If you are in the Schengen area, or are permitted to work in the European Union, you are able to skip the program altogether and travel straight to polish territory. Polish authorities in the border won't assess your passport when entering the country. However, if you would like to live or operate in the Schengen area, you will still need to have a valid passport. For those which do not have one of these documents in their possession, they can apply for a visa directly.