BackWorking conditions in Poland for foreigners – what are they like?
Working conditions in Poland for foreigners vary depending on the type of employment, industry, and residence status. If you’re a foreigner planning to start working in Poland or an employer looking to hire a foreigner, this article will help you better understand the key rules. Legal employment, employee rights, and the obligations of the parties – find out what you should know before starting a partnership.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Legal Employment — What Do Foreigners Need to Know?
- Consequences of Illegal Employment
- Working Conditions in Poland for Foreigners — What Do the Regulations Say?
- Most Common Industries Employing Foreigners
Legal Employment — What Foreigners Need to Know
Taking up legal work in Poland as a foreigner requires meeting certain formal requirements. Legalizing a foreigner’s employment is a process designed to ensure that the employment complies with applicable law and protects both the employer and the employee.
To work legally, a foreigner usually needs an appropriate work permit. There are several types of permits, and the choice depends, among other things, on the employee’s country of origin, the nature of the employment, and the length of stay in Poland. For citizens of some countries (e.g., Ukraine, Belarus, or Moldova), it is also possible to work based on a declaration of entrusting work to a foreigner.
A foreigner’s work permit is issued by the voivode (provincial governor), and obtaining it is usually the responsibility of the employer. Before employing a foreigner, it is also necessary to check their residence status and ensure that they meet all employment conditions specified in the regulations.
Equally important are the terms and conditions of the foreigner’s employment. These must be the same as for Polish citizens — including salary, working hours, and access to social benefits. The employer is obliged to conclude an appropriate contract (e.g., an employment contract or a contract of mandate) and register the employee with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
It is important to remember that working without the required permits is illegal and may lead to serious consequences for both the employee and the employer. That is why it is crucial that the employment process is carried out in accordance with the law, and that a foreigner’s legal work is confirmed with the proper documentation.
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Consequences of Illegal Employment
Illegal employment is a serious violation of labor law and foreigners’ rights in Poland. It affects both employers and foreigners who undertake work without the required documents. The consequences of such actions can be severe – financially, legally, and to the image of the employer.
For a foreigner employed in Poland to work legally, they must have the appropriate documents, such as a temporary residence and work permit. This document entitles them not only to reside in Poland but also to legally perform work for a specific employer, in a specific profession, and for a specific period of time.
The lack of such a permit or undertaking work contrary to its terms (e.g., for an employer other than the one indicated in the decision) is considered illegal employment. Consequences may include:
For the foreigner:
- fine,
- revocation of the residence permit and expulsion from the country,
- ban on entry to Poland and other Schengen countries for a specified period.
For employers:
- a fine of up to PLN 30,000,
- the obligation to cover the costs associated with the foreigner’s expulsion,
- an inspection by the National Labor Inspectorate and the Border Guard,
- loss of reputation and difficulties in future employment of foreigners.
Employers are obligated to verify whether the candidate has a valid temporary residence and work permit, as well as whether their documents entitle them to work legally in Poland. Failure to exercise due diligence in this regard may be considered a deliberate violation of the law.
Therefore, both foreigners and companies should ensure the legality of their employment. Working with a reliable employment agency or engaging the services of a migration lawyer is a way to avoid risk and ensure compliance with regulations.
Working Conditions in Poland for Foreigners — What the Law Says
Employing foreigners in Poland has long been an important part of the labor market. Many companies rely on their support — both in seasonal industries and in professions experiencing shortages. However, to work legally in Poland, certain conditions established by law must be met.
Requirement to Have a Work Permit
The basic requirement for the legal employment of a foreigner is to have a work permit or another document legalizing employment, e.g., a declaration of entrusting work (for citizens of certain countries, such as Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova). Failure to obtain the required permits may result in fines, and in the case of the foreigner, even deportation.
Basis for Employing a Foreigner
The basis for employing a foreigner in Poland depends on factors such as citizenship, type of work, length of stay, and type of contract. The most common forms are:
- Employment contract,
- Contract of mandate,
- Contract for specific work (in limited cases).
A foreigner may take up employment only after obtaining the appropriate permit and being registered in the system by the employer or employment agency.
Necessity of Obtaining a Permit
In most cases, before starting work in Poland, a foreigner must obtain a work permit or a temporary residence and work permit, which allows them to stay and work legally. The application for the permit is usually submitted by the employer, and the process can take several weeks to several months.
Changes in Regulations on Employing Foreigners
In recent years, changes have been introduced to the regulations on employing foreigners to facilitate the legalization of work — especially in response to the geopolitical situation and the increased influx of citizens from Ukraine. An example is the possibility of starting work more quickly based on a registered declaration, without waiting for the issuance of a permit.nego oświadczenia, bez oczekiwania na wydanie zezwolenia.
At the same time, new requirements were introduced related to the control of employment conditions and the employer’s obligation to provide information.
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Most Common Sectors Employing Foreigners
The Polish labor market is increasingly opening up to workers from around the world. More and more companies hire not only citizens of countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, or Moldova, but also people from more distant places like Colombia, Peru, Argentina, the Philippines, India, or Nepal. Where do they most often find employment? Which sectors are most open to foreign workers?
Temporary Work
For many foreigners, temporary work is the first contact with the Polish labor market. Employment agencies and labor offices help candidates quickly find a legal form of employment — often without needing advanced language skills. This type of work allows them to gain experience and opens the door to long-term cooperation.
Warehouse and Logistics Sector
Warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics companies are major employers for citizens from the Philippines, India, Nepal, and South American countries. Jobs in order picking, packing, or loading do not require advanced qualifications, and the demand for workers in this sector is steadily increasing.
Manufacturing and Industry
Production companies in Poland readily hire workers from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, as well as from Peru, Colombia, and India. Jobs in production — on assembly lines, operating machines, or quality control — provide stable employment with opportunities for development and promotion.
Construction
Citizens of Belarus, Georgia, and Nepal have long been present in the Polish construction sector. This industry offers employment both for skilled workers (masons, carpenters, electricians) and construction helpers. For many, it is a chance for well-paid, long-term work.
Care and Medical Services
An increasing number of people from Ukraine and Belarus are employed in the care sector — as caregivers for the elderly, medical assistants, or nurses. This field requires empathy, patience, and often at least a basic knowledge of Polish.
Gastronomy
Seasonally or year-round, companies hire foreign workers in gastronomy as kitchen assistants, cooks, or food delivery staff.
Agriculture
During the summer season, many agricultural companies hire workers from Belarus, Armenia, and Moldova for harvesting fruits and vegetables, crop care, or greenhouse work. These are often short-term assignments organized in cooperation with labor offices or employment agencies.
IT and Finance
In larger cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, or Gdańsk, shared service centers and tech companies hire specialists from India, the Philippines, or South America. Jobs in these sectors require a good command of English and specialized knowledge.
The work of foreigners in Poland is regulated not only by migration regulations but also by the Labor Code, which defines minimum employment standards. Regardless of whether it’s permanent or seasonal work, foreign workers should be provided with decent and legal conditions. Every employer is obligated to guarantee foreigners working conditions no worse than those enjoyed by Polish citizens. Formal transparency and compliance with regulations translate not only into legality but also the safety and quality of the employee’s work. Therefore, it’s crucial that both employers and foreigners are aware of their rights and obligations.
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