Working in Poland through a temporary staffing agency? As a foreign worker (Ukrainian, Belarusian, Moldovan or other non-EU nationals) you are entitled — and required — to be covered by Poland's social insurance system, ZUS. This guide explains who registers you, what contributions are deducted, and what you gain.
What is ZUS?
ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) is Poland's Social Insurance Institution. It manages:
- Pension and disability insurance — protects you if you become unable to work
- Sickness insurance — pays sick-leave benefits (L4) when you are ill
- Accident insurance — covers workplace injuries
- Health insurance (NFZ) — gives you access to Poland's public healthcare system
Who registers you with ZUS?
As a temporary worker hired through an agency (e.g. Nexflow), the staffing agency is your legal employer and it is the agency's obligation to register you. You do not do this yourself.
The agency must:
- Register you as insured within 7 days of your first working day (form ZUS ZUA).
- Pay contributions from your salary every month.
- Deregister you after the contract ends (form ZUS ZWUA).
What contributions are deducted from your salary?
| Contribution | Paid by employee | Paid by employer |
|---|---|---|
| Pension | 9.76% | 9.76% |
| Disability | 1.5% | 6.5% |
| Sickness | 2.45% | — |
| Accident | — | ~1.67% |
| Health (NFZ) | 9% (of base) | — |
| Labour Fund | — | 2.45% |
In total, the employee's share is approximately 22.71% of gross salary.
Example: on a gross salary of PLN 4,500, ZUS+NFZ deductions are ~PLN 1,021, leaving approximately PLN 3,261 in take-home pay (after income-tax advance).
Can a foreign national be covered by ZUS?
Yes. Foreign workers employed legally in Poland fall under exactly the same rules as Polish citizens. Your nationality — Ukrainian, Belarusian, Moldovan, or other — does not matter. The only requirement is a legal basis to stay and work (visa, temporary protection status, residence permit, etc.).
For Ukrainian citizens: Persons under temporary protection (under the 2022 Act) are entitled to work and are covered by ZUS on the same terms as other workers.
How to check if you are registered with ZUS
Use the ZUS Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS):
- Go to
pue.zus.pl - Log in using Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) or your Polish bank account
- Under the "Ubezpieczony" ("Insured person") tab, verify your registration date and coverage type
If you cannot log in online, visit any ZUS branch with a valid identity document.
What does ZUS coverage give you?
- NFZ health access — free medical care in Poland: GPs, hospitals, specialists.
- Sick-leave pay (L4) — after 30 continuous days of insurance, if a doctor issues a sick note you receive 80% of your salary as a sickness benefit.
- Accident protection — workplace injury entitles you to compensation and rehabilitation support.
- Pension savings — your pension contributions accumulate in your ZUS account and can be counted toward your retirement entitlement.
Will my pension contributions be lost if I return home?
No. Poland has bilateral social-security agreements with several countries (including Ukraine). Depending on the treaty, you may:
- Claim a refund of pension contributions (under specific conditions), or
- Have your Polish contribution period counted toward your home-country pension
Contact ZUS or your country's embassy/consulate for details specific to your situation.
What if the agency has not registered me with ZUS?
This is a legal violation by the employer. You have the right to:
- Report it to the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP).
- File a complaint directly with ZUS.
- Consult a lawyer or a migrant-worker support organisation.
As a Nexflow temporary worker — if you have any doubts about your ZUS registration status, contact our HR team directly.
Summary
| What | Who does it |
|---|---|
| ZUS registration | Agency (Nexflow) — within 7 days of start date |
| Monthly contribution payment | Agency — deducted from your salary |
| ZUS deregistration | Agency — after the contract ends |
| Checking your status | You — via PUE ZUS or at a ZUS branch |
Working through Nexflow, you can be confident that all ZUS formalities are handled in compliance with Polish law. Questions? Reach out to our office.