Work Poland

Types of work permits in Poland

Type A: For foreigners working for a Polish employer, where the work is performed in Poland.

Type B: For foreigners working at a legal entity in Poland.

Type C: For employees of foreign employers, seconded to work at a branch or representative office in Poland for more than 30 days in a calendar year.

Type D: For foreigners working for a foreign employer without a branch in Poland, seconded for temporary service provision.

Type E: For foreigners working for a foreign employer, seconded to Poland for more than 30 days within six months for purposes not specified for Types B, C, and D.

 

Criteria for obtaining a permit

Job offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a Polish employer.

Legal residence: You must legally reside in Poland, having a visa, visa-free regime, or resident card.

Medical insurance: Appropriate medical insurance is required.

 

Required documents

Application form: Completed application form for obtaining a work permit.

Employer documents:

   - Confirmation of the legal status of the employer.

   - Information from the local labor office on the inability to find a suitable candidate on the local labor market.

Employee documents:

   - Copy of a valid passport or travel document.

   - Confirmation of qualifications and skills relevant to job requirements.

   - Medical insurance documents.

Employment contract: Signed employment contract specifying terms of employment.

 

Application submission: The process of obtaining a visa and work permit includes submitting an application through the Polish consulate in your country, providing confirmation of the job offer, and other necessary documents. If the application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Poland. Upon arrival, register your place of residence and complete other administrative procedures. Work visas in Poland for non-EU nationals include:

Type D work visa: For long-term employment.

Seasonal work visa: For short-term seasonal work.

EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals who meet minimum salary requirements.

 

Important points

Validity: The work permit is valid for specific work and is issued for a period of up to three years, with the possibility of extension for another three years with the same employer.

Change of job: In case of a job change, a new application is required.

Exemptions: EU citizens, holders of permanent or long-term residence permits in the EU, and citizens of certain countries (e.g., Ukraine, Belarus) may be exempt from the need to obtain a work permit.

 

For more information, refer to official Polish government resources or legal guides on work permits in Poland.

For European Union citizens

 

Freedom of movement: EU citizens can work in Poland without the need for a visa or work permit due to the freedom of movement principle within the EU.

 

Residency registration: If an EU citizen plans to stay in Poland for more than three months, they must register their residence. This requires a valid ID and proof of citizenship. The registration is done in the voivodeship of residence.

 

Medical insurance and taxes: EU citizens are required to have medical insurance, which can be obtained through the employer or privately. They must also comply with tax obligations in both Poland and their home country.

 

Extension of stay and new procedures: Recent changes include a reduction in appeal periods and an increase in the maximum re-entry ban period to 10 years. For long-term residence, verification of Polish language proficiency at B1 level may be required.

 

For non-European Union citizens (non-EU)

 

Visas and work permits: To work in Poland, non-EU citizens require a visa and a work permit. The most common are the national Type D visa (long-term) and the Schengen Type C visa (short-term). A work permit is usually issued for up to one year with the possibility of extension.

 

Medical Insurance and Taxes: Like EU citizens, non-EU citizens are required to have medical insurance and comply with tax obligations in Poland. 

 

Extending Permits and Family Visas: Work permits and visas can be extended. Family members of workers can also apply for visas based on the worker's status. 

 

For more information, it is recommended to contact official Polish sources or seek legal advice on employment and migration issues.

Labor Market Research

Before starting your job search in Poland, it is important to study the current labor market and understand which job offers are in demand. There is a demand in Poland for specialists in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. It is also helpful to know that proficiency in English or Polish will be advantageous.

 

Using Online Resources

There are many online platforms where you can find job offers in Poland. These sites offer a wide range of positions, from technical specialists to administrative staff, and allow filtering of offers based on various criteria: Indeed.pl, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Jobs.pl, Careersinpoland.com, Englishjobs.pl (for English speakers).

 

Recruitment Agencies

Working with recruitment agencies can greatly simplify the job search process. Agencies such as Michael Page, Hays, Randstad, and Adecco have extensive job databases and can offer assistance with resume writing and interview preparation. They can also provide advice on legal issues and document preparation.

 

Seasonal Work

If you are looking for temporary work, consider seasonal employment options. For example, agriculture and the food industry often require workers for harvesting or processing products. For such positions, you can visit sites like europa.eu and farmer.pl.

 

Networking and Expat Communities

Building a network of contacts can greatly assist in the job search. Join expat communities on Facebook or LinkedIn, attend events and conferences organized for foreign specialists. Platforms like InterNations and Meetup offer many opportunities for communication and experience exchange with other expats.

 

Document Preparation

Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for employment in Poland. This might include a temporary residence permit, a work permit (for non-EU citizens), and medical insurance. Additionally, prepare a resume and cover letter in Polish or English, highlighting your experience and skills.

