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🛠 What Is Labour Law in Poland?
Labour law in Poland is the legal framework that governs the relationship between employers and employees. These rules are mainly set out in the Labour Code (Kodeks pracy), which covers everything from employment contracts to working hours, vacation rights, and termination rules. This legal code applies to both Polish citizens and foreign nationals working in Poland though foreigners may have additional permit or visa requirements.
📄 Official Labour Code resource (in English):
https://www.gov.pl/web/family/basic-information-on-labour-law
👥 Who Needs a Work Permit?
If you’re not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you’ll likely need a valid work permit or residence permit with work rights before starting employment in Poland. The process is handled jointly by your employer and the Polish immigration office. Specific types of permits exist based on your job type and situation, including seasonal work, temporary jobs, or intra-company transfers.
📄 Government info on foreigner work permits:
https://www.gov.pl/web/family/the-government-has-adopted-a-bill-on-the-conditions-for-allowing-foreigners-to-work-in-poland
📋 Employment Contracts
Every legal employment in Poland starts with a written contract, usually one of the following:
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Contract of employment (umowa o pracę) — Offers the strongest legal protections (benefits, insurance, paid leave).
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Contract of mandate (umowa zlecenie) — More flexible but with fewer benefits.
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Contract for specific work (umowa o dzieło) — Typically project-based and not always covered by labour protections.
Polish law requires that the contract be signed before work begins and that it clearly states your job duties, salary, working hours, and notice period.
📄 More about employment contracts (official site):
https://www.gov.pl/web/family/contract-of-employment2
⏰ Working Hours and Leave
A full-time employee typically works:
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8 hours a day,
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40 hours a week,
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with at least 11 hours of daily rest, and
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35 hours of uninterrupted rest per week.
You’re entitled to paid annual leave (usually starting from 20 days per year and increasing with experience) and to paid sick leave and maternity/paternity benefits under specific conditions.
📄 Info on work hours and rest:
https://www.gov.pl/web/family/daily-and-weekly-rest
🧑💻 Remote Work
Remote work is legally allowed in Poland, provided it’s included in your employment agreement. This became especially relevant during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to updated regulations.
📄 Remote work information (official):
https://www.gov.pl/web/family/remote-work
🛡 Your Rights and Who Protects Them
Poland’s National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy) is responsible for enforcing labour rights and standards. If you believe your rights are being violated underpayment, unsafe working conditions, or illegal dismissal you can file a complaint, even anonymously.
📄 Labour Inspectorate (general info):
https://www.gov.pl/web/family/ix-monitoring-compliance-with-labour-law-and-resolving-disputes
⚠️ A Note of Caution
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and individual cases may vary. If you need legal help, consult a certified legal advisor or contact your local labour office.
💬 Final Thoughts
If you’re a foreigner working in Poland or planning to knowing your legal rights and obligations isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. From signing your first contract to knowing what to do if something goes wrong, understanding the law puts you in control. Use official sources, ask questions, and never assume your situation is too small to matter.
📘 For all official labour law updates and detailed info:
👉 https://www.gov.pl/web/family/labour-law
