Foreign employees in Poland have the same labour rights as Polish citizens if they are legally employed.
These rights are mainly regulated by the Polish Labour Code and apply regardless of nationality.
👷 Equal Rights
If you work legally in Poland, you have the right to:
- Equal treatment at work
- Equal pay for equal work
- Safe working conditions
- Paid annual leave (not with umowa zlecenia)
- Sick leave (not with umowa zlecenia)
- Rest breaks
- Protection against discrimination
- Timely payment of wages
🤒 Sick Leave
If you become ill, you may receive paid sick leave after obtaining a medical certificate from doctor (L4). (not with umowa zlecenia)
Payment is generally:
- 80% of your salary
- 100% in certain situations provided by law, such as pregnancy or some work-related cases
For most employees:
- The employer pays for the first 33 days of sick leave each calendar year
- After that, benefits are paid by ZUS
Employees over the age of 50 receive employer-paid sick leave for the first 14 days, after which ZUS takes over.
🌴 Paid Annual Leave
Employees working under Umowa o pracę are entitled to paid vacation.
Annual leave is:
| Length of Employment | Paid Leave |
|---|---|
| Less than 10 years | 20 days |
| 10 years or more | 26 days |
🍽️ Rest Breaks
If you work at least 6 hours in one day, you are entitled to:
- At least one paid 15-minute break
Some employers provide additional breaks under internal company rules.
💰 Salary
Your employer must:
- Pay your salary on time
- Pay at least the minimum wage
- Provide a payslip or salary statement
- Deduct taxes and ZUS contributions correctly
From 2026, the minimum monthly salary is:
- 4806 PLN gross
The minimum hourly rate is:
- 31.40 PLN gross per hour
📄 Employment Contract
Before starting work, you should receive a written contract.
The contract should include:
- Position
- Salary
- Working hours
- Workplace
- Employment start date
- Contract type
🚫 Protection Against Dismissal
An employer generally cannot dismiss an employee:
- During certain protected periods of sick leave
- During maternity leave
- During parental leave
- On discriminatory grounds
Notice periods depend on the contract type and length of employment.
🛡️ Safe Working Conditions
Your employer must provide:
- Safe workplace
- Health and safety training (BHP)
- Necessary protective equipment
- Safe tools and machinery
Employees may refuse work that presents an immediate danger to their life or health.
📞 Where to Get Help?
If your employer violates your rights, you can contact:
- National Labour Inspectorate (PIP)
- Labour Court
- Trade Union (If applicable)