If your company is looking to hire foreign workers, you must take the following actions to ensure that both you and your prospective hires satisfy the relevant requirements.
Poland has a relatively low cost of living compared to Western European countries, and it is a member of the European Union, which allows for easy travel and work within the EU. The country also has a growing economy and a strong manufacturing sector, which can provide job opportunities for foreign workers. However, the official language is Polish, and not all Poles speak English fluently, which can make it challenging for non-Polish speakers to find work or navigate daily life.
Employers in Poland have certain legal obligations when hiring foreign workers, which include:
- Obtaining a valid work permit: Foreign workers must have a valid work permit issued by the Polish government to legally work in the country. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their foreign employees have the necessary documentation.
- Paying taxes and social security contributions: Employers must register their foreign employees with the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and pay the required taxes and social security contributions.
- Providing equal treatment: Foreign workers are entitled to the same rights and benefits as Polish workers, and employers cannot discriminate based on nationality or other protected characteristics.
- Complying with labor laws: Employers must comply with all relevant labor laws, including those related to working hours, minimum wage, and health and safety.
- Complying with immigration laws: Employers must comply with all relevant immigration laws, including those related to work permits, visas, and the registration of foreign employees with the appropriate authorities.
- Proper documentation: Employers must keep proper records of their foreign employees’ documents, and make sure that they are up to date and comply with all legal requirements.
It’s important to note that the regulations regarding hiring and employing foreign workers in Poland are subject to change and it’s recommended to consult a specialist or a lawyer to ensure compliance with the current laws.
There are several types of visas that foreign workers can apply for in order to work in Poland:
- A-type visa: This is a short-term visa that allows a foreign worker to enter Poland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for the purpose of work. This visa is typically used for business trips, internships, and other short-term work assignments.
- C-type visa: This is a long-term visa that allows a foreign worker to enter Poland for a period of up to 3 years. This visa is typically used for longer-term work assignments, such as full-time employment or extended internships.
- EU Blue Card: This is a special type of long-term visa that is available to highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. It allows the holder to live and work in Poland for up to 4 years.
- National Visa (Type D): This type of visa is for those who intend to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, for example for work, study or family reasons. This visa is valid for several months and allows a person to enter Poland multiple times.
- Residence Permit: After entering Poland with a visa, a foreign worker can apply for a residence permit, which will allow them to live and work in Poland for a longer period, usually for a year.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and processes for obtaining each of these visas will vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, such as the purpose of their stay, the duration of their stay, and their qualifications and skills. It’s recommended to check with the Polish consulate or Embassy in the worker’s country of residence for detailed information and guidance on the visa application process.
There are several industries in Poland that are currently in demand for foreign workers. Some of these include:
- IT and technology: Poland has a rapidly growing IT industry, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in areas such as software development, data science, and cybersecurity.
- Manufacturing: Poland has a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in areas such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. There is a demand for skilled workers in fields such as engineering, production, and logistics.
- Medical and healthcare: Poland has a growing healthcare sector and needs skilled professionals in areas such as nursing, medicine, and dentistry.
- Business and finance: Poland have a growing economy and needs professionals in the business and finance sectors, including finance managers, marketing managers, and sales representatives.
- Logistics and transport: Poland is a major transportation hub in Europe, and there is a demand for workers in logistics, transportation and supply chain management.
- Construction: With the Polish economy growing, there is a need for construction workers and tradespeople for new buildings and infrastructure projects.
- English teaching: Poland has a high demand for English language teachers, both in language schools and in business settings.
It’s important to note that the demand for foreign workers can vary depending on the location, the specific company, the field, and the current economic situation. It’s recommended for the foreign worker to look for job opportunities and research the current situation in their desired field and location.
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