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There are countries which forbid having dual citizenships, but Poland is not one of them. If you already hold a foreign passport, you can still become a Polish citizen without giving up your rights from another country. What are the ways of becoming a citizen of Poland? We present four ways which can lead you to getting a Polish passport.

Polish citizenship can be acquired by the virtue of law in the following cases:

By blood – being born to at least one parent holding Polish citizenship. This is the most common rule and applied to the majority of Polish citizens along with the second case described below.
By territory – the right of the soil means that any child born or found on the Polish territory gets Polish citizenship if their parents are unknown or do not have any citizenship.
By adoption – any child adopted by a Polish citizen automatically gets Polish citizenship provided they are younger than 16.

Apart from that, a foreigner can be granted Polish citizenship by the President. The President of the Republic of Poland is not restricted by any rules and may grant citizenship to anyone regardless of their circumstances. If you are interested in taking this course of action, you need to file the form for granting Polish citizenship to your relevant consulate. If your documents are not in Polish, they need to be translated. If your application is turned down, you will not get justification of this decision and you cannot dispute it.

Another way is being recognised as a Polish citizen. Citizenship may be granted to those foreigners who:

Have lived without interruptions for at least 3 years in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU-resident permit and have a stable source of income and are entitled to the occupied dwelling;
Have lived without interruptions for at least 2 years in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU-resident permit and have been married to a Polish citizen or hold no citizenship;
Have lived without interruptions for at least 2 years in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit granted to a refugee;
Are minors residing in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU-resident permit, whose one parent is a Polish citizen and the other parent has consented to the recognition;
Are minors residing in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU-resident permit, whose parent’s citizenship has been restored and the other parent has consented to the recognition;
Have lived without interruptions and legally for at least 10 years in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU-resident permit and have a stable source of income and are entitled to the occupied dwelling;
Have resided without interruptions for at least 2 years in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit issued on the grounds of Polish ancestry.

The fee for the recognition is PLN 219. Applicants file the form for recognition as a Polish citizen to their voivode's office. All foreigners who want to be recognised as Polish citizens, except for minors mentioned in the list above, need to pass a certificate of proficiency in the Polish language, and although the legal act does not specify on which level, the official examination body provides certification starting at the B1 level. More about the official language exam for Polish citizenship.

The last way of getting Polish citizenship is through its restoration through the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. This solution is directed at those who lost their Polish citizenship before 1999. If they live abroad, they may apply for the restoration to a relevant consulate. The fee for the application is determined independently by a consulate, while in Poland it is always PLN 219

PESEL, which stands for a Polish abbreviation of the Universal Electronic System for Registration of the Population, is a number given to every citizen of Poland at the moment they are registered with official authorities after their birth. Can it be acquired by a foreigner? And if so – how and what for?

PESEL for Polish citizens

Since 1979, all Polish citizens have been obliged to be entered into the official registry. Nowadays, each child gets its identification number at birth. Please bear in mind that it is not just a number – the system possesses all sorts of information, including the person’s and their parents’ full names, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, birth certificate number, the registry it was given in, marital status, spouse name and their PESEL number (if applicable).

The number has always 11 digits and is built in a predefined way. The first 6 digits are your date of birth, so you can easily tell someone's birthday by looking at it. For instance, if you were born on May 30th, 1983, your PESEL number would start with 830530..... followed by 5 other digits.

PESEL for foreigners

How does it work with foreign citizens coming to Poland? From 1 January 2018, apparently you are granted your PESEL number ex officio if you get registered with your temporary or permanent residence address. Since getting a registered address is obligatory for anyone willing to stay in Poland for over 30 days, this means that a vast number of foreigners in Poland (those who are here not on the basis of a short-term visa solely) should have their own PESEL number.

What do you need PESEL for?

PESEL is obligatory for anyone who wants to e.g. get a driving licence or start a business in Poland (without it you will not get your NIP number). Some banks or mobile operators ask for it before signing an agreement with you; although it is not necessary from the legal point of view, it may be required by their internal regulations.

How to get PESEL number?

The process is quite simple. If you are sure that you are in need of your PESEL number, fill in this application form. Please remember to bring along your travel documents (passport, visa etc.). The authority responsible for granting PESEL numbers is your relevant gmina office (Polish equivalent of a borough). It is free of charge and most people manage to receive their identification number at one go.

If you are planning to visit Poland for a period shorter than 90 days, you may need to consider different regulations related to the process. Read the article below to learn about the Schengen Area, visas and what kind of action you should take.

Travel documents

Although in some cases foreigners do not have to show their travel documents (see below), they may still need them to prove their identity in certain situations (e.g. being stopped by the police). On such occasions, and generally in Poland, the only documents that are recognised as official are identity cards issued by your national government or passports. Other documents, such as driving licences or bank and credit cards, are not recognised as proof of one’s identity.

The Schengen Area

In 2007 Poland joined the Schengen Area. Since then, citizens of 26 European countries have been able to cross its internal borders without passports or visas. The list includes not only members of the European Union, but also countries which have not joined the organisation, but are part of EFTA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland). Moreover, British and Irish nationals can also visit Poland without restrictions, even though the states decided to opt out from the zone. The same goes for Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus – countries whose Schengen membership is still pending. Their citizens are also able to enter Poland without any extra formalities if they are coming for a short stay.

Biometric passports

Nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Moldova and Serbia need to identify themselves with a passport before entering Poland. Regulations state that for these travellers the passport must be biometric. This means that the critical data is stored not only on paper, but also in the digital chip included in the document.

European nationals obliged to have a visa

Although they are part of the European continent, some countries do not participate in the Schengen Agreement or the EU. Their citizens are obliged to have a visa to enter Poland, even if their stay is going to be shorter than 90 days. This applies to: Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.

Non-European countries regulations

When it comes to countries outside Europe, the regulations vary. For a stay up to 90 days, some non-European countries’ nationals can enter Poland visa-free. However, there are also states whose citizens are asked to obtain a visa before arriving in Poland, even if the stay is going to be brief.

On the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website you can find a full and regularly updated official list of countries whose nationals are not required to be in possession of a visa when entering Poland for less than 90 days. If your country is not on the list, it means that before arriving you will need to contact the authorities and obtain a visa. Please remember that all the regulations mentioned above apply only to stays up to 90 days and consult the official authorities before taking any action regarding your stay in Poland.

Regardless of whether you needed a visa or not, if your stay is about to become longer than 90 days, you need to take further steps to legalise it. This involves obtaining a temporary residence permit, which allows foreigners to stay in Poland even up to 3 years, provided there is a documented reason for that.

Some foreigners are obliged to have a visa while visiting Poland. See below whether you are one of them and learn how to apply for the document, what types of visas there are in Poland and which one is required in your particular case.

Who needs a visa?

Whenever you enter Poland with the intention of staying for a period shorter than 90 days, you usually do not need a visa. There are some countries, however, whose nationals are obliged to obtain it even when coming for a very brief visit. If you come from a non-Schengen state, sometimes referred to as a third country, it should set your alarm bells ringing. Visit the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and see if you can travel to Poland visa-free. If your country is not on the list, you will be obliged to apply for a visa.

Types of visas

Before your arrival, you need to decide on the type of the document you will need.

Type A ‘transit’ visa

This type of visa allows you to travel through Poland (without staying anywhere outside the transit area of the airport) to another Schengen zone country. It is not very common, since it is mandatory only for the nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

Type C ‘Schengen’ visa (short-term)

If you want to visit Poland for a short period lof time (maximum up to 90 days in half a year) and you are from a country whose nationals are obliged to have a visa – the Schengen visa is for you. Type C allows you not only to enter Poland, but also other countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Please remember that the 90-days-long period starts with the day you cross the Polish border. You can split this time into multiple visits, but the visa expires after 180 days.

Type D ‘national’ visa

If your stay is going to last 91 days or more (in one visit or more during the 180-day-long period), you should apply for the national visa. Apart from entering Poland, it allows you to visit other Schengen countries, but similarly to the type C visa - up to 90 days in half a year. It is valid for the period stated in the document, but as a rule it is not longer than one year. After this time, you can apply for the prolongation of your visa.

Business or pleasure?

In the case of visas type C and D, the authorities will ask you to provide information about the purpose of your visit. You can choose from the list of 23 reasons for staying in Poland. You will be provided with all the possible answers, some of them including: tourism, family or friends visit, sports events participation, setting up your own business, conference participation and so on. When it comes to the national visa, the purpose of your stay will determine its duration.

How to get down to this?

When you already know what visa you need to enter Poland and have specified the purpose of your stay, contact the nearest consular point of the Republic of Poland. To print the application form, foreigners are usually asked to visit eConsulate. At this point you can also start completing all the documents necessary for issuing the visa. Apart from the aforementioned form with your signature, you will need:

travel documents valid for three months before the expiration of your visa (type D) or after its expiration (type C) with at least two blank pages, issued within the last decade;
biometric photo;
health insurance (of at least EUR 30,000 if you are applying for type C visa);
other documents confirming the purpose of your visit, your accommodation in Poland*, possession of sufficient funds to cover your entry, stay and departure**, willingness to leave the Schengen zone after your visa expires (type C) or the necessity of staying in Poland for longer than 90 days (type D);
visa fee.

You may be asked to provide other documents as well. All the necessary information will be given to you in the relevant consulate.

How much is this?

You have to bear in mind that applying for a visa involves some costs. The application itself includes a fee which is non-refundable, even when your visa is not granted. However, if you obtain it, you will need to pay a visa fee, which is not fixed and depends on the country of your origin. Generally it should not exceed EUR 70.

Where to apply?

As already mentioned, most of the foreigners willing to obtain a visa are asked to go to the website eConsulate, where the visa form can be printed out. Once it is filled in and signed, you will need to visit a Polish consulate in your country of origin. The list of these placements is available online.This is also the place to get your first-hand information about new regulations and legal acts.

We hope that our Polish visa guide has answered your questions and doubts. Best of luck with your application - and see you in Poland.

* e.g. a rental contract

** Does not apply to Pole's Card holders and work visa holders among others. The costs can be covered by your sponsor (learn more about invitations to Poland). Foreigners are obliged to possess a return ticket or its cash equivalent. For people from countries neighbouring Poland it is PLN 200, for non-neighbouring EU states it is PLN 500, for a non-EU country it is PLN 2,500. The sums can be also provided in currencies other than Polish zloty.

The increasing number of foreigners coming to Poland every year proves that it has become an attractive European job market. In order to pursue a professional career here, a work permit is needed. Learn all about this document and other requirements.

I need to obtain one if…

… I want to work in Poland. This document allows any foreigner to undertake legal work in this country. It is issued for one job only, so if you obtain a work permit, you are legally obliged to use it only for performing tasks indicated in the application form. While changing jobs, you will need to apply for a new work permit. Please bear in mind that this document is valid only for a fixed period of time, which cannot be longer than three years.

Do I even need it?

Not always. There are a lot of different scenarios for people willing to work in Poland, but we will discuss the most common ones. First and foremost, foreigners are not obliged to obtain work permits if they come from the European Union (plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland). This also applies to individuals holding an EU long-term residence card issued by the Polish authorities. Moreover, if you possess a permanent residence permit, you can rest assured that you will not need any work permits. When it comes to temporary residence permits, the situation is similar as long as it is specified in your document that you can start legal work in Poland. Many of our Eastern neighbours will be relieved to hear that the Pole's Card’s holders also are not obliged to obtain work permits. The same applies to citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine who wish to work in Poland for a short period of time (up to 6 months in a year).The list includes also victims of human trafficking, refugees and other individuals protected by the Republic of Poland on special grounds. If you still have doubts about your status in this case, go ahead and contact your relevant voivode's office.

Which one to obtain?

There are five types of work permits:

Type A – if you are employed either on the basis of employment contract or civil law contract by an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most popular work permit.
Type B – if you are performing a board member function and residing in Poland for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
Type C – if you are delegated to Poland by a foreign employer for a period that exceeds 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch.
Type D – if you are delegated by a foreign employer to work in export services in an occasional and temporary manner. It is important that the foreign employer does not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Poland.
Type E – if you are undertaking work-related tasks which do not fall into any of the four categories above. This is, as you presume, the rarest type of a work permit.

How to apply for a work permit?

You may be relieved to hear that you do not apply for a work permit yourself – it is your employer’s duty to start the procedure. The authority responsible for issuing work permits is, as in the case of visas, the voivode’s office (a list of all 16 offices with their addresses). Your employer needs to deliver all necessary documents, which differ for each type of permit. You will find them listed on the website of the relevant voivode’s office, but here’s an example of what to expect: Mazowieckie Voivodeship Office in Warsaw. There is also a fee for issuing or extending a work permit: PLN 50 for a permit valid up to 3 months; PLN 100 for a longer period of time; PLN 200 if it is a type D work permit.

If you want to get a job in Poland, get going with all the things above and keep an eye on your employer - it is them who are responsible for your application. Good luck!

Opening a bank account is one of relocation essentials. After you settle in and start earning money, having a Polish bank account makes managing your finances a lot easier. You will avoid pricey international transfers, ATM problems and fees charged during card payments. The question is: which bank to choose and why?

In Poland, banks can be found around every corner. They are constantly being advertised in the media and you may even work for one – after all banks are the pillar of the financial sector which hires a lot of foreigners! Before making your final decision, you should however consider as many options as possible, since the banking market is full of various accounts for specific needs. What criteria should you take into consideration?

Resident vs non-resident status

In some facilities a bank account can be opened only by a person who resides in Poland, however the majority of banks welcome even those clients who do not necessarily have a permanent address in our country. Make sure the option you choose allows foreigners to partner up with a bank.

The process of opening an account is not complex and does not require much time, but remember to prepare some necessary documents beforehand.

Required documents

Different banks require different documents confirming your identity and legal status in Poland. Check in advance whether your passport is enough to open a bank account. It may not be sufficient – a bank might request another ID, your visa or a residence card while you are still in the process of obtaining one.

In most banks, the offers for foreigners do not differ from those for regular Polish citizens. However, foreign nationals cannot open a bank account via the Internet, although it is offered by many banks to Polish clients. Therefore foreigners need to visit one of the banking facilities and deliver their documents in person. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm or 7 pm. On weekends, selected bank agencies are available in shopping malls and other commercial centres. Additionally, banks offer their customers a banking website, where they can check their account balance, make a transfer or apply for a loan online, 24/7.

Fees and charges

Think thoroughly about the kind of activities you want to be able to perform with your bank account. Do you want to make international money transfers? Do you prefer to always have cash on you and have a habit of using ATMs every single day? Remember that some fees depend on the number of transactions you make or your monthly income transferred to the account. In the table below you can see that there are not many extra charges if you use your account and card actively and that usually withdrawing money from ATMs is free only when you use dedicated cash machines. Make sure you read the fine print and do your research in advance, so that the type of bank account you decide on does not charge too much when it comes to your preferred banking activities.

In Poland there are almost 23 thousand ATMs (as of June 2016). Each bank has its own ATMs, branded with their logo. There are also ATM chains such as Euronet or PlanetCash, which allow to withdraw money from any bank account but it may involve additional charges.

A few years ago, mobile payments like SkyCash, iKO or Peopay were introduced in Poland and have become widely popular especially among young people. Thanks to a smartphone application, one can withdraw money from many ATMs or pay for purchases without using a card. These apps can also be used to pay for public transport or cinema tickets.

Language barrier

Last but not least, find out whether you will be able to communicate effectively with your bank’s staff. See if its online and mobile services are easily accessible and make sure the exchange of information between both parties is hindrance-free. If your English is not that good and Polish is still a work in progress, aim for transaprent mobile options.

PKO BP

- PKO Zero Account

mBank

- Account for Young

Getin Bank

- Getin UP

Can I, as a foreigner, open a bank account via Internet?

only upon request

YES

Is it possible to complete all formalities in English?

YES

Is there an English version of online banking platform?

YES

Can I contact a bank by telephone in English?

YES

What is the monthly fee for using a bank account?

PLN 01

PLN 0

PLN 02

Fee for issuing the card

PLN 0

Card service fee

PLN 03

PLN 4

PLN 2.99

What is the transaction fee for domestic and international money transfers:

a) in a bank agency

PLN 5

PLN 8

PLN 5.99

b) via Internet

PLN 0

How much has to be paid for cash machine withdrawals:

a) if the cash machine belongs to the bank with which the bank account has been opened

PLN 0

b) if the cash machine belongs to another bank

min. PLN 5

How much does a foreign transfer cost:

a) in a bank agency

min. PLN 50

min. PLN 20

PLN 60

b) via Internet

not possible

min. PLN 20

not possible

The cost of the cash deposit:

PLN 0

Does the bank offer online banking?

YES

Is it possible to deposit money in a foreign currency?

YES

1 if monthly inflows amount to min. PLN 1,500

2 non-cash transactions of min. PLN 300

3 card transactions of PLN 250

Healthcare is guaranteed by the constitution and all medical activities are overseen by the Polish Ministry of Health, while a general health insurance is widespread in the country. The National Health Fund (Polish: Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia; NFZ) is in charge of managing the publicly funded insurance scheme, but it is not obligatory to use this kind of service. Private health insurance plans are gaining more and more popularity at the moment. Which one is more suitable for foreigners?

Student health insurance Poland? Get it online for only € 197 / 365 days here

Public healthcare plans

Individuals entitled to the general insurance and healthcare services financed from public funds are defined by the law from 27 August 2004 on healthcare services financed from public funds. Every person who pays contributions to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is provided with health insurance in NFZ. If you are employed under a regular employment contract or a civil law contract (Polish: umowa zlecenie), your employer is obliged to pay your contribution for you. Employer reports all newly recruited employees to the Social Insurance Institution by filling in the application form called ‘ZUS ZUA’.

Once you are registered, every time you visit a hospital or a clinic you will need to present some kind of ID (personal ID, passport or student ID), which will enable the staff to check your status in the system. Foreigners coming to Poland with their family have a right to add relatives to their healthcare plan. This applies to children (until they are 18 y.o.; or 26 y.o. provided they pursue higher education), spouses as well as parents or grandparents (if they reside in the same household).

It is also possible to join the state-run NFZ healthcare system if you are not employed or you are a student. You will need to present a written application along with your ID or student status confirmation. This option is paid (approximately PLN 50/month) but guarantees wide access to numerous public facilities all around Poland.

If you require medical help, you should be directed to one of the following institutions:

a hospital;
a clinic (or health centre), which provides basic and specialised healthcare;
an emergency – it provides assistance in case of an accident, an injury, a childbirth, an illness, deterioration of health, or a threat to life. In case of emergency you can dial the universal European number 112 or Polish emergency telephone number 999;
a medical diagnostic laboratory.

Sometimes getting to public health specialist services is provided on the basis of a referral from a doctor. You do not need a referral to doctors like: gynaecologist, obstetrician, dentist, venereologist, psychiatrist and oncologist. A referral is a written instruction - a medical form filled in by a GP in order to make diagnostic tests, to take consultation with a medical specialist, to get hospital treatment, treatment in a specialist clinic, sanatorium treatment or rehabilitation. Referrals are not needed in private health facilities, which are discussed below.

Private health insurance

In Poland voluntary or private health insurance is an insurance which enables to receive free (or partially reimbursed by the insurance company) access to selected medical institutions and medical services depending on the insurance coverage. This kind of medical subscription is quite popular, especially among foreigners. Insurers develop an offer in cooperation with private institutions providing medical services under these subscriptions.

It is very often your employer who may provide you with a medical package which is based on private healthcare services. It is a popular benefit in many companies, which may also allow to insure family members as well once you cover some extra costs. Although it might require paying some extra money, many Poles choose this option, as it guarantees more comfort and reduces waiting times for getting an appointment. From a foreigner’s perspective, it may be better to get a healthcare plan in a private medical facility, as their staff and doctors are usually able to provide services in English. In regular state-run hospitals and clinics, especially outside major cities, foreigners may still experience language barrier, although the situation is gradually improving.

Short stay in Poland?

If you come from the EU or European Free Trade Association you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) within the territory of â€‹â€‹28 European Union countries and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This card gives you the right to use (at the same price as insured citizens do) healthcare services during your temporary stay in Poland.

Getting a residence card is another way of legalising your stay in Poland. Apart from a visa, it is one of the most common documents held by foreigners. Read our general introduction to the subject of residence cards.

What is it?

Some foreigners may confuse a residence card with a visa. Both documents allow them to legally stay in Poland, however, there are very significant differences. As you have already learnt, visas are issued by Polish consulate offices abroad, whereas a residence card is obtained through a relevant Voivodship Office in Poland (a list of all 16 offices can be found here). The former are more occasional in nature – you obtain a visa in order to visit Poland with a particular purpose in mind. When you apply for a residence card, it usually involves some long-term plans and therefore the document allows you to stay in Poland for even up to 3 years and cross the Polish border multiple times without the necessity of having a visa. It is common practice for foreigners to apply for a residence card towards the end of validity of their visa (at least 30 days before its expiration date).

Who can I apply and how to do it?

Getting a residence card means being granted a residence permit in Poland, usually a temporary or a permanent one, which are two most common scenarios for obtaining a residence card. However, it is also issued to people who become long-term EU residents, refugees and victims of human trafficking.

All applicants are obliged to fill in specific forms, based on the reasons for their application. For instance, if a person is applying for a temporary residence permit, their forms will match this form of stay. The documents are then delivered to a Voivodship Office and the process of issuing your card may take from 1 to even 2 months.

Is it free?

In most cases, no. There is a fee for applying for a residence card, as well as for issuing it - the earlier amounts to PLN 340, the latter to PLN 50. However, the fee is not paid by refugees or people applying for a card because of humanitarian reasons, as well as in other exceptional cases.

What do I get?

If all documents are filed properly, you obtain a single card resembling an ID or a driving licence. It contains your and your parents’ names, place and date of birth, sex, height and eye colour, registered address in Poland, nationality, PESEL number (if applicable), your fingerprints, issue and expiration date and the issuing authority. A residence card features the photograph of its holder and, most importantly, information about the type of permit which was granted along with the card. There is also space for additional information.

I lost my residence card, what to do?

Since your card is a very important document, you should report it and reapply as soon as possible, but no later than within 14 days of the incident. In this case, when the office deems you responsible for destroying or losing your card, the fee for getting a new one will be increased to PLN 100. If the situation repeats itself, the fee is increased even further, to PLN 150. It is better to take good care of your residence card, as it not only saves you money, but allows you to avoid extra formalities.

Hopefully you are now able to see all the benefits that come from having a residence card and understand circumstances which give you grounds for applying for it. Come back for more information about temporary and permanent residence permits next time.

How to become a temporary resident in Poland

Extending your visa may seem like a good idea to prolong your legal stay in Poland, but it is possible only under extraordinary circumstances. Individuals willing to stay longer in Poland usually choose to apply for a residence card. Learn how to do it.

Obtaining a visa is usually the first step to legalise your stay in Poland, but it is difficult to extend it (read about prolonging your visa). Therefore, when a visa’s expiration date is nearing, foreigners willing to stay here for more than 3 months choose to apply for a temporary residence card. The document allows them to stay in Poland for the maximum of 3 years (the length of the period depends on specific circumstances) and can be renewed if necessary. It also allows you to visit other Schengen countries for touristic purposes - up to 90 days in half a year.

Find a reason

Every foreigner willing to become a temporary resident of Poland needs to give grounds for their stay in the country. There is a variety of reasons to choose from and it is important to apply on the basis of the correct one. Here follows the list of the most common grounds for application:

Starting or continuing work in Poland;
Working as a highly skilled employee (the Blue Card);
Working as a delegate of a foreign company;
Starting a business in Poland;
Pursuing higher education studies in Poland (as well as language courses prior to studies);
Academic research in Poland;
Visiting relatives by a Polish national or a foreigner’s family members;
Being a victim of human trafficking;
Intending to reunite with a family member who is a EU national;
Being a minor child of a person residing in Poland on the grounds of a national visa or a residency card, provided the child was born during the document’s validity period;
Being a minor child of a foreigner married to a Polish citizen and possessing a temporary residence permit issued for a Polish citizen family member;
Other compelling and documented grounds.

Who will not be granted temporary residence card?

There is also a number of circumstances which prevent Polish authorities from issuing a temporary residence card. If you fall into one of these categories, you will not be granted a temporary residence card. The reasons may include:

Being a long-term or permanent EU resident;
Staying in Poland on the grounds of a Schengen visa issued for humanitarian reasons;
Already staying in Poland on the basis of a temporary residence card issued under circumstances requiring a short stay;
Being granted a tolerated stay, permit for a stay on the grounds of humanitarian reasons, asylum, subsidiary or temporary protection, refugee status;
Already being the process of applying for a refugee status or seeking asylum;
Being placed in a guarded facility, detention or being subject to a ban on leaving the Polish territory;
Being imprisoned or in pre-trial custody;
Being obliged to return and the period of voluntary return has not expired yet (even in the cases of extending the period);
Being obliged to leave Poland within 30 days of the relevant decision;
Residing outside Poland (does not apply to those applying for a card to reunite a family);
Failing to provide fingerprints.

File your forms

In order to obtain a residence card, you will need to file appropriate forms in the relevant Voivodeship Office in person. Depending on the type of reasons behind your application, different documents need to be filed, but some of them remain the same:

Application form for a temporary residence permit – 4 copies (download here)
Valid travel document – 3 copies
Current colour photographs – 4 copies
Written consent of individuals exercising parental authority over a minor applying for a permit.

Please bear in mind that it is possible to obtain other important permits along with your temporary residence card. To be more specific, if you are applying on the grounds of starting your work in Poland, you are able to get a temporary residence card and work permit at the same time.

How long do I have to wait?

The whole process may take up to 2 months, but usually a month is enough to issue a residence card. Individuals who are refused to be granted the document, may appeal to the Head of the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw within two weeks of the decision. In this scenario, their case will be revised in one month as well.

Once you initiate the process of temporary residence application, you shall get a stamp in your travel document stating that you are allowed to stay in Poland until after the final decision is granted.

Fees

There are fees to be considered during the process. If an individual applies only for a temporary residence permit, the fee amounts to PLN 340 and is fully reimbursable if a negative decision is issued. If an applicant wants to obtain a work permit along with the residence card, the fee is PLN 440. Once a positive decision is given, a fee of PLN 50 must be paid in order to cover the costs of issuing a card.

We hope that all of our readers will use this information to successfully apply for their temporary residence cards. Good luck!

long-term-eu-resident-permit-poland-polish

Foreigners from outside the EU have a way of legalising their stay by obtaining a long-term EU-residence permit. Who is eligible to do that and how to apply for it? Let us explain in the article below.

