Working in Poland: Employer Checks Before Hiring Foreign Workers

Working in Poland as a foreign national begins long before your first day on the job. Employers are legally required to verify your residency status, medical fitness, and professional qualifications. Employment in Poland in 2026 involves strict procedures — from reviewing work permits to completing mandatory medical examinations.

So what exactly does an employer check before hiring a foreign worker? The recruitment process includes verification of immigration status, work authorization documents, and professional skills. Within seven days of signing an employment contract, the employer must also provide written information outlining the terms and conditions of employment.

Let’s break down each stage of the checks every foreign employee goes through before starting work.

What Employers in Poland Must Verify Before Hiring Foreign Nationals

Before hiring a foreign worker, an employer bears legal responsibility for verifying several mandatory requirements. Confirming the legality of residence is not just a right — it is a legal obligation. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to 30,000 PLN.

Legal Residence and the Right to Work

An employer must ensure that a foreign national holds a valid document allowing them to reside in Poland. Employment cannot be considered legal without confirmed legal stay in the country.

Employers typically check:

• Different types of visas
• Residence cards (karta pobytu)
• Other legal grounds for staying in Poland

For example:

• A visa marked “05” is issued for employment for up to 6 months within a 12-month period.
• A visa marked “06” applies to foreigners working based on a work permit.

Work Permits and Employment Documentation

Before employment begins, the employer must verify that the foreign worker holds the appropriate work permit. Poland has six types of work permits: A, B, C, D, E, and S — each designed for specific circumstances.

A Type A permit is issued when a foreigner works in Poland under a contract with a Polish employer.

The employer must make a copy of the residence document and keep it for the entire duration of the foreign employee’s employment.

Verification of Immigration Status

Employers must check copies of all completed pages of the foreign national’s valid travel document (passport). When applying for a work permit, the employer must also provide documents confirming their own legal status and business activity.

A foreign national is considered illegally employed if:

• They do not hold a valid visa or residence document allowing them to stay in Poland, or
• Their basis for residence does not grant them the right to work.

Compliance Between Work Conditions and Permit Terms

The actual job performed must match the conditions specified in the work permit or declaration of entrusted work.

An employer who hires a foreign national illegally may face fines ranging from 3,000 to 50,000 PLN.

Additionally:

• The foreign worker’s salary cannot be lower than the wages paid to Polish employees performing comparable work.
• The salary must not be below the statutory minimum wage.
• The employment contract must be concluded in writing and must reflect the conditions stated in the work permit.

Medical Examination Before Employment: Employer Responsibilities

According to Article 229 § 4 of the Polish Labour Code, an employee cannot begin work without a medical examination confirming their fitness for the position.

A pre-employment medical examination is mandatory under Polish law.

When Is a Medical Examination Required?

A preliminary medical check-up is required:

• When being hired under an employment contract (umowa o pracę)
• When transferring to another position within the same company if new duties involve risk factors

Medical examinations are mandatory for employment contracts (umowa o pracę). For civil-law contracts (umowa zlecenie), a medical check is required only in higher-risk sectors such as:

• Construction
• Chemical industry
• Transport
• Manufacturing

An employee does not need to undergo a new medical examination if they are re-hired by the same employer for the same position under identical working conditions, provided no more than 30 days have passed since the previous contract ended.

Choosing a Clinic and Issuing the Referral

The employer issues a referral for a medical examination (skierowanie na badania lekarskie) in two copies. The referral must specify:

• The job position
• Any hazardous factors the employee may encounter

The employer has the right to designate a specific clinic. The employee cannot choose a different doctor without prior approval.

Verification of Qualifications and Education

When hiring a foreign candidate, employers must carefully verify qualifications and education, especially considering the recognition of foreign diplomas.

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas (Nostrification)

If you obtained higher education abroad and wish to work in your profession in Poland, you may need to undergo diploma nostrification — the formal recognition of a university degree issued in another country.

This process involves fees, typically ranging between 3,000 and 6,000 PLN, depending on the university.

Diplomas issued within the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, and OECD countries are recognized by law. This includes documents from 38 countries, such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, and all EU member states.

Officially, the nostrification procedure should be completed within three months of submitting all required documents. In practice, however, recognition can take over a year.

The process is conducted by Polish universities holding scientific category A+, A, or B+ in the relevant academic discipline. The university compares:

• The curriculum
• Learning outcomes
• Duration of studies

with an equivalent Polish program.

Advantages of Polish Education

A Polish diploma is automatically recognized by employers as proof of necessary qualifications — no nostrification required.

Graduating from a Polish university also implies strong command of the Polish language, which is a significant advantage in the job market. Additionally, foreigners who graduate from Polish universities may work without needing a work permit.

Verification of Professional Skills and Work Experience

Poland consistently maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU. Employers often value practical experience more than formal education.

For example, a technical school graduate with hands-on experience may have better employment prospects than a university graduate without practical skills.

Workplace Safety Training (BHP): Employer Obligations

Before allowing an employee to start work, the employer must conduct occupational health and safety training (BHP training).

The employer is also required to assess occupational risks at the workplace.

Conclusion

Employment in Poland requires employers to conduct thorough checks across multiple areas. First and foremost, they must verify the legality of your stay and your work authorization documents.

A medical examination remains a mandatory step before starting work. Employers also verify your qualifications, and if you hold a foreign diploma, nostrification may be required.

Complying with all these procedures protects both you and the employer from legal issues and ensures lawful employment in Poland in 2026.