IT Professional in Poland - do I have to sign a contract or shall I apply for the permit first?

Hello,

I am an IT Professional from Israel, living and working in Sweden.
I am about to apply for a job in Poland, but my employer stopped the process because I don't have a work permit for Poland.

Although it's an international company, is it very hard to obtain a work permit ?
my employer in Sweden fixed my work permit in less than 3 months.
Do I have to sign the contract first with the employer before applying ? or shall I apply first.
I would love to get some help concerning my situation...

Thanks a lot.
Adel.

Without a signed contract it's too weak to get work permit in Poland. You need to have an employer who took the first formal step (ie. signed a contract with you or at least an initial letter stating he is going to hire you).