About the permit

The document is issued for foreigners coming from outside the EU and allows them to stay in Poland permanently. The length of stay is not defined by the permit, although it is valid for 5 years only – therefore it needs to be exchanged for a new one after this period of time. Even though the permit has EU in its name, it does not allow a foreigner to work in another EU member state apart from Poland (if issued by Polish authorities). It does however entitle them to travel freely as tourists to other Schengen states for up to 3 months every 180 days.

Who can apply?

Long story short: a foreigner coming from outside the European Union who has stayed legally in Poland for at least 5 years and continues to do so at the moment of application. There are 5 key conditions the foreigner needs to fulfil in order to get the permit:

The 5-year-long period of stay needs to be considered uninterrupted on regular conditions.
They have to have a stable source of income for at least 3 years before applying for the permit (2 years in the case of the Blue Card holders).
They need to have health insurance.
The applicant’s right to Polish residential premises needs to be confirmed.
They deliver a certificate of a temporary residence address or a document confirming their inability to obtain one.

If you fulfil these conditions, you can be already heading to the Voivode’s Office which is closest to your place of residence in Poland to file the following documents…

What you need

A few things need to be filed along with your application form, which you can download here.

4 recent photographs in colour.
A copy of your valid travel document (preferably a passport).
A document confirming the applicant’s right to Polish residential premises.
Other documents confirming data present in the application form.

Fees

The process of obtaining a long-term EU-resident permit may take even up to 3 months, so it is important to file the forms before your legal grounds for staying in Poland cease to be valid. If the documents are delivered to the Voivode’s office correctly, the applicant gets a stamp in their passport allowing them to stay in Poland until the decision is announced. The fee paid upon the initiation of the process is PLN 640. When the application is accepted, the applicant pays additional PLN 50 for issuing their residence card.

Other important information

It is worth remembering that a long-term EU-resident card gives foreigners a possibility to take up a job in Poland without the necessity of getting a work permit. If a foreigner is denied the permit, they can appeal to the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw within 14 days of obtaining the decision. If they are refused the permit or their permit is withdrawn, they are obliged to leave the territory of Poland within 30 days of receiving the information.

Good luck to everyone applying for a long-term EU-resident permit! Remember to make sure that your application is complete and then enjoy your stay in Poland!

11 November marks an important date for Poland - the country celebrates its National Independence Day. This year, a lot of Poles will also get a long-awaited gift on 11 November - a visa-free travel to the United States.

On 11 November this year, Poland will officially enter the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It means that from now on, Polish citizens will be able to travel to the United States visa-free. The programme, which is administered by the US government, allows foreigners to visit the country for tourism or business-related purposes for up to 90 days.

Travellers visiting the United States under the VWP, are not required to apply for a visa - however, they must obtain prior approval to travel through ESTA - the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation - and hold a biometric passport. The registration fee is much lower than that charged for a visa (14 dollars compared to 160 dollars for a business/tourist visa) and the approval remains valid for two years. Foreigners willing to take up employment are still required to obtain a visa.

Lifting the visa requirement is major news for Poland - the country has long sought to enter the US waiver programme, being one of the few EU countries not included in the VWP (the other ones are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania). It is estimated that the United States is home to over 10 million Polish Americans, comprising the largest Polish community abroad - most Poles and Americans of Polish origin live in the states of Illinois, New York and Michigan. Up until now, Poland could not participate in the VWP as its visa refusal rate exceeded the required 3 per cent threshold. This year, however, the rate has finally fallen to 2.8 per cent, allowing a lot of Polish citizens to visit their families across the pond visa-free.

Do you have Polish ancestors?

Electronic sick leave notes - new law soon coming into force in Poland

All individuals, including foreign citizens, employed in Poland under a contract of employment or a contract of mandate are registered with the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) and entitled to healthcare benefits. Contributions to NFZ are deducted every month from the employee’s income.

Changes to sick leave certificates

Until recently, an employee’s sickness absence could only be certified by a doctor. From 1 October 2018, sick leave note (zwolnienie lekarskie) can be also issued by an authorised health professional such as a nurse or a paramedic. Polish employees can not self-certify their illness in order to receive sick pay.

Sick pay is covered by an employer for a period not exceeding 33 days in a calendar year, or 14 days in a calendar year for employees who are over 50 years old. It is financed in the amount of:

80 per cent of the employee’s salary or
100 per cent of the salary if the absence results from a work-related accident (either at work and on the way to/from work), an illness during pregnancy or an examination or operation related to being an organ, cell or tissue donor.

Employees are obligated to submit their sick leave certificate to the employer no later than 7 days after the date of issue - otherwise the allowance will be reduced by 25 per cent. Currently, doctors usually produce a handwritten document, which then needs to be delivered to the workplace by the employee, either by post or in person. Such an obligation may naturally pose some problems for those patients who are advised to rest in bed.

From December 1, all sick leave notes will have to be issued digitally by doctors and uploaded to the Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS), which will allow for an easy access to the employee’s data as well as prevent possible frauds.

More information on public and private health insurance in Poland available here

Sickness allowance

If the period of illness extends beyond the above-mentioned limits, the employee is entitled to receive a sickness allowance (zasiÅ‚ek chorobowy) financed by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). The sickness allowance can be paid for a period of up to 182 days or 270 days if the incapacity to work is caused by tuberculosis or occurs during pregnancy.

The amount of sickness allowance usually equals the amount of sick pay. Additionally, hospitalised employees are entitled to an allowance in the amount of 70 per cent of their salary.

All employees acquire the right to sick pay and sickness allowance 30 days after being registered in the insurance scheme.

Gaining permanent residence permit in Poland

A permanent residence card is a stable way of legalising your stay in Poland, but there are a lot of conditions to fulfill. In most cases foreigners can apply for it only after several years of uninterrupted stay in the country. Read more below.

Do I qualify to apply?

Usually you can apply for a permanent residence card only after a few years of a legal stay in Poland. The number of those years varies in different cases, but remains crucial in the application process. In general, individuals who are able to obtain a permanent residence permit are:

Children of foreigners who hold a permanent Polish or long-term EU residence permits, who were born within the period of the document’s validity;
Children of Polish nationals remaining in their custody;
The Pole Card’s holders or people of Polish descent intending to settle in Poland;
Individuals married to Polish citizens for at least 3 years who had lived in Poland prior to the permanent residence card application for at least 2 years;
Human trafficking victims who had stayed prior to the application for at least 1 year in Poland on the basis of a temporary residence card, have cooperated with the police and have expressed justified fear of returning to their home country;
Individuals living in Poland for at least 5 years prior to the application, who hold a refugee status, subsidiary protection status or who are allowed to stay in Poland because of humanitarian reasons;
Individuals living in Poland for at least 10 years prior to the application, who have been granted a tolerated residence permit and although are obliged to return are unable to do that for legal or humanitarian reasons;
Asylum seekers.

Uninterrupted stay in Poland

In some points above, one of the conditions refers to staying in Poland for a stated period of time. This should be understood as an uninterrupted stay in Poland, during which a person does not leave the country for a period longer than 6 months and all interruptions in a given period do not exceed 10 months in total. Some exceptions to this rule include foreign internships and job-related delegations (including accompanying your spouse in such) or breaks due to extraordinary personal circumstances which do not exceed 6 months.

When permit is not granted

There are circumstances which prevent Polish authorities from granting a permanent residence permit. These include first and foremost not meeting the requirements listed above. Apart from that, applications can be rejected if an applicant is an undesired individual in Poland, remains in a fictitious marriage, provides false documents, has tax arrears or fails to repay costs of their obligation to return.

Application process

The application process is similar to applying for a temporary residence card (see here). Foreigners need to file a set of documents to their competent Voivodeship Office (list here). The documents include:

3 copies of a completed form (download here)
4 current photographs
2 copies of valid travel documents
Any documents confirming data present in the form
Applicant’s fingerprints
Stamp duty confirmation
Other necessary documents

If the application is complete and correct, a foreigner receives a stamp in their passport allowing them to stay legally in Poland even though their visa or residence card may expire in the process of awaiting authorities’ decision. This usually takes up to 1 month.

When a permanent residence card is issued, it is valid for the period of 10 years and needs to be renewed regularly. The fee is PLN 640 and the fee for issuing the card is PLN 50. It can be reimbursed if the application is rejected.

One last thing that foreigners need to remember is that having a valid permanent residence permit in Poland does not entitle them to work abroad. It does allow them to travel as tourists to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days each half a year.

Have you gone through this process and want to share your experience? Feel free to join the discussion in the comment section below!

Formalities related to the arrival to Poland

A bright business idea, a tempting opportunity or a simple coincidence – whatever brings you to Poland, you will have to follow not only your heart, but also some rules. Before your permanent move to the centre of Europe, make sure you are familiar with the documents and processes described below.

Having decided to come to Poland, you need to remember about taking a valid travel document and a visa if you come from a country for which the visa obligation has not been abolished. Although entering Poland from the Schengen area country (the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Germany) does not require presenting any proof of identity, it is good to have a travel document on you, for example in case of being detained by the police.

Your travel document may be your passport or identity card. Neither a driving licence nor any other identity proof will be recognised as a travel document.

The obligation to present a visa does not concern the citizens of over 70 countries, which include, e.g. the European Union member states, Israel, the European Free Trade Association countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), as well as Brazil, the United States and many other countries.

The European countries whose citizens are obliged to possess a visa when entering Poland include Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

If you come from Serbia, Montenegro, Moldova or Macedonia, you are not required to have a visa, but it will be necessary to present a biometric passport. A biometric passport is a document that allows on verifying your identity based on biometric data, such as finger prints or retinal scan.

You should remember that based on a travel document, you can stay in Poland without applying for additional permits a maximum of 3 months. If you want to stay in Poland longer, before this period ends, you must obtain a residence permit for a fixed period.

Settling in Poland

To obtain a temporary residence permit, you should provide documented reasons for your living in Poland. Taking up a job or education in Poland, as well as marriage to a Polish citizen, are one of the most common reasons.

A temporary residence permit can be obtained for any period, but not longer than 3 years. The application for temporary residence can be submitted at any time in a Polish consulate at your place of residence or in a voivodeship office in Poland.

If you possess a temporary residence permit, you also receive a residence card, which becomes the official document confirming your identity during your stay in Poland. Thanks to the residence card, you will be allowed to register your residence at a particular address, and you will obtain the PESEL number, which is necessary to perform all the tax activities in Poland. What is more, if you needed a visa to enter Poland, once you get the residence card, you are permitted to leave and enter Poland without a visa.

While carrying out formalities concerning the permit, it is worth asking your employer for help. The majority of them are eager to support their foreign employees while performing official formalities.

You can apply for a permanent residence permit 10 years after you start living in Poland1. Before that, you can stay in Poland only based on temporary residence permits, which you need to renew not less often than every 3 years.

Work permit

If you are a citizen of the EU member state, you do not need to apply for a work permit. When you decide on taking up a job in Poland, you conclude an agreement following the same rules as the Poles do, and you do not need to handle any additional formalities. It is only necessary to remember about obtaining a temporary residence permit.

If you come from Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine or Armenia, you can work in Poland for 3 months based on the employer’s declaration on their will to employ you. It is a simple document that will be submitted by your employer. Only after 3 months of work is the employer obliged to apply for a work permit on your behalf.

If you are not a citizen of the abovementioned countries, you must be aware that in your case, the work permit is an obligatory formality before you start any work in Poland.

The changes implemented in 2014 make it considerably easier to obtain a work permit in Poland. It is the employer hiring a foreigner who deals with gaining a permit so you do not have to be afraid that you will not manage to carry out the necessary formalities. At present, it is possible to obtain one permit for a temporary residence and work or, in case of people who are subject to the visa obligation, a visa with the right to work.

What is more, if you study or are planning to start studying in Poland, you can experience certain conveniences concerning taking up a job. As a full-time student possessing also a residence card, you are allowed to start work in Poland without applying for additional permits.

Although the work permit may seem to be an unpleasant formality, it also brings benefits for a foreigner. The employer applying for a work permit is obliged to include in it the details concerning employment, such as job title and remuneration. The level of salary in the application will guarantee that you will not be offered a lower pay because this would be against the law.

Lost documents

During your stay, your documents may be lost or stolen. It also happens that a travel document expires when you are in a foreign country. If you stay in Poland based on a travel document or a visa, you should go to your country’s consulate or embassy, where they will help you as regards obtaining new documents. In case of losing your residence card, you should immediately apply for a new card in a voivodeship office.

Expiry of a visa

The renewal of a visa is very difficult to obtain. That is why if you decide on staying in Poland, you should apply for the so called residence card, which will allow you to live in Poland legally, before your visa expires.

1People having a refugee status can get a permanent residence permit after 5 years. Besides, a person who is a wife or a husband of Polish citizen can apply for a permanent residence permit after 3 years of marriage.

Family 500+ programme - are foreigners eligible?

Launched in 2016, the "Family 500+" ("Rodzina 500+") benefit scheme aims to improve Poland's birth rates and provide financial support to low-income families. Until recently, the programme entitled all Polish families with two or more minor children to receive a tax-free benefit of PLN 500 a month for the second and each subsequent child. Low-income families on the other hand, could claim the benefit for their first child as well. However, from 1 July 2019, all Polish children (under the age of 18) are entitled to the "Family 500+" benefit, regardless of their parents' income. What about foreign residents in Poland? Can you benefit from the programme as well? Read on to find out more.

500+ FOR FOREIGNERS

The 500+ benefit can be granted to foreign residents of Poland on the basis of:

the rules on social security coordination (meaning that as an EU citizen you have access to social security services in other EU member states but you can only receive benefits in one country);
bilateral agreements on social security signed between the Republic of Poland and other countries (including Canada, the US, Australia, Moldova, South Korea or Ukraine - in short, citizens of these countries are eligible for the 500+ benefit).

Additionally, foreigners who reside in Poland with their children are entitled to the 500+ benefit if:

they have obtained a residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment;
they have access to the Polish labour market (except for third-country nationals whose work permit is valid for less than 6 months, who have been granted a residence permit for the purpose of studies or who can perform work on the basis of a visa);
they have obtained a temporary residence permit for the purpose of work under the intra-corporate transfer.

Note that the benefit is granted to all families, irrespective of the parents' marital status.

HOW TO APPLY?

You can submit the application in person to your district office (urzÄ…d dzielnicy/gminy), online at empatia.mrpips.gov.pl, via PUE ZUS or your online banking system (if your bank is on this list).

Are you expecting a child?

Learn more about maternity and paternity leave in Poland.

Maternity, paternity and parental leave - there is a lot to read about before welcoming a child into your family. Find out what benefits you are eligible for in Poland.

Maternity Leave

All pregnant employees who work under a contract of employment in Poland are entitled to maternity leave (urlop macierzyÅ„ski) of twenty weeks, six of which can be taken before the due date. In the case of a multiple birth, the leave is extended to:

• 31 weeks – if two children are born

• 33 weeks – if three children are born

• 35 weeks – if four children are born

• 37 weeks – if five and more children are born

If the mother wishes to return to work earlier, she can use only the compulsory minimum of 14 weeks’ leave. The rest of the leave can be then taken by the child's father.

Law Protection

During the period of pregnancy, maternity leave and parental leave, the employee is protected from dismissal by labour law and their contract can only be terminated in limited circumstances, such as gross misconduct on the part of the employee.

Parental Leave

Additionally, new mothers are entitled to 32 weeks (or 34 weeks in the case of a multiple birth) of parental leave (urlop rodzicielski) once maternity leave ends. Parental leave, which can be split between parents, is taken by the employee upon written request, no later than 21 days after the child’s birth.

Maternity Pay

In total, the employee is granted at least 52 weeks of paid leave in order to take care of their newborn child. They can receive maternity pay (zasiÅ‚ek macierzyÅ„ski) in the amount of:

• 100 per cent of their salary during maternity leave if they have not applied for parental leave

• 80 per cent of the salary for the duration of both maternity leave and parental leave if the application is submitted no later than 21 days after the child's birth

• 100 per cent of the salary during maternity leave and 60 per cent during parental leave if the application has not been submitted within the 21-day limit.

Parental leave and work

It is possible to work half-time while being on parental leave, with the employer's consent. The allowance is then reduced accordingly and the leave gets extended to a maximum of 64 or 68 weeks.

Paternity Leave

All insured fathers are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave (urlop ojcowski), which can be used until the child is 24 months old. Paternity leave is granted upon written request of the employee and paid in the amount of 100 per cent of the salary.

The new updates to the Polish act on foreigners make it easier for them to obtain temporary residence permits. The amendments are introduced especially for non-EU nationals who are being transferred within one company, but there will be changes in other aspects as well.

In-company transfer

If you live abroad outside the European Union and are about to be transferred to work in Poland for the same company – the process is about to become much easier. Individuals transferred to work for Polish branches of foreign companies will be able to stay in Poland on the basis of temporary work permit for as much as three years (applicable to managers and specialists). For interns the period of validity for a residence permit will be shorter – up to one year. After that, foreign employees will be obliged to leave Poland, unless they find another compelling reason to stay in Poland. To be eligible to fall under the new regulation, employees will need to have been employed in said company for at least 12 (managers and specialists) or 6 months (interns) before the process is initiated. The in-company transfer is to be applied to the entire EU territory, not just Poland.

Language test

The act on foreigners is going to feature a clarification on the obligatory level of language tests designed for foreigners staying in Poland. Up to now it has not been specified what the exact examination level is, but the amendment is going to introduce an obligatory B1 Polish language test (intermediate level) for those applying for a long-term EU residence permit or Polish citizenship.

If you are worried about your Polish language skills, do not fret!
Read this interview about foreigners learning Polish in a language school in Warsaw.

Record number of foreigners

The newest figures show that there are over 300,000 foreigners living in Poland on the basis of residence permit. This data does not include visa holders. The biggest number of foreigners has been registered by the Mazowieckie Voivodeship Office (over 100,000) – the region represented by Warsaw, where the most numerous foreign national groups are Ukrainians, followed by the Vietnamese, Chinese, Belarussian, Indian, Russian, French, British, German and Turkish nationals.

The new act is still being processed. If you want to stay up to date with the latest changes, please visit our website regularly for more recent information.

How to make an appointment at Voivodeship Office

UrzÄ…d Wojewódzki (English: Voivodeship Office) is a place expats see a lot of during their stay in Poland, especially its department for foreigners. You will need to book an appointment there to get a residence card or file a work permit application. Let us take you step by step through this.

1. What do you need it for?

You will need to stop by a department for foreigners in your local Voivodeship Office to obtain your residence permit, extend your visa, get a work permit or invite a foreigner. If you are an EU citizen, this is also your go-to place to secure all formalities regarding your stay legalisation.

Before you file your application, learn what documents you need for a temporary residence permit.

2. Find your office

First of all, every expat needs to find a Voivodeship Office relevant for their place of residence. There are sixteen of them, all located in major Polish cities, so one for each administrative region in Poland: WrocÅ‚aw, Bydgoszcz, Lublin, Gorzów Wielkopolski, ÅódÅº, Kraków, Warszawa, Opole, Rzeszów, BiaÅ‚ystok, GdaÅ„sk, Katowice, Kielce, Olsztyn, PoznaÅ„, Szczecin. You can find the full list of Voivodeship Offices with addresses here.

3. Book a visit online

Some Voivodeship Offices have introduced online bookings, which means that you do not need to contact them in any other way than via the Internet to schedule an appointment. Once the date is set, you are free to come on this specific day and time and you are spared from visiting the office twice. This, however, does not work in all Voivodeship Offices. The booking system has been introduced so far e.g. in WrocÅ‚aw, GdaÅ„sk, Warszawa, PoznaÅ„. Unfortunately, some of the scheduling systems are available only in Polish, while in other cities you may need to...

4. Book a visit traditional way

Those Voivodeship Offices which have not introduced such systems can be still reached via e-mail or phone. You can find all the necessary information by clicking the name of your relevant office in the list provided in point 2. It is always important to plan your appointments in advance, as for some offices it may take more time to deal with the number of cases.

Poland is part of the European Union and as such shares its common proposals. One of them is the Blue Card – an EU-wide work permit allowing non-EU citizens to work in any member state, excluding Denmark, Ireland and the UK. Read on for more information.

American competition

The idea of the Blue Card was introduced in 2007 with the aim of allowing a more relaxed flow of workforce between the member states. Initially the solution was criticised for being a cause of a brain drain in less developed countries outside the EU, but now it has become a natural part of the European labour market. The name Blue Card was adopted as a response to the popular American solution for migrants, the Green Card. The blue in its name is an obvious reference to the union’s symbol – the blue flag with twelve yellow stars.

Blue dream

The Blue Card is a unified residence and work permit issued for the entire European Union (except for the UK, Ireland and Denmark). It allows third-party foreigners to stay and work in the EU and does not restrict it to one country only. The Blue Card holders can therefore become mobile people of the 21^st century, who use their high qualifications in various member states of the EU. The card allows foreigners to stay in Poland 3 months after the end of their contract, but no more than 3 years in total.

It is essential to remember that not all jobs can be performed under the EU Blue Card. There is a regularly updated list of professions requiring high qualifications and the whole procedure is applicable only to these jobs.

Want to know which jobs give you access to the Blue Card?
See the list of the regulated professions here.

Application process

A few conditions need to be met in order for the Blue Card to be issued. First of all, a foreigner needs to be already residing in Poland. Secondly, they ought to find a job and their possible employer needs to be willing to hire them. In such situations, sometimes a labour market test needs to be conducted. After receiving its positive results, the foreigner needs to apply for the permit to the relevant Voivode’s office. The documents that should be filed are as follows:

3 copies of the application for the temporary residence permit (download here)
4 recent photographs in colour
2 copies of the applicant’s travel document (e.g. passport)
The labour market test’s results
Contract of employment, contract for home-based work or civil law agreement – for at least one year
Confirmation of formal higher professional qualifications (education at tertiary level)
Health insurance confirmation or confirmation of coverage by the insurer of treatment costs in Poland
Annual gross salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary, indicated in the contract, not less than that specified in the regulation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Along with them, a fee has to be paid (PLN 440). Another PLN 50 is paid on receiving the Blue Card.

Once you get it

After the Blue Card is granted, its holder is restricted to keep the position mentioned in the application form for at least 2 years. The salary also cannot be lower than the amount first indicated in the form. After the 2-year period, those amendments can be done, but the foreigner has to notify the Voivode’s office within 15 days. When it comes to changing your address or the company’s seat, its name or form, as well as when the employer is transferred to work for another entity, the authorities need not be notified.

Keep in mind that the whole period of your stay on the grounds of the Blue Card is included in the time required for obtaining a permanent residence card in Poland. Go ahead and apply for it – you will be one step closer to obtaining a permanent residence permit or even Polish citizenship in the future!

Labour market tests have been designed to make sure that Polish jobseekers are not neglected when competing with foreigners in their own country. Learn how this system works in practice and what to do before you are granted your work permit.

In general

Employers are obliged to conduct labour market tests when they want to hire a non-Polish person from outside the EU. This does not apply to all jobs – there are some types which do not require for the procedure to be adopted. These include mainly positions that are in great demand, domestic workers or caregivers from the countries neighbouring Poland, jobs which can be managed in your own household, or those who continue work performed on the basis of a declaration of intention to entrust a job to a foreigner. In other cases – the following steps need to be taken.

1) Talk to your employer

Make sure they understand that some of the responsibilities are on their part. They will have to file forms and sign the documents in which they oblige themselves to give you a job.

2) Visit the employment office

This is, again, the employer’s task. They notify their local employment office about the vacancy. While doing that, it is important to remember that the position has to be classified under certain code names specified for each job (the list of all of them in Polish can be found here).

3) Processing

The ball is now in the authorities’ court. The officials check the availability of native Polish jobseekers who can do the job and investigate whether the remuneration is fair considering the position placed in the offer. They may organise an open recruitment if they find suitable candidates among those registered in the office. When the procedure is finished, the local district governor issues the decision.

4) The decision

It is issued within 14 days of the job notification if the office found none of its current jobseekers suitable for the position. However, if they decided that the vacancy can be taken by a Polish unemployed person and a recruitment process was open to the public, the decision is issued within 21 days.

5) Attach it

A positive decision has to be attached to a relevant application form. If the employer is applying for a work permit for you, they need to pass this document to relevant authorities (see: Work permits in Poland). However, if it is an individual applying for a unified temporary residence and work permit, they will need to file it along with other necessary documents.

The issue of labour market tests in Poland has recently become controversial. Many employers in Poland want to make sure that they will be able to hire the employee of their choice and in order to do that they construct job offers in a rather creative way. Whether you are an employer or a foreigner trying to get the job – you have to remember that employment offices in Poland are professionally trained to detect false information in your advertisements. You will avoid extra fuss and formalities if the vacancy notification is put in a clear and honest manner, with the adequate salary and reasonable expectations.

Completing the labour market test procedure is usually the last step on your way to getting a job in Poland. Now you just need to focus on your career and plan your future in the country!

Anti-gun policy

Foreigners need to know that Poles are satisfied with current regulations about gun ownership, which may seem pretty tight in comparison to other countries, especially some US states. Poland has a relatively low percentage of gun ownership. Statistics show that there is slightly over one gun for every 100 Polish citizens, while Poland’s western neighbours have 30 guns per 100 citizens. This indicated that firearms ownership is not widespread among Poles.

Gun permit

The reason for the low number of guns could be the fact that it is quite difficult to obtain a gun permit. There are a few conditions that have to be met by the applicant, who…

… has to be 21 or older;
… has to undergo psychological and psychophysical tests;
… cannot be addicted to alcohol or other drugs;
… has to have a permanent place of abode in Poland;
… has to have a clear criminal record;
… has to pass a special exam about gun usage, control and regulations.

The overall costs of obtaining a standard permit are about PLN 2,500. If you wish to apply, you need to file the form to the police station in your place of registered address.

What is your registered address in Poland?

Depending on your reason for getting a gun (sports activity, defence of necessity, hunting, historical re-enactment, collecting, inheritance or training business activity), you will need a different set of documents. E.g. to get a gun on the grounds of sports activity, you need to be a registered member of a shooting association and have a licence for that.

Buying firearms

Once you get your hands on your gun licence, it is not that easy to buy one. Poland, unlike many American states, does not offer guns in convenience stores or supermarkets. However, there are special firearms shops where you can get all necessary supplies. Please remember to register your gun within 5 days of your purchase.

European Firearms Pass

Foreigners who have obtained gun licences in countries other than Poland will not find it easy to bring their guns to the country. You need a special permit issued by a Polish consulate abroad to import your firearms into Poland. If you wish to move across the European Union freely with your gun, you may think about getting the European Firearms Pass. It can be valid for up to 5 years and you apply for it at your local police station.

One of the legal requirements for foreigners living in Poland is getting a registered residence address. Since it is not mandatory in other European countries, people coming from abroad find the procedure quite tiresome and unnecessary. Let us help you out then!