 

Education and Professional Training

Enhancing your qualifications and taking professional courses can increase your chances of successful employment. Polish universities and vocational schools offer many programs that meet the modern labor market demands.

Language: Proficiency in Polish significantly increases employment prospects in Poland, especially for positions that require interaction with the local population. However, in some international companies and technical fields (e.g., IT), knowledge of the English language may be sufficient. For highly qualified specialists applying for an EU Blue Card, proficiency in Polish at B1 level is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a residence permit.

 

Education and Certification: Some positions require a certain level of education and professional certifications. 

 

Work Permit: To be employed in Poland, foreigners who are not EU citizens must obtain a work permit. 

 

Medical Insurance: Insurance may be provided by the employer or purchased privately.

 

For more detailed information, we recommend consulting official sources and advisors on migration and employment issues.

Information Technology: The IT sector in Poland continues to grow rapidly. The country is especially in need of software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud technology specialists. Professionals with expertise in programming languages like Golang, JavaScript, PHP, and experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning are in demand.

 

Healthcare: The most in demand are doctors, nurses, midwives, as well as specialists in cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry. There is also a high demand for psychologists and psychotherapists, which is associated with increased attention to mental health issues.

 

Transport and Logistics: Transport and logistics are important sectors of the Polish economy. The demand for truck and bus drivers, as well as logistics specialists, continues to grow.

 

Financial Sector: The financial industry also shows positive trends in employment. In Poland, financial analysts, accountants, as well as risk management specialists and investment consultants, are in demand.

 

Education and Science: Poland also needs qualified teachers, especially in foreign languages (English, French, German). In addition, there is a demand for researchers and scientists in various fields, including natural and technical sciences.

 

There is also a high demand in Poland for workers performing unskilled labor, especially in sectors where no specific education or significant work experience is required: manufacturing enterprises (assembly lines, packaging, product sorting); warehouse logistics (sorters, forklift operators, loaders); agriculture (seasonal workers, greenhouse workers); cleaning and maintenance; public catering and hospitality business; courier services and delivery; care for people (personnel for nursing homes, home assistants); construction (builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters).

Retirement Age

In Poland, the retirement age is 60 for women and 65 for men. To receive a pension, it is necessary to have at least one day of contributions to the social insurance or pension and disability insurance systems.

 

Pension System Structure

- State system of mandatory pension contributions, managed by the Social Insurance Institution. Contributions paid by employers for employees and by entrepreneurs for themselves create the budget for current pension payments.

- Open pension funds, which are mandatory for people born after 1969. In 2014, mandatory participation was canceled, and participation is now voluntary.

- Voluntary pension savings, including individual retirement accounts, individual pension security accounts, and employee plan programs.

 

Size of Pensions and Their Indexation

The size of the pension depends on the amount of contributions paid during the working life and is calculated based on the average expected life span. Annual and quarterly revaluation of contributions and initial capital also affect the size of the pension. The minimum pension in 2024 was about 1200 zlotys per month.

 

Tax Benefits and Social Programs

Under the Polish tax reform, significant tax benefits are granted to pensioners. Pensioners receiving up to 2500 zlotys per month are exempt from tax. Additional payments, such as the 13th and 14th pensions, are also provided annually to support low-income pensioners.

 

Thus, the Polish pension system offers a multi-level approach to providing for retirees, combining mandatory state contributions with the possibility of voluntary savings. For more detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the website of the Social Insurance Institution and the Ministry of Finance of Poland.

Main types of social insurance in Poland:

 

Pension Insurance: Pension insurance provides for the payment of pensions upon reaching retirement age. Pensions are calculated based on the amount of contributions paid during the working life and are indexed annually depending on inflation and wage growth.

 

Disability Insurance: Disability insurance is paid in case of loss of ability to work due to illness or injury. Disability payments can be partial or full, depending on the degree of loss of ability to work. This insurance also covers cases of loss of a breadwinner, providing pensions to family members of the deceased.

 

Sickness and Maternity Insurance: Sickness insurance includes the payment of benefits in the event of temporary incapacity due to illness. Workers receive sick benefits after 30 days of continuous insurance (or 90 days for voluntary insurance). Maternity benefit is paid during maternity leave and can be transferred from the mother to the father of the child in certain cases.

 

Accident Insurance and Occupational Diseases: This insurance provides payments in the event of workplace accidents or occupational diseases. It includes temporary incapacity benefits, rehabilitation benefits, lump-sum compensations, and disability pensions in case of loss of working capacity. It also provides for payments for training and retraining if the employee cannot continue their previous activity.

 

Health Insurance: Provides access to free medical services through the National Health Fund. All workers must be insured, and their contributions are paid by employers. There is also an option for private medical insurance, which supplements government medical services.

