What’s the social security system like for foreign workers in Poland?
With Poland becoming an increasingly popular destination for foreign workers — from skilled professionals to seasonal laborers — understanding the country’s social security system is essential. Whether you're moving for a full-time job, a freelance contract, or platform-based gig work, your rights and obligations under the Polish social insurance system can significantly affect your income, healthcare access, and long-term security.
How the Polish Social Security System Works
Poland’s social security system is managed by ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych), the Social Insurance Institution. It provides coverage for:
- Retirement pensions (emerytura)
- Disability pensions (renta)
- Sickness and maternity benefits
- Accident insurance
- Health insurance (in cooperation with NFZ – National Health Fund)
Both employers and employees are required to make contributions to ZUS.
Foreign Workers: Who Has to Contribute?
1. Employment Contracts (Umowa o pracę)
If you are employed under a standard employment contract in Poland, you and your employer must contribute to ZUS, just like Polish citizens. The contributions are automatically deducted from your salary.
2. Civil Law Contracts (Umowa zlecenie / Umowa o dzieło)
- For umowa zlecenie (contract of mandate), contributions to ZUS are usually mandatory.
- For umowa o dzieło (contract for a specific task), contributions are typically not required, unless you're working with a state institution.
3. Self-Employed / Business-to-Business (B2B)
If you are registered as self-employed (działalność gospodarcza), you must register with ZUS and pay monthly contributions yourself. Lower rates may apply in your first two years of business.
4. Posted Workers and Short-Term Stays
Foreigners temporarily posted to Poland from another EU country may stay insured in their home country under an A1 certificate — avoiding double contributions.
EU vs Non-EU Workers: Key Differences
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
- Thanks to EU coordination of social security systems, periods of insurance, work, or residence in one EU country can count toward eligibility for benefits in another.
- You can transfer your social security entitlements, and avoid paying into two systems at once.
Non-EU Nationals
- Non-EU citizens working legally in Poland are generally subject to the same social security rules as Polish nationals.
- However, there is no automatic portability of benefits (e.g. pensions) unless a bilateral agreement exists between Poland and your home country.
What Do Contributions Cover?
The social security contributions in Poland (as of 2025) are roughly:
- Employee: ~13.71% of gross salary
- Employer: ~20.48% of gross salary
These contributions cover:
- Retirement insurance
- Disability and survivor’s pensions
- Sickness and accident insurance
- Labor Fund (for unemployment support)
- Health insurance (via NFZ)
Employees are entitled to:
- Free or subsidized public healthcare
- Paid sick leave
- Maternity and parental benefits
- Pension accumulation
- Unemployment benefits (subject to conditions)
Special Considerations for Migrant and Temporary Workers
1. Health Insurance Access
Registered ZUS contributors gain access to Poland’s public healthcare system. If you’re not contributing (e.g. working informally), you won’t be covered unless you buy private insurance or voluntarily pay into NFZ.
2. Portability of Pensions
If you leave Poland after working here for several years, what happens to your pension contributions depends on your nationality:
- EU citizens can claim or transfer pension rights across EU countries.
- Non-EU citizens can usually apply for pension benefits if they reach retirement age and meet eligibility, but only if their home country has a bilateral agreement with Poland (e.g. Ukraine, USA).
3. Informal Work Risks
Some foreign workers, particularly in low-wage or gig sectors, may be hired without proper contracts. In such cases, you risk losing all access to healthcare, pensions, and paid leave.
Voluntary Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Foreign workers not obliged to contribute (e.g. on umowa o dzieło or in informal work) can voluntarily sign up for:
- Health insurance through NFZ, for access to public healthcare
- Voluntary social insurance through ZUS, including pension and sickness benefits
This is worth considering if you plan to stay long-term or want access to social protections while freelancing.
Practical Tips for Foreign Workers in Poland
- Always request a written contract, and verify whether contributions are made to ZUS.
- Ask for your ZUS account number and check your contribution history through the ZUS PUE (electronic platform).
- If self-employed, register with ZUS immediately after registering your business.
- Know your rights to maternity, sick leave, and health care—especially if on non-standard contracts.
- Check if your home country has a social security agreement with Poland before relocating.
Final Thoughts
Poland offers foreign workers access to a robust social security system—but only if you're formally employed and properly registered. With growing numbers of foreign professionals and gig workers, understanding the system’s structure and your entitlements is crucial for long-term stability and well-being.
Whether you're here short-term or building a future in Poland, being informed about your social insurance rights will help you avoid costly gaps in coverage—and ensure you get the protections you’re entitled to.