Registered residence address (in Polish: zameldowanie or meldunek) is a relic of the past and part of the system of the General Register Office in Poland. It allowed for better record-keeping, especially in the communist times, when the free flow of Polish citizens was severely restricted by authorities. The registered address was defined as a place of legal abode and people were generally asked not to live in a place with an address different from the one stated in their personal ID. From March 1^st, 2015, Polish identity cards do not have this kind of information. Nevertheless, foreigners spending in Poland over 14 days, are obliged to file for their meldunek – registered address on the Polish territory.

Temporary registered address

If you are a foreigner staying in Poland for over 14 days and plan to return to your home country, you are obliged to register your temporary Polish address.

EU citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (or their family members) have to register no later than in the 30^th day of their stay in Poland.

Other foreigners are asked to register their temporary registered address no later than in the 4^th day of their stay in Poland.

The registration needs to be done in a local commune office (urzÄ…d gminy) and is free of charge, although getting an official confirmation of the registered address is PLN 17 and is not given on the spot.

For the registration, you are required to file the following documents:

Registration form;
Document showing you are entitled to use or own the place you are staying at (if applicable);
Statement from the owner of the place you are staying at if you do not have any rights towards this building or flat;
Passport and visa (if you do not come from the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland);
Valid travel document and confirmation of your permanent stay in the EU or in Poland (if you come from the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

Permanent registered address

If you are a foreigner moving permanently to Poland, you are obliged to register your permanent Polish address.

EU citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (or their family members) have to register no later than in the 30^th day of their stay in Poland.

Other foreigners are asked to register their temporary registered address no later than in the 4^th day of their stay in Poland.

The registration needs to be done in a local commune office (urzÄ…d gminy) and is free of charge. You are given a confirmation of the procedure on the spot, which is also free of charge.

For the registration, you are required to file the following documents:

Registration form;
Document showing you are entitled to use or own the place you are staying at (if applicable);
Statement from the owner of the place you are staying at if you do not have any rights towards this building or flat;
Passport and visa (if you do not come from the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland);
Valid travel document and confirmation of your permanent stay permit in the EU or in Poland (if you come from the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

In both cases, whether regarding a permanent or temporary residence address registration, you can do it personally or by a proxy. If you want to register a child’s address, you need to be their parent or legal guardian.

As you can see, zameldowanie is a quick but rather important thing to check from your list after you arrive in Poland. Good news is that from January 1^st, 2018, registering your address, whether you are a Pole or a foreigner, will no longer be mandatory.

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An unexpected visit from some authorities to check a foreigner’s legality of stay in Poland is nothing to be afraid of. It is a standard procedure taking place in some circumstances and concerns the majority of aliens who want to reside in Poland.

Although a bit discouraging and very often unexpected, a visit from some authorities is nothing unusual in the course of applying for a residence permit in Poland. It may concern your actual right to stay in Poland or your right to work, sometimes both. When it happens, a foreigner is obliged to present their documents entitling them to stay in Poland, work or conduct business activities, as well as their financial means their residency status requires them to possess.

Who may pay you a visit?

There are a few authorities entitled to conduct such check-ups on foreigners, including:

Customs officers
Border guards
Police
Foreigners’ office officials
Voivodeship Office representatives

What documents do you need?

Concerning your right to stay: passport, visa, residence card, valid Polish travel document, valid Polish ID, temporary Polish travel document, temporary Polish ID, Geneva travel document, certificate of returning travel document if the right to stay was withdrawn, documents confirming the right to enter Poland in order to perform work.

Concerning your right to work or conduct business: work permit, declaration of intention to employ foreigner, job contract, confirmation of conducting business activity.

Concerning financial means to support oneself in Poland: travel check or credit card statement, confirmation of possessing financial means lodged in a bank located in Poland, original of foreigner’s invitation to Poland, proof of receiving scholarship in Poland.

… as well as a proof of sufficient means to pay for medical treatment.

Many background checks and controls concern foreign spouses of Polish nationals.
Read here about international marriages in Poland.

Background check

Sometimes border guards perform background check by interviewing a foreigner’s family, friends, neighbours or even teachers and colleagues. Such interviews are conducted between 6 am – 8 pm in a foreigner’s place of residence, employment or other locations indicated in their residence card applications. It is all standard procedure in such situations and there is no rule as to why you have been selected to undergo this kind of detailed control.

Can you hear the wedding bells? – marrying a Polish citizen

Love is all around us, although sometimes life gets in the way. Two hearts skipping a beat, a romantic proposal and plans for your future together – but what about formalities and law? Read on if you are a foreigner marrying a Polish national.

Marry me in Vegas

… or anywhere outside Poland, for that matter. If you are a foreigner and your better half is Polish, you are free to marry wherever you want to in the world. However, a Pole needs to visit their local registry office and ask for a special certificate, which states that there is no impediment to marriage pursuant to the marriage with foreigners abroad. You need to pay a stamp duty (PLN 38) and your document should be issued on the spot. Now go and get married!

Let the whole world know

But if you prefer to keep it private, at least inform your Polish registry office. If you want your wedding to be officially recognised in the country, you need to look into some formalities. The Polish spouse should provide a marriage certificate, their husband’s or wife’s birth certificate and their own birth certificate (unless the case is being processed by the same registry office that have their birth record from years ago). All documents which are not in Polish should be translated. Good news is that the paperwork need not be delivered to a registry office in person – a family member can file it as well. The fee for the registration is PLN 50.

Another option is legalising your marriage through a Polish consulate abroad, but it is a more complex (the waiting period for your certificate is at least two months) and expensive path (the fee is much higher than in Poland).

Your big fat Polish wedding

You can also get married in Poland. Here church weddings are the most popular way of tying the knot, since they combine the traditional wedding ceremony with an easy registration done by priests in civil registry offices.[1] If your Polish fiancé insists on a church wedding and you are not religious yourself – you may encounter some obstacles. It is important to learn what the formal requirements are early in the process of getting married and try to discuss them with a clergyman beforehand. Do not worry though, everything is doable. Mixed couples of different faiths and backgrounds enjoy joint wedding ceremonies and it is becoming more and more common in Poland (the so-called interfaith marriages).

The registry office wedding ceremony lacks the religious element, but requires the same kind of legal formalities. In both cases, a foreigner will need their valid travel document (e.g. passport), birth certificate, Geneva passport (applicable only to individuals with a refugee status), Polish residence card (if applicable) and a special certificate of no impediment to marriage pursuant to the marriage with foreigners. All documents which are not in Polish ought to be translated.

Citizenship status

After the wedding, one of the most important issues is staying together and enjoying your time as a married couple, but what if your spouse is not a native of Poland? Getting a citizenship would solve this problem and many believe that a new passport is naturally acquired with the exchange of wedding vows. However, it is important to bear in mind that marriage does not guarantee that a person is granted a citizenship immediately. The process is longer and much more complex.

For EU nationals the case is a bit simpler. They are entitled to travel and work freely around the European Union up to three months, but even after this time it is not obligatory for them to apply for a residence permit if they are married to a Polish citizen. However, if a foreigner wishes to obtain a Polish citizenship in the future, they need to undergo the same process as non-EU nationals. In such cases, it is advisory to get a temporary residence permit and then apply for a permanent residence card in the future (precisely, after 2 years of a continuous stay in Poland). Then, after three years of staying in Poland as its permanent resident and three years of being married to a Polish citizen, a foreigner may apply for a full Polish citizenship.

Happily ever after

In many fairy tales a happy couple, after overcoming some obstacles, gets their happy ending and very often is awarded with a couple of delightful kids. According to the Polish law, any child born to a Polish national is automatically granted a Polish citizenship. This rule applies even when only one parent is Polish or if the child is born abroad. In the latter case, parents need to make sure that they register the baby's birth certificate, just like they need to register their marriage if it took place outside Poland.

Hopefully now you feel more confident about your transnational wedding and marriage! You can share your advice if you have already went through this process and want to encourage other couples to brave any legal storm. And they all lived happily ever after...

[1] Applicable only to: the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, the Evangelical-Augsburg Church, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the Polish Catholic Church, Jewish Qahals, the Old Catholic Mariavite Church, the Pentecostal Church in Poland

Online temporary residence application form

Have you heard about the interactive application form system for foreigners in Poland? Check out the website www.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl to legislate your stay or get international protection.

Poland is on its track to become more interactive, but there is still a long way to go. To make filing application forms easier, the government launched a new project that allows foreigners to print out already filled forms. To prepare the document that can be taken straight to the Voivodeship Office, one needs to go through the following steps on www.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl:

Select the application form
Fill it online
Save, print, verify and sign
Take to the Voivodeship Office

Do you need to find the address of your local Voivodeship Office?
It's linked in our article about temporary residence permit.

Which forms can be filed through this system?

Temporary residence permit
Permanent residence permit
Long-term residence of the European Union
Invitation entry into the invitation register
International protection (submitted ONLY to the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland)

All the application should be filled in Polish.

Have you used the system? Would you like to see more of such online tools in the future? Let us know.

What happens to expats who lose their job in Poland? How long can you stay in Poland and are you entitled to an unemployment benefit if you are a foreigner?

Losing a job does not mean you have to leave the country immediately. However, if you know that your job contract (or a civil-law contract that meets the criteria typical for of a job contract) is about to be terminated, you need to contact the voivodeship office within 15 working days. Once you do that, you will be allowed to stay for 30 more days in Poland (your residence permit will be prolonged by this period). Make sure you fulfil this obligation – it is not only beneficial, but also not informing about your unemployment may cause the voivode to withdraw your residence permit. They may also oblige you to leave the territory of Poland in a stated period of time.

What if you want to appeal your obligation to return? It should be filed to the Office for Foreigners (UdsC). This may buy you some time as your stay in Poland is deemed legal until the final decision is issued.

You need not worry about your right to stay in Poland after losing a job if you have a permanent residence permit, long-term EU residence pemrit or if you are married to a Polish national.

Registering as unemployed

Foreigners with the following statuses can register as unemployed in a local job centre (UrzÄ…d Pracy):

refugee status;
permanent residence permit;
long-term EU residence permit;
EU Blue Card;
temporary residence permit issued for the purposes of scientific research;
temporary residence permit issued on the basis of being a long-term EU resident in another member state;
tolerated or humanitarian stay;
temporary or subsidiary protection;
temporary residence permit for a family member of a Polish national; or a passport stamp indicating that the individual has filed an application for a residence permit (provided they already had a temporary residence permit before);
temporary residence and work permit provided they have been employed for min. 6 months before registering as unemployed.

Your rights upon registration

You will have access to benefits and job centre services (counselling or job-seeking trainings). Your right to the benefit applies if you fulfil one of the conditions above and some other conditions listed in the Act on employment promotion and labor market institutions (basically you need to have been employed and paid contributions to the Labour Fund for at least 365 days in the period of eighteen months before your unemployment registration).

How much is unemployment benefit?

It is arranged for either 6 or 12 months and depends on your employment history. If your overall professional seniority is between 5 to 20 years, you will get PLN 831.10 in the first three months of unemployment and then PLN 652.60.

However, if you have:

overall work experience shorter than 5 years, you will get 80 per cent of these amounts;
seniority longer than 20 years, you will get 120 per cent.

Foreigners who hold Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka) can apply for financial support to cover costs of settling in Poland permanently. The change came into force January 1st, 2017, and gave Polish voivodes the power to grant these special benefits.

Financial support can be given to those foreigners who apply for a permanent residence permit to a relevant voivode on the basis of being a Pole’s Card holder. Within three months’ time of this application, a foreigner needs to apply for a benefit, which can be used for covering the costs of settling and securing livelihood in Poland. The benefit can be given to a foreigner, as well as their spouse and minor children residing with them in Poland. There is no stamp duty for filing an application form asking for a permanent residence permit on the grounds of Pole’s Card, but the benefit application costs PLN 10.

The benefit is provided for the period of up to 9 months and amounts to:

In the first three months:

50 percent of a minimum wage in the year the application is filed, for a foreigner and their spouse;
50 percent of the sum above for every minor child under the custody of a foreigner or their spouse.

In the next months (4-9): 60 percent of these sums respectively.

The final decision is made by a voivode, but the payouts are provided by county head (starosta) office’s, either in cash windows or via bank transfer. If a foreigner moves, the starosta office providing the benefit does not change.

Are you interested in getting this form of financial support?

Forms need to be filed after making an appointment for a specific day and hour. Necessary documents include: Pole’s Card, birth certificate, valid travel document (with a stamp confirming crossing the border), documents confirming family relations (in the case of spouse and/or minor children benefit – birth and/or marriage certificates, valid travel documents), confirmation of intention to settle in Poland, e.g. apartment rental contract, registered address (meldunek), confirmation of schooling (if applicable to children).

The Pole’s Card is a very specific document issued in particular circumstances. Which foreigners can apply for it and what are the benefits for its holders? What changes regarding this document are planned to be introduced in the future? Read on.

Polish heritage

The Pole’s Card seems to serve as a proof of Polish nationality for people living outside Poland. The document has been introduced for those who feel they have a bond with their homeland through common history and tradition, can speak Polish (or at least have a basic grasp of it) and, most importantly, want to officially give a written declaration of identifying themselves as Polish in front of a Polish consul. In order to do that, an applicant for the Pole’s Card has to be a formal citizen of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine or Uzbekistan. Moreover, there is one more condition: such a person needs to prove that in their family tree one will find at least 1 parent or grandparent of Polish origin (or 2 great-grandparents). Another way of proving your special bond with Poland is presenting a special note from a Polish organisation confirming your activity in the field of promoting Polish culture.

What’s in it for you?

Since the introduction of the Pole’s Card in 2007, the interest in it has soared. Numbers show that there have been 170,000 applications so far. What makes this form of legalising your stay in Poland so attractive?

The Pole’s Card is by far the fastest and most efficient way of obtaining legal status in Poland for those who are eligible for it. Among some of its benefits there are such things as:

Getting visas free of charge;
Not being required to obtain work permits;
Conducting business activities on the same grounds as Polish citizens;
Free education and access to special scholarships;
Free healthcare in emergencies;
37 percent discount for public transport;
Free admission to state museums.

The Pole’s Card is valid for 10 years and may be extended upon its holder’s written request.

Do you want to apply for the Pole's Card?
Deliver your photo, copy of your passport and this form to the nearest Polish consulate!

What does Poland get?

People applying for the Pole’s Card are usually young or middle-aged and have an entrepreneurial mindset. Coming from neighbouring countries, they make perfect candidates for settling down in Poland, which in turn makes Polish authorities very favourable of continuing the programme.

Currently, the government is working on updating the regulations in order to make them even more approachable for Polish expats. Among the changes that are about to be introduced, there is a project of facilitating settling in Poland for the card’s holders experiencing extraordinary situations, such as military conflicts in their countries of abode. It will also introduce an adaptation package for freshly relocating Poles, which will include financial aid, but also language lessons and other classes. Finally, in some countries people of Polish origin will be able to apply for the card not only in Polish consulates, but in other facilities as well.

What’s next?

After receiving the Pole’s Card, its holders will have easier access to obtaining a free of charge permanent residence permit, and later – Polish citizenship. Being granted the latter will be possible just after one year of their legal stay in Poland, but until the changes are introduced, the period remains the same and amounts to three years. Still, the Pole’s Card’s holders seem to stand in the best position when it comes to obtaining permanent residence permits and later – citizenships.

Are you the card holder yourself? Feel free to share your opinion on this document, its benefits and possible improvements for the card holders in the future.

Many of you prefer to rent. It is more flexible and it lets you test the waters before you make the decision to stay in Poland for good. If you make up your mind, however, you may find yourself wanting to own some sort of real estate. How does that work for foreigners in Poland?

Why buy at all?

You may come from a country like Germany or Denmark where property ownership is quite low and it is a common lifestyle choice to rent a property rather than buy it (see Eurostat for more details). If you intend to live in Poland for a longer period of time and you are able to buy property, here is a list of a few reasons in favour of it:

Prices. Poland's price to income ratio is 9.77, ranking 34th globally. It means that places here are generally quite affordable if you also earn locally. It is a better raio than that of France, Russia, or Hungary, for instance.
Investment. Instead of keeping your savings in a bank - invest in real estate. Your property in Poland can be rented or leased; you can also do it up, wait for a good opportunity, and sell it with an advantage.
Stability. This is quite an obvious one, but it should not be underestimated. Owning your own place means it is entirely up to you how you restore or decorate it. On the other hand, it may also be a burden - it does require some attention and care!

Flat or house?

For expats, it is definitely easier to buy an apartment in Poland, rather than a house. In order to become a flat owner, you do not need to obtain any special permits. In fact, you do not even need to live in Poland permanently! If you do, it is acceptable to present simply a visa or a residence permit of whichever type. The regulation is also applicable to buying a garage.

Buying a house is more tricky for foreigners in Poland. You will need to apply to the Polish Ministry of the Interior for a special permit granting you the right to acquire real estate. There are however exceptions to these rules. The most common ones say that you do not need the permit if you have been living in Poland for over five years on the ground of permanent residency or long-term EU residency (it is just two years for individuals in the same position who are additionally married to a Polish national). To read more about them, visit the Ministry of the Interior website.

Still on the fence about buying property?
Read how renting works in Poland!

How to apply?

The application for issuing the permit to acquire real estate in Poland should be filed to the Ministry of the Interior and it should contain:

1) designation of the applicant and its legal status;
2) designation of real estate acquired;
3) designation of the seller;
4) determination of the legal form of the acquisition of real estate;
5) information about the purpose and possibility of the acquisition of real estate.

You should also attach all the documents testifying the aforementioned information, your ties to Poland, marriage certificates, ID copies, bank statements etc. If you are really considering buying property, take a closer look at the regulation, as there are many nuanced details that may apply to your particular circumstances. Bear in mind that the permit is valid for two years since the day it was issued.

Poland is ranked as the 19th country in the world in terms of Internet use. If you are a fresh student coming on your Polish academic adventure or a new employee entering our job market, the Internet will be an essential tool in your day to day activities. Here are a few ways of getting connected to the net.

Public Wi-Fi networks

Poland is full of hotspots and once your plane lands here – you can immediately access airport wireless networks. You can also find public Wi-Fi signs in big cities and get some Internet even in smaller ones (next to schools, universities, shopping malls etc.). Businesses in Poland are not keen on installing as many passwords as in other countries, but if you happen to stumble upon a locked network in a café – do not be ashamed to ask for the password. Very often it is also scribbled on the wall or in the menu.

Mobile Internet

If your stay in Poland is supposed to be rather short, no need to draw complex contracts with Internet providers – a cell phone will do just fine. It is also useful if you simply value having Internet access 24/7 over your smartphone. In Poland, a popular solution is a prepaid starter card of one of the four major cell phone networks (Orange, Play, Plus, T-Mobile). You can top up your account whenever you run out of means.

Those staying longer in Poland and signing a contract with a phone network should pay attention to the cell phone plan of their choice. Make sure your offer, apart from attractive call and message packs, matches your Internet needs and includes enough data to surf the net. Try to find the best options – e.g. LTE Internet access covering most areas in Poland.

Cable or local network

A lot of people in Poland use the Internet coming along with their cable TV and use wireless routers at home. It is convenient (you pay one bill covering both TV and Internet cost), often financially attractive (companies like to offer discounts to new clients), and most importantly – reliable. Data transmission in such Internet connections is usually very fast. The only drawback is that you can access them in bigger towns and city areas – not necessarily in the countryside.

For those in less urbanised areas, local Internet providers can be a solution. There are no general standards here – the best solution is to ask your neighbours what provider they use and sign up if you accept the terms offered to the local community.

DSL broadband

For non-expert users, the experience of DSL Internet will be similar to the cable one – they essentially pay the bills and get stable Internet access. DSL connections use telephone technology and are one of the oldest forms of Internet access, e.g. through Neostrada or Netia services.

There are obviously more forms of Internet access, apart from those most popular ones mentioned above. Hopefully you will be able to access the net as soon as you put your feet on Polish soil. We want you to stay in touch with your loved ones and to be able to visit AtoZ Serwis Plus online!

Depending on the purpose of your stay, you need to consider different accommodation types in Poland. The purpose of your stay, its length and your budget may determine what option you go for. If your house is your castle – see what castle you should look for!

Before coming to Poland you should know where to find an apartment, what to be aware of, and you’ll have a general overview of rental prices.

Types of apartment people can rent in Poland

First of all, you can live in a dormitory and rent an apartment alone or with other people, which is the most popular. It is also possible to rent a room in an apartment with the owner, which is usually cheaper but bear in mind that you live with the landlord.

Moreover, you need to remember that there is a difference in the quality of apartments or rooms to rent. Basically, there are 3 types of building containing apartments. The first one is ‘kamienica’. We can describe it as an apartment inside an old building with a high ceiling, usually around 3.5 metres. Such apartments are generally cheaper. Another type is a block (‘blok’). Such buildings are more modern than ‘kamienica’, but without any additional facilities. The last type, very rare and the most luxury is a new building with plenty of options inside: security, monitoring, parking place, sometimes a gym and a swimming pool. Of course, rental prices are the highest for the last category.

Renting an apartment. How to search offers?

For foreigners who don’t know the Polish language, there is a possibility to use different options of searching for an apartment:

1st : Using portals which are in the English language (e.g., rentflatpoland.com, property-krakow.com).

2nd: Contacting directly a real estate agency. Most of real estate agencies ask for a fee. Of course, with some agencies, the owner pays the fee instead of the tenant. Bear in mind that you shouldn’t pay for visiting an apartment. You can be charged a commission only if you take an apartment.

3rd : Talking to Polish friends or checking for offers at a local university, or at work. You can find other people looking for an apartment and decide to live together.

4th: Checking social media and expat groups in Poland. You can find ‘expats in Warsaw’, Krakow etc.

5th: Asking your company to help you find accommodation.

6th: Checking some forums. It is possible to find something there.

Rental period

Usually, the minimum period is from six months to one year. Some owners are flexible and can rent their apartment for one or two months. It’s very important to include the termination information in the contract. This way, you won’t have to stay in the apartment until the end of the regular rental period.

Security deposit

In most cases, a security deposit is required. The amount is usually the equivalent to one month of rent, sometimes it may happen to be twice as much. It might be possible to negotiate it.

Monthly bills for electricity, water, gas etc.

Regarding the market in Poland, it all depends on which kind of apartment you live in. For instance, monthly bills are higher when you rent an apartment in ‘kamienica’, especially during winter time. For a studio of around 35 square meters, it is necessary to include PLN 100-150 extra per month for gas and electricity. Usually, water bills are already included in the administrative costs.

It is possible to rent an apartment with all the bills included, even the Internet and TV.

What to pay attention to?

It is always better to rent an apartment with all costs included in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. As gas bills sometimes are paid every 6 or 12 months, the sum can be high: around PLN 800 to PLN 1,500 (EUR 200 to EUR 400 euros).

Pay attention to these three things: rental cost, administrative cost and bills. Some rental offers show only the renting cost, which can cause misunderstanding as regards the sum to pay in total. Watch out if the price is too attractive, it means that the owner or the real estate agency didn’t put the administrative cost, which can be sometimes almost the same as the rental cost. Before visiting an apartment, always ask if all the costs are included in the rent.

Also it would be better to verify what shops and public transport is around.

The last thing is to check the standard of the apartment. Make sure that you get good equipment inside the kitchen, that the bathroom is equipped with a washing machine and so on. It is essential to examine the apartment, especially the windows. Remember that if something is missing in the apartment, you will need to buy it or to ask the owner to purchase it. Have a look at local offers available on the Internet. Electric heating is more expensive so take it into consideration while choosing an apartment.

Internet and television in apartment

In some apartments, you already have access to the Internet and television. If that’s not the case, you must find a provider or conclude an arrangement with the owner later. There are plenty of Internet providers in Poland. Bear in mind that you need to wait at least 7 to 20 days to get the Internet access with a new installation.

Rental agreement

The best solution when it comes to sign a contract is to ask a Polish friend to read it beforehand and check for any uncertain points. Moreover, you can ask for a contract in English. Rental contracts are really important. Avoid living in an apartment without any contract because you can encounter some issues: the owner can evict you anytime they want, and they may ask you to pay for some extras without any proof.

A contract should always contain the following points:

Contract duration (from… to…)
Conditions for termination (the period of notice)
Security deposit amount
Inventory of what is included in the apartment (furniture etc.)
Water and gas meter readings before you move in

With this information you won’t have any problems while terminating your rental agreement.

Finally, to sign the contract, you need to provide your ID, passport or your PESEL if you have any. PESEL is an Identification Number in Poland and for you it won’t be obligatory.

Extra points to know!

Usually, landlords or real estate agencies won’t ask about your income or about your work contract as it may happen in other countries, such as France.

Normally, the payment is sent via bank transfer, especially because it is important to have a proof of payment.

The payment of the rent is generally due before the 10th of each month.

How to import your belongings into Poland

Moving takes a good deal of preparation, careful planning and research. Otherwise, the likelihood that you will experience an unwanted surprise during your relocation is quite high. When transferring your place of permanent residence to Poland, the need for current information on their customs procedures and requirements is crucial.

Having the facts beforehand will enable you to make the proper arrangements, and avoid any nasty penalties or clearance problems. With that end in mind, here are the relevant details that you need to know, when importing your household belongings and vehicle into Poland.

Duty for importing your personal belongings

Duty Exemptions Are Offered

Usually termed your “household goods” by customs, these are items like your furniture, furnishings, household supplies, clothing and so forth. If you’re relocating to Poland from another EU member state, then your used household goods can be imported duty-free.

As to foreigners from non-EU countries moving to Poland, it seems that your shipment of household belongings can also be free of any import duties. In order to qualify for this exemption, your items must be in used condition (at least 6 months old) (1).

You must also take all goods back out of the country (re-export), when you leave Poland. This seems to be tied to your work contract, and once it expires re-exportation of your belongings is immediately required. You also cannot sell any of these items for one full year after bringing them into Poland. Finally, a Bank Guarantee for the full amount of the applicable import duty and VAT is necessary, to be held as security in case you fail to re-export your items when you leave the country (2).

Letter of Employment from new company

Though not abundantly clear, in order to qualify for import duty exemption - you may also need a valid Letter of Employment from the company where you’ll be working in Poland. This is required to specify how long the term of your employment will be, along with exact dates for the beginning and end of your employment. Also, keep in mind that the length of your employment is not permitted to be less than one year.

This letter must be written on official company stationary (with their letterhead on it). It must also have the stamp and signature of the appropriate official designated in the company’s registration paperwork with Poland (3).

Letter of Employment from previous company

In addition to a Letter of Employment from your new company, you must give customs a Letter of Employment from your previous employer as well. This should clearly detail the precise dates that your employment ran with the company, and this should also be a timeframe of at least one year in duration.

