Work

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡±πŸ‘·β€β™‚οΈ Work in Poland: Overview

Poland offers thousands of jobs for foreigners every year in logistics, manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality and IT.

To work legally, you must have the appropriate immigration status and work authorization, unless you are exempt under Polish law.

πŸ“‘ Who Can Work in Poland?

Foreigners can work in Poland based on:

  • National work visa (Type D05, D05a, D06)
  • Schengen work visa (C05, in limited cases)
  • Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Karta Pobytu)
  • EU Blue Card
  • Permanent Residence Permit
  • EU Long-Term Resident Permit
  • Karta Polaka
  • Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection
  • Certain family residence permits that include access to the labour market

πŸ“„ What Is a Work Permit?

A Work Permit (Zezwolenie na pracΔ™) is an official document allowing a foreigner to work for a specific employer in Poland.

In most cases:

  • The employer applies for the permit
  • The permit specifies the employer, position and salary
  • If you change your employer, a new work permit or another valid work authorization is usually required

Some foreigners do not need a work permit, for example holders of a Karta Polaka, permanent residence or an EU Blue Card (subject to applicable rules).

πŸ’° Gross vs Net Salary

In Poland, salaries are usually shown as:

  • Gross (Brutto) – Salary before taxes and social contributions
  • Net (Netto) – Amount you actually receive in your bank account
Gross SalaryApproximate Net Salary
5,000 PLN3,800–4,000 PLN
7,000 PLN5,200–5,500 PLN
10,000 PLN7,200–7,800 PLN

The exact net amount depends on your contract type, age and tax situation.

πŸŽ“ Benefits for Students Under 26

Students under the age of 26 receive 0% personal income tax (PIT) up to the annual legal limit. You will receive a net salary, but you will not be insured by the NFZ from your employer.

πŸ’Έ Average Salaries

Average monthly net (before taxes) salaries in 2026:


Job		Average Net Salary
Warehouse worker4800–7500 PLN
Courier (Glovo, Uber Eats, Wolt)3500–9000 PLN
Biedronka employee4500–5500 PLN
Ε»abka employee4800–6500 PLN
Kebab restaurant worker3500–4000 PLN
Construction worker5000–8000 PLN
Truck driver6000–16000 PLN

From 1 January 2026, the minimum monthly wage in Poland is:

  • 4806 PLN gross

The minimum hourly rate for eligible civil-law contracts is:

  • 31.40 PLN gross per hour

⏰ Working Hours

The standard full-time schedule in Poland is:

  • 8 hours per day
  • 40 hours per week
  • Usually Monday to Friday

Many employers also offer:

  • Overtime
  • Night shifts
  • Weekend work

Overtime is generally paid at a higher rate under the Labour Code.

πŸ† Highest-Paying Jobs in Poland

ProfessionAverage Monthly Net Salary
IT specialist5000–30000+ PLN
Doctor7000–20000+ PLN
Airline pilot10000–35000+ PLN
Lawyer10000–25000+ PLN

Salaries vary depending on experience, qualifications and location.