Karta Pobytu vs. B2B in Poland: Legal Realities Foreigners Need to Know
If you are an expat working in Poland, transitioning from a standard employment contract (Umowa o Pracę) to a Sole Proprietorship (Jednoosobowa Działalność Gospodarcza – JDG / B2B) is often seen as a smart financial move. However, when it comes to your Karta Pobytu (Temporary Residence Permit), a B2B setup follows completely different legal rules than standard employment. Misunderstanding these rules can result in a rejected residence application, loss of legal status, or even an order to leave the country. Here is a precise, legally grounded breakdown of how B2B interacts with Polish immigration law. 1. The Core Legal Distinction: Employment vs. Business Activity In Polish immigration law, your residency permit must match the exact purpose of your stay. Standard Employment (Umowa o Pracę / Umowa Zlecenie): You apply for a Zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy i pracę (Single Permit for Residence and Work) under Article 114 of the Act on Foreigners ( Ustawa o cudzoziemcach ). B2B / Sole Pro...