This letter must also include a statement saying you’re no longer living in your country of origin, and that you’ll be transferring your primary residence to Poland. The language this letter is penned in will vary, as it’s required to be in the official language of the nation you’ll be leaving. A second copy of this letter in Polish is also required (4).

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Poland has a value-added tax (VAT) which is evidently separate from any import duties. It appears that you may be required to pay this, even if your household goods are exempt from the regular import duties. Currently, Poland’s VAT is 22% of the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value of your items (5).

To determine if this VAT will apply to your shipment, it’s best to contact Polish customs directly.

Documents for importing your personal belongings

Polish customs will need to see a list of documents, before they’ll authorize clearance of your shipment. Paperwork required includes a notarized copy of your passport (both the page with your picture and the page with your Polish visa stamp) and Residence Permit. A Work Permit may also be necessary, but this is only required for citizens of specific countries (contact Polish customs to determine if you’ll need a Work Permit for your situation).

You will also need your packing list and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. The Letter of Employment from both your past and your new employer should also be submitted to customs. A written inventory that is thorough and descriptive is also required, and this should be written in Polish and signed by you. You may also need to confirm you have been living abroad for the space of one year minimum - though this requirement seems to only apply to returning Polish citizens (6).

You may also need to submit proof of a Bank Guarantee, which is a deposit of funds sufficient to cover the full cost of VAT and import duty (held in trust until you leave Poland). If you’re using a third-party shipping company, then a Power of Attorney will also be required. Finally, you must obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This safeguard is now necessary for any shipment travelling into or out of a European Union country (7).

Duty exemption is possible

If your personal motor vehicle is in used condition and six months old or more (or with more than 6,000 km on the odometer) - then duty-free importation is possible. In order to obtain this exemption, it’s required that you be moving your place of residence to Poland for at least six months. In addition, your vehicle must be registered (in your name) in your country of origin, before you ship it into Poland.

New vehicles (or used vehicles under six months old) don’t enjoy this same duty-free status. If you decide to import your newer vehicle, then be prepared to pay the typical import duty. The 22% value-added tax (VAT) will also be incurred, and an additional excise tax as well (8). For this reason, it is much more affordable to import an older vehicle that meets the import exemption guidelines.

Excise tax

Even when you follow the requirements to obtain duty and VAT exemption - excise tax is still assessed on used vehicles entering the country. The rate is based upon the displacement of your vehicle’s engine and when your vehicle was manufactured. Poland’s vehicle excise tax can range from the low end of 3.1%, up to as much as 65% (9).

Additional regulations

While not a complete list of all possible regulations which may affect your eligibility for duty exemption, here are some important requirements you should be aware of. There is a limit of one vehicle importation per type, and your vehicle must have been used by you personally in the origin country for at least the previous 6 months. Customs requires you to continue using the vehicle for the same purpose (in other words, they don’t want you to begin using a personal vehicle for commercial purposes).

Selling, leasing or renting, or even letting another person borrow your vehicle is forbidden, for the first year after bringing it into the country. If you’re found breaking this regulation, then you’ll have to remit the full amount of the typical import duty that you were exempted from paying during importation (10).

Do you need to exchange your driving licence to a Polish one?

Documents for importing your vehicle

Shipping your vehicle without all the appropriate documentation, is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, you should have all of your paperwork in order, before beginning this process. You’ll need proof of insurance, as well as your vehicle registration. An invoice, purchase receipt, bill of sale or other document proving your ownership and the price paid is required by customs. You also must provide a valuation of your vehicle, which is to be signed by you. Paperwork showing that you are the owner of the vehicle in question is also needed, such as the vehicle title.

If you wish to be granted import duty exemption, you’ll need to submit a certificate of origin to customs. Furthermore, if you don’t want to visit customs in person, then you must provide a notarized Power of Attorney that enables your shipping company to handle the clearance process for you (11).

This article was provided by A-1 Auto Transport - a leader in shipping internationally to Poland. With over 20 years of experience moving vehicles and homes globally, A-1 is recognised for its experience, expertise, and stellar customer service.

Connect with them today through their website, Facebook, or Linkedin.

Sources:

(1) Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Poland” pdf

(2) Movers.com Customs Regulations For Poland

(3) iamovers.com

(4) Ibid.

(5) Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Poland” pdf

(6) iamovers.org

(7) Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Poland” pdf

(8) Ibid.

(9) iamovers.org

(10) Ibid.

(11) Ibid.

Getting a work permit in Poland is becoming easier and easier. Thanks to new representative units of Voivodeship Offices, foreigners staying in Poland can now get a work permit in just one day. How to get your work permit on the spot?

New facilitation

The Mazowsze Voivodeship office, one out of sixteen such offices in Poland, has introduced more representative units that deal with issuing work permits for foreigners taking up legal work in Poland. Apart from the already existing delegatures in Warsaw, Siedlce and Ciechanów, now there is a new one in Radom, soon to be joined by OstroÅ‚Ä™ka and PÅ‚ock. Not only there are more of them, but also they issue work permits on the spot – provided the client brings a full set of required documents.

What should you bring to get a work permit?
Read about necessary documents for work permit in Poland.

Lower fee

Another news regarding work permits in Poland is that from 1 January 2018 employers will pay only PLN 30 for applying for a work permit for a seasonal worker or filing a declaration of intention to employ a foreigner. This update however affects only the aforementioned cases; if your employer is applying for a work permit for a longer period of time or in other circumstances, its fee remains the same.

Work permits

A quick reminder for anyone interested in obtaining a work permit – it is not always necessary to apply for it. Scientific or academic researchers, musicians, athletes in most cases do not need to worry about it, unless their professional activities last for a long period of time. Students of Polish universities are also generally free from the obligation of obtaining a work permit. Foreigners coming from many countries on the East can work for up to half a year on the basis of the declaration of intention to employ a foreigner instead of a visa.

If it turns out that you need a work permit, it is always your employer who arranges the process.

What do you study? Higher education in Poland

Are you considering studying in Poland or coming here under the Erasmus+ programme? See which universities and degrees are most popular with Polish as well as foreign students.

It has been recently observed that the number of young Poles who choose some form of tertiary education has dropped in recent years - nowadays it seems no longer necessary to be a university graduate in order to have a chance for a profitable career. Nonetheless, high education in Poland still remains hugely popular and according to Eurostat, the country has one of the biggest student populations in Europe - with 1.6 million students in 2016, Poland took sixth place in the European Union, behind Germany, France, the UK, Spain and Italy. A lot of high school graduates opt for the academic path, which is all the easier in Poland as full-time studies at public universities are free of charge. Which universities do Poles choose then?

Last year, the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education ranked the most popular universities in Poland, by number of applications:

University of Warsaw
Warsaw University of Technology
Jagiellonian University in Kraków
GdaÅ„sk University of Technology

When it comes to the most popular fields of study, humanities seem to have given way to IT, engineering or business majors in the last few years:

information technology
management
psychology
economics
law
accounting and finance
automatics and robotics
civil engineering
pedagogy
logistics

At the same time, faculties such as pharmaceutical engineering, data science and chemistry and forensic toxicology are the hardest to get into. Future students of these fields need to score better than 17 other candidates during the recruitment process.

You do not need to go to Hogwarts to study Herbalism...

Foreign students

Students from abroad are increasingly interested in Polish universities. At the moment, there are about 72 000 foreign students in Poland - two times more than just five years ago. Most of them come from neighbouring countries - Ukraine and Belarus, but a noticeable rise in students from India and Scandinavian countries (Norway and Sweden) has also been observed. Foreigners frequently choose courses at the University of Warsaw and tend to major in international relations, management or accounting and finance. Scandinavians also often apply for studies at medical universities.

Sources:

Eurostat

Ministerstwo Nauki i Szkolnictwa WyÅ¼szego

Uniwersytet Warszawski

Study in Poland Think New

Polish Education 2030 - the future of academia

To develop business, grow the economy and create culture, we need educated societies. How is the model of Polish academia going to evolve over the next decade so as to foster the advancement in all these areas? The National Agency for Academic Exchange (Polish: NAWA) seems to be the key player in efforts to help higher education in Poland adjust to the modern pace of time. We talk to its representative, Zofia Sawicka, about the challenge ahead.

Poland is a true sensation in terms of access to higher education. The most recent Eurostat data from 2015 showed that the country ranked fourth in terms of the number of tertiary education graduates within the EU, right behind France, the UK and Germany. University education is still very much popular in Poland, amongst other reasons due to it being free of charge. How and why should Poland use this human and intellectual capital to boost its economy and overall development? The National Agency for Academic Exchange sees the answer in international cooperation. Exchanging knowledge with academics from other countries should be much easier and definitely much more common in 2030 than it is now.

THE PERFECT MODEL

Universities in Poland are either state-owned or private. The former are free of charge if one decides to study full-time and as a rule are still more popular with Polish students. Private colleges have tuition fees of different levels, depending on the facility’s location, history, prestige, specialisation and other factors. In general, they cater for the academic needs of about one third of all students in Poland. As for the majority of foreign students, higher education is not free, regardless of whether they choose a private or public university. As a member of the European Union, Poland signed the Bologna Declaration, which makes the general higher education model similar to that of other member states. Universities offer bachelor degrees, master degrees and some of them doctoral degrees (PhD), most commonly over the course of 3-2-4 years. There is also a number of tertiary education VET facilities (Vocational Education and Training) with similar powers as universities, except for awarding PhD titles. International students who do their coursework in Poland during an exchange programme can earn points through the European Credit Transfer System.

CURRENT CHALLENGES

Polish tertiary education is on the brink of undergoing a change which is represented by a new law commonly referred to as the Constitution for Science. Its aim is to stress the quality over quantity in Polish higher education, with a focus on doctoral studies.

We asked Zofia Sawicka from the National Agency for Academic Exchange to identify some of the most burning issues that they want to have eliminated by 2030. “Our agency strives to make Polish higher education more international and successful, and so there are three key areas to ensure that. First of all, we want to provide Polish scholars with the possibility to travel and work at foreign academic institutions. Secondly, we stress the necessity to acquire academic talents at Polish universities. Finally, we need to take care of the painful bit and verify the success rate of current Polish academics to see if they are fit to meet the upcoming challenges,” she says.

The last part may bring about the biggest problems, since it is deeply intertwined with human capital. Polish academics are not used to competing in the global and this is reflected in the number of times they are quoted abroad, the dynamics of which figure are unusually low in comparison to the growth dynamics of Polish GDP. This may suggest the need for staff adjustments and according to NAWA there seems to be a good moment for that right now, as the overall economic situation of Poland is so favourable that it may help the market absorb those people who leave the academia. The aforementioned rejection of mass-education does not mean restricting access to it. NAWA openly talks about their role model for the next decade – a Belgian university KU Leuven – which combines academic success with openness to new students. This is the model that Polish authorities would like to see more at Polish higher education facilities.

HAND IN HAND

Education is not only about staff, however, and therefore its focus on students should not be overlooked. NAWA, which often discusses educational matters with universities, has noticed a lot of improvement in the level of activities aiming to internationalise higher education in Poland. They finance programmes that promote Polish universities abroad and co-fund international exchanges that foster building academic relationships and acquiring new students. Nevertheless, the process is not finished once a new students is recruited. “We realise that a student who has just arrived in Poland needs to be taken care of in terms of dealing with formalities, through their academic needs, as well as social and cultural integration. The way they are served is later reflected in their final evaluation of the experience in Poland, and we regret to admit that even top Polish universities tend to struggle with the process,” says Zofia Sawicka.

The next decade at Polish universities looks like an exciting project to win foreign students’ hearts. NAWA points out to the fact that international students in Great Britain often feel neglected and unsettled during the course of their studies. The main reason is the high number of other internationals and this is where Poland’s still relatively low quotas come in handy. Foreign students feel here more at home and in general have a higher level of satisfaction – proven by research showing that it amounts to 9.6, whereas the average in Europe is 8.6 (Studyportals.com, Students’ satisfaction rate, 2016).

NUMBERS AND FIGURES

What is the outlook for foreign students in Poland over the next decade? Currently, in the year of 2017/18, there were over 70,000 internationals planning to study in Poland for at least one academic year, including 37,200 female students. Over half of the students came from Ukraine (52 per cent), while the second largest group came from neighbouring Belarus (8.3 per cent). Indian students made it to the top three of foreigners at Polish universities, although they constitute only slightly over 4 per cent according to the research. What is interesting is that nearly one third of foreign students in Poland decided to pursue education in Warszawa or its agglomeration (Central Statistical Office, June 2018).

What makes all those young people interested in studying in Poland? Although many come from neighbouring countries or might even have Polish roots, there is a significant and growing number of students who want to study in English or German, as major Polish universities offer courses in these languages, too. As EU citizens can study in Poland under the same rules as Poles themselves, their interest is also on the rise. Not to mention the classic Erasmus+ programme, which has completely reinvented the way people perceive university education all over Europe thanks to short-term exchanges.

NAWA sets up original programmes, which aim to foster
the internationalisation of Polish higher education institutions
and research centres:
â–ª Programmes for Scientists
â–ª Programmes for Institutions
â–ª Programmes for Students
â–ª Polish Language Programmes
For more information, please visit NAWA’s website (www.nawa.gov.pl)

If the trends continue, Poland will still be able to attract steady numbers of foreign students, while at the same time providing them with more attention and focusing on delivering quality knowledge. NAWA’s plans to stress international cooperation should foster both internal refreshment of the academic structure and style, as well as appeal to young global citizens who want to feel noticed and valued during their university years

Education is free of charge for Polish citizens. It may be different for foreign students, depending on your status. If you need extra financing, there is a quite popular solution – special student loans offered by banks selected by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Student loans are given to students by commercial banks, but they are co-financed by the means coming from Poland’s budget. They were introduced in 1998 and as a tool to provide financial aid to students in Poland by loaning money on a low percentage.

The repayment starts two years after a student’s graduation or the planned date of graduation (depending on which takes place first). The number of payback instalments is twice as high as the number of loan instalments given to the student. If a graduate finds themselves in difficult life circumstances, they may ask for a 12-month suspension of repayment.

In 2018, students may apply for a loan between 15 July and 20 October to one of the following banks:

PKO Bank Polski S.A.,
Bank PEKAO S.A.,
Bank Polskiej SpóÅ‚dzielczoÅ›ci S.A. (and other associated banks),
SGB-Bank S.A. (and other associated banks).

How much can students ask for? The loan is provided in monthly instalments and can be PLN 600 (regular), 800 or 400. Students can receive them throughout the duration of their studies (maximum 6 years or 4 years for PhD students), for 10 months of the academic year.

The main condition for getting the loan is holding a valid student ID (each semester it needs to be presented to the bank). The second condition is that the income for each family member should not exceed PLN 2,500. You will need a relevant confirmation of the income to go along with your appliaction. Holding a Polish passport is not a requirement; however, as a foreigner you need to either have a permanent residence permit or a refugee status. You can also receive the loan if you are under temporary protection or a migrant worker from the EU/EFTA (or family member of one), the EU/EFTA member states citizens, long-term EU resident. You can always consult the bank or your university to confirm if you are etitled to receiving the loan.

Have you ever tried this form of financial support or do you dread debt?

72k foreign students in Poland and counting!

Summer means not only holidays, but also decisions about your future, especially if you are in your twenties (or younger)! Did you know that you can join over 72,000 foreign students in Poland? Will there be more of them?

There are about 72,000 foreign students in Poland, representing over 166 countries, according to the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education. Officials say, however, that there is still a lot to do to attract more students from abroad to Polish universities and colleges. What will be done to improve Polish achievements in this respect?

To start with, in 2005 there were only 10,000 expat students in Poland. This means that over the next 13 years the number has septupled and is still bound to grow. Polish officials have already recognised the need to improve international cooperation and started various agencies as well as programmes to foster European and global relations. They admit that even wider introduction of English-language instructions and staff at all university structures should be a good starting point.

Who already studies in Poland? The biggest group are students from Poland’s neighbouring countries: Ukraine – nearly 37,500 people and Belarus – 6,000 students. The goal is to also attract people with a more diverse background and create a rewarding academic environment for all who participate in it.

Foreigners in Poland choose medical studies as the most popular university coursework. Officials want to attract students from abroad to study IT-related subjects, too.

Are you also one of the students interested in joining the world of Polish academia?

Study in Poland: why Poland is good university destination?

Study abroad? YES – that would be the answer of many students all over the world, but they usually limit themselves to participating in short-term exchange programmes like Erasmus+. What about doing a full course of study abroad? And why should Poland be your target?

While state-run universities attract the biggest number of Polish students in Poland, foreigners split their preferences and are in fact more likely to choose private colleges, which makes the latter more internationalised. Private facilities are particularly favoured by those foreign students who wish to get their whole BA or MA abroad instead of just taking part in a student exchange such as Erasmus+, which usually lasts only one semester.

Internationalisation has become one of the trademarks of private universities and colleges in Poland. CareersinPoland.com asked two of them, both with their campuses in Warsaw, to comment on the number of regular foreign students.

The College of Europe in Natolin welcomes every year about 130 students of around 30 different nationalities. The majority of them come from EU countries but due to our academic and research focus on the European Neighbourhood Policy, we also host many students from Eastern European countries, the South Caucasus, North Africa and the Middle East, as well as from other more remote regions like the USA, China, New Zealand or South America, confirms Mr Mattia Filippin, Head of Communications and Recruitment at the College of Europe in Natolin.

It looks similar for the Vistula University, which hosts an even larger number of foreign students.

Vistula University is home to over 5,000 students at the moment, and over half of them come from abroad. They represent 84 different countries, which basically makes it possible to travel all continents without leaving our premises. There is no dominant group among our expat students and we are proud to be represented by such a vibrant mixture of nationalities, says Marcin Antosiewicz, lecturer at Vistula University.

What are the reasons for such a wide diversity in the universities’ student body? What are the reasons for such a wide diversity in the universities’ student body? The College of Europe in Natolin believes it attracts them with a rich academic offer, its renowned flying faculty, a beautiful campus where a multicultural community of students study and live together, unique study trips organised twice a year as well as thanks to the generous support from European Union institutions and Member States governments towards the financing of studies for the best candidates. “In fact, around 70 per cent of our students receive scholarships,” reveals Mr Mattia Filippin from the College of Europe in Natolin.

Marcin Antosiewicz from Vistula University adds to that the unique skills that one can get while studying in a multicultural environment: adapting new debate styles, negotiating and problem-solving skills, which later become invaluable in professional life. “We prepare students for what is to come in corporate organisations, where teams consist of people from different cultures and with different points of view. Having graduated from our university, they are prepared to face the challenges of global workplaces more than others,” he says.

With the growing academic offer of these and other colleges in Poland, the number of foreign students is bound to increase in the years to come. If you are one of such internationals and you wish to gain professional experience here,

What is diploma recognition?

It is the process of determining a Polish equivalent of your foreign educational certificate, diploma or academic title. It is not obligatory for anyone with a diploma earnt abroad – Poland has signed a number of bilateral agreements which allow you to skip this process and enjoy your work or continuation of education in Poland.

You also do not need to have your diploma recognised in Poland if you were educated in an EU, OECD or EFTA country.

In the case of other countries, it may vary, and therefore diploma recognition may be necessary. To find that out, contact your local ENIC or NARIC (European Network of Information Centres; National Academic Recognition Information Centres), both institutions responsible for assisting in the process of recognising educational documents in different countries.

Please also make sure that your college was accredited and was part of an operating academic system during the course of your study. If not, your diploma will not be recognised in Poland.

Regulated professions

There is a number of professions that require further actions regarding your diploma earnt abroad. These are the so-called regulated professions listed by the EU (but different for every member state!). There are over 300 of them, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, but also engineers and various technical jobs. In their case, if you got your diploma outside EU, OECD or EFTA, it may be necessary not only to have it recognised in Poland, but also to sit some extra exams to prove your knowledge and skills are compatible with Polish requirements.

How to have your diploma recognised?

Foreigners must find an academic institution (e.g. a university or college) that according to the Polish law is able to grant a title in their field of study. For instance, if your major was Finance and Accounting, you can address the Faculty of Management at Warsaw University etc. Individuals who have trouble finding a faculty or institute corresponding to their major should contact university's rector, who is to decide which university unit is to deal with their specific case. Once everything is clear, you can apply to the faculaty board/scientific council for a recognition of your foreign diploma. The application should include:

original or copy of a foreign diploma that is the subject of recognition;
copy of a school-leaving certificate which was the ground for university admission;
résumé in Polish;
declaration that the diploma was not subject to any recognition process at any Polish university.

If your application for diploma recognition is rejected, you may appeal to the faculty board.

Charges and fees

University boards are allowed to charge for diploma recognitions, but it varies from one college to another. It usually is an amount between PLN 1,000 to 5,000. This fee should include some extra classes that need to be taken in order to cover any curriculum differences.

You are already in Poland, but still you remain unsure about the length of your stay. Is it worth taking up Polish language lessons? Will that be a waste of time? Today we want to debunk some myths along with our partner, Klub Dialogu, a Polish language school.

1. Polish not only in Poland!

There are over 60 million people using Polish on everyday basis! The majority of this group live in Poland, but a vibrant and numerous Polish diaspora can be found in the USA (10 million people), Germany (2 million people), Brazil (nearly 2 million people), France and the UK (over 1 million people), and Canada (nearly 1 million people).

And that – you must admit it – makes a difference!

2. Understanding Poles & their culture

Mastering the language makes it easier to understand the surrounding reality. Not only will you understand what is going on in the street, a local grocery shop, or in a café, but you will also find it easier to socialise! People employed in big international companies will be able to catch up on the latest gossip, while at the same time they will understand better Polish customs, lifestyle, or even particular behaviours. Years may pass, but you will be able to remember your impressions from Poland.

3. Getting by

You probably speak English – and that is alright in big Polish cities. But how about towns outside major urban areas? There going to a local food market or post office may suddenly become a problem, as there are people who do not speak English. The same goes for a doctor who is not fluent in foreign languages. Knowing Polish will make it easier to ask for help when necessary!

Getting by in a city is less stressful – you can buy public transport tickets, understand announcements on the bus, and find your way in a new neighbourhood. Make sure you take care of feeling comfortable in your new surroundings!

4. Fun & new friends

Polish language courses are a great opportunity to simply enjoy yourself. You can meet other expats there, make new friends and have a good old time. It is truly a me time in the best possible way! Also, bear in mind that watching Polish films, listening to music by Polish artists or even flipping through Polish magazines is both about learning and relaxing at the same time.

5. In the spotlight

Is there anything Poles love more than a foreigner attempting to speak Polish? Highly unlikely! Learn some basics and you are already in the centre of attention – of course provided you like to be in the spotlight!

950x540_knowledge-transfer-business-polish-universities.jpg

According to many, academia and entrepreneurship do not always go hand in hand. Nevertheless, the academic community has been the actual driving force for much of Poland’s success and a convincing proof of progress. Poland is regularly ranked among top countries with the biggest rate of young people receiving university education. How is that reflected in their innovation and why you should think about applying for a Polish university?

Higher education system

Poland, as one of the signatories of the Bologna Declaration, has a higher education system that largely resembles institutions in other European countries. The document unified it into a general and easy to follow scheme of bachelor degree studies (six semestres), master degree studies (four semestres) and PhD studies (six to eight semestres). The exceptions to this rule include some majors, including medical, law or psychology students. The majority of Polish tertiary education facilities are comprised of universities of different kind, starting from those offering general education, through for instance medical, military, technical or economical universities, and even theological or fine arts academies. Colleges in Poland are practically non-existent and their name (kolegium) usually refers to some smaller university-dependent facilities that provide education on the bachelor level.

Poland has a wide offer of state-funded and private universities. The latter are gaining popularity, although public facilities still offer free education for Polish citizens, who seem to favour this path of education. For foreign nationals it is usually paid at either of these school types; the fees varying depending on university type, degree, number of semestres, courses taken, and so on. All in all, Polish universities had slightly over 60,000 foreign students in the academic year of 2016/2017. Their Polish co-students and the entire academic scene are hoping for more – such cooperation always facilitates knowledge transfer, a phenomenon necessary in academia.

Business & Polish universities

Out of all the aforementioned types of universities available in Poland, not all and sundry have equal chances in successfully cooperating
with business entities, nevertheless these partnerships occur more and more often. They help bridge the gap between two seemingly distant areas in many various ways.

Spin-offs

One of them is the increasing focus on commercialisation of research findings. This is why Polish universities are so keen on establishing
dedicated companies connecting their spin-off companies (often referred to as spin out) with business in order to introduce the concept and intellectual property originating within their academic circles to wider audiences. Spin-off companies often become independent establishments and the universities remain connected to them only in limited roles, for instance as shareholders. Such spin-offs are supported by all major universities, technical universities or universities of economics in Poland. They can deal with all sorts of business activities – starting with machine learning, genetics, cancer research, nanovectors, data analysis, or even… crops monitoring.

Incubators

Academics also encourage students to engage in business activities not necessarily dealing with university intellectual property. Facilitating general entrepreneurship among students is widely beneficial for the economy and of course graduates themselves,
so tertiary education facilities strive to offer more and more opportunities for young entrepreneurs. For instance, there is a wide network of academic incubators aiming at providing legal and financial help, business plan guidance or even tests of your business activity before leaving the incubator and trying out the real market. It is also important for young entrepreneurs to share their experience in coworking areas and do business with lower social security contributions. As of 2017, academic incubators operate in 24 Polish cities.

Business academies at universities

Different businesses may literally visit universities to present their work mechanisms, innovative solutions, recruitment methods, or simply even job offers. This sometimes very close cooperation results in establishing various business academies, which in exchange for companies’ practical knowledge give them stage to present their activities and possibly acquire new workforce in the future. Such academies are most popular at economic universities or in other university business departments, but of course all kinds of companies introduce themselves to different groups of students. The latter are usually eager to take part in such ventures – after all it enables them to acquire new skills during workshops, get extra points for their resume or even gives a chance for professional networking.

A good example of such an activity is the cooperation between the KoÅºmiÅ„ski University (ALK) in Warszawa and Accenture Operations Poland.

We have been supporting its two programs, Virtual Environment Management and Finance & Accounting, since September 2016. Our managers contribute also to the University’s Program Council, says our expert, Edyta GaÅ‚aszewska-Bogusz, Director at Accenture Operations Poland.
What’s in it for Accenture? Our aspiration is to support education of the talent which will shape the future business. Out of Poland, we run complex international programs for multiple global clients and we do not mind sharing our experience. We bring to the table extraordinary expertise of our people and real case studies. So far we have organised lectures on such vital business topics as, among others, e-commerce, digital marketing and financial reporting. We are planning to hire the best talents taking part in the program in the nearest future, she adds.

Such activities always deserve recognition and fortunately they get it. For its involvement with ALK, Accenture Operations Poland received the ABSL Diamonds Award in the category of Business Leader in Talent Development and Education.

