Seamstress/Tailor Jobs in Poland With Visa Sponsorship
Seamstress/Tailor Jobs in Poland With Visa Sponsorship Finding seamstress and tailor jobs in Poland with visa sponsorship is very possible, as the country has a large textile and manufacturing sector that actively recruits foreign workers.
1. Where to Find Jobs (Visa Sponsorship)
The most effective route for blue-collar roles like sewing is through recruitment agencies. These agencies are contracted by Polish factories to find workers, handle the paperwork, and often arrange housing.
Top Recruitment Agencies & Platforms
- EWL Group: One of the largest agencies in Poland specializing in foreign workforce solutions. They frequently have listings for production and textile roles.1
- Work Permit in Poland / Otto Workforce: These agencies often handle the entire legal process (work permit + accommodation).
- Eurojob / Europa.jobs: These represent large aggregators where agencies post specific “blue-collar” listings. Look for ads that say “Visa Sponsorship Available” or “Document Support.”
- Moving2Europe.eu: Specializes in textile recruitment and often facilitates the move for skilled weavers and sewers.2
- Andrii Marysiuk / Projektanci Kariery: Smaller or niche agencies that have recently posted for seamstress roles with accommodation included.
Direct Job Boards
You can also search directly on Polish job boards, though you will need to filter for “foreigners” or “visa support.”
- OLX.pl: The biggest classifieds site. Search for “Szwaczka” (Seamstress) or “Krawiec” (Tailor). Look for descriptions that say “dla obcokrajowców” (for foreigners) or “pomoc w legalizacji pobytu” (help with legalizing stay).
- Pracuj.pl: A more professional board. It may have fewer entry-level factory roles but higher-quality listings for skilled tailors.
- Jooble Poland: Aggregates jobs from many sources; use the filter “visa sponsorship” or search in English.
Typical Salary & Benefits34
- Salary: Expect to earn between 4,000 PLN and 5,500 PLN gross per month (approx. $1,000 – $1,375 USD).
- Hourly Rate: Often 22 – 28 PLN per hour (gross).
- Piecework: Some factories pay based on how many items you sew (piecework), which allows skilled workers to earn more.
- Accommodation: Most agencies provide accommodation (hostels or shared apartments). It is usually free or heavily subsidized (e.g., they deduct ~400-600 PLN/month from your salary).
- Transport: Free transport to the factory is often provided if the housing is not within walking distance.
Job Requirements
- Experience:
- Skilled Roles: For high-end tailoring or upholstery, you need 1-2 years of experience and may be asked to do a video test (sewing a sample on camera).
- Factory Roles: Many mass-production factories (bedding, car upholstery) accept beginners and provide training.
- Language: Polish is not usually required for production line jobs. Basic English or Russian/Ukrainian is helpful but often not mandatory if you work through an agency with bilingual coordinators.
- Age: Employers are generally flexible, accepting applicants from 18 up to 55 or 60 years old.
The Visa & Application Process346
- Apply & Interview: Send your CV (preferably in English or Polish) or a portfolio of your sewing work.
- Work Permit (Type A): Once hired, the employer must apply for a Work Permit (Zezwolenie na pracę) on your behalf from the local Voivodeship office in Poland. You cannot apply for this yourself.
- Receive Documents: The employer sends you the original Work Permit by mail.
- Visa Application: You take the Work Permit, your passport, and insurance to the Polish Embassy in your home country to apply for a Type D (National) Visa.
- Arrival: Once the visa is granted, you travel to Poland to sign the final contract and begin work.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
Only pay for: Your own visa application fee at the embassy, your flight ticket (unless the employer offers to pay), and sometimes a small administrative fee for courier services if agreed upon, but be very cautious.
NEVER pay for a job offer. Legitimate recruitment agencies in Poland are paid by the employer, not the worker.
Do not pay for the Work Permit application. The employer is legally required to pay the administrative fee for the permit application in Poland.
Earning Structure:
- Hourly vs. Piecework:
- Hourly: You get a fixed rate (e.g., 25–30 PLN/hour).
- Piecework (Akord): You are paid per item sewn. skilled workers often prefer this as they can earn 20-30% more than the base salary if they are fast.
- Overtime: Overtime is generally available and paid at 150% (weekdays) or 200% (weekends/holidays) of the standard hourly rate.
Additional Benefits:
- Accommodation: Usually provided by the agency. It is rarely “free” but is heavily subsidized. You typically pay 300–500 PLN per month for utilities, deducted from your salary.
- Transport: Free bus transport to the factory is common.
- ZUS (Social Security): You are fully insured (health insurance) from your first day of work.
How To Apply
Apply Now
Conclusion
Poland represents one of the most accessible entry points into the European Union for textile workers. The country acts as a manufacturing hub for major European furniture (like IKEA) and fashion brands, creating a constant demand for seamstresses, upholstery sewers, and tailors.
While the work is physically demanding and often involves repetitive tasks in a factory setting, it offers stable legal employment, health insurance, and a pathway to permanent residency. For those coming from outside the EU, the key is to apply through reputable recruitment agencies that specialize in the “Blue Collar” sector to ensure the visa sponsorship process is handled correctly and legally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to pay the employer for the Work Permit? A: No. Under Polish law, the employer must pay the administrative fee for the Work Permit. You should only pay for your visa application fee at the embassy and your flight ticket. If an agency asks for money for the “job offer,” it is likely a scam.
Q: Can I bring my family with me? A: Not immediately. You usually come alone on a Type D Visa. Once you have worked for a few months, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC / Karta Pobytu) for 1-3 years. Once you have the TRC and can prove you have a stable income and an apartment, you can apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and children.
Q: Is there an age limit for seamstresses? A: Employers in this sector are very age-inclusive. It is common to see workers aged 20 to 55+ hiring, provided you have good eyesight and the manual dexterity to operate the machines.
Q: How long does the visa process take? A:
- Work Permit processing in Poland: 4 to 8 weeks.
- Embassy Appointment & Visa processing: 2 to 8 weeks (depending on your country). Total time: Expect the process to take 3 to 5 months.
Q: What is the difference between a “Szwaczka” and a “Krawiec”? A:
- Szwaczka (Seamstress/Machine Operator): Usually works in a factory on a production line sewing specific parts (e.g., car seats or sleeves). Speed is key.
- Krawiec (Tailor): Usually works in a smaller shop, measures clients, cuts fabric, and creates or repairs whole garments. Requires higher skill and pays better.
Q: Can I move to other Schengen countries (like Germany) once I have a Polish visa? A: You can travel to other Schengen countries for tourism (up to 90 days), but you cannot work there. Your work permit is valid only for Poland. Working in Germany with a Polish visa is illegal.
