How to Hire a Foreigner in Poland? A Complete Guide

Hiring foreigners in Poland can be an excellent way to find qualified employees and grow your business. However, to do it properly, you must comply with Polish regulations. Here’s a brief guide for employers to help navigate the formalities of employing non-Polish nationals.

Legal Requirements and Basic Rules

Every foreigner who wants to work in Poland must have the appropriate document that entitles them to stay and work, such as a visa, a temporary or permanent residence permit, or, for EU citizens, a registration of residence.

Regardless of the documents, the foreigner must sign a contract (employment or civil law contract), and the employer must report this to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and the appropriate tax office.

If the foreigner is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, they will also need a valid work permit or another document allowing legal work in Poland.

Types of Work Permits

Most non-EU nationals need a work permit to work in Poland. There are several types:

• Type A – for foreigners employed based on a contract by a company operating in Poland.
• Type B – for foreigners who will perform a function on the management board of a company in Poland.
• Type C – for foreigners posted to Poland by a foreign employer.
• Type D – for foreigners working for a foreign employer who does not have a branch in Poland, but who are posted here for services, e.g., in the construction or IT sectors.
• Type E – for other cases not covered by the above.

Applications for work permits are submitted by the employer to the voivodeship office (Urząd Wojewódzki).

Simplified Procedures

Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine may benefit from the simplified procedure based on an employer’s declaration of intention to employ a foreigner. This procedure supports various forms of employment (both contracts of employment and civil law contracts) for up to 24 months.

The declaration must be registered online in the local Labour Office (PUP) system, and the foreigner must have a visa or other legal stay based on this declaration.

Hiring Citizens from the EU/EEA/Switzerland

Although hiring foreigners from the EU does not require a permit, remember to verify:

• The identity and citizenship of the person
• Valid travel documents or residence confirmation
• Social security status – whether the person is registered with ZUS in Poland or holds an A1 certificate from their home country

You may also need to report the start of employment to the appropriate institutions.

Note: If a person has a Pole’s Card, it may be used to facilitate the process of obtaining permanent residence.

ZUS Registration and Social Security

Employment of a foreigner in Poland involves completing formalities related to social security and registering with the appropriate authorities. The employer must register the employee with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) within 7 days of signing the contract.

In some cases, such as with EU citizens posted from another member state, the foreigner may present an A1 certificate confirming that social insurance contributions are being paid in another member state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Consequences of Illegal Employment?

Illegal employment may lead to fines, liability for unpaid social contributions, and problems with legalizing future employment or stay.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Permit?

Usually 1–2 months, depending on the region and workload of the voivodeship office.

What Documents Do I Need as an Employer?

You’ll need to provide your company’s registration documents, proof of no outstanding taxes, and a draft employment contract, among other formalities.

This overview gives you a general picture, but remember – Polish labor and immigration laws can be complex. If you’re planning to hire foreigners regularly, it’s worth consulting an experienced HR advisor or legal expert in this area.