Are you working in Poland and someone has asked you for an employment certificate? Or are you trying to open a bank account, rent a flat, or extend your visa, and you have been told you need this document? In this guide we explain what an employment certificate is, when you need one, and how to get it.
What Is an Employment Certificate?
An employment certificate (in Polish: zaświadczenie o zatrudnieniu) is an official document issued by your employer confirming that you are currently employed. Do not confuse it with a certificate of work history (świadectwo pracy) — that document is issued when an employment contract ends.
When Do You Need an Employment Certificate?
As a foreign worker in Poland, you may need an employment certificate in the following situations:
- Opening a bank account — most Polish banks require proof of employment as evidence of financial stability
- Renting a flat — a landlord or estate agency may ask for confirmation of employment
- Extending a visa or applying for a Temporary Residence Card — the immigration office requires a current certificate
- Applying for a loan or credit
- Applying for the 800+ child benefit or other social benefits
- Registering with a doctor (GP) — as proof of ZUS health insurance coverage
- Visa applications for other countries (e.g. Germany, UK)
What Should an Employment Certificate Contain?
Although there is no single legally prescribed format, an employment certificate should typically include:
- Full name and address of the employer
- Employee's full name
- Date of birth or PESEL/passport number
- Type of contract (employment contract / civil-law contract)
- Working time (full-time / part-time)
- Employment start date
- Salary (if required by the requesting institution)
- Company stamp and signature of an authorised person
- Date of issue
How to Request an Employment Certificate
In Poland, your employer is legally obliged to issue an employment certificate at your request. They cannot refuse without a valid reason. Here is what to do:
- Go to the HR department or your direct supervisor
- Explain why you need the certificate (bank, office, flat rental)
- Ask if a specific format or content is required (e.g. including salary information)
- The certificate should be issued within 7 working days
Employment Certificate When Working Through a Staffing Agency
If you work through a temporary staffing agency such as Nexflow, your official employer is the agency, not the user company where you physically work. This means you need to request the employment certificate from the agency, not from the work site.
Note: if you work under a civil-law contract (umowa zlecenie), some institutions may require a different certificate confirming you are working under a civil-law contract — check exactly what the institution requires before making your request.
Employment Certificate vs. Certificate of Work History
| Employment certificate (zaświadczenie o zatrudnieniu) | Work history certificate (świadectwo pracy) |
|---|---|
| Issued during employment | Issued after the contract ends |
| Confirms current employment | Confirms employment history |
| Issued on the employee's request | Mandatory when the contract ends |
Summary
An employment certificate is a simple but important document that you may need in many situations — from opening a bank account to obtaining a residence card. Remember: it is your right as an employee, and your employer (or agency) is obliged to issue it on request. If you work through Nexflow, contact our HR team — we can help you get the document you need quickly.