Legal Work in Poland in 2026: How to Choose a City and Avoid Illegal Employment

There are plenty of job openings in Poland, but the outcome depends on two decisions: which city to look for work in and whether the employment will be legal. A mistake in either of these areas will cost you money and cause stress. This guide will help you figure out what paperwork is required, how to choose a field, and how to spot an illegal scheme.

Key Points

• Legal employment requires the proper documentation—a work permit or a registered declaration (oświadczenie).
• Legal residence and the right to work are two different things: a PESEL number or a visa alone does not grant the right to work.
• The fine for illegal employment can reach 50,000 zlotys, and it is the employee who is primarily at risk.
• Choosing a city involves balancing three factors: demand in the industry, salary levels, and the cost of living.

Legal Employment: What Needs to Be Formalized

A new law on the employment of foreigners has been in effect in Poland since June 1, 2025, and the implementing regulations have been in effect since December 2025. The key requirements have not changed: you may only work with properly processed documents.

• a work permit (zezwolenie) or a declaration (oświadczenie) entered into the registry;
• a written employment contract specifying the terms and position;
• a legal basis for residence—separate from the right to work;
• the actual work must correspond to what is specified in the documents.

Most procedures are now handled electronically. The approximate fee for an oświadczenie is 400 zlotys, and for a work permit, it starts at 400 zlotys.

How to Choose a City for Work

There is no single “best” city for everyone—there is a city that fits your specific needs. Consider the following criteria:

• demand in your industry (manufacturing, warehousing, services);
• salary levels for entry-level positions;
• rental and cost of living;
• logistics and proximity to the border with Ukraine.

In practice, large industrial and logistics hubs offer more entry-level positions and more stable work schedules, while the capital offers higher pay but also significantly more expensive housing. Therefore, it’s often more advantageous for a beginner to start where there’s a better balance between salary and living expenses, rather than where the nominal salary is highest.

Industrial and Warehouse Cities: The Example of Silesia

Silesia, centered in Katowice, is one of the country’s largest industrial and warehousing clusters. Manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics are concentrated here, and starting salaries in manufacturing range from approximately 5,100 to 5,600 zlotys gross, often including bonuses and shift premiums. That is why there are always plenty of job openings in the region: current job openings in Katowice primarily cover manufacturing and warehousing positions. The region also benefits from a well-developed transportation network and a large Ukrainian community, which makes it easier to settle in at the start.

The Country’s Logistics Hub: The Example of Łódź

Łódź is located in the center of Poland, at the intersection of major highways, which is why it has become a major logistics hub. Warehousing, e-commerce, and manufacturing are actively developing here, and hourly rates for warehouse positions often reach 30–34 zlotys. As a result, jobs in Łódź are mostly in warehousing and manufacturing—with rotating schedules and night shifts. The city also benefits from moderate rent costs compared to the capital—for a similar salary, you’ll have more money left over.

To compare these locations visually, let’s summarize the key parameters in a single table.

Table 1. Comparison of Job Destinations

How to Avoid Illegal Employment

The biggest risk isn’t a lack of documents, but having the wrong combination of them or working “off the books.” You should be wary of:

• a demand for an advance payment for employment before signing a contract;
• working without a written contract, based solely on a verbal agreement;
• a document that does not match the actual position or salary;
• promises that “we’ll take care of everything later”;
• the employer’s refusal to show the terms and conditions from the original source.

Before accepting a job offer, you should check the employer or agency through several independent sources and read the contract carefully. If the terms are presented only “verbally” or if you’re pressured to make a quick decision—that’s a reason to decline.

Conclusions

• Legality isn’t an option—it’s a requirement: you can’t work without the proper documentation.
• You should choose a city based on the industry and your budget, not at random.
• You should verify the source of the job opening and the employment contract before you leave.

Олена Болган