We recently wrote on the blog that the work of a professional driver can be very rewarding and profitable. Today we will describe how to get it when you come to Poland from outside the European Union.
According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), around 80,000 professional drivers were missing in Poland at the beginning of this year. Finding a job in this profession is therefore not particularly difficult, especially if you have experience and know how to work “behind the wheel”. A barrier for many employees is the formal requirements and documents that must be obtained to legally work in a Polish transport company.
RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT IN POLAND
In order to legally reside and work in Poland, a person from outside the EU must obtain two permits – a residence permit and a work permit. Importantly, there are exceptions to this rule. Citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Russia may be employed for the first 6 months without a work permit. However, the employer’s declaration of the intention to entrust the driver with duties is necessary. You also do not need a work permit when you marry a Polish citizen or study in Poland and you will receive a residence card this way.
Otherwise, you have to apply for the relevant documents. You can obtain a work and residence permit under one procedure (if you are already in Poland). However, it is very important here to adhere to the statutory deadlines. If you do not submit the documents before your legal stay in Poland ends, obtaining a permit may later prove extremely difficult.
The following documents should be submitted to the Department for Foreigners of the relevant Voevodeship office:
1. The application and documents confirming the data in the application.
2. A valid travel document (e.g. passport).
3. Current photos.
4. Confirmation of the place of residence.
5. Сoverage by general health insurance or private health insurance document.
6. Employment contract or civil law contract.
7. Copy of the driving license.
8. Declaration of compliance with the requirements to practice the profession of a driver.
9. License for road transport (employers).
When submitting the application, your fingerprints will be taken (for the residence card), and the mere examination of your documents and issuing the appropriate decision may take from a month to two.
THAT’S NOT ALL
In order to drive a truck on European roads, you still need to have Polish medical and psychological certificates and a certificate of good conduct. Sometimes it is also necessary to undergo Polish training (initial qualification or periodic training). A driver’s certificate is also required, issued by the Chief Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD) at the request of your employer.
It turns out that there are quite a lot of formalities to be fulfilled. Without help, in a new country, in a language you don’t know. At first, it may seem like an insurmountable barrier. With the right help, however, it turns out to be quite simple and not all that long.
If you decide to work at VEGA Transport, you are not left alone with the formalities! Our employees who speak your language will guide you through the entire process, help you prepare the relevant documents, and even… take you where it is needed to complete all formalities efficiently and without waiting.
Would you like to work with us? Send your CV to info@vega-transport.com and learn about the conditions we offer!
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