Do Internationals Get Equal Pay in Polish Companies?
As Poland continues to attract foreign workers from both EU and non-EU countries, questions surrounding workplace equality have become more pressing. One of the most commonly asked concerns is whether international employees are paid equally compared to their Polish counterparts for the same work.
In this article, we explore this issue in depth by looking at legal frameworks, real-world practices, sector differences, and what foreign professionals should be aware of when working in Poland.
1. What Does the Law Say?
According to Polish labor law, especially under the Labor Code (Kodeks pracy) and European Union regulations, equal pay for equal work is a legal requirement. This means that, on paper, all employees—regardless of nationality—should receive the same salary if they perform the same role with equal qualifications and experience.
Poland is also a member of the European Union, and EU laws prohibit discrimination based on nationality among workers from EU member states. This legal framework is extended to many non-EU workers as well, depending on the type of visa, residence permit, or work agreement they hold.
2. The Reality: Do Foreign Workers Really Get Equal Pay?
While laws are in place to ensure equal treatment, the actual situation can vary depending on several factors:
a) Sector Differences
- In high-skilled industries like IT, finance, and engineering, internationals often earn equal or even higher pay compared to locals, especially if they bring unique expertise or language skills.
- In low-skilled jobs such as construction, hospitality, or manual labor, many foreign workers—especially from Ukraine, Asia, or Africa—report being paid less than Polish workers for similar roles.
b) Language Barriers
Employers may justify lower wages for foreign employees who do not speak Polish fluently, claiming reduced productivity or limited customer interaction. This can lead to informal wage gaps.
c) Work Contracts and Legal Status
Some international workers are hired through temporary agencies or outsourcing firms, which may result in lower base pay, fewer benefits, or less job security. These indirect hiring methods can create a two-tier system within the same company.
3. EU vs Non-EU Workers
a) EU Citizens
Generally enjoy the same rights and salary conditions as Polish nationals. Employers are legally obligated to treat EU citizens equally, and violations can lead to penalties.
b) Non-EU Citizens
While the law mandates equal pay, enforcement can be inconsistent. Many non-EU workers face challenges such as:
- Limited knowledge of Polish labor rights
- Dependency on employers for visa sponsorship
- Difficulty in negotiating salaries
These factors can result in lower wages or poor working conditions, especially in smaller firms or informal sectors.
4. What Can Foreign Workers Do?
If you're working in Poland or considering a job offer, here are a few steps to protect your rights:
- Research standard salaries for your role using Polish job portals (e.g., pracuj.pl, glassdoor.pl).
- Request a written employment contract and make sure salary details, job duties, and working hours are clearly stated.
- Know your rights under Polish labor law. The Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (National Labor Inspectorate) can offer support and advice.
- Join professional or migrant support networks in Poland for shared experiences and advice.
- If you suspect wage discrimination, contact legal aid services or NGOs that assist foreign workers.
5. Final Thoughts
While equal pay for internationals is protected by law in Poland, the reality can depend heavily on the sector, employer practices, and the worker's immigration status. Highly skilled professionals tend to be on more equal footing, while lower-skilled and non-EU workers may face challenges.
As the labor market in Poland continues to diversify, awareness, transparency, and enforcement of fair pay practices will be key to ensuring equal treatment for all workers—regardless of nationality.