Sometimes cooperation stretches even beyond the university environment – reaching back to high schools, where specific companies set up their patron classes for students interested in joining them sometime in the future. Some of these classes are created in a wider context, under the auspices of special economic zones (these are more vocational in nature). Of course joining the company is not an obligatory condition for graduates and young people can use it to simply gain experience they would not have acquired without benefiting from such programmes.

Does it work?

The question remains: if the higher education system in Poland is so encouraging and supportive, does it present any measurable benefits, success stories or other incentives for the future? The answer is: sure it does! When it comes to patents, this field of activity is literally powered by Polish universities and research centres constitute a major part of patent-filing institutions in Poland (6 out of 8), with Jagiellonian University leading the way. Overall, even outside academia, the number of Polish patents in all areas is on the rise and gives a good hunch for the years to come. Polish academic teams are often reported to have won or at least come in at high
positions in international student contests. Only in recent years did they score high results in such disciplines as:

Programming (Warsaw University team were runner-ups in the 41st Annual World Finals of the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest 2017);
Space exploration (Rzeszów University of Technology team won for the second time in a row in University Rover Challenge 2016);
Aerospace engineering (Warsaw University of Technology in SAE Aero Design West);
Energy production (ÅódÅº University of Technology in International Small Wind Turbine Contest 2017);
Robotics (Polish high-school students from KraÅ›nik were runner-ups in the FIRST Global Challenge 2017);
… and many more.

Exchange student starter pack – what to bring to Poland?

With October approaching, students all over Poland are getting ready to start their new academic year. But what about exchange students or those participating in the Erasmus+ programme? They certainly have more planning to do – let us help you out with packing your bag for an unforgettable student exchange experience in Poland!

1. Clothes

In your big suitcase fit the most versatile and often-worn pieces of clothing you have. Try to avoid unnecessary pairs of high heels or heavy leather biker jackets – aim for comfort and do not forget about the Polish weather! If you come from the south of Europe or outside the continent, you may need warmer clothing for the winter months. Please remember to bring something smarter as well – you will never go wrong with a white shirt. These might be useful for examinations or any other formal event at your university, as Polish students still tend to wear smart clothes on such occasions.

2. Cash

Make sure you do not rely entirely on your credit or debit card, as charges for using them abroad may be quite high. Bring some cash, preferably already exchange for Polish zlotys (the national currency here). Euro is not the official monetary unit, but if you bring it, you will be able to easily exchange it to PLN on every airport or train station.

3. Toiletries

Actually, you should bring only the necessary stuff you may need during your first 24 hours of stay in Poland. After that you can easily get all that you have missed from a supermarket, chemist’s or other cosmetics stores, and it is very likely you will find your favourite international brands here as well.

4. School supplies or books?

Similarly to toiletries and make up, school supplies can be bought in Poland. No need to take sets of notebooks to Poland. If however you feel there will be a need to access a rare textbook, do find some space for it in your suitcase. What if it is not available in Poland (check that beforehand!) and you cannot imagine passing your exams without it?

5. Electronics

If you use a laptop or a tablet in your day-to-day student life, they should obviously be packed into your suitcase, but beware of overpacking. Poland is beautiful, but taking three different camera lenses to keep your precious moments on a photograph is not reasonable – you can take another pair of warm socks instead!

Make sure your electronics chargers fit Polish sockets – if you are from the UK, for instance, you may need to buy an adapter.

6. Snacks

Last but not least, if you ever feel homesick, bring your favourite snacks or other products that make you feel at home, but may not be available in Poland. Although there is a wide selection of international brands of sweets, we may not have your favourite baklava in every convenience shop. If you are not a fan of snacking, a scented candle, a cosy bed throw or a pair of slippers can also sweeten every rainy day!

Studying Polish – a blessing or a curse?

Since many of you live or are considering living in Poland, hearing and possibly speaking the Polish language is something you have to take into account sooner or later. Is it really that hard? We got to ask this question in one of Warsaw's language schools, KLUB DIALOGU.

Why do we even study Polish these days?

Agata, teacher: Although it is not the most popular language in the world, it is nevertheless useful if one decides to move to Poland. First of all, because of all the communication. You can do with English just fine in Poland’s major cities, but to go hiking in the beautiful Bieszczady mountains you may need to know some Polish. It is not only about getting by, but more about your comfort, freedom and understanding the surroundings. Ads, banners, slogans, notices, obituaries – they will all remain out of your reach if you do not learn Polish. Besides, the language is part of the culture. By knowing Polish you get closer to understanding Poles.

Piotr, school owner: Poland is part of Europe and furthermore, the globe. There is quite a number of us Poles in the world – around 60 million people, including Polish migrants all over the world. Do you recall the Argentinian film Lost Embrace, whose main character wanted to migrate to Poland, the land of his ancestors, because of the financial crisis? Not to mention Polish characters in Big Lebowski, or more recently Gravity and Prometheus.

Those who study Polish with us are motivated by various factors. They work and study in Poland or use Polish to discover their identity. There are also those who heard about Poland, its history and culture, and felt intrigued by it.

How do foreigners perceive the Polish language?

Sylwia, teacher: Nightmare! or An exception – again?! – we hear those a lot. It is sometimes hard for them to believe that one word can have so many endings, but in the end they learn how to use them.

Agata, teacher: In terms of its melody, they say it makes swishy or crackling noises. To foreigners Poles sound as if they were having a constant argument. Even though some rules seem illogical, eventually they somehow manage to speak Polish in a beautiful way.

What are the most common mistakes made by foreigners learning Polish?

Agata, teacher: The grammar is rather difficult to master; the most common mistakes include not inflecting the words and mixing up different endings. How can you blame them? If you live in a city called Warszawa, in Polish you say: jadÄ™ do Warszawy (I’m going to Warsaw), but also: mieszkam w Warszawie (I live in Warsaw). Another major difficulty is the phonetic system and its abundance of the crackling sounds I have mentioned. Polish is definitely one of the most difficult languages to master.

Sylwia, teacher: Yes, the pronunciation is the most common problem, right after grammar. Of course, in most cases we can easily guess what was meant by the foreigner, even if the sound was far from perfect, but sometimes it leads to funny or confusing mix-ups.

What makes foreigners keep going in learning to speak Polish, against all odds?

Magda, teacher: The joy they feel when suddenly faced with a flow of whishing sounds they manage to make out single words or phrases. Wow, I do get it after all! It’s not that bad, maybe it’s worth the effort?, they think.

Wioletta, co-owner, teacher: We also have a lot of fun during classes. You simply need your sense of humour if you want to learn Polish. Students get to know a particular rule, use it with a lot of success in various contexts, and suddenly… there comes an exception. They ask why, but many of them quickly learn that some questions remain unanswered in the Polish language classes…

Agata, teacher: The moment our students see the results of their efforts is a real breakthrough. They come up to us and say that one day, while moving about the city, they started to understand billboards, street names, menus in restaurants… Successful shopping or food ordering is a small victory. They are truly happy when they can show someone the way or tell what time it is. They tell us they love overhearing conversations on the bus or in the workplace and finally knowing what the people are talking about. Such simple joys light a special sparkle in their eyes.

How do students of Polish get by in day-to-day activities?

Agata, teacher: One of the expats was asked by his girlfriend to do some shopping, including salmon. He completely forgot how to say that in Polish, so instead of that, he asked the lady at the fish market for the pink fish – and he did bring home salmon! By the way, salmon is Å‚osoÅ› in Polish.

Damian, student: When I do not know a particular term, I try to use simple phrases instead. I often point to something or even take it from the shelf myself. When it gets really hard, I use Google as my last resort!

Why is it worth taking up classes in a Polish language school?

Agata, teacher: Your learning will be guided by professional teachers with a background in teaching Polish as a foreign language. They know how to explain the rules, what to pay attention to and in what order the rules are to be introduced. Of course it is not enough to be a native speaker to teach Polish with success; while we all use it intuitively, professionals will be able to point out specific rules that will improve your learning process.

Wioletta, co-owner, teacher: A language school stresses practice. For instance, the problematic pronunciation of sounds is the object of intense training from day one. Taking care of that straight from the beginning ensures proper pronunciation throughout the whole learning process.

Damian, student: For me the biggest value lies in group learning. We acquire the language as a team, and along the way we get to support one another and relish in our small successes. It is also a great opportunity to laugh at mistakes – both your own and your co-learners’!

As a teacher, why do you like your job at KLUB DIALOGU, your language school?

Wioletta, co-owner, teacher: It just never gets boring. I have been teaching for seven years now and I have covered the same topics on many lessons, but no two were the same! The fact that students come from various countries, represent multiple cultures and languages, enriches our classes and makes it an unforgettable adventure. I recently counted the number of countries my students came from – there were over 45 of them, which makes up for more than one fourth of all countries in the world!

Agata, teacher: Contact with the people from all over the world. Their cultural, religious, social and linguistic diversity makes our classes extremely interesting. It is a job that makes you give, but you also get so much in return. This makes me get up in the morning. Personally, I also like seeing the final product of my work, the sooner the better. Here it works this way!

Where do your students come from?

Wioletta, co-owner, teacher: We have students from all across the globe. English-speaking students are a big part of our community: England, Ireland, Scotland, the US, New Zealand or Canada. People from France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Portugal or Italy attend our classes as well. We have also had students from Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary or Greece. Not to mention large groups of students from Slavic countries or Easter Europe: Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Slovenia, Romania. We have also had students from such exotic (to us) countries as: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Ghana, Iran, Israel, Japan, Yemen, Korea, Kongo, Cuba, Libya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Venezuela.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on learning and teaching Polish!

We spoke with the KLUB DIALOGU team, represented by: Piotr Kajczuk (owner), Wioletta Kunicka-Kajczuk (co-owner, teacher), Agata Kliber (teacher), Sylwia MirosÅ‚aw (teacher), Magda Chabiera (teacher), Damian (student).

The KLUB DIALOGU school has been running for over fourteen years, receiving praise from its course participants. Located in the very heart of Warsaw, it can be accessed through the website: www.klubdialogu.pl, e-mail info@klubdialogu.pl or phone number: +48 664 788 004.

Relocating to Poland and bringing your family with you? If you are unsure of what the Polish education system looks like, read on and consider multiple educational options for your children.

State-run schools

All children from 7 to 18 years old who reside in Poland are entitled to free education in state-run school facilities. At the moment, the system of compulsory education includes one year of preschool, six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school and finally high school (including general, technical or vocational schools). At all of these obligatory stages, the kids’ common problem of not speaking Polish can be resolved by attending extracurricular Polish classes, which are to be organised for all kids struggling with learning in a foreign language. The classes, although free, cannot exceed 5 hours every week, but they can be taken for as long as any student needs to attend them. In special circumstances, children are also entitled to get assistance from a speaker of their native language, but such programmes cannot exceed 12 months.

Private schools

Those foreign parents who are better off can think about foreign schools which provide education in various languages. Most of such facilities are located in major cities and can be built upon different models. Some of them offer curricula based entirely on the English language and British or American educational systems; others may offer mixed programmes and include Polish language classes (since many of these private facilities are attended by local Polish students). Schools like that are not free of charge.

Some examples of international schools (offering different levels of education) include:

In Warsaw, The British School;
In Warsaw, International European School;
In Warsaw, Monnet International School;
In Gdynia, American Elementary School;
In Kraków, Kolegium Europejskie;
In Kraków, Embassy School;
In Konstancin, near Warsaw, American School of Warsaw;
In Warsaw, Lycée français de Varsovie (French);
In Warsaw, Willy-Brandt-Schule (German).

School season start

A common question asked by foreigners is when the school starts in Poland. In general, the school year starts around 1 September and classes last until mid- or late-June. Polish learning season is divided into two semestres, with a two-week break between them and a few longer breaks for major religious or national holidays throughout it (Christmas, Easter etc.).

More and more foreigners decide to move to Poland in order to pursue higher education. If you are one of them or you are still hesitating – let us show you what costs it may involve and see if you are up for the challenge of studying abroad.

Studying in Poland is not only about covering your university costs, paying tuition fees and other college-related charges, which have already been described in the previous article on costs of studies in Poland. When you move abroad, you need to prepare your budget for extra costs connected to legalising your stay, accommodation and daily expenses. What should you remember about?

Visa and residence card costs

This applies only to those students who come from the countries whose nationals are obliged to get a visa before coming to Poland. If you come from the European Union, you can skip visa fee charges. For those requiring it - there is no uniform fee, but it should not exceed EUR 70. When applying for a visa, please remember about other costs which are not stated directly - you need to have health insurance of at least EUR 30,000 and be in possession of sufficient funds to cover your entry, stay and departure - which is minimum PLN 543 for each month of studies and PLN 200, 300 or 2,500 for securing a return journey for people from neighbouring countries, EU countries or non-EU countries respectively.

Even if you do not need a visa to come to Poland, bear in mind that every foreigner staying in Poland for a period longer than 3 months has to apply for a temporary residence permit, so for visa holders it is also the next step to plan in their budget. The cost of issuing a temporary residence permit for students is PLN 390 in total.

Accommodation, transport, food and others

Foreign students in Poland need to remember about standard daily expenses, which include flat rent, public transport tickets, food, educational materials and other costs. Aegon's report of study costs in Poland and abroad for 2016/17 presents rough prices regularly paid by all students in Poland. The table below presents the figures in selected cities: Lublin, Warsaw and WrocÅ‚aw. The low figure stands for costs incurred by the most thrifty students, whereas the higher one shows the top possible spendings in each area.

Costs of:	Lublin	Warsaw	WrocÅ‚aw
Accommodation:	PLN 270 - PLN 650	PLN 290 - PLN 1,200	PLN 330 - PLN 900
Bills:	PLN 0 - PLN 300	PLN 0 - PLN 300	PLN 0 - PLN 300
Public transport:	PLN 42	PLN 55	PLN 49
Food:	PLN 350 - PLN 700	PLN 350 - PLN 700	PLN 350 - PLN 700
Other expenses:	PLN 150 - PLN 500	PLN 150 - PLN 500	PLN 150 - PLN 500
Educational materials:	PLN 100	PLN 100	PLN 100
Total:	PLN 910 - PLN 2,290	PLN 950 - PLN 2,860	PLN 980 - PLN 2,550

As you can examine, some of the costs are constant and on a rather similar level (food prices, monthly public transport tickets and educational materials), while others may fluctuate. No bills are required if a student decides to move into a dormitory provided by their university - usually the cheapest solution for frugal students. Please bear in mind that all Polish students enjoy half-price tickets for public city and national transport, as well as discounts in cinemas, theatres and other public facilities.

Although Poland is a member of the European Union for over 10 years, it didn't yet join the Eurozone. For this reason after or before arriving to Poland you should exchange your money to Polish basic currency unit.

Polish zloty

The Polish zloty, which is subdivided into 100 groszy, is the basic currency unit in Poland. At present, 500 zlotys is the banknote of the highest denomination, and 1 grosz is the coin of the lowest denomination. What’s interesting, during hyperinflation, there were 1 million zloty and 2 million zloty banknotes available in Poland.

After arriving in Poland, you can exchange money in a currency exchange office or online bureau de change. Bureau de change network in Poland is really dense. In 2013, only in Warsaw, there were 140 registered bureaus de change, where you could buy and sell 24 currencies. Points of currency exchange are most frequently located at the stations, airports, in the subways in city centres, and other places with high tourist traffic. To exchange currency, you can also use the online offer. The most popular and the oldest bureau de change in Poland is cinkciarz.pl, a website available in 8 language versions.

Average exchange rates (February 2017)
EUR/PLN	4.32
USD/PLN	4.07

Euro in Poland

At its accession to the European Union, Poland committed itself to join the Eurozone. The date of exchanging zloty into euro is not known yet. The forecasts indicate that Poland will not adopt euro during the next several years. Yet it doesn’t mean that paying by means of euro isn’t possible in Poland.

Although the date of introducing euro in Poland is not known, for a few years, you have been able to pay by means of euro in the majority of super- and hypermarkets, such as Carrefour, Auchan and Tesco. You can also use euro at many petrol stations, in large electronic shops, and at motorway gates.

Before paying in euros, it is worth checking if the exchange rate that was used to convert the bill is valid. It is likely that the employees of a particular point of sale don’t update exchange rates or use any value because the payments in euro are rare in their shop. It often happens that shops accept payments in euro but they don’t deal in the currency themselves. This means that in case of a foreign currency, they accept only payments in banknotes and the change is given in zlotys.

Forms of payment

Although the majority of the Polish society prefers paying in cash, the possibility to pay by card is common. Each super- and hypermarket offers its customers the opportunity to pay by card. This form of payment is generally possible in most points of sale, hotels and restaurants in Poland. So, you can go shopping in Poland without having cash on you. Small local shops which are not part of any chain, newsagent’s stands and ticket offices may be an exception. There, it is safer to have cash on you.

Poland is the cheapest

In 2012, the European Statistical Office Eurostat prepared a report on food prices in Europe, taking into consideration 500 food products and beverages. It revealed that the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Poland amount only to 61% of the EU average. This makes Poland a country with the lowest prices in the above product categories. The prices of tobacco products in Poland are also among the lowest ones in Europe: the price accounts for 58% of the EU average. Only alcohol isn’t that cheap in Poland. Its price amounts to 93% of the EU average. Yet it’s not a pessimistic piece of information if we compare Poland to Norway, where the price of alcohol accounts for 288% of the EU average.

Shopping in Poland

In many big, medium, or even small Polish cities, you could easily find a super- or hypermarket open 7 days a week, but that has changed now. From March 2018 Poland will be gradually introducing a trade ban on Sundays. The opening hours of a supermarket depend on its location. Supermarkets open 24 hours a day still aren’t common everywhere, but in big cities you rather won’t have a problem finding them. If you are forced to do basic shopping very late in Poland, and you can’t find any shop open 24/7, the best idea is to go to the nearest petrol station. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year, regardless of holidays.

Shopping centres operate in all big cities. They are also more and more common in medium-sized towns. The most frequent opening hours are from 10 am to 9 pm. There, you can buy clothes, footwear, TV equipment and home appliances, do grocery shopping or go for lunch, coffee, to the cinema or gym.

Also in Poland, but for sure not only, market places are back in vogue at present. Full of fresh vegetables, fruit and meat sold directly by producers, they are popular with local inhabitants. What is interesting, in Poland, market places are not only small towns’ domain. In Warsaw, there is the legendary Hala Mirowska still working. It’s a place loved both by the inhabitants and chefs from the Warsaw restaurants.

950x540_everything-you-need-to-know-about-reporting-analysis-department-of-shell-business-operations

The Reporting and Analysis department of Shell Business Operations Kraków is the financial heart of the company, covering the EMEA region - Europe, Africa and parts of Central Asia. We have talked with Shell's Reporting and Accounting Managers, Anna KÄ™sek and Agnieszka Noworyta, about the skills necessary to take up a job in the department and opportunities that await future R&A employees.

The Reporting and Analysis department (R&A) is the biggest part of Shell Finance Operations. In Kraków alone it employs over 650 professionals. The R&A department provides services to all Shell's companies, focusing on the EMEA region. It takes care of general ledger accounting, planning, financial and management reporting, group reporting, financial consolidations as well as prepares reports in accordance with local regulations and manages the fixed assets register. Because of such a wide scope of services, the R&A department offers excellent development opportunities - employees can achieve versatility by changing duties or transitioning to new teams within the organisation.

The R&A department coordinates the most demanding and comprehensive tasks, including financial controlling, planning and analysis, consolidation and group reporting. One might say that the centre in Kraków has now become the financial heart of Shell, in terms of a comprehensive knowledge of financial processes, financial reporting consulting and operational expertise for the EMEA region.

Due to its dynamic development, the department is continuously looking for both experienced professionals and those who are just beginning their career in finance. The R&A department is currently hiring for the following positions:

Finance Analyst/Senior Finance Analyst, Accountant/Senior Accountant
Reporting & Accounting Manager, Financial Controller
Group Reporting Advisor/Senior Group Reporting Advisor
Business Analyst/Senior Business Analyst

Check all the job offers: GL & Reporting Expert, Senior GL Accountant, Reporting & Accounting Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Senior Business Analyst - Budgeting and Financial Planning, Senior Financial Controller, Business Analyst, Senior Group Reporting Advisor, RA Finance Analyst

3+4: Shell's R&A department from the managers' point of view

We have talked with Anna KÄ™sek, Financial Accounting and Reporting Lead – Europe, and Agnieszka Noworyta, R&A Manager, about work and possible development opportunities in the R&A department.

R&A roles

1. How are the job positions in R&A different and what do they have in common?

All of these roles share one common denominator – subject-matter knowledge.

Regardless of their position in the organisation, all job roles - including management - use financial knowledge in their everyday work. Such an organisational structure and requirements allow for an individual development of any employee, regardless of whether they have chosen the specialist or management path. It is possible, because both specialists and managers participate in reporting processes - starting from preparation, through analysis to final approval management reports, including those meant for management boards of companies and presidents of specific businesses. Despite having the same basis, all of these job positions differ from each other in certain elements:

Roles in group reporting teams will be more attractive to professionals with good knowledge of international accounting standards, ACCA/CIMA certifications. These roles are often taken by people with audit experience.
Jobs in planning and appraisal will be better suited to employees who feel comfortable working on large datasets and can cooperate with a bigger number of people involved in the budgeting process.
For those interested in accounting in a broader sense, R&A processing teams will be a better choice - these teams take care of general ledger accounting, balance sheet reconciliation, fixed assets accounting and financial statement submissions.

Employees who would like to take leadership roles are of course required to have experience in team management.

Aptitude for working in the R&A department

2. What skills are necessary to work in the R&A department?

The required entry-level competencies are fundamental finance and accounting understanding and the ability to draw conclusions from data analysis.

Since we work in an international environment, it is necessary to have teamwork skills and the ability to work in a virtual setting, with partners from other regions and cultures. Because of that, English and good communication skills are required. The nature of our work requires us to meet deadlines and have the ability to learn continuously, which is of utmost importance in finance.

Most of our employees have a relevant university degree in finance, accounting or economics. When it comes to highly specialized positions, ACCA, CIMA or audit certifications as well as our Polish ones such as chief accountant (gÅ‚ówny ksiÄ™gowy) or chartered accountant (biegÅ‚y ksiÄ™gowy) are an additional asset. For employees who wish to enhance their skills in finance, Shell provides supplementary funding to help cover the costs of international study courses and qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or a chartered accountant qualification.

Career development in R&A

3. What development opportunities can you offer to your employees in R&A?

Shell offers a number of development opportunities in the financial area, both to individual team members, including specialists, and managers with additional leadership skills. Each employee creates an individual development plan on the basis of their skills, experience and aspirations.

The individual development plan is supported and approved by the employee’s supervisor and lists the key competencies which the employee needs to enhance, the ways of acquiring them and an estimated time when the person can achieve a desired level of skills allowing them for taking up a new position in the company or taking on new responsibilities.

Vertical and horizontal development in R&A

4. What kind of career prospects can you expect in the R&A department?

Our organisational structure allows for lateral moves into different positions or teams and offers specialisation in specific areas. Employees with leadership skills and ambitions have a clear management career path ahead of them.

For example, the role of financial analyst can involve taking care of the fixed assets register, balance sheet and results analysis as well as preparation of group reports for the less complex Shell companies. The more comprehensive companies are usually handled by senior analysts, since they require more experience in reporting as well as cooperation with a number of people, including central finance departments.

In the same way, the role of business analyst differs from the senior business analyst in task complexity and the position of the task recipient in the organisation hierarchy.

Senior Team Managers or Financial Controllers can be promoted to the role of Accounting Managers and those who prefer to broaden their knowledge of reporting standards - may be transferred to the group reporting department.

Shell Business Operations as a good workplace

5. What makes Shell Business Operations a good place to work?

Shell is a good place to work because of its variety of job positions and processes, resulting in a wide range of development opportunities and career paths, but most importantly - because of its friendly workplace environment.

In 2017 and 2018 Shell Polska was awarded the “Great Place to Work” certification. The company was recognised for building trust with its employees, offering self-fulfilment possibilities and satisfaction with job duties. We can officially say that we are an employer of choice for candidates who highly value a corporate culture based on respect, trust, diversity appreciation and tolerance.

Polish employers to use a job agency for robots

The ever-growing number of job vacancies and short staffed offices call for innovative solutions. Poland has just come up with one - a job agency for robots. How does it work?

A new type of employee

Polish employers who struggle to find suitable candidates for their vacancies, can now deal with their understaffing problems by hiring a “digital employee” - a robot. The first Polish job agency for robots was set up and launched in March 2019 by a recruitment agency Antal and a Polish IT company, PIRXON SA. It is worth noting however that the so-called robot, or a bot, is not a humanoid machine taken out of a science-fiction film, but a software application that can be programmed to perform any repetitve tasks and processes. It is an RPA (robotic process automation) solution, which has become an increasingly popular automation tool in offices worldwide. The robots can be "employed" to do the same kind of work a person would do - for example, sending emails, handling orders and customer complaints or booking invoices. As pointed out by Antal, a digital employee has a lot of advantages: it does not make mistakes or get ill and it can work 24 hours a day. Even the programming part takes less time than a usual recruitment process. What is more, unlike other employees, a robot is not covered by the social security system and the employer does not cover the cost of the programming, only its monthly "salary". It seems then that the solution is both time and cost effective - should we really start worrying about being replaced by digital employees?

How does automation influence BPO in Poland?

Will a robot take my job?

Despite their numerous advantages, RPA solutions can not replace human skills and labour: a robot simulates human work but has no intelligence of its own. However, a digital employee can process complex data and perform monotonous, repetitive tasks, allowing other employees to focus on more creative areas of their work and make use of their imagination, interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence. The founders of Poland's first robot job agency make their intention clear: robots are meant to aid humans, not to take their place.

Sources:

Antal

PIRXON SA

Once you start looking for a job in Poland, it will quickly come to your attention that Polish job postings rarely contain salary details. For those with little or no experience in the Polish job market, guessing the possible remuneration may pose a bit of a challenge. Take a look at the new Antal report to see what salary you can expect in the BPO/SSC sector in Poland.

The new 2019 salary report prepared by the Antal recruitment agency presents average earnings of specialists and managers in ten business sectors in Poland. As noted in the press release, it is for the first time since 2011 that all the presented industries have seen an increase in salaries. Still, there are a number of factors which can determine the actual remuneration payable to the employees. Which skills are the most desirable to employers?

â€‹When it comes to the BPO/SSC sector, the demand for professionals with foreign languages continues to be high. While a good command of English, a global business language, is now considered a prerequisite by most international companies, fluency in an additional language such as German or French is a strong asset. Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese or any of the Nordic languages are increasingly sought after by employers as well, making the skills of foreign or bilingual professionals all the more invaluable. According to the report, foreigners now constitute around 10 per cent of employees in the sector and that share is bound to grow as the number of language positions continues to rise.

