Starting a new job in another country can be exciting, but it also means learning about a different employment system. Whether you’re working in Poland for the first time or have recently changed jobs, understanding your rights can help you avoid misunderstandings and protect yourself if problems arise.

Here are the key things every foreign employee should know.

Minimum Wage

Poland has a national minimum wage that applies to all employees, regardless of nationality. The amount is updated periodically, so it’s worth checking the current rate before accepting a job offer.

  • Before signing your contract, make sure you understand:
  • your salary before and after taxes;
  • how often you will be paid;
  • whether overtime pay or bonuses are included.

If an employer offers less than the legal minimum wage, this may be a violation of Polish labour law.

Paid Annual Leave

If you work under an Umowa o pracę (employment contract), you are entitled to paid annual leave.

Most employees receive 20 days of paid leave per year, or 26 days if they have longer work experience.

If you work under a civil law contract, such as Umowa zlecenie or Umowa o dzieło, paid vacation is not automatically guaranteed.

Sick Leave

Getting sick doesn’t necessarily mean losing your income. If you’re unable to work, you may be entitled to paid sick leave. To qualify, you should:

  • inform your employer as soon as possible;
  • obtain a medical certificate;
  • follow the required reporting procedures.

Depending on your circumstances, sick pay may be provided either by your employer or by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

Working Hours

A standard full-time working schedule in Poland is 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.

Employees are also entitled to:

  • daily and weekly rest periods;
  • breaks during the working day;
  • additional pay or time off for overtime.

Your employment contract should clearly explain your working hours and schedule.

Safe Working Conditions

Every employee has the right to work in a safe environment.

Employers are responsible for:

  • providing health and safety training;
  • supplying protective equipment when necessary;
  • following workplace safety regulations.

If you believe your working conditions are unsafe, report the issue as soon as possible.

Your Employment Contract

Before you start working, your employer should provide you with a written employment contract.

It should clearly include:

  • your job position;
  • salary;
  • working hours;
  • type of contract;
  • start date;
  • notice period;
  • any other important employment conditions.

Never sign a contract that you don’t fully understand. If necessary, ask for a translation or seek legal advice before signing. It’s also a good idea to keep your own copy of the contract.

What If Your Employer Doesn’t Pay You?

If your salary is delayed or you haven’t been paid at all, don’t ignore the situation.

A good approach is to:

  • Speak with your employer and ask for clarification.
  • Keep records of your working hours and payslips.
  • Send a written request for payment.
  • Contact the National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy – PIP) if the issue isn’t resolved.

PIP is responsible for investigating labour law violations and protecting employees’ rights.

What If Your Employer Breaks the Contract?

Unfortunately, employment disputes can happen. Common examples include:

  • paying less than agreed;
  • requiring excessive unpaid overtime;
  • refusing legally required leave;
  • changing employment conditions without your consent;
  • failing to provide a written contract.

If you find yourself in this situation, try to collect as much evidence as possible. Save emails, messages, contracts, payslips, and records of your working hours. This documentation can be extremely helpful if you decide to contact PIP or seek legal advice.

Tips for Foreign Workers

A few simple habits can help you avoid problems from the very beginning:

  • Read your contract carefully before signing it.
  • Make sure you have the required authorization to work in Poland.
  • Keep copies of all employment-related documents.
  • Save every payslip and payment confirmation.
  • Learn a few basic Polish employment terms.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear