Working as a taxi driver in Poland is one of the most popular ways to earn money among Ukrainian migrants. Low entry barrier, flexible schedule, stable demand - all of this makes the profession attractive. However, many encounter their first serious obstacle here: legal formalization. Working without documents means risking fines, deportation, and being banned from entering the Schengen zone. Let's figure out in order what exactly needs to be done and how to do it.
Basic requirements for legal work
To work legally as a driver in Poland, you need to meet several mandatory conditions. They concern both legal stay in the country and the right to work.
First of all, you must have a legal basis for being on the territory of Poland. For Ukrainian citizens who entered after February 24, 2022, a special temporary protection status (UKR) applies, which automatically gives the right to work - no additional permit is required in this case. For all other situations, you need one of the legalization documents.
Residence card: main document for life and work
The residence card (karta pobytu) is a document confirming the right to temporary or permanent residence in Poland. It is most often required when hiring, opening a bank account, renting housing, and other everyday matters.
For taxi work, a temporary residence card (karta pobytu czasowego) is sufficient, which is issued for a period of up to 3 years with the possibility of renewal. To get it, you need to submit documents to the voivodeship office (urząd wojewódzki) at your place of residence.
Standard document package for obtaining a temporary residence card:
- filled application form (wniosek o udzielenie zezwolenia na pobyt)
- passport with a valid visa or entry stamp
- 4 photos of standard format
- confirmation of purpose of stay - employment contract or employment promise
- confirmation of housing - rental agreement or address registration
- confirmation of financial capability (bank statement)
- health insurance valid in Poland
Work permit
If you don't have UKR status or a residence card with the right to work, you need a separate work permit (zezwolenie na pracę). It is issued by your employer - a taxi aggregator or fleet partner you work with. This is why it's important to choose a partner who operates within the law and is willing to go through this process with you.
The permit is issued for a specific employer and a specific position. For drivers, type A (work under an employment contract) or type B (work at an enterprise where the foreigner is a partner or director) is usually used.
Medical certificates and criminal record clearance
To work as a taxi or transport company driver, in addition to a work permit, you will need additional documents:
- Medical certificate of fitness to drive (badanie kierowcy) - conducted by an accredited doctor in Poland, costs about 200 PLN, valid for 5 years.
- Psychological evaluation (badanie psychologiczne kierowcy) - mandatory for professional drivers, costs 150-200 PLN, valid for 5 years.
- Certificate of no criminal record - may be required by the employer or when obtaining certain types of permits. The Ukrainian certificate must be translated by a certified translator and apostilled.
A certificate of no criminal record in Ukraine can be ordered online through the Diia portal (diia.gov.ua) or through the Ukrainian consulate in Poland. Processing time is from 3 business days. Apostille is issued by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
Driving license and categories
To work as a taxi driver, you need a valid category B driving license. Ukrainian licenses are recognized in Poland - you don't need to change them to drive a car. However, if you live in Poland for more than 6 months and plan to work professionally, it is recommended to exchange your Ukrainian license for a Polish one - this simplifies interaction with employers and authorities.
License exchange is done at the county office (starostwo powiatowe) at your place of residence. You will need: original Ukrainian license, application, photo, and a document confirming the right to stay in Poland.
Step-by-step legalization process
- Make sure you have a legal basis for staying in Poland (UKR status, visa, or stamp).
- Register at your place of residence (meldunek) - this makes it easier to submit documents.
- Apply for a temporary residence card at the voivodeship office.
- Undergo medical and psychological examination for drivers.
- If you need a certificate of no criminal record - order it through Diia and apostille it.
- Choose a partner or employer who will issue a work permit (if you don't have the automatic right to work).
- Sign an official employment contract or B2B contract.
How Optima Partner helps with legalization
Most drivers coming to Poland face bureaucracy for the first time. Documents in Polish, queues at government offices, unclear requirements - all of this takes time and effort.
At Optima Partner, legal support is included in the standard package and requires no additional payment. Our in-house lawyer helps drivers at every stage: explains what documents you specifically need, checks your document package before submission, accompanies you to government offices if needed, and keeps track of the deadlines for your residence card and work permit. Many drivers who come to us already with valid documents note that they made mistakes when filing on their own, which took months to fix. With us, this process goes much faster and without unnecessary stress.
If you're planning to start working in taxi in Poland or are already working but want to get your documents in order - contact us. The first consultation is free.