Take a look at the chart to get an idea of salary ranges across various job positions and levels. More details and industries are to be found in the Antal report.

Area	Monthly salary (gross PLN)
Banking Compliance Analyst with Languages Fund Accountant with Languages Research Analyst with Languages KYC/AML Analyst with Languages Compliance Senior Analyst with Languages Fund Senior Accountant with Languages Product Controller Business Analyst with Languages KYC/AML Senior Analyst with Languages Team Leader KYC/AML Manager KYC/AML Reporting Manager	4,000 - 5,500 4,000 - 6,000 4,000 - 8,000 4,500 - 6,000 5,000 - 6,500 6,000 - 8,000 6,000 - 8,000 6,000 - 8,500 6,000 - 9,000 7,500 - 10,000 10,000 - 14,000 10,000 - 14,000
HR Staffing Specialist Development Specialist Compensation and Benefits Specialist Payroll Administrator Specialist HR Administrator Team Leader HR Services Manager	5,000 - 7,000 5,000 - 7,500 5,000 - 7,500 6,000 - 7,500 7,000 - 10,000 10,000 - 15,000
Procurement and Logistics Logistic Specialist with Languages Procurement Specialist with Languages Buyer with Languages Senior Buyer with Languages Procurement Team Leader Procurement Manager	4,500 - 7,500 5,000 - 7,500 7,000 - 12,000 8,000 - 15,000 10,000 - 15,000 16,000 - 25,000
Customer Service and ITO Customer Service Specialist with English Customer Service Specialist with Languages Customer Service Team Leader Customer Service Manager	4,000 - 6,000 5,000 - 8,000 6,000 - 11,000 8,000 - 13,000
Finance and Accounting Accounts Payable/ Accounts Receivable Accountant with English AP/AR Accountant with languages AP/AR Senior Accountant with English AP/AR Senior Accountant with languages AP/AR Team Leader with English AP/AR Team Leader with Languages AP/AR Manager with English AP/AR Manager with Languages	5,000 - 6,500 5,000 - 7,500 6,000 - 7,500 6,500 - 8,500 8,000 - 12,000 9,000 - 13,000 12,000 - 20,000 14,000 - 20,000
General Ledger RtR Accountant with English RtR Accountant with languages RtR Senior Accountant with English RtR Senior Accountant with languages RtR Team Leader with English RtR Team Leader with languages RtR Manager with English RtR Manager with Languages	6,000 - 9,000 7,000 - 12,000 7,500 - 11,000 8,000 - 13,000 10,000 - 15,000 11,000 - 16,000 17,000 - 25,000 18,000 - 26,000

Area

Monthly salary (gross PLN)

Banking

Compliance Analyst with Languages
Fund Accountant with Languages
Research Analyst with Languages
KYC/AML Analyst with Languages
Compliance Senior Analyst with Languages
Fund Senior Accountant with Languages
Product Controller
Business Analyst with Languages
KYC/AML Senior Analyst with Languages
Team Leader KYC/AML
Manager KYC/AML
Reporting Manager

4,000 - 5,500
4,000 - 6,000
4,000 - 8,000
4,500 - 6,000
5,000 - 6,500
6,000 - 8,000
6,000 - 8,000
6,000 - 8,500
6,000 - 9,000
7,500 - 10,000
10,000 - 14,000
10,000 - 14,000

HR

Staffing Specialist
Development Specialist
Compensation and Benefits Specialist
Payroll Administrator Specialist
HR Administrator Team Leader
HR Services Manager

5,000 - 7,000
5,000 - 7,500
5,000 - 7,500
6,000 - 7,500
7,000 - 10,000
10,000 - 15,000

Procurement and Logistics

Logistic Specialist with Languages
Procurement Specialist with Languages
Buyer with Languages
Senior Buyer with Languages
Procurement Team Leader
Procurement Manager

4,500 - 7,500
5,000 - 7,500
7,000 - 12,000
8,000 - 15,000
10,000 - 15,000
16,000 - 25,000

Customer Service and ITO

Customer Service Specialist with English
Customer Service Specialist with Languages
Customer Service Team Leader
Customer Service Manager

4,000 - 6,000
5,000 - 8,000
6,000 - 11,000
8,000 - 13,000

Finance and Accounting

Accounts Payable/ Accounts Receivable Accountant with English
AP/AR Accountant with languages
AP/AR Senior Accountant with English
AP/AR Senior Accountant with languages
AP/AR Team Leader with English
AP/AR Team Leader with Languages
AP/AR Manager with English
AP/AR Manager with Languages

5,000 - 6,500
5,000 - 7,500
6,000 - 7,500
6,500 - 8,500
8,000 - 12,000
9,000 - 13,000
12,000 - 20,000
14,000 - 20,000

General Ledger

RtR Accountant with English
RtR Accountant with languages
RtR Senior Accountant with English
RtR Senior Accountant with languages
RtR Team Leader with English
RtR Team Leader with languages
RtR Manager with English
RtR Manager with Languages

6,000 - 9,000
7,000 - 12,000
7,500 - 11,000
8,000 - 13,000
10,000 - 15,000
11,000 - 16,000
17,000 - 25,000
18,000 - 26,000

Source: Antal Salary Report 2019

Prepare properly

Find the list of main questions asked during an interview at the Embassy, and think of your answers in advance.
Come in time

Avoid being late. It is better to check the Embassy address, find it on the map and choose the best route.
Be polite

Courteous greeting at the beginning of the conversation, nice smile and a willingness to cooperate always make a good impression. You manner should be open, but do not behave too carelessly or defiantly – remember that this conversation is official.
Pay attention to your look

Leave extravagant clothes and bright accessories at home, make-up should be natural as well. On the other hand, do not choose too strict and solemn style. You look should be simple, neat and respectable.
Give clear answers

They must not be too short – your task is to demonstrate free and fluent speech. But do not bump into arguments; answer clearly and to the point. You can ask counter questions if you have them, but not too many. Remember that it is YOU being interviewed.

Do no leave any reason for officer to refuse your visa.

Understand the process well (accurate information and knowledge is half battle win)
Provide complete and truthful information
All questions in application form must be answered in correctly
Indicate your current address and not the permanent address on the visa application form
Consulate might ask for return air tickets, medical insurance etc. Tell them those things will be done after the visa is approved
Complete the Visa application form neatly. In case of error, ask for another form. Do not overwrite
Visitor needs to understand the procedure and each document to be submitted
Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc

THAT’S IMPORTANT:

→ TIES TO HOME COUNTRY

All applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in Ukraine.
“Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence (i.e., job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.)
If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-long range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person’s situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.

→ MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

→ NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL

Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many visitors have remained in Ukraine as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home, ties, financing etc.

The first thing for you to remember before you open the embassy door is to stay calm and focused on the things you are going to speak about. Nervousness won’t be your best friend in this situation and for sure won’t help to make a great first impression.

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We have the right expertise and industry insights to help our clients get world-class education and then transform the same to a highly value-adding career on the basis of the education. We have a unique service forte that can help the students build their life as they dream no matter if they wish to just study, work, or settle down abroad.

We Work Comprehensively for You

At AtoZ Serwis Plus Overseas Career Consultant, we work for you. Everything that we do here is for our clients and centered on the clients. We often go the extra mile and break conventions to ensure that the clients get all the support and help that our clients need. We know that our clients are doing us a favor by rendering us with the opportunity to serve them and therefore we never take our clients for granted. We always display the best service option for our clients and never resort to substandard service options. Our teams know that our clients deserve the best and that we are obliged to provide them with impeccable service at all times. And we never backtrack from that.

We Ensure Maximum Value for Your Investments

In our efforts to support our clients with the best services and offer maximum value for the clients’ investments with us in terms of money, time and efforts, we never shy away from going the extra mile to provide any and all kinds of services in our capacity to our clients. We understand that each of our clients spends their hard-earned money to choose to study immigrate and settle in another country and they come to us because they trust us with their money. It is a promise that we never break and we always ensure that each penny that you invest with us is well-spent and accounted for.

We Keep Business Relationship for a Lifetime

Unlike most other businesses operating in the vertical, we never terminate the relationship with our clients, ever. We always keep the relationships with our clients alive and well for a lifetime. It is our care and interest to understand how we have been able to help our clients change their lives for the best that keeps us deliver even better services to all our clients. Therefore, once you walk through our door to get professional help from our team, you will always be our family member. We will always remember you and you will always be a part of our business forever.

We Offer Life-Changing Career Counseling

As a globally respected and recognized career support service provider, we bring a plethora of highly customized and bespoke counseling services to all our clients. As these counseling sessions are rendered by some of the most insightful, wise and experienced counselors having in-depth knowledge in a range of academic and career options, it will sure change your life forever, for the better. With the help of the well-oriented and well-realized counseling services, you can understand your career prospects, immigration options and settlement choices in the best forms suitable to you and your requirements. You just need to pick the one that you feel is the best for you.

We Render Highly Integrated Services

In addition to bringing a myriad of services right under one single roof, we also bring a highly integrated and complementing service offerings to all our clients. Since we utilize the best and latest technological infrastructure to process our clients’ requests and requirements, not customer experiences delayed or omitted service ever from us. Integration is key to the success of our services as each of the departments, verticals and service systems always ensure the most value-adding services as needed by the clients, every instance.

You Get Premium Member and Verified Status

When you start utilizing our service in any capacity, as per your service requirements and support needs, you will be provided with premium member and verified statuses to distinguish from other customers so that you always get preferential services, offers and support. We work hard to ensure that all our clients get the best service support but with premium member and verified status, you get even better services and support from us. You simply become a privileged member of our family.

You Become a Part of the Global Community

When you start associating with us, you unknowingly become part of a global community that utilizes a plethora of our study abroad, visa and immigration services to change their lives for the better. We have driven numerous and impeccable insights from our global community over the years in our endeavors to provide them with all the support they need, and we bring all our learning and expertise right to you to help you change, mold and transform your lives to the best one you can ever build.

You become part of Global Community

We will help you network with other Indians living abroad who have been there and done that. As a member of our own network you will also have the opportunity to share your experiences that will help your fellow WorldWide later.

With Us, You Are Promoted for a Career after Graduation

Even before you take the time to think about it, you would have completed your graduate course and be entering into the challenging, dynamic and unkind world of reality. However, with us you will have every opportunity to utilize your current academic profile to present yourself as a capable, employment-ready professional who can take any challenges of the real world. You will be able to not just secure a job but a supporting platform where you can build a sturdy, fulfilling and rewarding career.

All-Inclusive Immigration Support Is Provided to You

No matter where you want to immigrate to, we are primed to render you with the most effective and value-adding services to you. With our expertise and experience in the field, we have almost 100% success rate with all new immigration applications. We have supported thousands of nationals from India, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Phillippines, Indonesia and Gulf Countries to settle anywhere in the world as per their immigration requirements and choices. Our teams will help you comprehensively with your student visa application and support you with excellent insights about immigration once you complete your graduate studies.

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Limited liability

Firstly, it is needed to mention that limited liability company has got a separate legal entity which generally means that the company is responsible for it’s obligations (not the shareholders). In some circumstances, the management board can be responsible for company’s obligations, for example when the financial execution against the company turns out to be ineffective. The liability of shareholders is limited. This is one of the construction principles of capital companies, which largely determines the attractiveness of this form of running a business.

Shareholders and management board

There is a minimum of one shareholder to form a LLC. Shareholders can be either natural people or legal entities. The board of directors may consist of a one or more members. A single shareholder can be also a single member of the board. If the Board of Directors consists of just the company’s only shareholder, every resolution must be signed in front of a notary public. It means that even a single person can establish and run a limited liability company.

Share capital

The required minimum share capital is 5 000 zÅ‚otych (about 1 200 Euro) and it must be contributed to the company by shareholders. So the share captial to start with is very low.

Income Tax

The basic ratio of a income tax for the company is 19% (please note that if the income is lower than running costs then it is no need to pay income tax). However from January 2019 the companies with income in the current tax year lower than 1 200 000 Euro can have the 9% of corporate income tax rate. It is one of the lowest corporate income tax level in Europe.

Banking costs

The banking offer in Poland is very wide and the company can choose from a large variety of services. The running costs of a bank account can be also very low, it is very easy to find an offer for running a bank account with a debit card for 2-3 euro per month.

Poland – center of Europe

The geographical location of Poland is very foreable – it’s a country which connects Western and Eastern Europe with all benefits of this situation. Also it is needed to mention that the political situation and economy is stable. Poland is also a member of the Schengen Zone and European Union.

Conclusion

Establishing a company in Poland means that:

1. the legal form of a limited liability is very attractive to investors;

2. even a single person can establish and run a limited liability company;

3. minimum share capital is very low;

4. the corporate income tax rate is one of the lowest in Europe;

5. low banking costs;

6. shareholders or members of management board can decide not to pay social insurance;

If you are interested in establishing a limited liability company in Poland, please contact my law office to start the procedure immediately.

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Recently my law office had a lot of questions about buying a ready made company in Poland (in a form of a LLC). In this article I would like to explain how it can be done.

Buying a properly registered and professionally prepared shelf company is very important to your future business. The advantage of such decision is that the company is already registered (because is some situations the Registry Court can refuse the registration) and has got it’s own address in Poland. It is also important that the company has got the KRS Number, Social Security Number, Tax Identification Number and Statistical Number, so it is ready to conduct business anytime.

Foreigners can buy a shelf company in Poland without their presence in Poland. If you would like to start your business in Poland and you don’t have a visa or a residence permit (citizens of countries from which a visa or residence permit is required to stay in Poland), then you can buy a ready made company without coming to Poland. My law office offers complex legal assistance in that matter, so you will be confident that your case is being proceeded by a professional and is in right hands. The companies for sale are prepared by my law office, so you have the knowledge that the company’s documentation was prepared by a professional lawyer, registered on an Official Polish Ministry of Justice Lawyer’s List. It is very important, as the proper preparation of company’s documents has got a major influence on the quality of running a company.

If you decide to buy a shelf company which is prepared by my law office, then:

minimum formalities are required (no need to come to Poland);
you get 100% clean company, present on Polish market with certificate for no liabilities;
the company is ready to start business immediately;
the company will have KRS Number, Social Security Number, Tax Identification Number and Statistical Number;
the company will have it’s own address in Poland (virtual office);
you will be introduced to current bank offers and accounting services;
on your wish the company can be customized;
on your wish my law office can prepare your business visa application and represent you in front of Voivodeship Office for obtaining a business residence permit;
my law office offers consultation for running any type of business in Poland and can provide you legal services on any grounds;
the fees which my law office offers are with no hidden costs, you pay once and receive services which you request.

My law office offers shelf companies service in Poland that are 100% clean, without any liabilities and ready to start business and earning money. Ready companies that my law office provides are properly incorporated, registered according to all legal requirements on the basis of polish commercial companies code. If you will choose my law office services, then you will enjoy maximum flexibility and full professional lawyer’s support anytime.

My law office also offers a traditional incorporating a company on your behalf from the beginning, so the company will be made from the start with your suggestions and you will be the owner of the company from the very beginning. We provide our legal services from incorporation, through registration and with running the company.

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Proper formation and registration of a company in Poland is a gradual process. It is needed to sign the incorporation act in front of a notary public and go through court registration procedure. The first steps regarding a new company are the most important, because they influence on the company’s future activity. My law office also offers an incorporating a company on your behalf from the beginning, so the company will be made from the start with your suggestions and you will be the owner of the company from the very beginning. We provide our legal services from incorporation, through registration and with running the company.

My law office offers a professional company formation in Poland legal service. We help our clients with every detail connected with establishing business entities based on Polish law. My law office services regarding company incorporation are the most professional on the market. We pay strict attention to every detail on every stage of Polish company formation process and your business visa and residence permit process.

There is no need to come to Poland to form a company in Poland, my law office can take all activities on your behalf, finally as a result of our cooperation, you will receive a brand new company in Poland, without moving from your home country.

As a result of cooperation with our law office, your company:

will have it’s articles of association signed in a Notary Public Office in Poland;
will be registered in the National Company Registry (KRS) and will obtain it’s individual KRS number;
will get tax identification number (NIP);
will get statistical number (REGON);
will be registered in Polish Social Security Service (ZUS);
will have it’s own address in Poland.

Also you will be introducted to bank services and accounting services.

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In 2020, I wrote an article about general visa and resident permit application information. In this article, I will focus on business visa and business resident permit procedures. Below are the most important steps for obtaining a business visa and business resident permit in Poland.

Step no. 1

The first and most crucial step is to form a company (information about creating a company) or buy a ready-made company in Poland (details on buying a ready-driven company). This step is essential as applying for a business visa is possible with a company in Poland.

Step no. 2

After incorporating the company or buying a ready-made company, the changes must be registered in Registry Court System. After having the differences noted, you will receive a confirmation from the court. Now is the correct time to apply for a business visa at the proper Polish Embassy. When you get well at the interview at the Embassy and provide all required documents, you will obtain a business visa (national or Schengen); congratulations! Now you can travel to Poland for business reasons.

Step no. 3

If you are willing to stay in Poland for a longer time, you will need to apply for a business resident permit. A temporary residence permit application must be filed during your legal stay in Poland. When the proper Voivodeship Officer accepts your application, he will stamp your passport, confirming that you have applied for a temporary residence permit. This stamp legalises your stay in Poland, even though your visa or previous temporary residence permit has expired. Finally, you receive a residence card.

My law office provides legal services during all the steps written above. We offer discounts for clients interested in our services – establishing a company, preparing a visa application and representing you during the residence permit procedure.

Temporary Residence Permit in Poland Temporary Residence Permit in Poland

Foreigners who are willing to stay in Poland for a longer peroid of time than 3 months are obliged to have a residence permit. The first type of a residence permit which I would like to describe is temporary residence permit, which is given for up to 3 years. However, the peroid of time for which permit is given may be shorter – it’s connected to the grounds of the application.

Below, you will find the five most popular grounds, on which you can apply for temporary residence permit:

work in an occupation requiring high skills;
starting or continuing work in Poland (when you’re employed in a company);
business activity in Poland;
starting or continuation of studies in Poland;
visiting family members by a Polish citizen or family member of a foreigner.

It’s important that the list of the grounds is open, it means that if the ground on which you want to apply is not listed, and you will justify that the ground is important for you, it can be accepted and there is a chance to obtain temporary residence permit.

Important!

Application for temporary residence permit must be filed during your legal stay in Poland. When the right Voivodeship Officer accepts your application, he will put a stamp in your passport, confirming that you have applied for a temporary residence permit. This stamp legalises your stay in Poland, even though your visa or previous temporary residence permit has expired.

After granting a positive decision, you will receive residence card, which is a document confirming that you have temporary residence permit. If the decision is negative, you can appeal from it in 14 days. I will write how to appeal from a negative decision in the next post.

The permanent residence permit may be given to a foreigner who:

is a person of polish origin and wants to settle in Poland;
has been married to a Polish citizen in a marriage (polish law) for at least 3 years before filling the application for a permanent residence permit and has stayed in Poland without interruption before filing the application for at least 2 years to a temporary residence permit issued pursuant to marriage with a Polish citizen or to obtaining refugee status, subsidiary protection or consent for stay issued due to humanitarian reasons;
has stayed in Poland uninterruptedly before filing an application for a permanent residence permit for at least 5 years according to refugee status;
has been granted asylum in Poland;
has a valid Pole’s Card and intends to settle in Poland permanently;
is a child of a foreigner who has a permanent residence permit in Poland or a long-tern EU resident permit, remaining in the parental custody of the foreigner;

Important!

Application for permanent residence permit must be filed during your legal stay in Poland. A permanent residence permit is valid for an indefinite period and the residence card has to be replaced every 10 years. A permanent residence permit issued in Poland does not entitle the foreigner to take up work in another EU country. A permanent residence permit entitles the foreigner to travel to other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for only tourism purposes.

The citizens of many outside EU countries are required to obtain a Polish visa in order to enter and remain in Poland for the specified in visa time. Visas are issued by Polish consulates, after applying for a visa in appropriate Polish Consulate. You can apply for various types of visas:

Air Transit Visa (type A) – which allows a foreigner to pass through the airport of one or more Schengen Area countries;
Schengen Visa (type C) – which allows a foreigner to remain in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a period of six months. The period is calculated from the first entry;
Country Visa (type D) – which visa allows a foreigner to enter a single country and stay within its borders for up to one year.

The most popular purposes of visa issuance:

purpose of tourism;
visiting family or friends;
performance of business activity;
performance of research and development activity;
participation in sports events;
performance of work;
arrival in the Polish territory as a member of immediate family of a repatriate;
obtaining temporary protection.

Different consular offices may require different complementary documents to the visa application, so I suggest to contact appropriate person when gathering information about those documents. If your visa application have been denied, you have the right to obtain a written explanation of the decision. They may appeal against the decision within seven days of receipt of the written decision. They must submit the appeal to the consular office which issued the negative decision.

If you intend to stay in Poland for a longer time, than specified in the visa, you should apply for a temporary residence permit.

The long term EU Residency permit authorizes it’s holder to stay in Poland permanently, only the residence card must be renewed for 5 years peroids. The foreigner can take up work in Poland on that basis and can travel along Schengen Zone countries for tourist reasons.

The long term EU Residency permit may be granted to a foreigner who:

has been staying in Poland legally for 5 years (uninterruptedly);
has maintained a stable and regular source of income for 3 years before applying for long term EU residency permit;
has got health insurance;
has got a place of residence in Poland;
has obtained a certificate in Polish language on B1 level.

The long term EU Residency permit application must be submitted by a foreigner who stays legally in Poland. The procedure takes about 3 months.

how-to-obtain-polish-citizenship-what-you-need-to-know

Often overlooked thanks to its close proximity to more glamorized European countries, those who live in Poland can sometimes feel like they’ve stumbled on the continent’s best kept secret.

Known for little but its wartorn history, the reality of Poland is far removed from the image many people have of the eastern-European gem. For instance, many people fail to recognize Poland for its breathtaking landscapes, with major national parks and protected areas sprawling across miles and miles of grassy hills. It’s often forgotten that there are few places you could enjoy a close-knit, European lifestyle less expensively. People don’t often think of Poland for its cafe culture, nightlife, or fresh foods movement; but all of these things are the realities, and it’s no surprise that many ex-pats would seek to make their ties to the country more official through citizenship.

If you’ve been living in Poland or are moving to Poland for work, to start a business, or just to enjoy all the country has to offer, it’s important to understand what processes you must go through in order to obtain citizenship. This guide will walk you through all the most important steps and tips for making permanent ties with Poland.

What’s the difference between citizenship and permanent residence?

Many ex-pats living in Poland don’t have citizenship, but instead, hold either a Permit to Settle or a Long-Term EU Resident Permit. Both permits act as a permanent residence in Poland, and holders enjoy all of the same rights within the country that native Poles do, with two notable exceptions.

Permanent residents in Poland may not vote in parliamentary or presidential elections, and they may not carry a Polish passport.

These differences are rather superficial, especially since holders of a Long-Term EU Resident Permit may live, travel, and work freely within the EU without needing an EU passport. However, citizenship does give ex-pats more control of their own futures in their right to vote, and it also ensures the continuity of your life in poland- having citizenship revoked is extremely rare and nearly impossible. As such, it’s still advisable for long-term residents to pursue one, if only to cement their ability to remain in Poland permanently without restrictions or possible loss of residency status.

Can I have dual citizenship? How?

Polish citizens are allowed to hold both their Polish citizenship and citizenship in another country and are subject to the same rights and obligations of Poles who hold only one citizenship.

It’s important for any citizenship applicant, however, to understand whether their country of origin allows and recognizes dual citizenship, to ensure they’ll not be required to forfeit that citizenship when they apply for one in Poland. Citizenship seekers from the U.S., UK, and most of Europe (with some exceptions) don’t need to worry about renouncing their home citizenship, but that isn't true universally and it’s best to familiarize yourself with your country’s dual citizenship laws before beginning your application in Poland.

Ways to obtain Polish citizenship

Hands down, the simplest way to obtain Polish citizenship is through parents. If you were born to at least one parent who was a Polish citizen at the time of your birth, you’re eligible to be recognized as a Polish citizen yourself. This is called “right of blood.”

If you weren’t born to a Polish parent, however, there are still many ways to achieve citizenship in a European country, as follows.

Long term stay: Permanent residence permit

A foreign citizen who holds a permanent residence permit and has been living legally in Poland for a minimum of three continuous years, who has employment in Poland, and who owns a home is eligible to apply for citizenship.

Tip: Use this resource to learn more about what qualifies as an uninterrupted stay to determine your eligibility.

Marriage

A foreigner who has been living legally in Poland for two uninterrupted years and is married to a Polish citizen is eligible for Polish citizenship.

Refugees

A refugee who was legally granted long-term residence in Poland is eligible to apply for citizenship after living in the country for two continuous years.

Through parents restored citizenship

If your parent had forfeited their Polish citizenship at the time of your birth, but has since had it restored and both you and your parent are living in Poland, you’re eligible to claim your own Polish citizenship.

Long term stay: Other

Any foreigner who has been living legally by means other than a permanent residence visa in Poland for a minimum of 10 years is eligible for Polish citizenship

How can I apply for citizenship?

One of the most important aspects of applying for Polish citizenship is proving that you have achieved fluency in the Polish language. That command of the language must be confirmed with an official certificate, which is issued upon successful completion of a state examination. For foreigners who attended an international school in which the main language of instruction was Polish, a school-leaving certificate may suffice. Otherwise, an applicant is required to take the level B1 exam as issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language.

With a language certificate in place, the following documents must be submitted to the Voivode with jurisdiction over your place of residence in Poland:

A completed application form, written in Polish
One original photograph
A certified copy of your birth certificate
A copy of your foreign ID, specifically your passport
Your certificate of language command
A statement which details any departures, travel, or non-residence periods within your mandatory uninterrupted period of stay. You can find the uninterrupted stay form here.
Any documents which state professional achievements (like professional degrees or titles)
A document to confirm your spouse’s citizenship (even if it’s not Polish)
A receipt of payment for stamp duty for issuing the final decision
Proof of employment and homeownership, if applying for citizenship based on long-term residence.

Process duration & fees

Assuming all of your paperwork is in order and you’re a qualified applicant, your case should be resolved “immediately,” or in a couple of days. If you need to submit more documents or your case needs any additional investigation, it’s still processed within a month, or two months in extremely complicated cases.

For the most part, there are almost no fees associated with applying for Polish citizenship, outside of the 219 PLN stamp duty. While that sum isn’t too hefty, it can add up when you’re also paying international fees to fund the transaction from your foreign bank account.

That’s it! Good luck with becoming a Polish citizen!

