Seasonal Work in Poland in Autumn: What the Market Offers to Migrants

The autumn period has its advantages for migrants. Employers offer competitive salaries: from 5,500 to 8,200 zlotys in the manufacturing sector, and in some industries, pay can reach 10,000 zlotys. Hourly rates start from 24.63 zlotys and can increase depending on specialty. Additionally, seasonal jobs that begin in spring and summer often continue throughout September, October, and even until November—until the onset of frost.

In this article, we will examine why autumn is a favorable time to look for work in Poland, which sectors particularly need employees, how to process the necessary documents, and what to pay attention to in order to avoid employment problems. Whether you have experience working abroad or are planning your first trip, this information will help you make the right choice.

Why Autumn is the Best Time for Seasonal Work in Poland

Many Polish residents consider autumn one of the most beautiful times of year in their country. This season offers a number of advantages for those planning temporary work abroad. Let’s consider why the autumn months might be an ideal employment period for you in Poland.

Less Competition and More Vacancies

Although traditionally the peak of seasonal work is considered to be mid-July, the autumn period has its undeniable advantages. First of all, it’s important to note that the agricultural work season in Poland continues from spring to autumn, and many employers actively recruit staff up until November.

Unlike summer months, in autumn you will face less competition among job seekers. Despite the fact that unemployment in Poland tends to rise even at the height of the temporary employment season, for foreign workers this is more of an advantage. According to statistics, about 830 thousand people are registered at Poland’s employment offices, however, this opens up more opportunities for migrants, especially in areas where the local population is less active.

Additionally, autumn is the period for harvesting late crops. The agricultural sector constantly experiences a shortage of workers, making employment possible for virtually everyone willing. Annually, more than 500 thousand people are involved in seasonal work in Poland, and the majority of them are Ukrainians.

Comfortable Weather for Physical Labor

Weather conditions are one of the key factors when choosing the time for seasonal work, especially when it comes to physical labor. In autumn, Poland has moderate weather without exhausting heat or cold, making work more comfortable.

Between September and October, Poland usually has moderately warm weather. Although weather conditions can be changeable, overall they remain favorable for outdoor work. This is a significant advantage compared to the summer period when high temperatures can significantly complicate physical labor.

It’s important to note that weather conditions do not affect the work process—you have to work in the sun, wind, and rain. However, in autumn these conditions are significantly milder, allowing for higher productivity throughout the working day.

Thus, autumn presents you with a number of advantages for seasonal work in Poland: less competition, more accessible housing, and comfortable weather conditions for physical labor.

Sectors Where Workers are Especially Needed in Autumn

The labor market in Poland is particularly active in several key industries during autumn. Employers publish vacancies for work in Poland for autumn as early as February, so foreign workers have time to process the necessary documents and arrive on time. Let’s look at the main areas where seasonal workers are currently needed.

Agriculture: Late Harvest Collection

Poland is one of the largest European exporters of agricultural products, including apples, strawberries, mushrooms, and potatoes. In the autumn period, workers are most in demand for:

• collecting apples, pears, potatoes, and vegetables (September-October)
• cleaning and preparing greenhouses and fields
• sorting and packaging the harvest

On farms, work continues even after the main season. From late summer to November, employees are engaged in mowing grass, weeding beds, caring for livestock, collecting and sorting crops. Statistical data indicate that more than 500 thousand people are employed in seasonal work in Poland annually, and the lion’s share of them are Ukrainians.

The average earnings in the agricultural sector range from 700 to 1,500 dollars per season, however, the specific amount depends on the worker’s productivity.

Warehouses and Logistics: Preparation for Holidays

Work in warehouses is especially relevant in anticipation of Christmas and New Year, when the number of purchases and deliveries increases manifold. The industry experiences a massive shortage of workers, which opens up good employment opportunities.

Legal work in Poland in warehouses in 2025 will bring migrants earnings from 25 zlotys net to 34 zlotys net per hour. With a schedule of 8-12 hours per day and 5-6 working days per week, you can expect 5,500-9,000 zlotys net per month. The highest-paid vacancy is forklift driver, where you can earn from 7,000 zlotys net.

Warehouse work is divided into two areas: receiving and collecting goods. In the first case, employees receive, count, and sort products; in the second, they form orders, package, and display goods.

Hotel and Restaurant Business

Representatives of the hotel and restaurant business, especially in resort regions of Poland, experience great difficulties in recruiting staff. There is an acute shortage of waiters, cooks, dishwashers, and cleaners.

For women who know the Polish language at least at a minimal level, work as waitresses and maids is offered. In most cases, the employer provides meals for their employees.

