Poland allows foreigners to work in the country. Learn more about the advantages of employment in Poland, whether there are disadvantages of working in the country and how to find jobs

Poland is a popular destination in Europe for work among foreign citizens. Most expats are attracted to the country by its stability, rapid economic growth and favorable living conditions. The state also offers a wide range of vacancies and attractive employment conditions.

About the pros and cons of working in Poland, as well as the employment procedure, further in our material.

Advantages of employment in Poland

- Favorable duration of the working week and overtime compensation

The standard working schedule in Poland is 40 hours per week or 8 hours per day. Weekly overtime is limited to 48 hours or 150 hours per year.

- The right to vacation

Employees with less than ten years of work experience are entitled to 20 days of annual leave.

Employees who have worked for the company for ten years or more have the right to an annual vacation of 26 days.

- Benefits of social insurance

Expats in Poland have the same social guarantees as citizens of the country. The national social security program provides insurance against illness, disability, old age and accidents.

- Payment of sick leave

You will receive at least 80% of your regular salary for the first 33 sick days of the year.

- Life insurance

A popular benefit that is provided by your employer and guarantees a life insurance plan for a certain period of time.

- Leave for child care, pregnancy and childbirth

Women can take leave six weeks before giving birth, regardless of how long they have worked for their current employer. In addition, either parent can take 32 weeks of parental leave.

- Low level of unemployment

The unemployment rate in Poland does not exceed 5-7%.

Also, Poland has a favorable geographical position, which makes it easy to travel to other European countries.

The state has a high standard of living and a high level of wages.

Poland is home to a number of large international corporations that employ expats from all over the world.

For young professionals, local companies offer ample opportunities for training and also help them build a career.

Cons of working in Poland

As in any other country, there are problems in Poland that foreigners may face when looking for a job:

- It may be difficult for you to learn the Polish language. While some local employers prefer to hire only those who are fluent in the language.

- The system of social guarantees in Poland is not developed at such a high level as in some other EU countries.

- Cultural differences can also be a challenge for foreign workers, especially if they come from countries with different cultures and customs.

Wage level in Poland

According to the decision of the Council of Ministers, the minimum wage in Poland from January 1, 2024 is 4,242 zlotys (980 euros), and from July 1, 2024 it will be 4,300 zlotys (998 euros).

The average salary in Poland is PLN 7,768.35 (EUR 1,800) gross or PLN 5,600 (EUR 1,300) after taxes.

The highest average income in Poland was recorded in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship (Wrocław) – 6,676.94 PLN (1,325 EUR), and the lowest in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship (Olsztyn) – 4,763.06 PLN (975 EUR).

By industry, the leaders are information technology and communication - PLN 10,355.97 (EUR 2,165) and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning - PLN 8,735.6 (EUR 1,830), and doctors earn the most by profession - PLN 7,500 (EUR 1,570) and programmers – PLN 6,500 (EUR 1,360).

The most popular professions in Poland in 2024

The most popular professions in Poland in 2024 are engineers, builders, agricultural workers, drivers, cooks, as well as welders, assemblers, turners, electricians, masons, rebar workers, tilers.

Women can work as maids, cleaners, seamstresses, packers, cashiers and stockists.

How can a foreigner find a job in Poland?

If you are looking for a job in Poland, there are several job portals that can help you in your search:

- Pracuj.pl is one of the most popular job search portals in Poland, which offers a wide range of offers in various fields and locations. It provides advanced search options and allows users to create personalized profiles.

- GoldenLine is primarily a professional networking website, but it also contains numerous job offers from companies from all over Poland. The site also publishes articles with advice on career building and reviews of employers.

- Although LinkedIn is not a local portal in Poland, it is becoming increasingly popular among both employers and job seekers in many countries around the world. Thanks to its extensive network and user-friendly interface, it is a great platform for job hunting.

Employment procedure in Poland for foreigners

The procedure for official employment in Poland involves:

1. Preliminary job search.

2. Signing the contract.

3. Obtaining a work permit.

4. Opening of a Polish work visa.

In addition, local legislation allows hiring workers from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Armenia for up to 180 days per year without special permission. And in some cases up to 3 months within six months, even without a work visa.

List of documents for work in Poland

Regarding documents, for employment in Poland you will need:

- Passport

- Work permit

- Tax number

- Medical Insurance

For a work or residence permit, a foreigner must apply to the voivode's office. Permits are issued after an application procedure. At the end, one document is issued, which allows both stay and work in Poland, without the need to obtain an additional work permit.

Of course, working in Poland for foreigners, like in most countries of the world, has its advantages and disadvantages, but with proper preparation and the ability to adapt, it can be a great experience and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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Learn more about the rules of stay in Poland here.

Learn how to apply for a visa to Poland here.

How can foreigners find legal employment in Poland in 2023? Read here.

Work permit in Poland: a detailed guide.