Neue Regeln für die Beschäftigung von ukrainischen Staatsbürgern in Polen. Was ist wichtig zu wissen?

Die Arbeit in Polen bleibt für Ukrainer sehr zugänglich, insbesondere unter dem Sondergesetz. Das Wichtigste ist, die Benachrichtigungen von Arbeitgebern im Auge zu behalten und während des Rekrutierungsprozesses keine Angst zu haben, danach zu fragen. Am 1. Juni traten jedoch neue Regeln für die Beschäftigung von Ausländern im Land in Kraft. Erfahren Sie, was Sie darüber wissen müssen.

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On 1 June 2025, Poland updated its rules for the employment of foreigners. These changes are particularly important for Ukrainians who work or plan to work in the country. We explain who is eligible for simplified access to the Polish labour market, what has changed since June, how employers should proceed, and what pitfalls to watch out for.

On what basis can Ukrainians work in Poland?

Ukrainian citizens can legally work in Poland if:

▪️ their stay is recognised as legal under the Special Act (Ust.1, art.2)

▪️ they are in Poland on any other legal grounds.

No permit (zezwolenie) or declaration (oświadczenie) is required to take up employment if the employer notifies the district labour office within 7 days via the praca.gov.pl portal.

Important: This rule applies not only to holders of UKR status (temporary protection), but also to those who entered under the visa-free regime, have a residence card or an extended visa.

Who can take advantage of simplified employment?

The right to work without a permit applies to:

▪️ Ukrainians with valid legal status,

▪️ holders of visas under ‘COVID’ or humanitarian programmes,

▪️ holders of residence cards,

▪️ those who entered without a foreign passport with the permission of the commandant,

▪️ spouses of Ukrainians and close relatives of holders of a Pole's Card (within the extended definition of ‘citizen of Ukraine’).

Thus, third-country nationals who have obtained UKR status can also find employment under the simplified scheme.

New rules: changes from 1 June 2025

The changes primarily affect employers:

▪️ they are now required to send copies of employment contracts to state authorities via an IT system.

▪️ At the time of publication, the technical implementation is still underway.

These changes do not create any additional obligations for employees.

How to get a job in Poland under the simplified scheme?

1. Find a job — through a job centre, classifieds websites or acquaintances.

2. Discuss the terms — type of work, schedule, pay.

3. Sign a contract — this can be:

▪️ umowa o pracę (standard employment contract),

▪️ umowa zlecenie (contract of mandate),

▪️ umowa o dzieło (contract for specific work).

4. Start work.

5. The employer will notify you of this no later than 7 days after you start work. This is a mandatory requirement. The employee is not required to submit the documents themselves, but it is advisable to check that the employer has not forgotten this formality.

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What if the employer does not notify you on time?

🔻 All responsibility lies with the employer.

🔻 The employee is exempt from penalties.

🔻 Failure to notify is a violation, and such work may be considered illegal.

How much should Ukrainians be paid in Poland?

🔻 The minimum wage in 2025 is PLN 4,666 gross.

🔻 For part-time employment (e.g. 0.5 FTE) — PLN 2,333 gross.

🔻 Salaries cannot be lower than those of other employees in the same position — discrimination is prohibited.

What should you do if your certificate or permit expires?

🔻 For Ukrainians who are covered by the Special Law, no further action is required — the right to work is retained.

🔻 Those who are not eligible for benefits must renew their certificate or obtain a residence card.

Other important questions

Is it possible to change jobs if you have a residence card?

Yes, but from 2022, you will need to submit a separate notification to the Uzhond. However, Ukrainians with temporary protection are exempt from the fee and additional permit — it is sufficient to notify the Uzhond of the change of employer.

What about seasonal work?

According to general rules, seasonal employment is limited to 270 days per year. But for Ukrainians and other foreigners with the right to simplified employment:

🔻 there are no restrictions on the duration,

🔻 you can work in seasonal jobs legally for the entire period of your stay in Poland.

If you need help with paperwork, resumes, or legal advice, contact Visit Ukraine's lawyers. Our specialists have experience supporting Ukrainians in various countries, including Poland, and will help you navigate the new rules and opportunities.

Please note! The waiting time for a residence card in Poland depends on the region, the type of document and the workload of the provinces. Find out the current deadlines for 2025, statistics and practical advice for migrants.

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