Why is working in Poland becoming increasingly accessible for foreigners?

Job prospects in Poland

If you have a higher education degree and are proficient in Polish, your chances of finding a well-paid job will significantly increase. Even without specific skills, you can find a huge number of job openings on specialized resources. The key is not to miss opportunities and to take action actively!

Need for personnel

There is a demand for skilled workers in Poland. As the country continues to develop economically, the need for new specialists is growing every year. The most relevant fields of work are:

• medicine
• information technology
• education
• trade
• industrial sector
• agriculture
• logistics
• construction
• services

Poland holds a leading position in the European Union in terms of the number of visas issued for foreigners for permanent residence – accounting for almost 20% of the total number of documents. The majority of these visas are issued to citizens of Ukraine.

Labor migration statistics

According to the information from the Central Statistical Office of Poland, in 2019, the number of work permits for foreign citizens increased by38%, reaching the mark of444 700This represents a sevenfold increase compared to 2015. More74%The issued permits are held by Ukrainian citizens.

Salary in Poland

Comparing salaries, it can be noted that wages in Poland are relatively low, especially in comparison to Western Europe. The average monthly minimum wage in the country is approximately600 euros"(before taxes), which makes it one of the lowest in Europe. Although this amount exceeds the figures in Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Latvia, it is significantly lower than in Slovenia, Spain, not to mention countries like Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands."

The future of salaries

According to analysts, toin the year 2030Salaries in Poland can compare to the average figures across Europe. However, for now, these forecasts remain nothing more than expectations, and many local workers prefer to move to more economically stable countries, such as Germany, where salaries can be higher.3-4 times higher.

Comparison with neighboring countries

Nevertheless, Polish incomes still surpass the average earnings in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. It is important to note that in2020Poland has become one of the most affordable countries in Europe in terms of living standards and expenses.

Employment opportunities for migrants

When discussing employment opportunities for migrants from post-Soviet countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia, it is important to emphasize that there are many options available. In fields that are popular among men, job openings are most often available for:

• builders
• drivers
• stonemasons
• packers
• movers

Women are being offered jobs as seamstresses, cashiers, maids, and caregivers. There is especially high demand for harvesters and assemblers during the spring and summer months.

To get a job in Poland, there is no need for special professional skills or deep knowledge of the language. However, for highly qualified specialists in popular industries, knowledge of Polish is an important aspect, although this rule is not always necessary for workers in the information technology sector. If you improve your qualifications, your chances of getting a higher-paying job will also increase. So how can a foreigner successfully find a job in this country?

Ways to search for a job in Poland

The best approach is to start with independent research online, as well as discussing your plans with relatives or friends who are already in Poland. If you don't have any connections in the country, I recommend paying attention to specialized online resources, preferably in Polish, as you will find a lot of job vacancies and useful information there. Even if you don't have a high level of language proficiency yet, modern online translators can significantly simplify the search process.

Job search platforms

There are many Polish platforms and websites offering job vacancies:

• Jooble- This is a universal job aggregator that covers all cities in Poland, gathering information from various specialized websites. Here, you can subscribe to notifications about new job openings, which will be sent to your email.
• Pracuj.pl- this is one of the most popular resources in Poland for job seekers with a degree and work experience. If you are looking for jobs that require physical labor and basic language skills, this site should be used as a last resort. It allows you to subscribe to updates, and the mobile version enables you to instantly track current job offers.
• OXL– a universal platform where you can not only find job vacancies but also post ads for renting housing, selling equipment, and other services.
• Praca.pl- This is a large portal aimed at finding well-paid jobs. It features listings from reputable companies that require applicants to have language skills and work experience. The site has an English version available, as well as a section called "Targi Pracy," where job seekers can exchange resumes with potential employers.
• Infopraca.pl– a special resource aimed at highly qualified specialists.
• Gumtree– an authoritative website that offers the opportunity to post job listings directly from employers, without intermediaries. You can submit your resume even if your level of Polish is not very high — job vacancies are available in a wide range.
• Adzuna– another aggregator that allows you to find out the average salaries for the job vacancies you are interested in across the country.
• Neuvoo- a resource that publishes job vacancies not only from job sites but also from the official pages of companies and recruitment agencies.
• Jobs.pl- On this portal, you can not only view job vacancies but also get acquainted with announcements of HR events taking place in Poland.

