Many foreign workers in Poland do not know their rights — and some unscrupulous employers take advantage of that. The truth is: Polish labor law protects ALL workers equally, regardless of nationality. Here is what you are entitled to.
Your Basic Rights as a Worker in Poland
- Minimum wage: 4,666 PLN gross/month in 2026 — no exceptions
- Maximum working hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week
- Overtime pay: 150% or 200% of hourly rate depending on timing
- Paid annual leave: 20 days (first year) or 26 days (after 10 years)
- Sick pay: paid by employer for first 33 days, then ZUS
- Notice period: 2 weeks to 3 months depending on contract length
- Safe working conditions — employer is legally responsible
What Your Employer CANNOT Do
- Pay you less than minimum wage
- Confiscate your passport or residence documents
- Force you to work more than legal hours without overtime pay
- Dismiss you for reporting safety violations
- Discriminate based on nationality, religion, or origin
- Delay salary payment beyond the 10th of the following month
- Terminate contract without proper notice period
- Threaten deportation to force compliance
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Employer asks to hold your passport "for safekeeping"
- Salary paid in cash without payslip
- Contract is only in Polish with no explanation
- Employer says immigration status depends on "good behavior"
- Workplace has no safety equipment or training
How to Report Violations
If your employer violates your rights, you have several options:
- State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) — pip.gov.pl — anonymous reporting possible
- ZUS — if employer is not paying social contributions
- Police — for passport confiscation or threats
- Employment court (sad pracy) — for unpaid wages or wrongful dismissal
Reporting your employer does NOT automatically affect your residence permit. Your legal status is separate from your employment dispute.
If your employer is violating your rights or you need advice on your legal situation, contact Legal Solution — 6 years, 3,000+ cases, 98% approval rate.