A new country means new opportunities, but also many formalities to deal with. If you have just arrived in Poland and are looking for work, this guide is for you! Here you will find all the most important information – from legalisation of residence and work permits to available job offers and tips on how to quickly find your way around the labour market. We want you to feel confident and safe, which is why, as an employment agency, we support you every step of the way. Find out what you need to know to start working in Poland without unnecessary stress!
When can a Ukrainian citizen legally work in Poland?
Ukrainian citizens can legally take up employment in Poland provided that they meet specific requirements regarding residence and employment.
Conditions for legal employment
A Ukrainian citizen can work in Poland if they:
- are staying in the country legally and hold a valid residence title,
- legally entered Poland from the territory of Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022 due to the hostilities and declared their intention to remain.
Employment may be based on an employment contract or a civil law contract.
Residence title – what is it?
Documents allowing legal residence in Poland include:
- Permanent residence permit
- Temporary residence permit
- Passport (in the case of visa-free travel)
- Certificate confirming temporary protection issued by the Office for Foreigners
Exception!
Under the Act of 12 March 2022, the right to legal employment also applies to the spouse of a Ukrainian citizen if they:
- do not hold Ukrainian citizenship,
- arrived in Poland from Ukraine due to the war,
- are staying in Poland legally.
In this case, employment is possible on the basis of a notification submitted by the employer.
Check out our current job offers in Poland!
How long is residence in Poland under special rules legal?
The stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland under special rules is legal until 30 September 2025, provided that they are not benefiting from temporary protection in another EU country and do not hold another residence title. This protection applies to people who arrived in Poland due to the hostilities on or after 24 February 2022.
It is worth remembering that the right to legal residence may be lost if a person leaves Poland for a period longer than 1 month. An exception applies to people posted abroad for work or services by Polish entities.
The deadline by which entry into Poland under the special rules will be possible will be specified in future regulations. It is therefore worth monitoring legal changes in order to maintain legal residence status.
Employment on the basis of a passport stamp
Ukrainian citizens who have submitted an application for a residence permit in Poland may legally work on the basis of the so-called stamp in their passport. This stamp confirms that the residence legalisation procedure has been initiated and that their status in Poland remains regulated until a final decision is issued. In this case, the employer is only required to report the employment to the Labour Office.
It is worth remembering that the legality of residence and the right to work continue until the decision on the residence permit becomes final. It is therefore crucial to monitor the status of the application and complete all formalities on time.
How to legally employ a Ukrainian citizen
Legal employment of a Ukrainian citizen in Poland is possible if their stay in the country complies with the applicable regulations. This also applies to spouses of Ukrainian citizens who do not hold Ukrainian citizenship and to close family members of a Ukrainian citizen who holds a Polish Card.
To employ a Ukrainian citizen, it is sufficient to report this fact within 7 days from the start of employment to the district labour office competent for the employer’s registered office or place of residence. The notification is submitted electronically through the praca.gov.pl portal using the form “Notification of entrusting work to a Ukrainian citizen” (PSZ-PPWPU).
This procedure applies both to people who arrived in Poland after 24 February 2022 due to the war and to those who are legally staying in Poland on another basis, for example under a temporary residence permit.
It is worth remembering that:
- A Ukrainian citizen who arrived in Poland after 24 February 2022 as a result of the hostilities may be employed exclusively on the basis of a notification – other forms, such as a declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner, do not apply.
- If a Ukrainian citizen holds a valid residence permit or visa, they may be employed on the basis of a notification, a declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner, or a work permit.
An employee hired on the basis of a notification may freely change employers – however, the new employer must submit a notification within 7 days.
What obligations does the employer have?
Every employer hiring an employee must comply with a number of obligations arising from labour law regulations. First and foremost, the employer is required to pay remuneration that cannot be lower than the minimum wage set for a given year. In 2025, the minimum wage is PLN 4,666 gross, while the minimum hourly rate for civil law contracts is PLN 30.50 gross.
If you employ a foreigner, you have additional obligations. You must conclude a written contract with them, the terms of which must comply with the notification submitted to the labour office. Importantly, before signing the contract, you should provide a translation into a language understood by the employee. In addition, the working time or number of hours may not be lower than those indicated in the notification.
Every employee, regardless of citizenship, if required by their status, must be registered for social security and health insurance with ZUS within 7 days from the start of employment. This gives them the right to benefits in the event of illness or an accident at work, as well as maternity benefits and access to public healthcare (except for people employed under a contract for specific work).
Complying with these rules is not only a legal obligation, but also a way to ensure stable and safe working conditions.
Sources:
https://www.biznes.gov.pl/pl/portal/00211#1
https://www.praca.gov.pl/eurzad/strona-glowna
https://www.strazgraniczna.pl/pl/aktualnosci/13510,Informacja-dla-obywateli-Ukrainy.html
Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985
Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002
Act of 12 March 2022 on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that country
Act of 8 April 2022 amending the Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that country and certain other acts
