How to move to Poland from Russia without a visa and without a residence permit and find a job / ITech content

Contents:

• How I came to IT
• I had a hard time getting into fintech in Russia, and then gave it all up
• Why I chose Poland for immigration
• How I got a job without a visa
• I don't have a work residence permit, but that's not a problem
• Is there Russophobia in Poland?
• Features of national IT

Front-end developer at Volvo, Specializing in JavaScript, React, Redux, Node.js, and C#. Experienced in building modern web applications and interfaces, ensuring high performance and responsiveness. Utilizes cutting-edge technologies and tools for user interface development, and actively works with libraries and frameworks to improve the functionality and scalability of projects.

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I moved from Russia to Poland and have been working as a front-end developer at Volvo for several months. Our branch manufactures buses, but my IT project covers not only Poland but also other Volvo factories and dealerships in Europe and the USA. We are developing an application for contractors and clients that allows for efficient tracking of vehicle information, repairs, new subscriptions, and other important aspects. In my work, I focus on improving services using Node.js, which allows us to share data with related teams and improve the overall efficiency of our processes.

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• How I came to IT
• How I struggled to get into fintech in Russia and then gave it all up
• Why I chose Poland for immigration
• How I got a job without a visa
• Why I don't have a work residence permit, but that's not a problem
• Is there Russophobia in Poland?
• About the peculiarities of national IT

How I came to IT

I am a typical switcher, that is, a person who changed professions and moved to development from another field. My education is related to geodesy, and for ten years I worked in this specialty. As part of my activities, I collaborated with a company that was a subcontractor in the construction of the Moscow metro. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the design and implementation of complex infrastructure projects, which now helps me in software development.

My transition to a new profession was made possible thanks to an IT friend with whom I remained in touch after moving to the capital from Khabarovsk. He worked as a freelance full-stack developer for several years and decided to move to Georgia in 2018. During his brief stay in Moscow, we met and discussed his IT experience. His passion and enthusiasm for technology inspired me to change my career.

I found suitable courses at Skillbox and began studying general and web development, including PHP and JavaScript. Later, I delved into front-end development, focusing on layout, JavaScript, and a little bit of React. My training took place in parallel with my main job, but I was actively pursuing a new profession.

Some time later, a friend invited my wife and me to try our hand at business. He was planning to open a small IT company in Georgia and was looking for partners. We agreed and worked together for a year. This experience turned out to be quite interesting: I liked that Georgia has virtually no bureaucracy, which significantly simplifies the process of starting a business.

Over time, the administrative and paperwork began to bore me. I wanted to immerse myself more in IT rather than business management. In addition, I was interested in gaining experience working in a large company. That's why I decided to return to Moscow.

In Russia, I struggled to get into fintech and then gave it all up.

Upon returning to Russia, I combined my skills and got a job as a full-stack developer on a significant project related to energy networks. Our company was developing a geographic information system (GIS) - an interactive map displaying all the objects on the balance sheet of regional power grids. This included stationary and mobile power plants of various capacities, substations, power lines, cable ducts, and company vehicles. Front-end development was done using React, and the back-end was implemented in the .NET platform. I worked at this company for a year, gained valuable experience, and began to look for new career opportunities.

I participated in interviews for two months. In the final stages, when recruiting fatigue was already taking its toll, I simultaneously received an invitation to a fourth interview at Raiffeisenbank and an offer from Sberbank. Last March, I joined the Retail Business Risks Division team at Sberbank.

We worked on an application for processing loan and mortgage applications, modernizing an outdated system and migrating it to modern technologies. The project is large-scale and implemented using a microservices architecture, which requires collaboration between multiple teams on both the backend and frontend. Understanding all aspects of such a complex project requires extensive time and deep dives.

For several months, I studied what was happening in the backend and frontend, as well as the services used. Over the course of a year, I managed to develop a clear understanding of business processes. The backlog included collaborating with teams to jointly develop blocks for the next year. This required regular review of documentation and analysis of specific requirements and deadlines.

