A Definitive Guide To Finding Work In Poland (With Tips)

Updated 23 March 2023

The low cost of living and competitive salary are two of the reasons why Indians consider migrating to Poland for employment opportunities. If you want to move to Poland, knowing about its work culture, business environment and traditions can prepare you in advance. Learning about the employment opportunities and requirements to secure a job in Poland can help you decide if migrating is the right option. In this article, we discuss the benefits of choosing to work in Poland, list factors to consider when moving, outline areas of skills shortage and review steps to find a job in Poland.

Legal and employment requirements mentioned in this article are relevant as of February 2023, according to the Ministry of Family and Social Policy. Consult laws from the Poland government directly to find the most up-to-date legal information.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

Benefits Of Choosing To Work In Poland

Here are some benefits you may experience if you decide to work in Poland:

Excellent work–life balance

Typically, most Polish employees work 40 hours a week or eight hours daily, Monday through Friday. The country restricts the weekly overtime limit to 48 hours per week or 150 hours per year. Employees with less than 10 years of work experience get 20 days of annual leave, whereas a work experience of over 10 years entitles them to 26 days of annual leave. In addition, for the first 33 days of sick leave in one calendar year, employees receive 80% of their average salary.

Social security benefits

Every Polish employee contributes to the social security benefits system, which ensures all employees receive free sickness, old-age, disability and accident insurance. Public healthcare insurance is free for all employees contributing to the social security benefits. Employers even offer private healthcare insurance, which includes your spouse and children.

Strategic location and competitive salary

Because of the strategic location of Poland, flying to other European countries is easy and cost-effective. Poland's rich cultural heritage makes it an exciting place to live and work. Though the salary is competitive compared to other European nations and India, Poland's cost of living is low. You may find competitive salaries in the engineering and information technology sector.

Factors To Consider When Moving To Poland

Here are some factors to consider when exploring work opportunities in Poland:

Language requirements

Polish is the country's official language and most of the population speaks Polish. Employers expect you to have some proficiency in Polish to work efficiently with your team members. As English is the second language for most people, you may find excellent work opportunities in English. For instance, English is integral in the country's higher education and popular among the younger generation. Often, employers may list English or Polish speaking skills explicitly as a requirement to qualify and secure a job offer.

Hospitality and culture

Explore the country's rich traditions and culture outside working hours. Poland is a progressive and hard-working country that emphasises providing excellent hospitality. Poles offer international employees a multicultural and hospitable work environment and unique experiences.

Work environment

Like India, Poland follows a professional yet formal work environment, emphasising respect for hierarchy and punctuality. When employees respect each other, it increases job satisfaction and promotes the company's culture. Because of the number of working hours and generous vacation periods, Polish employees enjoy an excellent work environment.

Explaining Your Qualification To Employers

Based on an international agreement with the country, Polish employers may recognise a diploma that confirms a candidate's completion of studies abroad as equal to a relevant Polish diploma. In the absence of such an agreement, employers use the nostrification proceedings. Nostrification aims at recognising a foreign diploma as equivalent to a Polish diploma. After successful nostrification, candidates use the Polish equivalent degree for work and visa purposes. Use the KWALIFIKATOR system to determine how Poland recognises your qualifications.

Poland Work Visas

Indians can obtain the following work visas:

C-type: The C-type visa is ideal for Indians who want to stay in Poland for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. This visa allows you to work for a short duration.
D-type: The D-type is the national visa permit, allowing international employees to stay continuously for over 90 days but not longer than one year. If you have a job offer and want to work for an extended period, consider applying for this visa.

What Types Of Jobs Can You Get In Poland?

Consider searching for the following type of jobs in Poland:

Summer jobs: As Poland is a famous tourist destination in the summer, you may find part-time jobs in hotels, bars and restaurants. While there is no formal application process for such jobs, contact the hotel or restaurant to know about employment opportunities.
Teaching jobs: You require a bachelor's degree and a teaching licence to teach in Poland. This licence typically lasts one year but allows you to work in state schools or as a private tutor.
Internships: Internships help you gain relevant work experience in a foreign country and make you a favourable candidate when looking for jobs. Search for internships on job boards or contact the company directly to enquire about potential opportunities.

How To Find A Job In Poland?

Consider the following steps to find a job in Poland:

1. Determine your goals

Before applying for any job, determine your goals. Consider the industry or sector in which you want to work and explore areas where you want to live. Explore each city in Poland to know the major industries and employers. This provides information about the cost of living, helping you choose a budget-friendly location.

2. Search for relevant jobs

Conduct online research to find information about areas where the country faces a skills shortage. Typically, Poland faces skills shortages in engineering, healthcare, agriculture, accounting, programming and finance. Applying to such industries can help you secure a job faster and earn a competitive salary as you may find more job opportunities in these sectors. Search on job boards and websites or hire recruitment agencies.

3. Use your network

After deciding the industry you want to work in, use your network to search for potential job opportunities. Professionals, colleagues, friends or family members who live or have lived in Poland can offer advice about finding suitable jobs. If you work for a company with a location in Poland, talk to your manager about transferring to a position in the Poland office.

4. Customise your curriculum vitae (CV)

Customising your CV ensures potential employers see valuable information relevant to their company. It allows you to highlight your specific skills, experiences and strengths and demonstrate why you may be an excellent fit for the job. Before customising your CV, search for keywords and highlight them in your CV to align with the employer's requirements.

5. Attend the interview

Employers may call you to schedule an interview if your application is suitable. Before attending the interview, prepare commonly asked questions about the job and thoroughly research the work culture. Answering confidently in the interview shows your skills and the value you can bring to the company.

Tips For Working In Poland

Here are some tips to consider if you're planning to work in Poland:

Check your passport. Before applying to any job in Poland, ensure your passport is active. If your passport expiry date is nearing, apply for renewal to ensure you can move abroad.
Prepare a European-format CV. Search for a European-format CV template to attract the employer's attention. Unlike in India, you submit a short CV to apply for suitable jobs in Poland.
Dress professionally. Dressing professionally for business meetings and interviews is essential in Poland. The country prefers formal business attire.
Be punctual and professional. Poles value punctuality and professionalism. It is essential to arrive at meetings and appointments on time and conduct yourself professionally.