Can someone applying for international protection work legally?

If a foreigner has applied in Poland for international protection (asylum), their right to work depends on the stage of the case, not on the application itself.

1. The procedure has run less than 6 months. Work is not yet allowed. The temporary foreigner identity certificate (TZTC) confirms residence but does not grant the right to work.

2. The procedure has run more than 6 months and the delay is not the applicant's fault. The Office for Foreigners issues a certificate (art. 35) — this is what grants free labour-market access. Without it the employer has no basis to hire legally.

3. Protection has been granted (refugee status or subsidiary protection). The foreigner has free access to work like a citizen — no oświadczenie or permit.

4. A refusal — check what exactly was granted. A refusal of protection does not always mean there is no right to work: consent to stay on humanitarian grounds (art. 3 ust. 1 pkt 10) or tolerated stay (pkt 11) also give free access to the labour market.