Foreign workers in Poland have the same labor rights as Polish citizens. But many don’t know what protections are guaranteed by law. Here’s a simple breakdown.
A contract is mandatory
Every legal worker must have a contract: either umowa o pracę (employment) or umowa zlecenie (civil contract). It must include salary, working hours, job responsibilities, and housing conditions (if applicable).
Minimum wage
As of 2024, the minimum wage is over 27 PLN gross per hour. Even when working through an agency, this rule must be followed.
Working hours and rest
A standard workday is no more than 8 hours unless there’s written consent. You’re entitled to at least 11 hours of rest between shifts and at least one day off per week.
Overtime pay
You must be paid extra for overtime. The amount depends on the time of day (day/night) and whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
Paid vacation
Under umowa o pracę, you are entitled to 20–26 days of paid leave per year, depending on your work history. Even for short-term jobs, check if vacation is included.
Sick leave
If you are officially employed, you have the right to take sick leave. A medical certificate (zwolnienie lekarskie) must be submitted to your employer.
How to defend your rights?
If your rights are violated, talk to your coordinator, your agency, or report the issue to Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP) — the Polish Labor Inspectorate. They accept reports from foreigners as well.
Conclusion
Working in Poland means having legal protection, not just income. Know your rights, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up when something feels wrong.