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Whether you’re a Brit, Australian, or an American, Poland might not be the first retirement destination that comes to mind. But the eastern European country can be the ideal spot for retirees on a pension. Though more affordable than other Western nations, it still offers the same type of European charm for seniors: dense cities with Old World architecture (including castles!), quiet, idyllic villages, modern public transit and services, delicious food, and rich culture. Sitting at the crossroads of Western Europe and the Russian East, Poland has a uniquely blended culture for adventurous seniors to enjoy.

Poland has long been wedged between powerful empires and has had to strive to preserve its vibrant national culture. This has given the perennial Eastern European underdog an open, tolerant way of life, especially in the cities. No matter, where they’re from, expats should be confident that they’ll be warmly welcomed and accepted as they settle in.

What’s the money like there?

Though a member state of the EU, Poland uses its own currency, the Polish zÅ‚oty, instead of the Euro. As of mid-year 2017, the zÅ‚oty trades for around the following values:

$0.27 U.S. dollars
€0.23 Euros
$0.35 Australian dollars
£0.21 British pounds

What’s the cost of living in Poland?

To get a sense of the cost of living in different areas of Poland, the following table lists the prices for several common good and services in Euros for Warsaw, the largest and most expensive city in the country, the mid-sized, multicultural city of Lublin, and the small town of Augustow.

	Warsaw	Lublin	Augustow
Rent (one-bedroom apartment in city center)	€527	€459	€235
Rent (three-bedroom apartment in city center)	€903	€732	€586
Utilities (for 915 sq ft apartment)	€146.	€145	€82
Price per square meter (apartment in city center)	€229	€155	€87
Internet	€10	€10.00	€11
Milk	€2.27	€2.20	€1.77
Meal for two (mid-range restaurant)	€23.50	€23	€20
Gas (one liter)	€4.00.	€4.04	€4.26
Bottle of wine (mid-range)	€6.00	€5.15	€8.20
Car (Toyota Corolla)	€17,400.	€17,900	n/a
One-way ticket (city transit)	€1.00	€0.70	€0.47
One pair of jeans (mid-range)	€61	€60	€77

Source: Numbeo.com

If you need to transfer money to Poland or even back home, you’ll want to be aware of the fees and exchange rates charged by different financial institutions. Most banks and transfer services charge low up-front fees, but take advantage of you by using a higher exchange rate and skimming the difference.

How much do I need to retire in Poland?

While it’s always possible to buy a small, cheap farmhouse in the country, Poland is cheap enough that you may be able to buy an apartment in big cities like Warsaw or Krakow. It’s possible to purchase apartments there for €85,000-€250,000 ($100,000-$290,000). You won’t find that in many European capitals, where owning property is out of reach for those who aren’t wealthy.

With such a budget-friendly standard of living, you can live cheaply in Poland with around $100,000 saved. If you’re able to draw a modest salary, you can afford to rent, or possibly buy, a stylish apartment in a nice neighborhood in a large Polish city. If you have the money to retire comfortably, you could afford a sizable house, and possibly even a few acres of land, in the Polish countryside, with enough left over for jaunts to the Masurian lakes or Tatra mountains.

What are the visa requirements for me?

The threshold for legal residency in Poland is lower than in other European countries. To become a legal resident of Poland, you need to contact the Polish consulate in your home country and apply for a National Long-Stay Visa. In order to be granted a visa, you only need to a passport, proof of health insurance, a document explaining the purpose of your move, and proof that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself (pension, social security, 401(k), or real estate of stock investments).

Where should I live?

Geographically, Poland is largely a broad plain dotted with farms, but there are many scenic pockets through the country that would be perfect to settle in.

The Masurian Lakes Region, which consists of over 2,000 lakes spread across northeastern Poland, is one of the most popular tourist destination in the country. An extensive series of rivers and canals connect the lakes, so boaters can travel easily from one to the next. If you’re a fan of watersports, fishing, sailing, or just a nature-lover in general, this might be the region for you. You could use the nearby, mid-sized city of Olsztyn as your home base, which consistently ranks highly in quality of life, health care, affordability, and safety, and is considered one of the happiest cities in the country.

If living near water is important to you, consider the northern city of Gdansk, on the Baltic sea. As one of the most active port cities in the Baltic, Gdansk has long had a reputation for multiculturalism and tolerance. It also is considered to have some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. There, you’d be close to several white sand beaches, and can spend your weekends sailing and fishing in the pristine waters of Gdansk bay.

If hiking, skiing, and rocky vistas are more your thing, look into the Tatras mountains region in the southern country, near the border with Slovakia. The resort town of Zakopane, known for its thriving art scene and adorable wooden chalets, would be an ideal place for a retiree eager to hit the trails - or slopes.

If you can’t choose between the mountains, the coast, or the plains and want a good mix of different qualities, there’s always the bustling capital, and largest city, of Warsaw. The city of two million lies in the heart of the country, a short train ride from the mountains in the south or the Baltic sea in the north. The historic center of the town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re split between the city and the country, Lodz, the third-largest city in the country, might also be a good fit for you, since it’s Lagiewnicki forest, north of downtown, is the largest urban park in Europe.

While Warsaw is a great business center with red-hot job market, it’s also hectic and has the most expensive housing in the country. For a retiree who wants a slower pace of life, but also wants to live in a city, the country’s second city of Krakow might be a better fit. The old capital of Poland was one of the few cities in Europe that wasn’t mostly destroyed in World War II. Because of that it has well-preserved historical architecture, including a market square that’s considered one of the best in the world, as well as many other historic attractions and museums. It’s a compact, walkable, safe city, and the narrow medieval streets of Old Town Krakow are also full of great bars, restaurants, art galleries, and shops.

What about taxes and healthcare?

Poland has a national health service that offers free medical care and hospital stays to all of its citizens. Private insurance plans are also available and a higher percentage of Polish citizens have them compared to other European countries. They often use it to supplement the public system, which can be known for long waits and frustrating bureaucracy.

If you have migrated from an EEA country, or the US or Australia, you can choose to join the national health fund, which will grant you emergency and maternity care, as well as cover any pre-existing conditions.

Even if all of your income comes from abroad, you'll still need to file an annual tax return with Poland if you live there more than six months out of the year. When they file their taxes, expats may be required to complete additional filings and be subject to specific reporting requirements. Taxation regulations vary between countries, so consult an accountant for advice on how to remain tax compliant back home and in your new country.

What’s daily life like?

Poland has a temperate continental climate, with cold winters and warm, sunny, rainy summers. That means that though it’s situated at Russia’s doorstep, it’s climate and vegetation are similar to that of Western European nations. The average high in Warsaw is 25â„ƒ (77â„‰) during the summer and 0â„ƒ (32â„‰) during the winter. Temperatures can stay well below freezing during winter, and heavy snowstorms are common.

As for getting around the country, Poland has a robust public transit system comprised of buses, trams, and trolleybuses, as well as trains that connect numerous cities. Warsaw also has an extensive subway system.

If you’re looking to dive into local customs, check out the marzanna. Named after the pagan Slavic goddess of death, winter, and nature, this annual, countrywide tradition involves building a large effigy on the first day of spring, setting it on fire, and then chucking it into a river. This ritual is meant to banish winter and encourage new crops to grow.

Also, word to the wise, if you walk through town on the Monday after Easter, wear a raincoat. That day is the celebration of Åšmigus-dyngus, which is basically massive, town-wide, all day water fight. It’s a free-for-all where combatants use water pistols, bottles, and water balloons to soak anyone they come across, even unsuspecting strangers.

Poles have a reputation for being easy-going, living life at a slower pace, and being strongly connected to nature. Gardening is a popular pastime, and many homes have a “garden house” even in the cities

Poland isn't as English-friendly as some Western European nations, so it would be wise to learn some Polish before you arrive. Once you’ve mastered a few key phrases, you’ll find the Polish people generally friendly and open. The Polish love to eat and drink, so as you start making friends expect to be invited to a dinner party and offered plenty of pierogi, kielbasa, and Polish vodka.

Poland is an overlooked gem where you can find much of what people love about European culture - architecture, natural beauty, museums, food, drink, and festivals - without the sticker shock of a Paris or Oslo. With a variety of geographical regions and cities, you can build a retirement that suits your needs and dreams.

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If a person plans to live for a long time on the territory of Ukraine, then a special permit from the state will be required for this. A residence permit gives you the right to live in Ukraine officially, but also requires certain rules.

How to obtain a permanent residence permit?

The law defined two main groups of persons who have the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit for a foreigner in Ukraine. The first includes those who have quotas, and the second includes immigrants without a quota. Who comes up with the first group?

Representatives of culture.
Specialists of high qualification.
A person who has invested in Ukraine not less than one hundred thousand dollars of the United States of America.
Relatives of a citizen.
Husband and children of eighteen years of the person receiving permanent residence.
Refugees three years after receiving asylum.

The list of those who don’t have quotas includes such groups of people who have a state interest. Each case is considered separately, but with the competent compilation of documents there is a high probability of receiving this document in the shortest possible time.

What are the benefits of a permanent residence permit in Ukraine?

The most important advantage of obtaining a certificate is that a person can come to Ukraine as soon as it is convenient. From now on, the terms of stay are no longer limited to 90 days and it is not necessary to make visas for entry into Ukraine. And also there is no need at all to get an appropriate permit at work placement.

Permanent residence opens up new opportunities. You can forget about the regular payment of the consular fee, about spending money on the medical insurance. As a result, a person will be tangible savings.

All these advantages open up a lot of new opportunities while living in Ukraine. However, each situation has its own characteristics, so there are always some questions about this. To find answers for questions, you can consult our specialists on the phone numbers indicated on the site.

Is it possible to issue a residence permit if the person is outside the migration quota?

In addition to those who are granted a permit for immigration within the established quota, the legislation has grounds for the presence of which the residence permit is not limited to the quota.

These include:

marriage with a citizen of Ukraine, which lasted two years or more;
relatives of the first generation who are Ukrainian citizens;
Ukrainian diaspora or foreigners with confirmed roots in our country (foreign Ukrainians);
persons who are territorially from Ukraine;
foreign guardians or trustees who can documented the trusteeship or guardianship of Ukrainian citizens;
foreigners whose stay in Ukraine is important for Ukraine’s foreign and domestic policy.

All of these nuances can be further elucidated by our lawyer, or you can consult with the Migration Service. Each case is unique, and therefore it is necessary to correctly approach this question.

List of documents for issuing a permanent residence permit in Ukraine

passport (original for presentation);
Notarized translation of the passport page where the information about the person is indicated;
a permit for immigration (a copy of it must be submitted);
it is desirable to issue a visa type – D (optional);
a receipt for payment of state duty;
4 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm on a matte basis.

Verification of the submitted documents will continue during the first week, as a result, a decision is made to grant or refuse to provide a permanent residence permit.

Free Movement in Europe

As a result of its continuous expansion, the Schengen Area now encompasses 26 countries.

Schengen Area

The free movement of persons is a fundamental right guaranteed by the EU to its citizens. It entitles every EU citizen to travel, work and live in any EU country without special formalities. Schengen cooperation enhances this freedom by enabling citizens to cross internal borders without being subjected to border checks. The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, as well as to many non-EU nationals, businessmen, tourists or other persons legally present on the EU territory.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU States, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. However, Bulgaria and Romania are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Of non-EU States, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area.

Any person, irrespective of nationality, may cross the internal borders without being subjected to border checks. Source: European Commission

Schengen Visa

Schengen member states have set up a common visa policy for short stays (namely for stays up to three months), which is applied through the ‘Schengen visas’. Citizens of some non-EU countries are required to hold a visa to travel to the Schengen area. A short-stay visa issued by one of the member states of the Schengen area entitles the holder to travel throughout the whole Schengen area for up to three months within a six-month period. However, visas for visits exceeding that three-month period remain subject to national procedures.

As we stand on the cusp of a new decade, let us take a brief look at some events and challenges that await us in Poland this year.

Presidential election

Last year, Polish citizens headed to the polls to elect their new parliament. This year, it is time to cast a vote in the presidential election. The official campaign is yet to begin but the incumbent president, Andrzej Duda, will likely decide to run for re-election. The Polish president holds office for a five-year term and can serve for a maximum of two terms (10 years in total). It is expected that the date of the election will soon be announced by the Speaker of the Sejm.

Economic slowdown?

Experts predict that despite its remarkable growth over the last few years, Poland’s economy will see a slight slowdown in 2020. Poland’s GDP growth is projected at around 3.3% (down from 4.1% last year) by the European Commission, while inflation is expected to pick up over the course of the year. Still, the forecasts for 2020 are relatively optimistic as the country remains one of Europe's economic outperformers.

Brexit

The Conservative Party managed to win the commanding majority in the British Parliament in the pre-Christmas election and it looks like the UK will finally leave the European Union at the end of this month. How will Brexit affect Poland? Will Polish immigrants return home? According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, there are around 900,000 Polish citizens living in the UK, which makes them the largest group of foreign nationals in Britain. So far, about 483,000 of them applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, which allows EU citizens to obtain settled or pre-settled status in the UK. Nearly 25,000 of Polish nationals applied for a British passport in the three years following the Brexit referendum. Will the others decide to head back home? 2020 will open a new chapter for Britain and the European Union.

Chopin Competition

The 18th International Chopin Piano Competition will surely draw the attention of the Polish television audience and classical music enthusiasts from all around the world. This prestigious event, which takes place every five years in Warsaw, is one of the world’s top piano competitions, attracting hundreds of talented young participants from all parts of the globe. In 2015, the first prize was awarded to Seong-Jin Cho from South Korea. Who will win this year’s competition? We will find out in October.

Euro 2020

As always, sports fans have some treats coming their way this year. Poles are going to root for their national football team in Euro 2020 in June. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tournament, the 2020 finals will have not one, but twelve host cities across Europe - Poland will play in Bilbao and Dublin against Spain and Sweden. If you are not a sports enthusiast, you had better prepare for a few weeks of football mania in Poland.

The Olympic Games

Fans of athletics are looking forward to another big event, the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, starting from 24 July. There is an eight-hour difference between Warsaw and Tokyo, but no hour is too early or too late for an avid fan of the Polish national team. Poles hope to pick up some medals in track and field events.

What are you looking forward to the most in 2020?

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ankings- The 20 best universities in Poland for 2020/2021.jpeg

Poland is an exciting country to study abroad, and Polish universities have been increasingly successful in international university rankings over recent years. The best-ranked universities in Poland are the University of Warsaw (the country’s largest) and Jagiellonian University in Cracow (the country’s oldest, dating back to the 14th century).

One strength of the Polish higher education system are its specialised universities of technology and its medical schools. These institutions offer world-class education at modest tuition fees.

Top ranked universities in Poland

University	QS Ranking 2020	THE Ranking 2020	ARWU Ranking 2019
Jagiellonian University	338	601	301
University of Warsaw	349	601	401
Warsaw University of Technology	521	1001	801
Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (UAM)	801	801	701
AGH University of Science and Technology	801	1001	601
Cracow University of Technology	801	–	–
Gdansk University of Technology	801	801	–
Lodz University of Technology	801	1001	–
Nicolaus Copernicus University	801	1001	901
Poznan University of Technology	801	–	–
University of Gdansk	801	1001	–
University of Lodz	801	1001	–
University of Silesia in Katowice	801	1001	–
University of Wroclaw	801	–	–
Warsaw University of Life Sciences	801	–	–
Wroclaw University of Technology	801	1001	901
Medical University of Silesia	–	–	901
Medical University of Warsaw	–	–	701
Silesian University of Technology	–	1001	–
SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities	–	1001	–

Explained: How do the university rankings work?

The QS World University Rankings are among the most important, most-referenced rankings. The QS ranking relies heavily on its academic survey, asking thousands of academics worldwide about the reputation of universities.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (or the THE Rankings for short) compile a wide range of statistics. Equal weight is put on teaching quality, research excellence, and research impact through citations (meaning how often a university’s research is referenced elsewhere).

The Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (often just Shanghai Ranking, or ARWU) focuses on research output and quality, for example measured by the number of published and cited scientific papers and the number of staff or alumni winning the Nobel Prize or Fields Medal.

Study in Poland

Poland is an exciting and modern destination for international students. Tuition fees in the Eastern European country are modest and cost of living extremely low, while the quality of teaching is high.

The Ultimate Guide To Employment in Hungary

Hungary Facts

Population size: 9,821,318
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Capital city: Budapest
Languages spoken: Hungarian, Croatian
Ease of Doing Business: 41

Employing in Hungary: What You Need to Know

Key Factors to Consider When Employing in Hungary

There are several key areas to be aware of within Hungary's employment framework, especially for companies that plan to initiate a full local office and human resources department. These challenges can be mitigated by use of a locally sourced payroll provider who is familiar with all of the local laws and rules for both local employees as well as foreign nationals.

Contracts

Hungarian labour relationships are governed by Act I of 2012 Labour code. As Employment contracts should be in writing and should include the following information.
- Employee’s base wage and job function
- Term of the employment contract. In the absence of the term, the employment contract is deemed to be for an indefinite period of time.
- Workplace details
- A probationary period of not more than 3 months from the date of commencement of the employment relationship
Within 15 days from the commencement of the employment relationship, the employer should inform the employee in writing
- Daily working time
- Wages above the base wage and other benefits
- Frequency of wage payment and day of payment
- Job functions
- Number of days of paid annual leave
- Rules governing notice period
- Whether a collective agreement applies to the employer
Specific types of contracts

There are 2 main types of employment contracts.
- Fixed term (határozott idÅ‘re szóló munkaszerzÅ‘dés)
Duration of a fixed term contract cannot exceed 5 years. A fixed term employment relationship maybe extended between the same parties for a 6 month period or another fixed term relationship may be concluded within 6 months from the termination of the previous fixed term contract.
- Indefinite (határozatlan idÅ‘re szóló munkaszerzÅ‘dés)
Includes permanent employees

*In addition there are assignment contracts (vállalkozói szerzÅ‘dés) where an individual works as a sole trader and invoices the company. These types of contracts are cheaper for employers since tax and social contributions are high in Hungary.

These can include:
- Full or part time work
- Teleworking
- Permanent employment relationships

Employee Entitlements

Information	Explanation
Statutory Working Hours	Daily working time for full time employees is 8 hours and the work schedule must meet health and safety regulations effective in Hungary. Based on an agreement between the employer and employee, full time working hours per day can be extended. However, such total hours cannot exceed 12 hours a day. On average the full time hours per week would be 40 and cannot exceed 60 hours. Rules relating to work schedules: Work will be allocated for a five day work week (Monday to Friday) Daily working time will not exceed 12 hours or 24 hours in the case of stand by jobs Weekly working time of such employees shall not exceed forty eight hours or seventy two hours in the case of stand by jobs Rest breaks: If the scheduled daily working time or the duration of overtime work performed Exceeds six hours, a twenty minute break will be provided Exceeds nine hour s, an additional twenty five minutes will be provided Daily rest period shall be as follows: At least seven hours of uninterrupted rest period At least eight hours of daily rest shall be provided to employees working on Split shifts Continuous shifts Multiple shifts Seasonal jobs Stand by jobs Weekly rest period shall be as follows: Two rest days per week After six days of continuous work, one rest day shall be provided On call and stand by duty: Duration may not exceed 24 hours per day. Duration of the stand by duty may not exceed 168 hours which shall be taken as the average in the event that banking of working time is used.
Specific Regulations about Overtime	Overtime work shall be ordered in writing. For full time jobs, two hundred and fifty hours of over time work can be ordered in a given calendar year.
Working on Sundays	If Sunday work is carried out during regular working hours the employee must receive 150% of their regular daily salary and be granted another day off.
Disclosure and Confidentiality of Personal Information	Employers shall inform their employees with regard to processing personal information. Employers are permitted by law to disclose personal information of their employees in cases specified by law.
Employee Protection and Anti-discrimination Rights	Personal rights of employees falling within the labour code shall be respected. Employees are protected for minimum wages, labour conditions, young workers, personal data, and protection of personal rights etc.
Time Off Work	Annual leave is 20 days. Additional holidays may be granted on special circumstances. Employees younger than 18 years of age – 5 days Parents with children – upto 7 days depending on the number of children Maternity leave is provided upto 24 weeks.
Medical Leave	If the employment has been for more than 2 years the rate of sick pay is 60% and if it has been less than 2 years the sick pay is 50%. The employer is required to pay 70% of wages for a maximum of 15 work days in the event of illness. However, the maximum amount of sick pay cannot exceed two times the minimum wage.
Annual Leave Accrual Entitlement	Employees are entitled to 20 days of basic annual leave. They are also entitled to additional annual leave based on their age. one working day over the age of twenty-five; two working days over the age of twenty-eight; three working days over the age of thirty-one; four working days over the age of thirty-three; five working days over the age of thirty-five; six working days over the age of thirty-seven; seven working days over the age of thirty-nine; eight working days over the age of forty-one; nine working days over the age of forty-three; ten working days over the age of forty-five Allocation of annual leave shall be as follows: Allocate 7 working days of vested time in a given year of not more than 2 parts Vacation shall include at least 14 consecutive days at a time Employees are entitled to the following additional annual leave as well. Two working days for one child, four working days for two children, a total of seven working days for more than two children Paternity leave: Father will be entitled to five days of vacation in case of the birth of one child, seven working days for the birth of twins Young workers (until they reach the age of eighteen) will be entitled to five extra days of vacation each year Employees working permanently underground will be entitled to five extra days of annual leave each year
Paid Sick Leave Entitlement	15 days of sick leave per calendar year
Maternity Leave in Hungary	Mothers will be entitled to 24 weeks of maternity leave Employees will be entitled to unpaid leave if the employee requests leave to take care of the child until the child reaches 3 years of age
Employment Termination in Hungary	An employment relationship can be terminated: By mutual consent By notice By dismissal without notice

Employment Termination

Information	Explanation
Resignation / End of Service Payment	Employees can terminate their employment contract by giving written notice.
Severance / Redundancy Pay	Severance pay shall be the sum of the absentee pay due for; one month, for up to three years; two months, for up to five years; three months, for up to ten years; d) four months, for up to fifteen years; e) five months, for up to twenty years; f) six months, for up to twenty-five years of employment
Termination of Employment	Employees can terminate their employment contract by giving written notice. Labor code prohibits employers from terminating the employment relationship by ordinary notice if Employee is unable to work due to illness, and during a maximum of 1 year period following the expiration of the sick leave period Unable to work due to an accident or an occupational disease On sick leave to take care of a sick child On leave of absence to take care of a close relative Pregnant or on maternity leave for a period of 3 months after giving birth On unpaid leave to take care of children until the child reaches 3 years of age Absent due to regular or reserve army service Absent due to disability with reception of rehabilitation benefits Employers cannot terminate workers during these leave periods plus 15 days thereafter for periods exceeding 15 days. If this period exceeds 30 days, no termination may occur during the 30 day period. Under the Labor code, a minimum of 30 day notice period maybe extended depending on the duration of employment. The period of notice will be 30 days. Where the employment is terminated by the employer, the notice period shall be extended by five days after three years; by fifteen days after five years; by twenty days after eight years; by twenty-five days after ten years; by thirty days after fifteen years; by forty days after eighteen years; by sixty days after twenty years By agreement notice period can extend up to 6 months Collective redundancies: A collective redundancy means when an employer, based on the average statistical workforce for the preceding six-month period, intends to terminate the employment relationship: of at least ten workers, when employing more than twenty and less than one hundred employees, of 10 per cent of the employees, when employing one hundred or more, but less than three hundred employees, of at least thirty workers, when employing three hundred or more employees, inside a period of thirty days, for reasons in connection with its operations At least 7 days before the discussions, the employer should inform the works council, in writing, the following details pertaining to the redundancy: the reasons for the projected collective redundancies the number of workers to be made redundant broken down by categories the period over which the projected redundancies are to be effected, and the timetable for their implementation the criteria proposed for the selection of the workers to be made redundant the conditions for and the extent of benefits provided in connection with the termination of employment relationships, other than what is prescribed in employment regulations
Statutory Notice Period Employer With Cause	Employers may not terminate the employment relationship by notice: During pregnancy During maternity leave During a leave of absence taken without pay for caring for a child Employers are required to justify their dismissals. An employee may be dismissed for reasons in connection with his/her behaviour in relation to the employment relationship, with his/her behavior in connection with the employer’s operations. Employer may terminate a fixed term employment relationship by notice: In the event of liquidation or bankruptcy For reasons related to the worker’s ability Due to unavoidable external reasons
Statutory Notice Period Employer Without Cause	An employer may terminate an employment relationship without notice if: willfully or by gross negligence commits a grave violation of any substantive obligations arising from the employment relationship otherwise engages in conduct that would render the employment relationship impossible Right of termination without notice may be exercised without giving reasons: by either party during the probationary period by the employer during fixed term relationships

Probation

Information	Explanation
Probation Period	Probationary period may not exceed 3 months. However, if the probationary period is less than 3 months parties to the employment agreement may extend the probationary period up to 3 months. The term of the probationary period of a collective agreement cannot extend 6 months. An employment contract can be terminated by either party without giving prior notice during the probationary period.

Information

Explanation

Probation Period

Probationary period may not exceed 3 months. However, if the probationary period is less than 3 months parties to the employment agreement may extend the probationary period up to 3 months.

The term of the probationary period of a collective agreement cannot extend 6 months. An employment contract can be terminated by either party without giving prior notice during the probationary period.

Pension

Information	Explanation
Pension Requirements	Employer and Employee contributions: Employer social security contributions total 19.5% of gross monthly compensation, and employees contribute 18.5% (10% pension, 7% health, 1.5% unemployment) from their salary. There is an exemption for non-EU expats and their employers, as well EU citizens whose country has a tax treaty with Hungary. Retirement benefits: This is operational under a compulsory governmental pension fund scheme. The basis is the average monthly salary earned since 1988 multiplied by an inflation adjustment rate. Minimum pension fund benefit is HUF 28,500 per month. Private benefit plans: Includes voluntary schemes provided by Voluntary Mutual Pension Funds (VMPS). Members of a voluntary pension fund can decide to take either of the following actions after a 10 year waiting period. Continue make contributions Withdraw partial or full savings from their account Voluntary pension fund contributions can be made by the employee as well as the employer. 27% of the contributions paid by the employer are transferred to the state pension system and 10% contributions paid by the employee are transferred to the compulsory private pension fund. In Voluntary Mutual Pension Funds (VMPF) employers contribute 2%-6% of salary to the funds and employees are required to make half of the employer’s contribution.

Information

Explanation

Pension Requirements

Employer and Employee contributions:

Employer social security contributions total 19.5% of gross monthly compensation, and employees contribute 18.5% (10% pension, 7% health, 1.5% unemployment) from their salary. There is an exemption for non-EU expats and their employers, as well EU citizens whose country has a tax treaty with Hungary.

Retirement benefits:

This is operational under a compulsory governmental pension fund scheme. The basis is the average monthly salary earned since 1988 multiplied by an inflation adjustment rate. Minimum pension fund benefit is HUF 28,500 per month.