Work in a Polish hotel is an excellent option for couples as well. Polish employers welcome such couples as staff, considering them more purposeful and organized.

Work for Migrants in Poland Without Language Knowledge

The current unemployment level in Poland is 5.3%, which means there is no shortage of work, especially in industries that do not require high qualifications. Although knowledge of the Polish language is desirable, it is not mandatory for finding work.

Without language knowledge, you can find work in the following areas:

• Construction (for men)
• Manufacturing (packers, packagers)
• Mechanical work
• Cleaning

Earnings for jobs that do not require education usually amount to about 26 zlotys net per hour or 4,500-6,000 zlotys net per month. Women will most quickly find work in cleaning companies, as cashiers, caregivers for the elderly and nannies for children, in manufacturing and gardening.

Many internet portals with vacancies are available in different languages, including Ukrainian, which facilitates job searching. Additionally, you can use the assistance of immigration services and employment agencies where there are translators.

What You Need to Know About Foreign Employment

The employment of foreigners in Poland is strictly regulated by legislation, and ignorance of the rules can lead to serious problems. Careful study of the requirements will help you avoid many difficulties when looking for seasonal work in Poland.

Seasonal Work in Poland Vacancies: How to Choose

When choosing a vacancy, you need to pay attention to several key aspects:

• Duration of the working day and availability of days off
• Place of residence and its cost
• Method of transportation to the workplace and its cost
• Presence of penalties and their size
• Exact amount of salary

On average, you can expect to earn about 4,500 – 7,000 thousand zlotys net per month. However, the specific amount depends on your productivity, especially if the work is paid by piece rate.

Before accepting an offer, study reviews about the employer—this will help avoid unscrupulous companies. It is also important to understand that intermediary firms are not responsible for working conditions and payment—these parameters need to be discussed directly with the employer.

The working week in Poland usually consists of 6 days, with a day off on Sunday or a holiday. Even on your day off, you can go for extra work, which will provide an opportunity for additional earnings.

What Rights Does a Foreign Worker Have

Foreign workers in Poland have the same rights as Polish citizens. The basic rights include:

• Equal pay and fair working conditions
• Social security and insurance
• Right to vacation and days off
• Protection from discrimination based on nationality

The main document regulating relations with the employer is the employment contract. It must comply with Polish legislation and protect your rights on an equal basis with local workers. It is recommended to check it before signing to avoid possible violations of labor rights.

Working legally, you get access to health insurance, which covers basic medical services. Social insurance also provides for payments in case of illness, accident, or retirement.

Can You Change Employers on a Seasonal Visa

Changing employers is possible, but requires compliance with certain rules depending on the type of documents under which you are in Poland:

For holders of temporary residence cards:

• You need to notify the voivode about the change of workplace within 15 working days after dismissal
• The statement must be in Polish and include personal and passport data, as well as the address of residence
• You have 30 days to find a new job, sign a contract, and submit documents for a new card

For those working with a work permit:

• The permit gives the right to work only for one employer in a specific position
• When changing employers, you need to get a new permit
• The new employer handles the document processing

For those working on a national visa with “oswiadczenie”:

• It is sufficient to get a new “oswiadczenie” from the new employer
• The document is registered at the poviat employment office
• You don’t need to return home to renew your visa

Violation of these rules can lead to a fine from 1,000 to 5,000 zlotys, forced departure from Poland, and a ban on entry to the Schengen area for a period from 1 to 3 years. Therefore, it is extremely important to promptly notify the relevant authorities of any changes in working conditions.

Conclusion

Autumn seasonal work in Poland offers many advantages for labor migrants. Favorable weather conditions, less competition among job seekers, and more accessible housing make this period particularly attractive. Additionally, vacancies open in various sectors of the economy in autumn, including agriculture, logistics, and the hotel business.

Undoubtedly, before leaving, you should carefully check the employer, study the document requirements, and understand your rights. Properly executed “oswiadczenie” or work permit type S will ensure your legal stay and protection of labor rights. It is important to remember that working without official registration deprives you of social guarantees and medical assistance.

Regarding earnings, depending on the chosen sphere, you can expect income from 4,500 to 7,000 zlotys net per month. However, the specific amount will depend on your productivity, especially if payment is piece-rate. Therefore, before accepting a job offer, be sure to clarify all details regarding salary, housing, and working conditions.

Regardless of whether you speak Polish or not, there are suitable vacancies in the Polish labor market. Nevertheless, even basic knowledge of the language will significantly expand your employment opportunities and help avoid possible misunderstandings.

Following the recommendations from this article, you will be able to safely and profitably organize your seasonal work in Poland in autumn, gain valuable experience, and earn money in a neighboring country.