is at risk of annulment.
The notification states:
- end date with the previous employer;
- whether a new employer is in place;
- new contract details if applicable.
Days 15–45 (or by day 30 from dismissal). Job search. Most voivodeships count "30 days" from notification, not dismissal — but Mazowieckie occasionally counts from dismissal. Verify.
After hiring. File zmiana decyzji or a fresh wniosek (see below).
Zmiana Decyzji vs Fresh Wniosek
When zmiana decyzji applies
Changes within the same voivodeship and same legal basis:
- role or salary change with the same employer — zmiana decyzji.
- new employer in Mazowieckie, same contract type and similar role — zmiana decyzji.
- salary up (or unchanged) — zmiana decyzji.
Documents:
- Wniosek o zmianę decyzji.
- Załącznik nr 1 from the new employer.
- New contract.
- Confirmation of end of previous contract.
- 50 PLN state fee (vs 340 for a new wniosek).
Processing: 1–3 months in Mazowieckie 2026.
Can you work in the meantime? Yes if:
- the new employer has an oświadczenie or zezwolenie typu A on you;
- or — if you are a citizen of the five countries (UA/BY/MD/GE/AM), an oświadczenie registered at PUP allows immediate start.
When a fresh wniosek is required
For substantive changes:
- relocation to a different voivodeship;
- change of legal basis (work → business; work → study);
- different regulated profession;
- karta about to expire (under 90 days remaining).
Documents: full first-time pack. Fee 340 PLN.
Processing: 6–10 months in Mazowieckie.
Can you work? Only with UPO from MOS v2.0 plus oświadczenie/zezwolenie at the new employer.
The Article 88g Trap
If, in the 30 days between dismissal and the new oświadczenie/zezwolenie registration, you "work" — even informally, even a test day — that is illegal employment under Article 88g. Consequences:
- the employer is not obligated to pay for that period;
- 3,000 PLN fine on the employer;
- risk of refusal on the new permit.
Either there is a permit, or you are at home.
Dismissal With a Dispute
Special case: dismissed unfairly — no cause, late wages, contested wypowiedzenie. Two parallel matters:
- Immigration — 15/30 days running, need a new role.
- Employment — claim at the labour court for unfair termination or unpaid wages.
Mistake: handling only one. Right approach: parallel — filter new employers while filing a wrongful-termination claim (21-day window from receiving wypowiedzenie).
Common Mistakes
1. Not notifying the voivode. The foreigner is dismissed, finds a new role in 7 days, starts work, and assumes all is fine. Six months later — annulment for non-notification.
2. Filing a fresh wniosek when zmiana decyzji suffices. 340 PLN instead of 50, plus 6 months instead of 3.
3. Filing zmiana decyzji on inter-voivodeship moves. The Mazowieckie voivode lacks competence over another region's decision. The wniosek is returned, time lost.
4. Working between jobs without oświadczenie. Test work, internships, "trying it out" — all illegal without separate registration.
5. Ignoring the 90-day card limit. If the karta expires in 80 days and you are mid-process — it lapses before the new decision, and you lose status.
When to Engage a Lawyer
Self-handling works if: same voivodeship, same role, oświadczenie/zezwolenie ready, karta valid 6+ months.
Engage a lawyer if:
- inter-voivodeship relocation;
- change of legal basis;
- karta expires within 4 months;
- previous declaration was incorrect;
- parallel labour dispute;
- Blue Card eligibility (if salary suffices — Blue Card removes the 15/30 rule going forward).
LegalWin's zmiana decyzji fee — from 1,800 PLN; fresh wniosek with relocation — from 2,500 PLN. Includes situation diagnostics, paperwork, employer coordination.
Book a job-change consultation →
This article is informational. The right path depends on nationality, current karta, and the new employer. For individual matters, please obtain legal advice.
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