Digital Nomads Practicing Regulated Professions in Poland (e.g. Lawyers, Doctors)
In Poland, there are regulated professions, the practice of which is strictly defined by law and requires relevant qualifications and compliance with professional registration requirements. The rules governing the practice of these professions by individuals who are not Polish citizens but hold the appropriate education and qualifications depend on the specific regulations related to each profession.
1. General Rules for Foreigners Practicing Regulated Professions
Individuals who wish to practice a regulated profession in Poland must meet certain requirements that vary depending on the profession. In general, these include:
- Recognition of Professional Qualifications:
Individuals who have completed relevant studies or acquired professional qualifications abroad must undergo a process to recognize these qualifications in Poland. Depending on the profession, this may require diploma nostrification or other formalities.
For EU/EEA countries, the recognition process is simplified in accordance with EU directives that facilitate the free movement of workers. For countries outside the EU/EEA, the procedure may be more complicated and require additional formalities. - Language Requirements:
In some professions, such as legal and medical fields, proficiency in Polish may be required at an appropriate level (e.g. knowledge of specialized terminology). This requirement primarily applies to individuals who interact with clients or patients, where proficiency in Polish is crucial for ensuring safety and quality of services. - Professional Registration:
For regulated professions such as lawyers, doctors, or architects, individuals must obtain the right to practice in Poland. This often requires entry into the relevant professional register (e.g., the Medical Chamber for doctors, the Bar Council for lawyers) or obtaining the appropriate licenses.
2. Examples of Regulated Professions in Poland:
- Lawyer:
To become a lawyer in Poland, an individual must meet the requirements specified by Polish regulations. If an individual holds a law degree obtained abroad, they may apply for diploma nostrification (if qualifications are not recognized under international agreements) or undergo the process of qualification recognition. After completing this process, the individual may join a professional traineeship (e.g. bar or legal advisor traineeship), which ends with an exam and registration in the relevant professional register. - Doctor:
In the case of doctors, individuals with a medical degree from abroad must go through the process of diploma nostrification and then obtain the right to practice in Poland by registering with the Medical Chamber. Additionally, a state exam may be required, particularly for individuals who graduated outside the EU/EEA. - Architect:
For architects, the qualification recognition process includes diploma nostrification and entry into the Chamber of Architects. Additionally, individuals wishing to practice as architects in Poland must obtain the relevant license and be members of the Chamber of Architects. - Other Professions:
There are many other professions, such as engineers, notaries, and sworn translators, where registration and recognition requirements may vary.
3. Rules for Digital Nomads Practicing Regulated Professions
- Digital Nomads Working Remotely: If a digital nomad provides remote services in Poland (e.g., working for foreign companies), depending on the nature of the work, there may not always be a need to register in a regulated profession in Poland. However, if they are practicing a regulated profession, such as a lawyer or doctor, and are providing services to individuals or companies in Poland, they will need to comply with Polish regulations related to that profession.
- Tax Residency Rules: It should also be noted that digital nomads providing services in Poland, even if they do not have a permanent residence in the country, may be subject to Polish tax regulations and must report income earned within Poland if they meet the criteria for being considered tax residents in Poland.
Summary:
Digital nomads practicing regulated professions in Poland, such as lawyers, doctors, or architects, must meet specific requirements related to the recognition of foreign qualifications, professional registration, and possible language proficiency. For individuals from non-EU/EEA countries, this process may be more complicated and require additional formalities. It is advisable to contact the relevant professional bodies to obtain detailed information and ensure all requirements are met.
As of: March 20, 2024
Cyberlaw by Judyta 