Conclusion

Thus, foreigners looking to find a job in Poland have many platforms and resources at their disposal. Once you find a suitable vacancy, make sure to prepare for the interview and try to improve your language skills. This will increase your chances of success and help you feel confident in a new environment.

Resources for employment in Poland

In Poland, there are many platforms focused on labor issues, including sections related to the country's labor legislation. To facilitate access to information, some websites offer materials in English. On Russian-language portals, you can find numerous job vacancies in Poland, as well as useful articles that highlight the nuances of employment in this country, including the possibility of submitting a resume. One of the recommended resources is the website.work guarantee - delo.pl.

Special resources for Ukrainian job seekers

There is also a specialized platform for Ukrainian job seekers calledwork for UkraineThis is a free resource that provides information not only about job offers, mainly for skilled workers, but also about training opportunities in Poland. The popularity of Ukrainian workers in the country has increased, as since 2018, citizens with biometric passports can visit Poland visa-free for up to 90 days twice a year if they have a job invitation.

Resources for Belarusian job seekers

Special resources have also been developed for Belarusians, such as various communities on the social network VKontakte and platforms likelayboard.comandworkedmore.by, which is the Belarusian equivalent of work garant. For professionals in the field of information technology, there are specialized online resources available, such as:

• pracait.com
• scigani.pl
• 4programmers.net
• mamstartup (for startups)
• karieramanagera.pl (for managers)

Resources for healthcare professionals and students

There are platforms for medical professionals, such asportal-medica.plandmpkompendium24.pl...and students can take advantage of websites such as:

• for the student.pl
• student jobs.pl
• students.pl

Additional resources for various professions

Financial specialists are interested in platforms.career in financefor digital media workers —praca.wirtualnemedia.pl, but it will be suitable for engineers.bdi.

Employer analysis

Before making a decision about choosing an employer, it's worth researching information about them in the register of the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) and checking reviews on forums. There are groups on social media dedicated to job searching in Poland, such aswork in Polandwhere job vacancies are posted and experiences are shared by job seekers who are already working in Poland.

Bulletin boards and useful publications

There are also platforms for posting job ads "Jobs in Poland," where free vacancies are available. Additional assistance in job searching can be provided by publications in specialized publications. The most popular publications that publish fresh job openings are:

• workSupplement to Gazeta Wyborcza
• My CareerSupplement to Rzeczpospolita

Job fairs and recruitment agencies

Don't miss the chance to attend job fairs where you can meet employers and learn about courses for acquiring new professions. Additionally, employment services and the EURES information service are actively operating in Poland, and the OHP resource offers employment programs for youth.

Addressing recruitment agencies

If you don't want to spend time searching for job openings on your own, you can reach out to recruitment agencies. The most well-known among them are:

• Randstad
• EWL
• Interframe
• Otto Poland
• Pollux
• Poland Workforce
• Transline Group
• Work Service S.A.
• Mega Pol

These agencies are ready to help you in your job search and significantly simplify the employment process.

Licensed employment agencies

A complete list of licensed employment agencies can be found on the official resources of the Ministry of Labor, Social Policy, and other government platforms. At the same time, there are many companies that specialize in helping citizens find jobs in specific regions, including individual voivodeships. If you wish to obtain more detailed information about current job vacancies, it makes sense to refer to such specialized resources.

Requirements for foreign workers

In the context of requirements for foreign workers, it is worth noting that for low-skilled specialists working in fields with minimal need for communication with the local population, knowledge of Polish or English is not critically important. However, if your profession involves active interaction with people, such as for medical workers and teachers, then knowledge of Polish, and preferably English as well, becomes a priority.

Seasonal work in Poland

Seasonal job openings in Poland start in May, and after the holidays, there is often an increase in offers in the agricultural sector. These positions usually do not require candidates to have a specific gender, language skills, or even work experience. The main requirement is good physical condition and health, as the work can involve significant physical demands, sometimes reaching up to 12 hours a day and often without days off.

