How to Sign a Polish Employment Contract — Key Terms for Foreign Workers

Signing an employment contract is one of the most important steps when starting work in Poland. For a foreign worker — from Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, or any country outside the EU — the document can be difficult to understand, especially if it is written exclusively in Polish. This guide explains what to look for before you sign.

Types of Employment Contracts in Poland

• Umowa o pracę (employment contract) — a full employment contract with complete rights: paid leave, sick pay, and protection against dismissal. It can be fixed-term or indefinite.
• Umowa zlecenie (mandate/service contract) — a civil law contract, common in temporary employment. It provides fewer rights than a full employment contract, but is fully legal and includes ZUS social insurance contributions and NFZ health insurance.
• Umowa o dzieło (work-for-hire contract) — a contract for a specific deliverable or result. Rarely used for physical labour in warehouses or manufacturing.

As a temporary worker, you will most commonly sign an umowa zlecenie with a staffing agency (such as Nexflow). This is a normal and legal arrangement — you are entitled to your wages, mandatory ZUS contributions, and NFZ health coverage.

Key Contract Elements — Check Before You Sign

1. Parties to the Contract

Always check who your formal employer is. In temporary employment, you sign the contract with the staffing agency (e.g. Nexflow), not with the company where you actually work. The agency is responsible for paying your wages and making ZUS contributions.

2. Contract Type and Duration

The contract must clearly specify start and end dates (e.g. "from 1 June to 31 August 2027") or state that it is indefinite. Do not sign a contract without these dates.

3. Salary and Payment Terms

The contract must include:

• An hourly or monthly rate expressed as gross (before deductions)
• A specific payment date — e.g. "by the 10th of the following month"
• Payment method — should be a bank transfer

Important: Your take-home pay (net) will always be lower than the gross figure — income tax and ZUS contributions are deducted. In 2026, the minimum hourly wage in Poland is PLN 30.50 gross.

4. Place of Work

The contract should specify your exact workplace — the address of the warehouse, factory, or logistics centre. Verify that the address matches where you will actually be working. This matters if a dispute arises.

5. Scope of Duties

An umowa zlecenie describes the general nature of your tasks — e.g. "warehouse operations", "order picking", "forklift operation". You have the right to decline tasks that fall outside what is specified in the contract.

6. ZUS Contributions and Health Insurance

Your employer (the agency) is required to pay ZUS contributions (pension, disability, and accident insurance) and NFZ health insurance on your behalf. This entitles you to free medical care in Polish clinics and hospitals.

7. Termination Conditions

Before signing, find out the notice period for termination. For an umowa zlecenie it may be a few days, or the contract may allow termination without notice. For a fixed-term employment contract, the notice period is usually 2 weeks or 1 month, depending on your length of service.

Common Pitfalls — What to Watch Out For

• Working without a written contract — Never agree to work on a verbal promise or with a contract "to follow later". Without a written contract you have no proof of employment, no ZUS coverage, and little chance of recovering unpaid wages.
• Undeclared work ("na czarno") — Working illegally in Poland risks deportation, loss of your temporary residence card (TRC), and refusal of future residence applications.
• Rate below the minimum wage — If the offered gross rate is below PLN 30.50/h (2026), the employer is breaking the law. You can report this to the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP).
• No translation or explanation provided — You have the right to ask for an explanation of every clause before signing. A good staffing agency will provide support in your language.

Your Rights as a Worker in Poland

Regardless of your nationality, you have the same fundamental employment rights as Polish citizens:

• The right to receive wages on time
• The right to free healthcare through NFZ
• The right to safe working conditions (health and safety regulations)
• The right to paid annual leave (for employment contracts)
• The right to file a complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate without risk of dismissal

Signing Your Contract Step by Step

1. Read the entire contract before signing — take the time you need.
2. Ask for a translation or explanation of any unclear clauses.
3. Check your personal details: first name, last name, PESEL number, or passport number.
4. Request a copy of the signed contract — you are legally entitled to one under Polish law.
5. Keep the copy in a safe place — you will need it for ZUS matters, your TRC application, or in the event of a dispute.

Nexflow — Transparent Employment for Foreign Workers

At Nexflow, every contract is drawn up in accordance with Polish employment law. Our team speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English — we will walk you through every clause of your contract before you sign. We make sure you know exactly what you are agreeing to and that you are protected under Polish law.

Have questions about your contract or working conditions in Poland? Visit nexflow.work or contact our office — we are here to help at every step.