Legal Challenges Ukrainians Face When Job Hunting in Poland: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, thousands of Ukrainians have fled to Poland in search of safety and better living and working prospects. Poland has become a popular destination for Ukrainian migrants due to its geographic proximity, cultural and linguistic similarities, and thriving economy. However, as you know, starting a new life in another country comes with numerous challenges, especially of a legal nature. To avoid problems and ensure fair treatment, Ukrainians who seek employment in Poland must first understand the legal situation.

This article will discuss the most common legal obstacles Ukrainians may encounter when looking for work in Poland, as well as helpful ideas and tools for navigating the system.

Work Permit and Residency Requirements

Although Poland has simplified many procedures for Ukrainians, especially since the beginning of the war, there are still numerous legal obstacles to overcome. Under current regulations, Ukrainians can enter Poland without a visa for 90 days. After that, they must regularize their stay.

There are a number of documents that allow Ukrainians to work legally in Poland. The most popular of these are a Temporary Residence and Work Permit, a Blue Card for highly skilled workers and a special protected status granted by EU law.

To apply for one of the documents listed above, most people need a job offer, proof of residence and health insurance. While the process seems straightforward, there are often delays and administrative problems. Many applicants struggle with missing documents, extended waiting times and incorrect guidance from agencies. It is important to correctly identify the correct agency (such as the provincial office) and prepare the necessary documents in advance. It is also important to remember that while you are waiting for a decision, you may not be free to change employment.

Recognition of Qualifications

Another significant challenge for Ukrainians is the acknowledgment of their professional degrees and certifications. Many occupations, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and education, demand candidates to demonstrate that their qualifications satisfy Polish or EU criteria.

Unfortunately, not all Ukrainian diplomas are automatically recognized. The procedure of nostrification (formal acknowledgment of a foreign diploma) can be time-consuming and involves translating documentation, additional exams, and a review by a Polish university or professional chamber.

NAWA (The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) and ENIC/NARIC facilities can offer advice. It's also recommended contacting sector-specific professional groups in Poland to get the most up-to-date requirements.

Language and Contractual Barriers

One of the less obvious—but very serious—challenges is the language barrier. Many contracts, health and safety instructions, and workplace rules are written only in Polish. If you don’t understand what you’re signing, you may unknowingly agree to unfair or even illegal conditions.

Polish law says that employees have the right to understand the terms of their employment. If you are not fluent in Polish, you have the right to ask for a translated version or to have a trusted person explain the content to you. If the employer refuses, it’s a red flag.

Language misunderstandings can also cause problems with taxes, insurance and labor rights. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to learn Polish at a basic level, such as by taking advantage of free language courses offered by numerous organizations that help Ukrainians acclimate to the country, asking for help from NGOs or translators before signing anything.

Employment Rights and Protections

Ukrainians working legally in Poland are protected by labor laws, just like Polish citizens. This includes the right to a minimum wage, regular working hours, rest time and paid vacation or maternity leave, for example. Employers are also required to make social security contributions on behalf of their employees.

If an employer begins to bend the statutory rules, such as by not paying wages on time or not paying overtime, you can report it to the State Labor Inspectorate, or you can also contact the Ombudsman or seek legal advice.

Unfortunately, some employees hesitate to disclose difficulties for fear of losing their employment or residency visa. However, disclosing abuses not only protects your rights, but also helps improve working conditions for all employees.

Support Resources

There are many organizations and institutions in Poland that offer free or low-cost help for Ukrainians. These include legal advice, language courses, job placement support, and psychological counseling.

Some of the most useful resources are:

Fundacja Ocalenie – offers legal and social help to migrants
Caritas Polska – supports refugees with housing, food, and job assistance
Stowarzyszenie Interwencji Prawnej – provides free legal advice
Office for Foreigners – handles residency matters
Municipal and regional job centers – offer job search assistance and training programs

It’s important not to face these challenges alone. Many people and institutions are ready to help you.

Conclusion

Moving to a new country is never easy, and getting a job in a foreign legal system can be challenging. However, a proper understanding of your rights and responsibilities is the first step toward a stable and prosperous future in Poland. Don't be afraid to seek help, use the resources available to you, and read each document carefully before signing it.

With patience and proper assistance, you can navigate the Polish labor market legally and safely. Remember that the best protection is education.