Cleaning work

Similar criteria apply to workers in the sanitation sector, such as cleaners and housekeepers.

Drivers and their requirements

As for drivers, Poland is looking not only for long-haul truckers but also for professionals capable of operating various machinery in construction and agriculture, such as forklift operators. These positions typically require a category C or E driver's license. It is also preferable for candidates to have at least two years of work experience and basic knowledge of the Polish language.

International transportation

If you are interested in working as a driver in international freight transportation, knowledge of English is essential. It is worth noting that such positions have higher requirements compared to jobs in the agricultural sector, but the corresponding salary will also be higher — it can range from €900 to €1700 depending on the distance of the trips and the complexity of the equipment being operated.

Work in the medical field

In the field of medicine, the work for foreign specialists often involves lengthy procedures for validating their qualifications and recognizing their diplomas. In 2020, Poland simplified the employment process for medical professionals who are not citizens of EU countries, provided they have the appropriate diplomas. Now, to start a career in this country, it is enough to successfully pass a qualifying exam. Additionally, there is an opportunity to work in a specific medical organization on a temporary basis if the management is willing to hire a new employee, who must possess a medical diploma, have at least three years of work experience in the specialty, and have a level of Polish sufficient to perform the assigned tasks.

Internship for medical professionals

It is also important to understand that internships in Poland are paid only for holders of the Pole's Card, while other medical professionals can complete this internship without receiving any compensation.

Earnings of a doctor in Poland

Working as a doctor in Poland can bring you an income ranging from 1300 to 1700 US dollars per month.

The duration and cost of a work permit

The validity period of the work permit is equal to the duration specified in the contract, but it must not exceed three years. The cost of obtaining this permit ranges from 12 to 47 euros, depending on the length of stay in Poland.

Upon expiration of the permit, it is possible to extend it by providing a valid employment contract and paying a stamp duty, which amounts to 50% of the initial fee.

Categories of individuals not requiring a work permit

Some categories of citizens are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit.

• Refugees and individuals with additional protection in Poland
• People with permanent or long-term residence permits
• Foreigners with residence rights or married to a Polish citizen
• Citizens of European Union countries and eurozone countries
• Students and interns
• Holders of the Pole's Card
• Artists and researchers staying in Poland for up to 30 days
• Correspondents, athletes, military personnel, and religious figures

Processes for obtaining a work permit

Foreigners obtaining a work permit can choose between two main options:

• On my own, having reached an agreement with the employer
• Through recruitment agencies

Obtaining a work visa

The next step may involve the process of obtaining a work visa. If you intend to work in Poland at the invitation of an employer for up to six months, it will be sufficient to apply for a Schengen work visa type C 05, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days within a year. However, to obtain a national visa valid for a year (type D 05 or D 06), which grants the right to stay in Poland for a year, an approved permit from the voivode will be required, complicating the application process.

The procedure for obtaining a work permit

First, the employer must submit an application for a work permit to the relevant voivodeship. After receiving preliminary approval, the candidate can apply for a visa, after which a work permit will be issued.

Upon arrival in Poland, a foreign citizen is required to register at the nearest police station within 7 days. To extend a visa, one must again contact the voivodeship.

Documents for obtaining a work visa

As for the document package for obtaining a work visa in Poland, it is important to consider:

• The consular fee, which can vary from 0 to 60 euros depending on the country of residence and the type of visa.
• Documents from the Polish employer (employment contract, invitation or work permit, declaration of intent to hire a foreigner)
• A copy of the passport and all Schengen visas for the last three years.
• Completed visa application form
• Medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
• Current color photographs

All collected documents should be submitted to the Polish embassy, consulate, or visa center in your region. The processing time for the application can vary from 5 to 10 days; in rare cases, it may extend to 30-60 days, for example, if your application is subject to a random check, which can also delay the visa issuance process.

Obtaining a work visa for Poland

Please note that the process of obtaining a work visa to work in Poland is directly linked to your employer who issued you the job invitation. This means that if you wish to change your place of work, you will first need to work the period specified in your contract with your current employer.

It is important to note that in the event of job loss, you should not rush to leave Poland. You have the option to notify the local authorities of the changes within 14 days, and during this period, it is highly advisable to find a new employer within 30 days.