By the time I joined the project, a custom library of frontend components had already been developed and was available for use. This significantly simplified the development process, as there was no need to create components from scratch. The library provided the necessary functionality and accelerated interface implementation, which positively impacted the team's efficiency.

Starting work at Sber was accompanied by many unclear terms that required careful study. The company uses a unique naming system for entities and objects, which imposes certain requirements for understanding specific vocabulary. It is important to consider various nuances and know all the definitions, as a clear understanding of the topics being discussed is essential during daily meetings with other teams. Colleagues from related departments will not explain everything in detail, but will only mention the name of the block and the task. To simplify employee onboarding, Sberbank developed a special app that helps understand banking terms and facilitates the learning process.

Whenever I encountered new terms, I wrote them down on a piece of paper, looked them up, studied materials in Confluence, and consulted with colleagues. An effective approach involves listening attentively during daily meetings and calls, taking notes, and showing interest in the topics discussed. If something remains unclear, it's important not to hesitate to ask clarifying questions. Fortunately, Confluence contained detailed descriptions for our project, allowing us to find answers to most of the questions that arose independently.

At the end of February, I realized that sanctions would be imposed on Russia's largest bank, which would negatively impact the entire country. This, in turn, would slow market development, including the IT sector. Many services we used had already begun to limit their activities in the Russian market. IT specialists who remained in the country risked becoming isolated, gradually falling behind their foreign colleagues who had access to modern technology. This could lead to a decline in their skills and the transformation into local specialists.

I recently began my career in IT and strive to better understand current trends in the global market. Working at a bank under sanctions could create difficulties when applying for jobs with foreign companies. While no such problems have arisen so far, rumors of possible consequences are alarming. In this regard, I decided to look for employment opportunities abroad.

Why I chose to immigrate Poland

After living in Georgia, I became interested in other countries. I was actively traveling around Europe and wanted to gain experience working for a foreign company to compare it with the Russian labor market. Previously, before the sanctions were imposed, I had the opportunity to work with international companies without leaving the country.

When my wife and I began planning our move, we discussed all the details and decided to leave without a preliminary offer. Initially, we planned to move at the end of this year or next, exploring various countries and choosing the most suitable option for life. We had already visited Poland, Hungary, Greece, and Scandinavia. Our plans also included a trip to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. For example, many Russian IT specialists find work in Germany, and we would like to go there as tourists to assess whether this country is right for us. However, current events forced us to expedite the decision to move.

We chose Poland because it's easier to find a job, obtain documents, and ultimately move here. Any Schengen visa, even a tourist one, allows you to obtain a residence permit. I didn't know all the details of the process, but I was aware of the possibility of obtaining a residence permit. We had 80 days left of the allotted 90 on our almost unused Schengen visa, which also contributed to our decision. Poland attracts many migrants due to its openness and accessibility.

Changing jobs always raises certain expectations. Often, this involves numerous phone conversations, correspondence with HR, and interviews where you need to demonstrate your skills. Not everyone is ready for such challenges. Therefore, many prefer to stay in their current position, even if the job is unsatisfactory, in order to avoid the difficult process of finding a new position and the need to prove their professional worth.

I encountered difficulties while looking for a job abroad. It was a quick transition to a new country, which presented many surprises and complications I hadn't anticipated. Moving to Poland doesn't require an apostille for your diploma, marriage certificate, or birth certificate. There's also no requirement to prove your qualifications for IT work. Unlike Poland, in Germany you must either have a degree in IT or at least three years of proven IT experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that regulations are subject to change, and it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

How I Got a Job Without a Visa

The offer I received from the company I joined was my third. The two previous offers fell through due to document issues: I didn't have a work visa or work permit, and my residence permit application was pending. While companies can request work permits for legally residing candidates, not all organizations are willing to spend the time. When the situation became clear, they would tell me, "Sorry, we can't hire you."

