Can You Get a Pension If You Work in Poland?

Poland has a well-structured pension system designed to provide financial security to people in retirement. If you’re working in Poland—whether as a Polish citizen, EU national, or a non-EU foreigner—you may be eligible for a pension, provided you meet certain criteria.

This guide explores how Poland’s pension system works, who qualifies, and what you need to know if you're a foreign worker planning for retirement.

Understanding Poland’s Pension System

Poland’s pension system is primarily based on social insurance contributions and consists of three main pillars:

1. First Pillar: Social Security Pension (ZUS)
2. Second Pillar: Open Pension Funds (OFE) – now optional
3. Third Pillar: Voluntary Private Savings (IKE, IKZE, PPK)

1. First Pillar: Social Security Pension (ZUS)

This is the core of the Polish pension system and is mandatory for all employees and self-employed individuals. Contributions are paid to the Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych - ZUS).

Contributions:

• Employers and employees both contribute to the pension system through payroll.
• As of 2025, the pension contribution rate is:
  • 19.52% of gross salary, split between:
    • Employer: 9.76%
    • Employee: 9.76%

Eligibility:

To qualify for a pension from ZUS:

• Minimum contribution period:
  • 20 years for women
  • 25 years for men
• Retirement age:
  • 60 years for women
  • 65 years for men

The amount of pension you receive depends on:

• Total contributions made
• Length of insurance period
• Life expectancy after retirement (used for calculation)

2. Second Pillar: Open Pension Funds (OFE)

OFE was once a mandatory part of the pension system, but reforms made participation optional.

Key Facts:

• Managed by private pension funds.
• You can choose to allocate a portion of your ZUS contributions to OFE or keep everything in ZUS.
• Upon retirement, OFE funds are transferred to ZUS to calculate your final pension.

3. Third Pillar: Voluntary Private Savings

These are individual, long-term savings options supported by the state through tax benefits.

Popular Plans:

• IKE (Individual Retirement Account): Tax-free withdrawals after retirement.
• IKZE (Individual Retirement Security Account): Contributions are tax-deductible.
• PPK (Employee Capital Plans): Co-financed by employee, employer, and state. Participation is automatic, but you can opt out.

These are especially useful for foreigners who may not qualify for a full ZUS pension or who want to increase their retirement savings.

Can Foreigners Get a Pension in Poland?

Yes, foreigners can qualify for a Polish pension, provided they meet the contribution and age requirements.

For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens:

• Thanks to EU coordination of social security systems, your work periods in other EU countries can be combined with your work in Poland to meet eligibility.
• You will receive separate payments from each country where you worked long enough to qualify.

For Non-EU citizens:

• Poland has bilateral agreements with several countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ukraine) to coordinate pension rights.
• If your country has no agreement with Poland, your eligibility may be limited to what you contributed within Poland.

Important:

• If you leave Poland permanently, you may still be able to claim your pension from abroad, depending on treaties between Poland and your home country.
• In some cases, early withdrawal of contributions might be possible if you emigrate to a non-EU country, but this is subject to strict conditions.

How to Apply for a Pension in Poland

When you reach retirement age and have sufficient contributions, you can apply for your pension through ZUS.

Steps:

1. Submit an application to ZUS (in person, by post, or online).
2. Provide documents proving your work history and identity.
3. ZUS calculates your pension and issues a decision.
4. Payments are made monthly.

If you worked in more than one country, each country’s social security office will assess your eligibility under local and EU/bilateral rules.

 

How Much Will Your Pension Be?

There is no fixed amount. The Polish pension system is defined-contribution based, meaning your benefits depend on how much and how long you contributed.

As a rough estimate:

• The average monthly ZUS pension in Poland in 2025 is around 3,200–3,500 PLN (gross).
• Long-term workers with consistent contributions typically receive higher pensions.

Voluntary Retirement Planning Is Essential

For both Polish citizens and foreigners, relying solely on ZUS may not be sufficient for a comfortable retirement. That’s why voluntary savings through IKE, IKZE, or private investment funds are strongly recommended.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can receive a pension in Poland if you meet age and contribution requirements.
• Both employees and self-employed individuals must contribute to ZUS.
• Foreigners, including EU and non-EU citizens, can qualify based on treaties and contribution history.
• You can supplement your future pension with voluntary savings schemes like IKE, IKZE, and PPK.
• The earlier you start contributing, the more secure your retirement will be.

Final Thoughts

Whether you plan to retire in Poland or move elsewhere later, understanding how the Polish pension system works is crucial. It not only ensures compliance but also empowers you to make informed financial decisions for your future. If you're a foreigner working in Poland long-term, make sure to check your home country's agreements with Poland and consider additional retirement planning tools available in the country.