Application for a residence permit

Employment in Poland can serve as a basis for applying for a residence permit, but it is necessary to be legally employed for 2-5 years. It is also advisable to explore issues such as job searching in the Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, and Turkey, as well as the process of obtaining a work visa through the Pole's Card.

If you have the opportunity to prove your Polish nationality,The map will significantly simplify the moving process.Currently, the majority of such documents are being obtained by citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.

Advantages of the Polish Card

Despite the fact that the Polish Card is not a work visa, residence permit, or a document confirming citizenship, it offers many significant benefits. Here are some of them:

• The possibility of obtaining a long-term category D multiple visa.for one year under a simplified procedure, without requiring permission from the employer and without paying a visa fee.
• Legal access to employmentIn Poland, without the need to obtain an invitation from an employer and a work visa.
• The right to conduct business and educationon equal terms with Polish citizens.
• 37% discountfor travel tickets for domestic trips by train.
• Free entryto state museums.
• Necessary medical assistancein emergency cases without payment.
• Simplified immigration procedureHaving a Polish Card allows you to obtain a residence permit, and after two years of being in the country, you can apply for citizenship.

However, it should be noted that the Polish Card itself does not allow for free movement across European Union countries. Nevertheless, it provides an opportunity to obtain a one-year multiple-entry visa without complicated procedures and unnecessary expenses, which will grant access to 26 EU countries.

EU Blue Card

Obtaining a Blue Card in the EU is possible if you have a sought-after profession, relevant higher education, and work experience in the chosen field. To do this, certain requirements must be met:

• Presence of an employment contractwith a Polish company, the term of which is at least one year.
• Qualification confirmationthrough a certified diploma.
• Salary levelwhich should exceed the average salary in the country, as established by the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The validity of the Blue Card is marked as 3 months after the end of the employment contract, but it cannot exceed a three-year period.

Work and work permit

For two years, the candidate has the right not only to change employers but also to change the type of work permit. To get more detailed information about the blue card, we recommend checking out our article.

Consequences of illegal employment

As for the consequences of illegal employment, it is important to consider that a worker's status can be checked by both labor inspection authorities and border control services.

If violations are identified, for example, if an employee continues to stay in the country and performs work duties illegally, the employer may face a fine starting from700 to 2500 euros...and the employee can receive a fine of240 to 1200 euros, aside from the risks of deportation.

Currently, the established order is becoming increasingly strict, and employers are required to pay all salary debts to illegal employees.

The situation in the labor market in Poland

At the beginning of 2020, the situation with job vacancies in Poland was as follows: the unemployment rate was only2.9%This is one of the lowest rates in Europe. At the same time, there is a significant shortage of labor.

This contradiction is caused not only by the mass exodus of highly qualified professionals but also by the reluctance of local citizens to engage in physical labor. Therefore, workers can be classified into two groups:

• Specialists with unique knowledge
• Workers ready to perform complex physical tasks

In-demand professions

Moreover, a distinctive feature of the Polish labor market is the availability of job vacancies not only for seasonal workers, harvesters, and service personnel, but also for a wide range of other professions.

A study conducted by the companyManpowerGroupIt showed that the most in-demand professions in Poland are:

• Installers
• Welders
• Mechanics
• Electricians
• Turners
• Carpenters
• Masons
• Cook and seamstresses
• Plumbers
• Engineers
• IT specialists
• Drivers
• Accountants and financiers
• Managers and salespeople
• Medical professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, pediatricians, and veterinarians
• Specialists in the social field, such as teachers, trainers, nannies, and caregivers.

Staff shortage

The critical shortage of specialists is most noticeable in the construction sector, industry, and agriculture. That’s why it’s relatively easy to find a job in fields such as carpentry, electrical work, or masonry.

Welders and milling machine operators earn high salaries; however, these positions require a relevant diploma, work experience, and basic knowledge of the Polish language.

Service sector

The service sector also offers numerous job opportunities, such as waiters, bartenders, or cleaners. In this case, often only a high school diploma is required, and work experience may not be necessary.

Nevertheless, in some cases, having conversational knowledge of Polish will be useful, as these professions involve interaction with clients.