For a successful relocation, it's advisable to have a work visa or a Business Harbor visa. However, at the time of our relocation, obtaining such a visa was extremely difficult. In some countries, it's impossible to apply to the Polish embassy for a visa without a local residence permit. In Russia, visas have stopped being issued. We set off on our trip without full information and received advice only upon arrival.

I searched for a job for about three months, going through interviews and completing test tasks. This process turned out to be difficult. Finding a new job in the Russian labor market is significantly easier than changing jobs abroad.

I don't have a work residence permit, but that's not a problem

I successfully found a job, and I didn't need many documents from Russia. However, there were some nuances that I hadn't taken into account. For example, when applying for a residence permit (RP), it is recommended to do it in person to get a special stamp in your passport. This significantly simplifies interaction with the police. I sent the documents by mail, since due to the influx of migrants, the voivodeship offices were overloaded, and appointments were limited for several months in advance. My visa was expiring, so I couldn't wait. Now we must always carry a postal notification confirming our legal status in Poland.

I am currently waiting to receive a residence permit in Poland based on my Polish language studies. This residence permit is issued for one year and can be extended or changed after this period. I attend a Polish language school where a lawyer specializing in legalization issues works. Our school has many students from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. The classes are taught by two Polish teachers, as well as one Russian-speaking teacher who is responsible for conversational classes. My wife could also apply for family reunification, but she decided to study with me at the same school.

Many people interested in studying in Poland know that they can easily come on a tourist visa and enroll in an educational institution. However, the lack of a residence permit can create difficulties when finding a job. Some companies are unwilling to hire foreign students without a residence permit, despite the absence of legal prohibitions. Employers are often unwilling to take the risks associated with processing documents for employees without a residence permit.

During my job search, I encountered many companies who were surprised why it took so long to obtain my residence permit—from six months to a year, depending on the region. This wait can be a significant obstacle, as employers want to see a ready-made specialist immediately, rather than wait for months. Because of this, my job search dragged on for three months, significantly complicating the process of adapting to a new country.

Therefore, despite the availability of educational opportunities, it is important to consider the difficulties associated with paperwork and finding a job in Poland in advance.

Education often serves as a transition to a more stable life, allowing you to obtain a visa, which can later be exchanged for a work or business visa. For example, I registered my company and now work under a contract with Volvo as an outsourcer. This simplifies the employment process, as many employers prefer to avoid the complexities associated with paperwork and obtaining work permits for foreign employees. Previously, this procedure could take just three days and was carried out electronically. However, for Russians, the opportunity to obtain a "work permit certificate" has been cancelled, and now waiting for a work permit can take from one to three months.

I prepared the necessary documents myself; there aren't many of them, and it's not as difficult as it might seem. My wife and I are co-founders of the company, and I work as a programmer. Our team also includes an accountant, who is a Polish citizen and has an excellent understanding of the law. She has been a significant help in resolving many issues.

We arrived in Poland in mid-March, and I signed a work contract in July. If I had a Business Harbor visa, which allows me to look for work and set up a sole proprietorship immediately upon arrival, the process would have gone much faster. For qualified professionals who speak English, finding a good job in Poland is possible in just a month. This isn't difficult, given the country's relatively low salaries for international companies. For example, Google has an office in my city, confirming the availability of career opportunities.

Is there Russophobia in Poland?

In everyday life, Russophobia isn't widespread in Poland, but bias can be encountered at the government level. For example, when applying for a residence permit, an inspector may require more documents from Russian citizens than from other foreigners. While looking for an apartment, I encountered questions about potential conflicts with Ukrainian neighbors due to my Russian heritage. In another case, a landlord, who initially spoke to me in Russian, stated that he doesn't rent to Russians due to current events. I quickly explained to him that not all Russians support their government's actions and explained the reasons why many seek asylum in Europe. He eventually understood my position, allowed me to see the apartment, and even apologized for the misunderstanding. This incident became a unique experience for me, confirming that open communication helps overcome prejudice. Ukrainians study at the Polish language school, and we communicate with them and become friends. I have never heard any criticism from Poles, Ukrainians, or Belarusians about our Russian origins imposing any obligations on us. Polish teachers shared cases where Ukrainians expressed dissatisfaction with being taught in Russian. However, it is worth noting that not all Poles distinguish between Russian and Ukrainian. This underscores the need for improved linguistic literacy and cultural exchange between countries.

