What Employee Benefits Can You Expect in Poland?
Poland has become an increasingly attractive destination for foreign professionals and remote workers thanks to its growing economy, improving infrastructure, and relatively low cost of living. If you're considering working in Poland, it's important to understand the employee benefits you're entitled to under Polish labor law, as well as common perks offered by employers.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of statutory (mandatory) benefits, as well as common additional (non-statutory) perks offered by companies operating in Poland.
1. Statutory Employee Benefits in Poland
These are benefits mandated by the Polish Labor Code and must be provided to all employees with an employment contract.
Paid Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to:
- 20 days of paid leave per year if they have less than 10 years of work experience.
- 26 days of paid leave per year if they have more than 10 years of work experience.
Note: Education counts toward work experience. For example, completing university adds several years to your work history for this calculation.
Public Holidays
Poland observes 13 national public holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekend, it is not moved to a weekday (except when it falls on a Saturday, the employee may be entitled to a compensatory day off depending on the company's policy).
Sick Leave
- Employees are entitled to 33 days of paid sick leave per year (14 days if aged 50 or older), paid by the employer at 80% of regular wages.
- After this period, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) takes over the payments, usually at the same 80% rate.
Parental Leave
- Maternity Leave: 20 weeks (100% paid). Additional leave is possible depending on the number of children.
- Paternity Leave: 2 weeks (100% paid), to be used within 12 months of the child’s birth.
- Parental Leave: Up to 41 weeks (32 weeks if only one parent uses it), paid at 60% unless taken immediately after maternity leave, in which case the rate can remain at 80%.
Health Insurance
Public health insurance is funded through contributions deducted from salaries. Employees receive:
- Free or low-cost medical care through the National Health Fund (NFZ).
- Coverage includes general practitioners, hospital care, specialist visits, and emergency treatment.
Pension and Social Security
Employers and employees both contribute to Poland’s social insurance system, which includes:
- Pension (retirement)
- Disability
- Accident insurance
- Sickness insurance
These contributions are mandatory and automatically deducted from monthly wages.
2. Common Non-Statutory Benefits
In addition to the legally required benefits, many companies—especially international firms and tech companies—offer extra perks to attract and retain talent.
Private Health Insurance
While public healthcare is available, many employers offer private medical insurance that allows quicker access to doctors, specialists, and clinics. Packages may cover dental care, physiotherapy, and mental health support.
Meal Subsidies or Lunch Cards
Many companies offer prepaid meal cards or vouchers (like Sodexo or Edenred) or subsidize lunch through on-site canteens or external partnerships with restaurants.
Multisport or Gym Membership
A popular non-monetary benefit in Poland is the Multisport card, which provides free or discounted access to gyms, swimming pools, yoga studios, and sports facilities.
Flexible Working Hours and Remote Work
Flexible schedules and remote work options have become standard in many industries, especially in IT, finance, and marketing. Hybrid models are also widely adopted.
Bonus Payments and Profit Sharing
Some companies offer performance-based bonuses, Christmas bonuses (known as “13th salary”), or even annual profit-sharing schemes.
Additional Vacation Days
Employers may offer extra paid days off beyond the legal requirement, especially for long-term employees or as part of a benefits package.
Training and Professional Development
Many firms invest in their employees through:
- Online courses
- Certification programs
- Paid language courses (often English or Polish for foreigners)
- Conferences and industry events
Childcare Support
Some employers provide financial support for childcare or offer in-house daycare services, particularly in large corporations or government-affiliated institutions.
3. Benefits for Foreign Workers
Foreigners employed in Poland under a legal work contract are entitled to the same benefits as Polish citizens. However, it’s important to ensure your employer is fully compliant with labor laws and that your visa or residence permit allows legal employment.
For non-EU workers, having a legal work permit and employment contract ensures you're covered by Polish labor protections and eligible for all the statutory benefits.
Conclusion
Working in Poland comes with a solid foundation of mandatory employee benefits, including paid leave, healthcare, and social security. In competitive industries, especially in larger cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, employers frequently offer additional perks to attract top talent.
Whether you're a local resident or an expat considering relocation, understanding your rights and entitlements will help you make informed decisions and negotiate better terms with your employer.
If you're planning to work in Poland or are in the process of job hunting, it's a good idea to review the benefits policy during your job interview or onboarding process to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
