What Does Polish Employment Law Cover?
Employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees, including their respective rights and obligations. In Poland, the applicable rules arise not only from the Polish Labor Code, but also from the Civil Code, other statutes and implementing regulations, as well as internal sources of employment law, including collective bargaining agreements, other collective arrangements, workplace regulations, compensation policies, and organizational bylaws. Every employer operating in Poland must comply with these requirements, and violations of employee rights may result in significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
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Who Can Benefit from Employment Law Advisory in Poland?
We advise large corporate groups as well as small and midsize businesses across a wide range of industries. By combining the experience of our Polish employment law specialists with the international reach of Grant Thornton, we provide comprehensive support in managing workforces effectively and in compliance with Polish law.
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When Should You Seek Polish Employment Law Advice?
Employment law affects businesses throughout the entire employment life cycle. We advise on all aspects of Polish employment law, including hiring and termination, workplace harassment and discrimination, individual and collective dismissals, workforce restructurings and transfers of undertakings, noncompete arrangements, internal employment policies and procedures, and employment-related litigation.
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What Are the Benefits of Employment Law Advisory in Poland?
Professional legal support helps employers maintain compliance with evolving Polish and EU employment laws and with the extensive body of case law issued by the Polish labor courts and Supreme Court. It also enables businesses to identify practical solutions they may not otherwise consider, reduce employment-related risk, and make informed workforce decisions aligned with their operational objectives.
Scope of Support
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Ongoing employment and civil law support
Day-to-day legal advice on Polish employment law and related civil law matters.
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Advice on establishing, modifying, and terminating employment relationships
We draft and review employment agreements, civil law contracts, and B2B agreements; prepare noncompete and confidentiality agreements; advise on compliant recruitment; support lawful terminations; negotiate severance arrangements; and assist with workforce restructurings, changes to employment terms, and collective dismissals in Poland.
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Drafting employment-related agreement
We prepare employment agreements, civil law contracts, B2B agreements, and management agreements tailored to the client’s operating model.
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Legalization of employment and residence for foreign nationals in Poland
– assessing a foreign national’s immigration and employment status and identifying lawful engagement options;
– obtaining labor market information where required;
– collecting documents and arranging certified translations;
– preparing and filing work authorization, visa, and residence applications;
– obtaining residence documents for family members;
– communicating with Polish public authorities and representing employers and foreign nationals in administrative proceedings;
– registering the residence of EU citizens and their family members in Poland; and
– supporting related formalities, including address registration and obtaining a PESEL identification number.
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Advice on appointing and removing management personnel
We prepare the corporate documentation required for the commencement and termination of service and represent businesses before the National Court Register.
Key changes and important deadlines in immigration regulations
FAQ – Polish Immigration Law for Employers
How Can a Foreign National Be Employed Legally and What Formalities Must the Employer Complete?
Third-country nationals generally require a work permit or another applicable form of work authorization, unless a statutory exemption applies, as well as a residence document that permits them to work. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens may work in Poland without a work permit, although separate residence registration requirements may apply to longer stays.
Does a Ukrainian Citizen Need a Work Permit in Poland?
How Should an Employer Prepare for an Inspection Concerning the Employment of Foreign Nationals?
This allows potential irregularities to be identified and addressed before an inspection by the Polish National Labor Inspectorate or Border Guard, reducing the risk of fines and other adverse consequences.
What Are the Penalties for Employing a Foreign National Illegally?
The Polish National Labor Inspectorate and Border Guard may identify violations, impose or seek fines, and take other measures available under Polish law. Violations may also affect the employer’s ability to obtain future work permits, while the most serious cases may result in criminal liability. A robust immigration compliance framework is therefore essential for any organization employing foreign nationals in Poland.
