Continuation of B2B contracts after expiration of Poland Business Harbour visas 

The state of epidemic emergency in Poland was cancelled on 1 July 2023. This means that the automatic extension of documents entitling foreigners to legally stay and work in Poland will expire at the end of July. 

Until recently, it was unclear whether foreigners who started business as part of the Poland Business Harbour programme could lawfully continue their business activities after 31 July 2023. 

On 26 July 2023, an updated list was published of programmes to support foreigners in starting and conducting business activities in Poland. The list includes as beneficiaries of the Poland Business Harbour programme any persons who applied for an appropriate residency permit during the validity period of their Poland Business Harbour visa. This includes applications for a temporary residence permit to continue business activity established under a Poland Business Harbour visa. 

Foreign entrepreneurs are entitled to continue their business activity after 31 July 2023 until a final decision is issued regarding their residence permit application. 

Following the expiry of “covid extensions”, it is essential for companies to confirm that foreigners with whom they cooperate on a B2B basis possess a valid visa and have properly applied for a residence permit in time to enable them to continue their business activities after 31 July 2023.