Legal basis: the “Simplified system” and PWZ

Under Polish law, doctors from outside the EU may obtain a limited right to practice medicine (PWZ) for a specific period, location, and scope of work. This allows them to work legally under the supervision of a mentor (a physician with a second level of specialization) while preparing for full nostrification.

Key requirements for the candidate

For the Ministry of Health to issue a positive decision, you must meet the key criteria:

• Diploma and internship: possession of a higher medical education diploma (at least 5 years of study) and an internship completion certificate.

• Professional experience: at least 3 years of experience in the specialty within the last 5 years.

• Moral standing: documents confirming no criminal record and impeccable ethical conduct.

• Health: a medical certificate confirming fitness to work as a doctor (valid for 3 months).

Step-by-step action plan

The path from document collection to starting work usually takes about six months.

• Step 1. Collection and translation: All documents must be translated by a sworn translator in Poland. Important: documents issued in English also require translation.

• Step 2. Ministry of Health: Submission of an application to obtain the Minister’s consent. The decision has immediate legal effect.

• Step 3. Regional Chamber of Physicians (OIL): After receiving the decision, you must apply to the Regional Chamber to obtain a PWZ number. As our doctor Olga notes, this stage can be specific, and legal support is critically important here.

• Step 4. Finding a hospital and a supervisor: To work without nostrification, you need a medical institution willing to provide you with a “supervisor.”

Real experience: the adaptation period

Many doctors begin their careers in Poland in the role of a physician’s assistant (pomocnik lekarza) while their PWZ number is being processed. Surgeon Ilya says that this period (usually up to one month) helps integrate into the team, master medical software, and improve language skills before fully seeing patients.

Pitfalls and common mistakes

Based on the analysis of hundreds of cases, Optimus Work Med identifies typical mistakes:

• Submission of documents without apostilles.

• Using translators from Ukraine/Belarus who are not Polish sworn translators.

• Incorrect calculation of work experience: part-time employment (half-time) is counted as 2:1, not 1:1.

• Ignoring the NIL exam. Despite the simplified procedure, for a long-term career, language proficiency at B2 level is mandatory, and from 25.10.2024 the language confirmation requirements may change.

What does this path offer?

Working without nostrification is not just a “temporary option.” It is an opportunity to earn a European salary right now. Doctor Nina notes that even without a full license, the income allows not just survival, but a comfortable life that is out of reach for many specialists in the CIS.

Advice from professionals: Do not try to go through this path alone. Polish official institutions are very demanding when it comes to bureaucratic details. At Optimus Work Med, we support doctors at every stage — from document translation to securing employment.