The opportunity to start your own business

In addition, foreign citizens have the opportunity not only to work for someone else but also to start their own business. This can also be a great way to obtain a residence permit in Poland for the business owner and their family members.

Thus, this could be the perfect option for those who wish to gain independence and explore new horizons in a country that has become their new homeland.

Since the beginning of 2020, Poland has established a minimum wage of €3.85 per hour. When converted to a monthly salary, this amounts to approximately €600, not including taxes. This figure is periodically reviewed and increased. For example, in 2008, the minimum wage was €313, which indicates a significant increase over this time. The average earnings in the country reach €1200, and after deducting taxes and social contributions, workers take home about €850. However, this figure can vary greatly depending on the region and type of activity.

Salaries by region

Data on salaries show that the highest incomes are observed in the Masovian Voivodeship, especially in the capital, Warsaw, where specialists earn 25% more than in other regions of Poland. High incomes are also recorded in the Pomeranian and Lower Silesian Voivodeships. In contrast, the lowest salaries can be found in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, where the gap between maximum and minimum incomes reaches about €430.

Average incomes by profession

If we analyze the incomes of popular professions, we get the following picture (before taxes):

• IT specialists: €1700–2000;
• Doctors: €1300–1700;
• Construction workers: from €700 to €1000;
• Truck drivers and long-distance carriers: €800–1700;
• Accountants and economists: approximately €1000;
• Chef: around €640;
• Electricians, carpenters, locksmiths, masons: €600–700;
• Milling machine operators: €700–1000;
• Cashiers: €600;
• Sellers: from €500;
• Teachers: from €550;
• Sewers: around €520;
• Makeup artists and hairdressers: from €450;
• Cleaners: from €500;

Warehouse workers and packers can expect a salary ranging from €550 to €700. It is worth noting that the income level largely depends on the specific company.

Wages in the construction industry

In the construction industry, payment is usually made on an hourly basis. On average, the rate is €2.5 per hour, but it can range from €3.5 to €5. In some situations, companies may cover housing expenses, but in other cases, the worker is required to pay around €30-35 per month for these needs.

Earnings of seasonal workers

Seasonal agricultural workers work up to 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week. Their earnings range from €2.1 to €3.2, and there is also a significant influence from the area of work. Generally, the salary does not include food expenses, which average around €100 per month.

Earnings of caregivers

Caregivers can earn between €500 and €1500, which completely depends on their professional skills, education, the scope of their responsibilities, and their level of proficiency in the Polish language.

Obtaining a residence permit

A key point is obtaining a residence permit in Poland, which can be arranged by starting a business or getting a job at a local company. Finding work in this country is not particularly difficult, but it is important to organize the job search process properly. Serious attention must be paid to the documentation, signing the employment contract, as well as obtaining the necessary invitations and permits for the visa.

Conclusion

The issue of salaries comes to the forefront, as stable income is mainly received only by highly qualified specialists. Every person who demonstrates initiative and professionalism can expect a decent financial reward for their efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poland offers numerous opportunities for foreigners looking to find work. Despite some challenges, such as language barriers and differences in cultural adaptation, the country provides a wide range of job vacancies in various fields — from medicine and IT to construction and agriculture.

Recent data shows that Poland is rapidly developing and increasingly needs both skilled and unskilled workers. I see that there is a great potential for employment for people from the CIS countries. Even if you don't have specialized knowledge or experience, there are many entry-level positions that can serve as a first step towards a successful career.

Advantages of working in Poland

• A wide range of job openings.
• A dynamically developing economy.
• The possibility of employment even without experience.

The Polish economy is striving for improvement, and this is creating new jobs, making it attractive for migrants. By turning to specialized websites and platforms for job searching, you will discover a wide range of opportunities. The key is not to be afraid to try and to actively seek suitable options.

Tips for finding a job

• Explore online resources.
• Contact employers directly.
• Use your connections to increase your chances of getting a job.

Remember, every journey begins with the first step, and by following these recommendations, you can significantly improve your situation. Poland can become not just a country of temporary stay for you, but a true home where you can build your career and life.

I hope this material has been helpful and inspired you not to be afraid to start a new chapter of your life in this amazing country.