What are my rights as an employee in Poland?
Whether you're a Polish citizen or a foreigner working in Poland, you are entitled to legal protections under Polish labor law. These rights are established by the Labour Code (Kodeks pracy) and apply to all employees working under a standard employment contract. Understanding your rights helps ensure fair treatment, prevents exploitation, and gives you the tools to respond if something goes wrong.
This blog post outlines your most important rights as an employee in Poland.
1. Right to a Written Employment Contract
Your employer must provide a written employment contract on or before your first day of work. This contract should clearly state:
- Type of contract (e.g., full-time, part-time, fixed-term)
- Job title and responsibilities
- Working hours and schedule
- Salary and payment schedule
- Duration of the contract (if not indefinite)
The contract must be in Polish, although you can request a translated version for clarity.
2. Right to Minimum Wage
As of 2025, Poland has a legally defined minimum wage, which is adjusted annually. All employees are entitled to earn at least the national minimum, whether they are Polish or foreign nationals.
In addition to the base salary, employees may be entitled to:
- Overtime pay
- Night shift premiums
- Holiday and Sunday work bonuses
3. Right to Paid Leave
Polish law grants employees various types of paid leave, including:
Annual Leave:
- 20 days per year for employees with less than 10 years of experience
- 26 days for those with 10 or more years
Previous education and work experience may count toward your leave entitlement.
Other Leave Types:
- Sick leave (paid partially by employer, partially by social insurance)
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Parental leave
- Unpaid leave (upon request)
Employers cannot deny your right to statutory leave.
4. Right to Social Security and Health Insurance
If you are employed under a standard contract, your employer is required to register you for ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych), Poland’s social insurance system.
This includes contributions toward:
- Health insurance (NFZ)
- Pension and retirement funds
- Unemployment insurance
- Work accident coverage
You’ll receive a PESEL number and insurance card, which entitles you to public healthcare services in Poland.
5. Right to Safe and Healthy Working Conditions
Your employer must ensure:
- A safe, hazard-free workplace
- Access to proper training and equipment
- Protection against discrimination or harassment
- Regular occupational health checks (when required by law)
Employers must comply with regulations from the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) and other safety authorities.
6. Right to Overtime Compensation
Any work performed beyond 8 hours a day or 40 hours per week is considered overtime and must be compensated by:
- 125% of your base hourly wage on weekdays
- 150% on Sundays and holidays, or
- Time off in lieu (if agreed)
Employers cannot force excessive or unpaid overtime.
7. Right to Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination
Polish labor law strictly prohibits discrimination based on:
- Gender
- Age
- Race or nationality
- Religion or belief
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Political affiliation
You also have the right to equal pay for equal work, regardless of your background.
8. Right to Termination Protection and Notice Period
Both you and your employer have the right to end the employment relationship, but it must be done legally.
- Notice periods vary based on how long you’ve been employed (typically 2 weeks to 3 months)
- You may be entitled to severance pay in some cases
- Unjustified or unlawful dismissal can be challenged in labour court
During your notice period, you're still entitled to full pay and benefits.
9. Right to Join Trade Unions
Employees in Poland have the right to:
- Join or form a trade union
- Participate in collective bargaining
- Receive legal support from union representatives
Employers cannot penalize employees for union membership.
10. Right to File Complaints and Take Legal Action
If your rights are violated, you can take action by:
- Filing a complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy – PIP)
- Contacting your local labour court (Sąd Pracy)
- Seeking free legal aid from trade unions or NGOs
The law protects workers from retaliation when reporting violations.
For Foreign Workers: Additional Protections
If you are a non-EU citizen working in Poland, your rights are protected under the same labor laws. However:
- You must have a valid work permit or residence permit
- Employers must not exploit your immigration status
- If you leave a job, inform immigration authorities promptly to maintain legal status
You can also report abuse to PIP or your country’s embassy in Poland.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your rights is the first step to ensuring you are treated fairly and legally in your workplace. Whether you're just starting a job in Poland or have been working here for years, always keep a copy of your contract, payslips, and correspondence with your employer. If you believe your rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to seek support from official institutions or legal professionals.
If you'd like help drafting a formal complaint or finding legal resources in your area, feel free to reach out or leave a comment.
