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Taxi work in Poland for Ukrainian citizens — where to start

Many Optymist drivers came from Ukraine. Here is a proven order of steps — from day one to your first taxi ride.

Updated: 12 November 2026

Step 1. A Polish driving licence

Since 17 June 2024, carrying passengers through the apps requires a Polish driving licence. A Ukrainian licence can be exchanged without exams — the fee is 100 zł, and the office verifies the document with Ukrainian authorities, so it usually takes from one to several months. Apply as early as you can. Details: exchanging a Ukrainian licence.

Step 2. Meanwhile — courier work

You don’t have to wait without work. On a bike you can deliver food for Uber Eats without a licence, in any city where the app operates. Once you get your Polish licence, you move to taxi without changing partner. See how to become an Uber Eats courier.

Step 3. Taxi documents

  • An ID document and a valid residence document with the right to work in Poland.
  • A Polish category B licence.
  • A criminal record certificate from KRK — 20 zł online.
  • Medical and psychological certificates — Optymist refunds 100% of the cost.
  • A Polish bank account.

The full list: how to become an Uber and Bolt driver.

Step 4. The car

Drive your own car after the taxi inspection and with OC covering passenger transport, or an owner’s car for a weekly rent. See renting a car for taxi work.

Step 5. Contract and first week

Choose umowa zlecenie or B2B — more in umowa zlecenie or B2B. Then read the first-week plan.

Support in your language

Optymist managers speak Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and English — 24/7. We help with documents, app accounts and settlements. The quickest way is WhatsApp or Telegram.

At Optymist we complete annex no. 1 (załącznik nr 1) and help you prepare and submit your residence card application — from the document list to the office visit. Message us in English, Polish, Ukrainian or Russian.
This is general information, not legal advice. The rules for Ukrainian citizens have changed several times — check residence and document details with the authorities.

FAQ

Can I drive a taxi on a Ukrainian licence?

No. Since 17 June 2024 a Polish licence is required for passenger transport. A Ukrainian licence can be exchanged without exams.

What can I do while waiting for a Polish licence?

Work as an Uber Eats courier by bike — no licence needed.

Does anyone at Optymist speak Ukrainian?

Yes. Support works 24/7 in Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and English.

Does Optymist help with the residence card?

Yes. We complete annex no. 1 and help you prepare and submit your residence card application.

Ready to start?

Leave a request — a manager will get back to you in your language and help with the documents.

ApplyWhatsApp

Read next

Legal work in Poland by citizenshipWhat you need to work legally as a driver or courier in Poland: citizens of the EU, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India and other countries. Notification, work declaration, work permit, residence card.PESEL UKR — how to get it and keep your statusUKR status step by step: apply at any municipal office within 30 days of entry, with a passport; identity confirmation by 31 August 2026; losing status after leaving for over 30 days; work on a notification; and the route to the CUKR card.The CUKR residence card — who can get it and how to applyThe CUKR residence card: apply online in the MOS system by 4 March 2027; requires a PESEL UKR and at least 365 days of UKR status; valid for 3 years; work without a permit; fees of 340 zł and 100 zł.Residence card for work — how to get oneThe single permit for temporary residence and work, step by step: apply online in MOS (PESEL and Profil Zaufany), the employer’s annex, documents, 440 zł and 100 zł fees, fingerprints, a certificate instead of a stamp, valid up to 3 years.PESEL for foreigners — how to get oneHow foreigners get a PESEL number: automatically when registering residence (meldunek) or on application with a legal basis. In person since 2026. Free of charge. Why PESEL matters for work, Profil Zaufany and residence card applications.Legal work in Poland for foreign drivers and couriersWhat a foreigner needs to legally drive for Uber or Bolt or deliver for Uber Eats: legal stay, the right to work, the notification for Ukrainians, residence cards, PESEL and a bank account.

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