Polish Labor Law: Rights of Foreign Workers and Employer Obligations
Entrance
Poland has become an attractive country for foreign workers in recent years. Its EU membership, economic growth, and low unemployment rate make Poland a significant center for work and investment .
However, the employment process for foreign workers in Poland is subject to specific regulations under the Labour Code and the Foreigners Act
I. General Framework of Polish Labor Law
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Source: Codex Pracy (1974).
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Additional regulations: Foreigners Act (2013), EU Labour Directives.
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Core principles: Equality, justice, protection of workers' rights.
II. Rights of Foreign Workers
1. Principle of Equality
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Foreigners have equal rights with Polish citizens.
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The prohibition of discrimination applies.
2. Wage Rights
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The minimum wage will be approximately PLN 4,600 gross as of 2025 .
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Additional pay for overtime, night work, and holidays.
3. Permission Rights
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Annual paid leave: At least 20 days.
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Sick leave: Covered by social security.
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Maternity and paternity leave.
4. Occupational Safety
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The employer is obligated to provide safe and healthy working conditions.
III. Work Permits and Their Connection to Residence Permits
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Types of work permits: A, B, C, D, E.
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The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified professionals.
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Work permits are usually issued together with residence permits.
IV. Employers' Responsibilities
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To draw up a written employment contract.
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Registering the employee with social security (ZUS).
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Making sure tax deductions are correct.
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To ensure working conditions comply with regulations.
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Obtaining the necessary permits for foreign workers.
V. Special Cases for Turkish Citizens
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There is a double taxation avoidance agreement between Turkey and Poland .
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For Turkish citizens, a residence permit and a work permit can be arranged together.
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Following the Ankara Agreement, some rights enjoyed by the EU are not implemented in Poland.
VI. Trade Union and Collective Bargaining Rights
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Foreigners can join trade unions.
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They have the right to benefit from collective bargaining agreements.
VII. Occupational Accidents and Compensation Regulations
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Workplace accidents are covered under the ZUS (Workplace Safety Insurance System).
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The employer is liable for compensation.
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Foreign workers can also file compensation claims.
VIII. Problems Faced by Foreign Workers
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Language barrier.
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Employers' demand for unregistered employment.
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Underpayment of insurance premiums.
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Work permits are issued late.
IX. Work Permits That Have Been Rejected or Canceled
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Presenting forged documents.
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Inadequate employment contract.
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Public safety risk.
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If the work permit is cancelled, the employment contract is terminated.
X. Strategic Recommendations
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Work permit applications should be handled with professional advice.
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A written and detailed employment contract is required.
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Tax and social security records should be monitored.
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Long-term planning → permanent residency → citizenship.
XI. Sample Scenarios
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Scenario 1: A Turkish worker started working in Warsaw, the employer didn't pay his social security contributions → he won his rights through the court.
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Scenario 2: A Turkish engineer arrived with an EU Blue Card → obtained permanent residency after 5 years.
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Scenario 3: Turkish student worked without a work permit → deported.
XII. Frequently Asked Questions
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Can foreigners join a trade union in Poland? → ✔ Yes.
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What is the minimum wage? → Approximately PLN 4,600 gross as of 2025.
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Is there any special advantage for Turkish citizens? → A double taxation agreement provides an advantage.
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Can I work without a work permit? → ❌ No.
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Can foreigners also receive compensation in workplace accidents? → ✔ Yes.
Conclusion
Polish labor law grants extensive rights to foreign workers while imposing significant obligations on employers.
For Turkish citizens, the most critical point that the work permit and residence permit are processed simultaneously and that the employer fulfills their obligations.
Professional legal advice is vital for protecting workers' rights and overseeing the employer's responsibilities.
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