Explore Our Unmatched Features that Elevate Your Hiring
Poland combines a thriving tech ecosystem with a strategic location in Central Europe. Employers face intense competition for engineers, IT professionals, logistics specialists, and healthcare workers. As an EU member with structured employment law, companies must be fluent in local contract standards, social security registration, and wage compliance when recruiting.
Facts & Stats
Key Employment Rules Employers Must Know
Employment relationships in Poland are governed by the Polish Labour Code. Employment contracts must be in writing and specify role, remuneration, working hours, and contract type. Probation periods are allowed for up to 3 months.
Employees are entitled to paid annual leave and statutory protections related to termination, notice periods, and severance.
The standard working week in Poland is 40 hours, typically spread across five working days. Daily working time generally cannot exceed 8 hours, although flexible arrangements may apply in certain industries.
Overtime is regulated and permitted only in justified cases. Overtime must be compensated either through additional pay or time off in lieu. Compensation rates are typically 50% or 100% above the regular wage, depending on when overtime is worked.
Poland has a nationally regulated minimum wage, reviewed annually. The current minimum gross monthly wage is PLN 4,242 for full-time employees. Employers must ensure wages meet or exceed this threshold.
Overview of Employer, Employee, and Individual Taxation in Poland
Approximately 13.7%
Employees contribute around 13.7% of their gross salary toward social security and health insurance. These contributions are automatically deducted from monthly wages.
Approximately 20%
Employers contribute approximately 20% of an employee’s gross salary toward social security, covering pensions, disability insurance, accident insurance, and labor fund contributions.
12% and 32%
Poland applies a progressive personal income tax system. Most income is taxed at 12%, with a higher 32% rate applying above the statutory income threshold.
Poland operates a mandatory public pension system funded through employer and employee social security contributions. Pension eligibility depends on contribution history and retirement age.
Employment termination in Poland must comply with the Polish Labour Code. Employers must provide valid grounds for termination in the case of indefinite contracts. Notice periods depend on the employee’s length of service and are strictly regulated. Immediate termination is only permitted in cases of serious misconduct.
In Poland, the statutory notice period depends on the employee’s length of service with the employer. It ranges from two weeks to three months and applies to both employers and employees.
Severance pay may be required when employment ends due to redundancy or organizational changes. It is generally capped at up to three months’ salary, depending on the employee’s tenure.
Employees in Poland are entitled to 20 or 26 days of paid annual leave per year, depending on their length of service. Paid sick leave is available, with employers covering the initial period before social security benefits apply. Maternity leave lasts up to 20 weeks for a single birth, with additional parental leave available and paid through social insurance. Paternity leave is also available and compensated through social security. Employees are entitled to paid bereavement leave, usually ranging from 1 to 2 days depending on the circumstances.
January 1
New Year’s Day
May 1
Labour Day
May 3
Constitution Day
August 15
Assumption Day
November 11
Independence Day
December 25
Christmas Day
Frequently asked questions
What makes Iris helpful for hiring in Poland?
Iris helps employers source and evaluate candidates efficiently while supporting compliance with Polish labor laws and EU employment standards.
Is it mandatory to hire Polish nationals?
No. Employers can hire both Polish and foreign nationals. Non-EU employees must have valid work permits, while EU citizens can work freely in Poland.
How is severance calculated in Poland?
Severance is based on the reason for termination and length of service. Employees may be entitled to severance pay of up to three months’ salary.
What are the official working hours in Poland?
The standard working week in Poland is 40 hours, typically spread across five days.
Do employees in Poland receive a pension?
Yes. Employees are covered by a mandatory public pension system funded through employer and employee social security contributions.