After moving, we had to adapt to new conditions. For example, grocery and service delivery isn't as developed here as in Moscow. My wife and I used this service often, especially thanks to the various bonuses from Sber. I had 30,000 "Thank You" bonuses that could be used to buy groceries or pay for services at partner services. In our new place, such apps are scarce, and those that exist often work poorly. This creates certain difficulties in everyday life and complicates the shopping process.

In Russia, you can find almost everything you need in a hypermarket. However, in other countries, like ours, the situation is different. Not every shopping center has an electronics department, and if you need a specific appliance, you often have to go to a specialty store, which may be located far from your home. For example, when we moved to a new apartment, we needed extension cords, and we had to travel to the other side of the city to buy them. This creates some inconvenience, as having goods available in one place significantly simplifies the shopping process and saves time.

Wrocław, located in southwestern Poland, is one of the warmest cities in the country. This small but cozy place is renowned for its comfortable climate, especially in summer, when temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius. The city offers modern amenities, such as air-conditioned trams, making getting around much easier on hot days. Living in Wroclaw allows you to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere and comfort even in the hottest months.

Characteristics of National IT

Volvo is a Swedish company known for its international approach to business. Our team includes employees from various countries, including the USA, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and Portugal. Also, names of Scandinavian origin often appear in our chats, highlighting the multinational nature of our team. This diverse team allows us to exchange ideas and experiences, which fosters innovation and strengthens our corporate culture.

Our daily meetings are held at 3:00 PM Polish time, which corresponds to 9:00 AM in the US. This creates some inconvenience, as I'm used to morning meetings, after which I can focus on work throughout the day. In the current format, daily meetings or sprint planning sessions can last for an hour and a half to two hours and end towards the end of the workday, which isn't always conducive to efficient work.

In Poland, the workday starts later than in most countries, usually at 10:00 or 11:00. This creates a unique atmosphere in the workplace. Furthermore, employees prefer to finish their workday early, and after 5:00 PM, offices are often empty. This organization of work time contributes to increased productivity and a better work-life balance.

Remote work has become a widespread practice, offering many opportunities for professionals. In my case, my work is tied to specific hours, as I outsource. Each week, I record the number of hours worked, which is a feature of my B2B contract. Overall, the atmosphere here is more relaxed compared to large IT companies. I've seen this in the offices of Volvo and other organizations, and the difference is truly noticeable.

I'm looking to grow in front-end and full-stack development. I'm particularly interested in Node.js and want to deepen my knowledge and skills in this technology.

If you're planning a move abroad, start by researching different countries and choosing the one that's most suitable for you. Take the time to prepare and research relocation issues. Learn about life in your chosen country and consider all the nuances of the relocation process. If you have experience in development, you won't have any difficulties with interviews and proving your professional skills.

Many countries require an apostille for educational documents. It's recommended to take care of this in advance, as the process can take a significant amount of time. For example, it can take up to two months to apostille a diploma. You simply submit the document, and then you just have to wait for the apostille to be affixed. By ensuring your apostille is obtained on time, you will avoid delays in applying for a job or applying for a job abroad. Optimize your content for search engines to improve visibility and attract more visitors to your website. It is important to use keywords related to your topic and create unique, high-quality text. Remember, your content should be informative and useful to readers. Also, consider the structure of the text: use subheadings, lists, and paragraphs for easy reading. Update information regularly to maintain relevance and interest in your resource. As a result, you will be able to improve your search engine rankings and increase website traffic.

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