 

Worker Support Funds: Employers are also required to pay contributions to the Labor Fund and the Solidarity Fund, which are used to support the unemployed, people with disabilities, and protect workers from wage loss in case of company bankruptcy.

Dismissal

 

By mutual agreement: The employer and the worker may terminate the employment relationship by mutual consent.

With notice: The employer or the worker may terminate the contract with prior notice. The notice period depends on the term of employment:

   - 2 weeks for workers employed for less than 6 months.

   - 1 month for workers employed from 6 months to 3 years.

   - 3 months for workers employed for more than 3 years.

Without notice: Possible only for valid reasons, such as a serious breach of work duties or prolonged incapacity.

 

Leave

 

Annual leave:

Workers with less than 10 years of work experience are entitled to 20 days of paid leave per year.

 Workers with more than 10 years of work experience are entitled to 26 days of leave.

 

Childcare leave

Maternity leave: Mothers are entitled to 20 weeks of leave after the birth of one child. If more children are born, the duration of the leave increases (e.g., 31 weeks for two children).

Childcare leave: Parents can take up to 36 months of leave to care for a child up to 6 years old. This leave is unpaid, but the worker’s position is retained.

Paternity leave: Fathers are entitled to 2 weeks of paid leave, which can be taken within the first 12 months of the child's life.

 

Additional leave

Leave to care for a family member: Starting from 2024, workers can take 5 days of unpaid leave to care for a sick family member.

Leave for force majeure circumstances: Workers can take up to 2 days or 16 hours of leave in cases of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or an accident in the family. This leave is paid at 50%.

 

Public holidays

In Poland, there are 13 official public holidays on which workers are exempt from work:

January 1 – New Year

January 6 – Epiphany

Easter (two holidays: Sunday and Monday)

May 1 – Labor Day

May 3 – Constitution Day

Pentecost

Corpus Christi

August 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

November 1 – All Saints' Day

November 11 – Independence Day

December 25 and 26 – Christmas

Main professional unions

 

“Solidarity”: One of the largest and most well-known unions in Poland; it plays an important role in defending workers' rights and actively participates in the country's political and social life.

 

All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions: Includes numerous sectoral unions and is a large federation representing the interests of workers in various sectors of the economy.

 

Forum of Trade Unions: Unites several independent trade unions and actively participates in negotiations with the government and employers concerning labor rights and working conditions.

 

How Trade Unions Can Help Workers

 

Legal Protection: Trade unions provide legal support and advice to their members, helping to protect their rights in labor disputes and courts. 

 

Negotiations and Collective Agreements: Trade unions negotiate with employers to conclude collective agreements, which may include working conditions, salaries, working hours, and other important aspects. 

 

Social Support and Training: Trade unions organize various training and skill development programs for their members. They may also provide social support, such as assistance in difficult life situations or access to medical services.

 

Protection of Rights in Case of Dismissal: Trade unions assist workers in the event of unfair dismissal, helping to challenge employers' decisions and seek compensation or reinstatement.

 

Improvement of Working Conditions: Trade unions actively work to improve working conditions, including ensuring workplace safety and preventing discrimination. They also participate in the development and implementation of new labor standards and norms.

Conducting business in Poland involves complying with a number of legal and administrative requirements. Here are the key aspects to consider:

Business Registration

Choice of Legal Form: Various forms of business operation are available in Poland, such as sole proprietorship (jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza), partnership (spółka osobowa), limited liability company (spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością, Sp. z o.o.), and joint-stock company (spółka akcyjna, S.A.). Each form has its own requirements and implications, so it's important to choose the most suitable one for your business.

Taxation

Corporate Income Tax: The corporate income tax rate in Poland is 19%. It is important to maintain accurate accounting records and file annual tax returns to meet tax obligations.

VAT: The standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%, with reduced rates of 8% and 5% for certain categories of goods and services. Businesses are required to register for VAT and collect it from customers, as well as being entitled to reclaim VAT paid on purchases.

Social Contributions: Employers are required to make social security contributions for their employees. These contributions include funding various social benefits, such as healthcare and pensions.

Labor Relations

Labor Code: Employers are obligated to comply with the labor code, which regulates the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, including working hours, leaves, salaries, and dismissal procedures.

Employment Contract: All employees must have a written employment contract that includes working conditions, remuneration, and other important details.

Employee Registration: Employers must register their employees with the Social Insurance Institution and withhold social contributions from their salaries.

Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature of the business, obtaining special permits or licenses may be required. For example, working in the fields of food services, healthcare, transportation, or construction may involve additional regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to fines or business closure.

Intellectual Property Protection

Intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, is governed by Polish legislation. Registering intellectual property with the Polish Patent Office will help protect your inventions and brands from unauthorized use.

For more detailed information and advice, it is recommended to consult with professionals in the fields of law and accounting.