How to find legal work in Poland?

Are you looking for a job in Poland and want to be sure that everything is done in accordance with the law? Legal employment is not only security, but also access to insurance, social benefits and stable working conditions. Are you looking for legal work in Poland? How to find legal work in Poland? Who does not need a work permit in Poland? What are the employer’s obligations after employment?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When is foreigner work in Poland legal?
Who can work legally in Poland?
Work and residence permit
What is a foreigner’s residence card?
What are the consequences of illegal stay?
How to check if a job offer is legal?
How to find legal work in Poland? Where to look for legal work?

When is it legal for a foreigner to work in Poland?

In order for a foreigner to work in Poland to be legal, they must meet certain conditions. The most important thing is the foreigner’s legal residence, which entitles them to work in the country. In the case of European Union citizens, a valid passport or identity card is sufficient, while people from outside the EU usually need a work permit.

The legalization of a foreigner’s work also depends on the type of employment and its form. In most cases, it is necessary to obtain a work permit, which is issued by the governor or the district labor office. In some situations, a foreigner can work without such a document – for example, if they have student status in Poland or a residence card with access to the labor market.

An employer employing a foreigner must comply with the regulations regarding the conditions of work, which means that the foreigner should have a signed legal contract and a social insurance application. Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in consequences for both the employee and the employer.

Who can work legally in Poland?

Legal performance of work in Poland depends on the foreigner’s residence status and on meeting certain formal requirements. A foreigner works legally if they have the appropriate documents and are in Poland on the basis of legal residence.

Citizens of the European Union can start working without having to obtain additional permits. On the other hand, people from outside the EU most often have to meet the conditions for obtaining a work permit. The issuance of a permit depends on the type of employment and the employer who applies for a work permit for the foreigner.

However, there are exceptions – in some cases, a foreigner has a residence permit with access to the labor market or can work without having to obtain additional documents, e.g. if they have the status of a student, a graduate of a Polish university or the Pole’s Card.

Work and residence permit

In order for a foreigner to legally reside and work in Poland, it is necessary to obtain appropriate residence and work permits. These procedures are intended to ensure the legalization of work and stay of foreigners.

Types of residence permits:

Temporary residence – intended for foreigners planning to stay in Poland for a period longer than 3 months but shorter than 3 years. An application for a temporary residence permit must be submitted in person to the voivodeship office competent for the foreigner’s place of residence. The application should be submitted no later than the last day of legal stay in Poland.

Permanent residence – intended for foreigners who want to settle in Poland permanently. A permanent residence permit can be applied for by, among others, people of Polish origin, spouses of Polish citizens or people with refugee status.

Work permit

A foreigner intending to work in Poland must obtain a work permit, unless they are exempt from this obligation under the law. A work permit is issued at the employer’s request and specifies, among other things, the position in which the foreigner will be employed and the period for which the permit was issued.

Procedure for obtaining permits

Submitting an application: Applications for temporary residence and work permits can be submitted via the IT system run by the minister responsible for labor. Setting up an account in the system is mandatory, and all administrative decisions regarding a given case will be delivered electronically.

PESEL number

Foreigners staying in Poland for a period longer than 30 days are required to register for temporary or permanent residence. After registering, a PESEL number is automatically assigned, which is necessary for tax settlements or using health care, among other things.

What is a foreigner’s residence card?

A foreigner’s residence card is a document that confirms the legal residence of a foreigner in Poland. It is issued to people who have obtained a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or long-term EU resident permit.

Types of residence cards:

Temporary residence card – issued for a maximum period of 3 years.
Permanent residence card – valid for 10 years, after which it must be replaced.
Long-term EU resident card – issued to people who have legally resided in Poland for at least 5 years.

To obtain a residence card, you must apply for the appropriate residence permit at the provincial office. After a positive decision, the foreigner receives a residence card, which must be carried with them at all times and presented during inspections.

Having a residence card makes it easier to work legally, run a business and use public services in Poland.

What are the consequences of illegal residence?

Illegal residence in Poland has serious consequences for foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens and people from other countries. The lack of appropriate documents, such as a residence permit, may result in a fine, deportation and a ban on re-entry to Poland and the Schengen area.

A foreigner working without appropriate permits or without a valid residence permit is exposed to legal consequences. Employing a foreigner in a manner inconsistent with the regulations also threatens the employer – he may be punished with a high fine or even criminal liability.

To avoid problems, it is worth making sure that the employment is carried out in accordance with the law, and the foreigner’s rights to work and residence are regulated. Special regulations have been introduced for Ukrainian citizens to facilitate legalization, but it is important to remember to comply with the current regulations.

How to check if a job offer is legal?

To check if a job offer is legal, you should check whether the company or employment agency is registered and operates in accordance with the regulations. Legally operating employment agencies should be entered in the National Register of Employment Agencies (KRAZ), which can be verified on the government website.

The next step is a thorough analysis of the employment conditions. The contract should clearly specify the working hours, scope of duties, remuneration and all other terms of employment. It is worth making sure that the documents are written in an understandable language and contain all the necessary information.

To avoid fraud, it is also a good idea to check the opinion about the employer or agency on the Internet. In case of doubt, you can contact the State Labor Inspectorate, which controls compliance with labor law and can help assess the legality of employment.

How to find legal work in Poland? Where to look for legal work?

The safest way to find legal work in Poland is to use the services of an employment agency. Employment agencies specialize in connecting employees with employers, offering verified and legal employment. Thanks to them, you can avoid the risk of working on unfair terms and receive support in the process of legalizing your stay and work. Good employment agencies are entered in the National Register of Employment Agencies (KRAZ), which guarantees that they operate in accordance with the law. When looking for a job, it is worth checking the opinions about the agency and making sure that it offers a temporary employment contract or another form of legal employment.

Job offers can be found on the websites of employment agencies, in social media and in labor offices. Cooperation with a professional employment agency is the easiest way to legally take up employment in Poland, especially for foreigners.

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How to find legal work in Poland?