What to Do If Your Employer Hasn't Paid Your Wages in Poland
The pay date has passed and the money has not arrived in your account. This is a stressful situation — especially when you are working abroad and are not fully familiar with local law. This guide explains what you can do, step by step.
When Must an Employer Pay Wages?
Polish labour law (Article 85 of the Labour Code) requires wages to be paid at least once a month, on a date agreed in advance — usually by the 10th of the following month. The exact date must be stated in your employment contract or company pay regulations.
If you work through a staffing agency (e.g. Nexflow): your official employer is the agency, not the company where you physically work. The agency is legally obliged to pay your wages regardless of whether it has received payment from the client company. Your rights are protected.
Step 1 — Check and Contact
Before taking formal steps, verify:
- Has the payment deadline actually passed (check your contract)?
- Could the money have gone to a different account, or was there a bank transfer error?
If the deadline has passed — contact your employer or agency in writing (by email or message). Ask them to confirm the payment transfer date. Keep all correspondence — you may need it later.
Step 2 — Send a Written Payment Demand
If the employer does not respond, send a written payment demand (email with read receipt, or registered post). Include:
- Your full name
- The amount owed
- The pay period for which wages were not paid
- A deadline by which you expect payment (e.g. 5 business days)
- A note that if there is no response, you will file a complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP)
Step 3 — File a Complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP)
The National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy — PIP) enforces labour law in Poland, free of charge. You can file a complaint:
- Online: pip.gov.pl (electronic form)
- In person: at the regional labour inspectorate office in your city
- By phone: 22 391 82 00
Inspectors have the authority to order your employer to pay immediately. You can file anonymously.
Important for foreign workers: PIP accepts complaints regardless of your immigration status and does not share information with immigration authorities. Filing a complaint is safe.
Step 4 — File a Claim Through the e-Court
If the amount owed is up to 20,000 PLN, you can file a claim online through the e-court (e-sad.gov.pl). The payment order procedure (postępowanie upominawcze) is fast and inexpensive (court fee: 5% of the claim, minimum 30 PLN). The court issues an order, and if the employer does not object — a bailiff can enforce payment.
You can also access free legal aid at points in local government offices (urzędy gminy) if you need help with the process.
Step 5 — FGŚP in Case of Employer Insolvency
If your employer has declared bankruptcy, you may be able to claim wages from the Employee Capital Guarantee Fund (FGŚP). Applications are submitted by the insolvency administrator or by the employee directly — at the regional Marshal's Office (urząd marszałkowski) or online.
Summary
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| A few days late | Contact the employer or agency |
| No response | Send a written payment demand |
| Employer refuses | File a complaint with PIP (pip.gov.pl) |
| Legal claim | E-court filing (claims up to 20,000 PLN) |
| Employer bankrupt | Application to FGŚP |
Your wages are protected by Polish law regardless of your nationality or immigration status. If you work through Nexflow — the agency is your official employer and is responsible for on-time payment. Questions? Contact us at nexflow.work.
Nexflow — your staffing agency. We are on your side.