Can I Work in Poland While Studying?

Introduction

Poland has become a popular destination for international students thanks to its affordable tuition fees, quality education, and growing job market. If you’re planning to study in Poland, you might be wondering: Can I work in Poland while studying?

The answer is yes, but there are some rules and limitations. This article will explain everything you need to know about working in Poland as an international student in 2025, including legal conditions, work limits, visa rules, and how to find part-time jobs.

Can International Students Legally Work in Poland?

Yes. International students in Poland can legally work without a separate work permit if they meet certain conditions.

Your right to work depends on:

• Your nationality (EU or non-EU)
• Your residence status in Poland
• Your enrollment in a Polish university

Students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can live and work in Poland without a work permit. There are no limitations on hours or job type. You don’t need to apply for special permission.

Students from non-EU countries

Non-EU students can work legally during their studies in Poland without a work permit, as long as they:

• Hold a valid student visa or temporary residence permit for the purpose of studies
• Are enrolled in full-time studies at a university in Poland

Work Hour Limits for International Students

There is no strict limit in the law on how many hours international students can work. However, most universities recommend working up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holiday breaks.

Why the 20-hour guideline?

• It helps students balance academic obligations with employment
• Exceeding this could lead to academic failure or visa-related issues

Some employers may also prefer hiring students part-time within this limit to comply with labor and university policies.

Can Students Work Full-Time in Poland?

Yes, full-time work is allowed during university breaks (e.g., summer and winter holidays), provided your residence status remains valid.

Important: You must still maintain active student status and not violate the terms of your student visa.

Do You Need a Work Permit?

In most cases, no.

Exemptions (no work permit needed):

• Full-time students enrolled in Polish universities (non-EU)
• EU/EEA students
• Graduates from Polish universities holding a post-study temporary residence permit

Work permit is needed if:

• You are not a full-time student
• You are working after graduation and no longer hold student status (unless on a post-study residence permit)

What Jobs Can International Students Do?

Here are some common part-time jobs for students in Poland:

• Retail assistant or cashier
• Waiter/waitress or barista
• English tutor or language assistant
• Administrative or office assistant
• Internships in marketing, IT, or finance
• Freelance work (e.g., graphic design, content writing, translation)

Many international students find jobs in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk, where employers are more open to English-speaking workers.

Average Student Salaries in Poland

Part-time student jobs usually pay around PLN 22–30 per hour (gross) depending on the city and job type. Skilled work, such as tutoring or IT-related tasks, may pay more.

Example:

• Restaurant worker: PLN 25/hour
• Private English tutor: PLN 40–60/hour
• Intern (unpaid or PLN 1,500–3,000/month)

Note: Your income may be subject to income tax depending on your total annual earnings.

Working After Graduation

After finishing your studies in Poland, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start employment. This permit is usually valid for up to 9–12 months and does not require a separate work permit during this time.

Once employed full-time, you may transition to a standard work permit or apply for an EU Blue Card if eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work on a tourist visa while studying informally in Poland?
No. You must be enrolled in a recognized university and hold a valid student visa or residence permit.

Can I start a business in Poland as a student?
Generally, no. To legally run a business, you must hold a residence permit that allows for business activity, not a student visa.

Is it hard to find a student job in Poland?
It depends on your language skills, location, and field. In big cities, English-speaking jobs are more available.

What happens if I drop out of school?
Your legal right to stay and work in Poland ends if you are no longer enrolled as a full-time student.

Final Thoughts

International students in Poland have the legal right to work during their studies, which helps reduce living costs and gain valuable experience. While you don’t need a work permit, it’s important to follow the guidelines related to working hours and visa conditions.

Make sure you balance study and work to maintain good academic standing. For those who wish to stay in Poland after graduation, the country offers clear paths to temporary and even permanent residency.

Poland’s open student work policies, growing job market, and affordable lifestyle make it an attractive option for students worldwide.