What happens if I lose my job in Poland?
Losing a job can be stressful, especially when you’re living and working in a foreign country. If you’re a foreign worker in Poland and find yourself in this situation, it’s important to understand your rights, legal status, and the steps you should take immediately. This guide walks you through what happens when you lose your job in Poland and how to navigate the aftermath.
1. Understand Your Legal Status After Job Loss
For EU/EEA Citizens:
Citizens of EU/EEA countries have the right to reside and seek employment in Poland without a visa or work permit. Losing a job does not automatically affect your right to stay, but you should ensure that you remain legally registered and financially self-sufficient during your job search.
For Non-EU Citizens:
If you're a non-EU national working in Poland on a work permit or residence card tied to a specific employer, your legal status becomes more complicated.
- Your work permit becomes invalid once the employment relationship ends.
- You typically have 30 days to notify the local voivodeship office (Urząd Wojewódzki) about your change in employment status.
- You may need to apply for a new work permit if you find another job, and your new employer must initiate the process.
If you don’t find another job within the allowed time or fail to notify immigration authorities, you may risk losing your legal residence status and face deportation.
2. Unemployment Benefits in Poland
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Poland, you must meet certain criteria:
- Be registered as unemployed with the local labour office (Powiatowy Urząd Pracy).
- Have worked and contributed to social security (ZUS) for at least 365 days in the past 18 months before registering.
- Be legally residing in Poland (non-EU citizens need to ensure their residence permit allows them to stay while unemployed).
If eligible, you may receive unemployment benefits for up to 180 days, depending on your situation and region.
Important: If you're a non-EU citizen, your residence permit might not be extended if you're unemployed, unless you switch to a different type of visa (e.g. job-seeker visa, student visa, or family reunification).
3. Health Insurance and Social Benefits
Once you're no longer employed, your employer stops paying your ZUS contributions, including health insurance. To remain insured:
- Register as unemployed at your local labour office to maintain public health insurance.
- Alternatively, you can pay for voluntary health insurance with the National Health Fund (NFZ) or opt for private insurance.
Social benefits such as housing assistance or family benefits may be available, but they vary depending on your residence status, income, and the type of permit you hold.
4. Searching for a New Job
If you’re legally permitted to stay in Poland:
- You can actively search for new employment.
- Contact recruitment agencies that specialize in hiring foreign workers.
- Check with local expat communities and social media groups for opportunities.
Once you receive a job offer, your new employer may need to apply for a new work permit on your behalf before you can resume working legally.
5. Can You Change Employers?
Yes, but with conditions:
- For non-EU nationals, work permits are usually job- and employer-specific.
- Changing employers requires a new work permit and sometimes a new residence permit, depending on the terms of your original permit.
- If your residence permit is not employer-specific, you may only need to notify the authorities about the change.
In any case, it's essential to consult with a legal advisor or the immigration office to understand your specific obligations.
6. What If You Want to Leave Poland?
If you decide to leave Poland after losing your job:
- Inform the immigration authorities, especially if you hold a temporary residence permit.
- Settle any taxes or legal responsibilities before departure.
- You can later return to Poland under a different visa category, such as a visitor, student, or new work visa.
7. Tips for Foreign Workers Facing Job Loss
- Act quickly: Notify authorities and begin the job search immediately.
- Keep documentation: Maintain copies of your employment contract, work permit, residence card, and termination letter.
- Seek legal advice: Consider consulting with a migration lawyer or nonprofit supporting foreign workers in Poland.
- Use government support: Register with the labour office to access unemployment assistance and job placement services.
Final Thoughts
Losing your job in Poland doesn’t have to mean the end of your stay. With the right steps and support, you can transition into a new role or adjust your residence status to continue your journey in the country. Whether you're from the EU or a non-EU nation, staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your legal rights and personal well-being.
If you need tailored assistance, it’s advisable to reach out to Poland’s Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców) or consult with a legal expert familiar with immigration law.