Private benefit plans:

Includes voluntary schemes provided by Voluntary Mutual Pension Funds (VMPS). Members of a voluntary pension fund can decide to take either of the following actions after a 10 year waiting period.

Continue make contributions
Withdraw partial or full savings from their account

Voluntary pension fund contributions can be made by the employee as well as the employer. 27% of the contributions paid by the employer are transferred to the state pension system and 10% contributions paid by the employee are transferred to the compulsory private pension fund.

In Voluntary Mutual Pension Funds (VMPF) employers contribute 2%-6% of salary to the funds and employees are required to make half of the employer’s contribution.

GEO Solutions or DIY Employment in Hungary?

Companies entering Hungary must make a decision whether to use their own resources for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach, or to use a Global Employment Organization to handle payroll and employment responsibilities. A GEO or Hungarian Employer of Record solution makes it faster, easier and cheaper to deploy staff if they don’t have a Hungarian entity established that can run payroll.

A DIY approach will typically be delayed until there is a properly incorporated company ready to run payroll and may be a costly option. AtoZ Serwis Plus can deploy foreign staff in 4-6 weeks and local staff in 48 hours. Additionally AtoZ Serwis Plus is responsible for all compliance issues related to the employment.

Outsourcing Employment Through a GEO Employer of Record Service

Using AtoZ Serwis Plus Employer of Record Services in Hungary

Compliance with local employment requirements is just one of the issues foreign companies face when employing staff in Hungary. For companies which intend to employ their staff directly through their incorporated Hungarian entity, professional legal advice is recommended. AtoZ Serwis Plus provides an alternative path for companies to outsource the employment of their staff in Hungary.

As a Global Employer Organization (GEO), AtoZ Serwis Plus acts as the Employer of Record and ensures the employment is compliant with host country regulations regarding employment. In addition AtoZ Serwis Plus will handle payroll processing, tax and immigration. Using AtoZ Serwis Plus is the fastest and most cost effective way to deploy local and foreign workers into Hungary.

The AtoZ Serwis Plus solution is an attractive alternative where

– the company is looking to employ staff quickly

– the company doesn’t have an appropriately incorporated entity in Hungary

– the company wants to work within a defined budget

– the company wants to limit its initial commitment in Hungary

– the company needs help with tax, employment, immigration and payroll compliance in Hungary

Payroll

Payroll	Hungary
Management Fee for Employer of Record Services / Monthly Payroll Costs	Please contact us for a quote
Notes	AtoZ Serwis Plus pays the employee on a monthly basis, typically on the last working day of the month although we can adapt to your preferred schedule. Income tax and social security (where applicable) are deducted at source and paid to the local tax authorities.
Currency	Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Grossed income	Tax Rate (%)
All levels of income	15%

Tax Returns Supplied

Yes

Corporate Tax Requirements

Employers must file monthly tax returns for tax computed and remitted.

Foreign nationals are subject to Hungarian social security contributions only if:

They are employed locally by a Hungarian employer
They work in Hungary as employees of a non-Hungarian employer and are nationals of an EU member state

Minimum monthly wage is used to calculate social security contributions and also cover work injury benefits, sickness and maternity benefits and unemployment benefits.

Employee contributions are 18.5% of covered monthly earnings. Since January 1 2014 resident non-citizens are exempt from paying contributions for up to 2 years. While the minimum wage used for the calculations is 101,500 forints there is no maximum limit.

Payroll and Tax in Hungary

There are specific rules in Hungary depending on whether your company employs residents or non-residents. The key concerns for a company that needs to comply with tax laws in Hungary are net taxable income, social security contribution, value added tax (VAT), corporate income tax, specific business tax (SBT), value added tax (VAT), and property tax. Moreover, international treaties to avoid double taxation, international social security agreements, free trade agreements and special tax regimes for specific industries or sectors can make an indirect impact on a company’s tax environment.

Information	Explanation
Remote payroll	A remote payroll in Hungary is where a foreign company, i.e. a non-resident company, payrolls a resident employee in Hungary. Thus a non-resident company is permitted to process payroll for Hungary residents who are on its payroll. Another option for a non-resident company to payroll its employees in Hungary would be to use a fully outsourced service like a GEO or PEO which will employ and payroll the staff on their behalf.
Local Payroll Administration	In some cases, a company will register their business in Hungary under one of the forms available but prefer to have another company administer its payroll. This can be accomplished through a payroll provider. It is important to note that the company, as the Employer of Record, is still fully responsible for compliance with employment, immigration, tax and payroll regulations. But the payroll calculations, payments and filings can all be outsourced to the payroll provider.
Internal Payroll	Larger companies with a commitment to Hungary may wish to run their own local payroll for all employees, foreign and local. In order to accomplish this, they will have to complete incorporation, register the business and then hire the necessary staff. There will be a need for in country human resources personnel who have the background needed to manage a Thai payroll, and can fulfil all tax, withholding, and payroll requirements. This approach carries significant cost and requires some knowledge of local employment and payroll regulations. The company will need a local accounting firm and potentially legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Thai employment laws.
Fully Outsourced Payroll & Employment	Companies can outsource the employment and payroll of their staff in Hungary to a GEO, like AtoZ Serwis Plus. This is possible for both foreign workers and Hungary nationals. This is the easiest, fastest and safest way to payroll staff in Hungary. AtoZ Serwis Plus manages all aspects of payroll for workers in Hungary, including taxes, withholding, social security payments and other statutory requirements. AtoZ Serwis Plus becomes the Employer of Record and employs the staff on behalf of the client. Staff are paid monthly with tax and social security deducted at source and paid to local authorities. AtoZ Serwis Plus will invoice the client monthly in advance of the payroll date. The invoice consists of the Total Cost of Employment (Base salary + Employers Statutory Contributions + Additional statutory contributions) and a Management Fee. AtoZ Serwis Plus provides the employees with payslips.

Setting up payroll in Hungary

Information	Explanation
Currency	Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Employee Information Required	Personal information (name, date of birth, postal address, place of relevant details) Passport Bank statements proving sufficient funds are available for the stay Proof of health insurance coverage Statement of permission to stay in your residential property, from the land owner. A signed tenancy agreement is acceptable
Tax Registration Requirements	A foreign national working in Hungary is liable to pay personal income tax. For personal income tax purposes the following individuals are considered as tax residents. A Hungarian resident A European Economic Area resident whose stay in Hungary exceeds 183 days Third country citizen who has permanent residence status Tax residents will be taxed on their worldwide income while non tax residents will be taxed on the domestic source of income or income as per the double tax treaty. Foreign nationals and Hungarians working in Hungary must register with the competent tax authority and obtain a personal tax identification number to pay taxes and file a tax return (tax card number). The tax forms can be obtained through the National tax and customs administration in Hungary
Social Security Registration	Foreign nationals are subject to Hungarian social security contributions only if: They are employed locally by a Hungarian employer They work in Hungary as employees of a non-Hungarian employer and are nationals of an EU member state Employer must contribute 27% of gross monthly payroll in the form of social contribution tax. As of 1^st of January 2014, Employers of non Hungarian citizens are exempt from paying social security contributions for such employees. While the minimum wage used for the calculations is 101,500 forints there is no maximum limit. Minimum monthly wage is used to calculate social security contributions and also cover work injury benefits, sickness and maternity benefits and unemployment benefits. Employee contributions are 8.5% of covered monthly earnings. Since January 1, 2014 resident non-citizens are exempt from paying contributions for upto 2 years. While the minimum wage used for the calculations is 101,500 forints there is no maximum limit.
Documentation Required for New Employees	Employment contract Tax card number Address card registration Social security registration

Tax Figures

Information

Explanation

Corporate Income Tax

Corporate income tax rate is 19%. But a rate of 10% is applicable to the part of the tax base which does not exceed HUF 500 million.

Income Tax Rate

Grossed income	Tax Rate (%)
All levels of income	15%

Sales Tax

A foreign taxable person is eligible to recover Hungarian input VAT if the following conditions are met.

The business does not have Hungarian residency
The business does not have any taxable supplies in Hungary
Tax exempt cross border transportation from/to third countries
Tax exempt cross border passenger transportation
Supplies for which the reverse charge mechanism applies
Electronically provided supplies where the foreign taxable person opted for application of the special regime for non-established taxable persons supplying electronic services to non-taxable persons

The standard VAT rate is 27%. While the reduced VAT rates are 18% and 5%. It’s not necessary to appoint a Hungarian fiscal representative to claim a VAT refund based on Directive 2008/09/EC or the 13th Directive.

Withholding Tax

There is no withholding tax levied on dividends paid to foreign companies. However, dividends paid to a non-resident individual can be subject to withholding tax at 18% unless if the tax rate is reduced under a tax treaty.

Hungary does not levy withholding tax on interest paid to foreign companies. However, interest paid to a non-resident individual can be subject to withholding tax at 18% unless if the tax rate is reduced under a tax treaty.

There is no withholding tax levied on royalties paid to foreign companies. However, dividends paid to a non-resident individual can be subject to withholding tax at 18% unless if the tax rate is reduced under a tax treaty.

Hungary does not levy tax on branch profits.

Income Tax (Personal Allowance)

A personal income tax allowance is granted through a family allowance ( (Családi Adókedvezmény). The total allowance is equal to the individual allowance multiplied by the number of beneficiary dependent children. For the first and second child an allowance of HUF62,500 is granted while an allowance of HUF206,250 is granted in the case of 3 or more children.

Time to prepare and Pay Taxes

277 hours

Time required to start a Business

7 days

Payments

Information	Explanation
Payment Mode	Wages should be paid in cash or by way of transfer to the employee’s bank account. Wages may not be paid in the form of vouchers or any other means of substitute payment instruments.
Frequency of Salary Payment	In the absence of an agreement, wages should be paid retrospectively accounted for atleast once a month. Wages should be paid by the tenth of the month following the month to which it pertains.
Invoice / Payslips required	A salary slip is required. A payroll statement of wages paid shall be made available in writing by the tenth day of the following month.
Minimum Wage	HUF 105,000 as of 1^st January 2015

Immigration and Work Permits in Hungary

Since Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU) as well as a party to the Schengen Treaty, differing rules and conditions apply to EU/EEA nationals compared to non-EU/EEA nationals. Foreign nationals from non-EU/EEA member countries need to apply for a valid work permit and/or visa to work in Hungary. Minister of National Economy publishes on an annual basis the number of work permits that can be issued to foreign nationals which is published in the Official Hungarian Gazzette (Magyar Közlöny).

Use your own company

All foreign nationals who intend to work in Hungary must obtain a work permit.

Types of work permits:

Individual work permit
Joint work permit
Residence permit

Individual work permits are issued if a foreign national wishes to work in Hungary for a period not exceeding 90 days during a 180 day period. A Joint permit is required if a foreign national intends to work in Hungary for a period exceeding 90 days within a 180 day period.

Process to obtain a work permit:

Step 1: Advertise the job in the Hungarian Labour Office (Munkaügyi Központ) for a fixed period of 15 days to allow sufficient time for unemployed Hungarian national to compete for the job vacancy.

Step 2: Initiate a manpower procedure by submitting a valid manpower request to the regional branch of the labour centre

Number of work permits issued for foreign employees cannot exceed the average number of workers requested by employers (monthly basis) as reported during the previous year. Such data are made available on an annual basis in the Official Hungarian Gazzette (Magyar Közlöny) published by the Minister for National Economy.

An employer must satisfy the following conditions to be granted work permits:

A valid workforce requirement for the foreign national prior to applying for a work permit
Absence of Hungarian nationals to fill the workforce requirement
Foreign national satisfies the employment conditions

Step 3: There are two procedures applicable.

General procedure
Simplified procedure

Requests for a work permit must be made within 60 days from making a labour demand request. Some of the key documents required include:

Certificate of vocational qualification required to perform the job activities
Employment conditions certificate
Document certifying employer’s title of operation
Medical certificate

General procedure:

Submit a work permit application to the Labour Centre if the foreign national intends to work for a period less than 90 days with a 180 day period

If the foreign national intends to work for a period exceeding 90 days within an 180 day period, the joint permit should be submitted to the Immigration Bureau. It takes up to 90 days to obtain approval for a joint work permit and is valid for a 2 year period. Such work permits can be extended for an additional 2 year period.

Simplified procedure:

A simplified procedure does not require the employer to submit a manpower request when submitting the application for an individual work permit to the Labour Centre or when submitting the application for a joint permit to the Immigration Bureau.

Circumstances under which a simplified procedure may be approved:

If one or more of the foreign firms/persons possess majority ownership interest in the company applying for the work permit. However, the number of foreign nationals to be employed cannot exceed 5% of the total work force of the company as of 31^st of December in the immediate preceding year.
If the employer intends to employ a foreign national for installation work, or provide guarantee, maintenance, or warranty related activities for more than 15 consecutive working days
If the foreign employee is exempt from work permit requirements a residency permit must be applied for

Step 4: Labour centre will make the final decision within 10 – 30 days from submitting the work permit. Once the work permit is approved a resolution will be issued by the Labour Centre specifying:

Employer who is authorized to employ the foreign national
Workplace details
Job description and associated activities
Employment tenure

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit (Tartózkodási engedély) permiting residency for a period exceeding 90 days.

Foreigners need to have a work permit to work in Hungary.

Single permit: A residence permit which authorizes a third country national to establish an employment relationship with a Hungarian employer.

Single application procedure: Authorizes the third country national to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days and less than 180 days based on employment relationship with a Hungarian employer on the basis of an application submitted by a third country national.

Documents required:

Photo and fingerprints (biometric information)

Documents supporting legal employment:

Temporary work booklet
Business plan for business activity
Individual business card/registration number
Agriculture permit (for primary producers)
Agency/business/user contract signed by a private individual
A deed for a business association, co-operative, or any other legal person created for the purpose of making profits has legally employed at least 3 Hungarian citizens or persons having rights for free movement and residence for atleast 6 months on a continuous basis
Foreign applicant’s stay in Hungary is indispensable for the business association and it’s based on the attached business plan

Documents supporting the financial conditions necessary to live in Hungary:

A bank certificate issued by a Hungarian or foreign bank
A certificate of income issued by the employer
A certificate issued by the employer and/or the tax authority with respect to regular income from abroad

Documents supporting the existence of Hungarian accommodation:

A rental agreement
A document approving the use of the flat by courtesy
A document evidencing the availability of a reserved and paid place of accommodation
Certificate proving the place in a dormitory
A document evidencing the ownership of a flat
A contract of sale and purchase of a real estate and state approval for acquiring the real estate

Documents supporting the existence of an all inclusive health insurance:

Must provide evidence of full health coverage

Documents supporting the existence of provisions to leave the country:

A return air ticket
A valid passport or necessary permit allowing the third country national to return to his/her country of origin

Visa extension:

Visa extension is allowed provided that at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the visa the applicant submits the required documentation to the respective regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality. Moreover, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months at the time of visa extension.

*Please check Single application procedure for the respective process to apply for the visa.

Validity: A residence permit for employment is issued for a 3 year period and can be extended up to 3 years occasionally. In case if the permit is issued for a maximum of 2 years, then it can be extended for a maximum of 2 years occasionally.

Visa fee: EUR 60

Time taken to process the visa: 21 days

Step 6: Foreign nationals working in Hungary should obtain:

A Social Insurance Identification Number (TAJ-szám) from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration
A tax identification number from the tax authority

Rules for European Area Citizens (EEA):

Permission is not required for EEA citizens to enter into an employment arrangement in Hungary. However, a notification is required.

Employer is obligated to inform the Labour Centre about the employment of an EEA national. The notification must contain the following information:

Number of people employed
Their age
Citizenship
Qualifications
HSCO number of the position
Form of the employment relationship
For relative status, statistical core number of the employer and information pertaining whether the employment relation just started or ceased

Next, the notification is verified by the Hungarian Employment Centre.

Employers should retain the verification of the employment start and end date post 3 years from termination of employment.

Use the AtoZ Serwis Plus Solution

Once you get in touch with us, one of our consultants will take all the work off your hands, coordinate with our local partners to get all the required permits organised, provide the processing time, costs, document-checklist and keep you informed through the process. Contact us to know more.

Types of visas in Hungary

Category	Description of Visa
Residence permit for paid activity	Documents required: 1. A work permit 2. An employment contract 3. A document certifying occupancy in Hungary 4. A certificate indicating how the applicant will make a living until he or she receives the work permit (bank account statement, employer’s certificate etc.) Or 5. Articles of Association 6. Resolution on the court registration of the enterprise 7. A document certifying the occupancy in Hungary 8. A certificate on the acquisition of the qualifications necessary to fill the vacancy 9. Declaration of expected yearly income (certificate) 10. A certificate of the amount of money at the person’s disposal in Hungary 11. Simplified balance sheet of the prior year 12. A certificate declaring that the firm does not have public debt 13. If the firm has Hungarian employees: their employment contract 14. In case of a new enterprise: a brief business plan Fee for residence permit: EUR 60 Time taken to process the application: 30 days
Seasonal employment visa	Seasonal work can be undertaken for agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fishing in possession of a work permit and a seasonal work visa. This visa entitles the holder to a single or multiple entry. It facilitates the applicant to be employed for longer than 3 months and less than 6 months. The validity of the visa is limited to 1 year. The permit has to define the exact time and work place. In case of multiple employments, the seasonal employment permit must define the detailed information of every employment. A seasonal work visa maybe issued to a third country citizen who: • Has a valid travel document • Has a permit enabling return or outward travel • Certifies the purpose of entry and stay • Has financial means to cover the cost of the stay • Has health insurance for the period of stay Documents required: Documents evidencing the purpose of stay • Work permit • Temporary employment booklet • A document certifying a legal relationship for employment Documents supporting the financial conditions necessary for living in Hungary • A bank certificate guaranteeing financial means • Income tax certificate issued by the tax authority with respect to the previous year • A certificate of income issued by the employer • A certificate issued by the employer and/or tax authority with respect to regular income from abroad • A declaration made before a notary public by a family member having a residence permit, a permanent residence card or the legal status of an immigrant or settled person giving assurance to maintain and support the applicant Documents evidencing the existence of Hungarian accommodation • A rental agreement certifying a rental relationship • A document on the use of the flat by courtesy • A document evidencing the availability of a reserved and paid accommodation • A valid letter of invitation supplied with the authority’s consent • A contract of sale and purchase of real estate and a copy of the decision of the competent county government office granting permission for the acquisition of the real estate. Documents supporting an all-inclusive health insurance *Documents evidencing the conditions of exit • A valid passport and/or the permits required for entry into the country indicated • A valid return air ticket Visa fee: EUR 40 Time taken to process the application: 15 days
Residence permit for the purpose of employment or other gainful activities	Entitled persons: • Perform work for a compensation based on a legally defined employment relationship • Perform work individually for a compensation • Perform business activities as the owner, leading office holder or member of a managing, representative or supervisory body of a business association, co-operative created for the profit purposes Foreigners need to have a work permit to work in Hungary. Single permit: A residence permit which authorizes a third country national to establish an employment relationship with a Hungarian employer. Single application procedure: Authorizes the third country national to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days and less than 180 days based on employment relationship with a Hungarian employer on the basis of an application submitted by a third country national. Documents required: • Photo and fingerprints (biometric information) Documents supporting legal employment: • Temporary work booklet • Business plan for business activity • Individual business card/registration number • Agriculture permit (for primary producers) • Agency/business/user contract signed by a private individual • A deed for a business association, co-operative, or any other legal person created for the purpose of making profits has legally employed atleast 3 Hungarian citizens or persons having rights for free movement and residence for atleast 6 months on a continuous basis • Foreign applicant’s stay in Hungary is indispensable for the business association and it’s based on the attached business plan Documents supporting the financial conditions necessary to live in Hungary: • A bank certificate issued by a Hungarian or foreign bank • A certificate of income issued by the employer • A certificate issued by the employer and/or the tax authority with respect to regular income from abroad Documents supporting the existence of Hungarian accommodation: • A rental agreement • A document approving the use of the flat by courtesy • A document evidencing the availability of a reserved and paid place of accommodation • Certificate proving the place in a dormitory • A document evidencing the ownership of a flat • A contract of sale and purchase of a real estate and state approval for acquiring the real estate Documents supporting the existence of an all inclusive health insurance: • Must provide evidence of full health coverage Documents supporting the existence of provisions to leave the country: • A return air ticket • A valid passport or necessary permit allowing the third country national to return to his/her country of origin Visa extension: Visa extension is allowed provided that at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the visa the applicant submits the required documentation to the respective regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality. Moreover, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months at the time of visa extension. Please check Single application procedure for the respective process to apply for the visa. Validity: A residence permit for employment is issued for a 3 year period and can be extended up to 3 years occasionally. In case if the permit is issued for a maximum of 2 years, then it can be extended for a maximum of 2 years occasionally. Visa fee: EUR 60 Time taken to process the visa: 21 days Single application procedure Enables a third country national to stay in Hungary for a period exceeding 90 days and enables the applicant to establish a legal employment relationship with a specific employer. Eligibility for single application procedure: • Third country nationals submitting an application for residence permit for gainful activities with the aim of a legal employment relationship • Third country nationals who intend to establish a legal employment relationship and submits a residence permit application for family reunification or submits an application for EU Blue card • Third country nationals who intend to establish a legal employment relationship and possesses a residence permit application for family reunification or posseses an application for EU Blue card • Special cases From an employment/business perspective, the single application procedure is NOT applicable to the following personnel. • Those who stay in Hungary with a seasonal work visa • Third country nationals who are transferred as intra-corporate employees and who already stay or intend to stay in the territory of Hungary • Personnel whose purpose of residency is to perform independent gainful activities (private entrepreneurs, small scale agriculture producers etc.) • Third country nationals who are eligible to carry out gainful activities during their stay in a period between 90 days and 180 days. Applicant is required to submit the application in person. Moreover, a valid travel document/passport along with the submission of biometric information such as fingerprints and a photo is required. Documents verifying the establishment of an employment relationship: • Valid employment contract • Certified copies of educational qualifications • In the case of EU Blue card, certified copies of the proof of higher professional qualification Employment agreement should include: • Scope of duties • Specification of professional qualifications required to perform duties • Amount of remuneration payable to third country nationals • Determination of the employment relationship • Expected duration of the employment relationship *If the residence permit is issued as a single permit such permits are valid upto two years and can be extended for a maximum of two years, occasionally.
EU Blue card	EU Blue card is issued to a third country national who has been issued a residence permit for work that requires advanced skills (high skilled workers) by an European Union (EU) member country. The applicant must be able to prove at least 18 months of lawful stay in an EU member state and meets the following conditions. • Possess a valid travel document • Certify the purpose of entry/exit • Meet legal employment conditions • Possess a full coverage on health insurance • Report a valid address for the Hungarian accommodation A third country national is not a Hungarian citizen nor stateless persons except for persons with the right for free movement and residence (EEA nationals and accompanying family members of EEA citizens and Hungarian citizens). Application procedure: • Submit a valid passport • Submit biometric data (fingerprints, photograph) • The application for the EU Blue card must be submitted to the Consular Officer or at other authorized locations • A statement certifying that the applicant will leave the EU territory voluntarily if the application is rejected • Follow the single application procedure to obtain the EU Blue card • Once the EU Blue card has been approved, the regional Directorate grants permission to issue the residence permit visa at the consular representation of Hungary and notifies the Consular Officers. Extension of EU Blue card: Application for an extension can be submitted 30 days in advance to the expiration of the right of residence. At the submission the applicant must have a valid passport with atleast 3 months of validity. Documents required: Documents certifying the purpose of residence: • A valid employment contract requiring a higher education qualification between the third country national and the employee upto a 4 year tenure • Documents providing proof of the higher education qualification Documents supporting the financial conditions necessary to live in Hungary: • Preliminary agreement for employment requiring advanced skills or, • A valid employment contract Documents supporting the existence of an all exclusive health insurance • A full health coverage insurance Term: EU Blue card is usually issued for a 1 year period. However, if the employment tenure is for less than 1 year, the EU Blue card will be issued for a period up to 3 months post the expiration of the employment contract. The maximum tenure for an EU Blue card is 4 years and can be extended for another 4 year period. Visa fee: EUR 60 Time taken to process the visa: 90 days
Schengen Business visa	This visa is issued to non-European citizens who wish to travel to a Schengen area on a short term basis for a business specification purpose on a single or multiple entry. Schengen Business visa holders can stay in a Schengen country for a 90 day period during a period of 6 months. Documents required: • Passport sized photo (less than 6 months old, 35 X 40 mm, taken in a light clear background) • Return air ticket • Travel medical insurance policy • Passport valid for atleast 3 months from the date of departure • Cover letter explaining the purpose of visit • Profile of the applicant’s company/organization • Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies)/ Trade License (first issued and present renewal)/ Proprietorship/Partnership documents • Current bank statements • Employer letter specifying the purpose of the business travel and the business itinery • invitation letter from the partner company in the Schengen zone, faxed also to the corresponding consulate • Coverage of applicant’s expenses during the stay • Hotel reservation document • Proof of prior trade relations between the two companies (if relevant) Applicant needs to attend the Schengen visa interview in person. Visa fee: EUR 60 Time taken to process the visa: Atleast 15 days
Working (Employment) Schengen visa	Non-European citizens who intend to travel to a Schengen area for a short term for an employment specification should obtain an Employment Schengen visa. Documents required: • Passport sized photograph (less than 6 months old, 35 X 40 mm, taken in a light clear background) • A passport valid for atleast 3 months after the departure date along with all the copies of your previous visas • Return air ticket • Travel medical insurance policy • Two application forms should be filled • Employment contract between the applicant and the potential employer in the Schengen area Applicant needs to attend the Schengen visa interview in person. Term of the visa: Schengen Employment visas are issued for a long term based on the term of employment Visa fee: Long stay visa (more than 90 days) EUR 99, short term stay visa (less than 90 days) EUR 60 Time taken to process the visa: 3 months

Setting up a company in Hungary

When setting up a company you may want to consider these factors:

Business factors

Hungarian law allows Hungarians and foreign natural persons as well as Hungarian and foreign legal entities without a legal personality to establish a business organization under the Hungarian law. The state may participate in a business organization without any restrictions.

You may also want to consider the following when making your decision:
- The industry and the nature of business that will be established
- Nationality of the headquarters/Management and employees
- Minimum capital and conditions
Regulatory framework

There are numerous rules and regulations that govern Hungarian business organizations.
- Act XLV of 2004 on European Company Limited by Shares
- Act XLIX of 2003 on European Economic Interest Grouping
- Act X of 2006 on Cooperatives
- Act LXIX of 2006 on European Cooperative Societies
- Act CXXXII of 1997 on Hungarian Branch Offices and Commercial Representative Offices of Foreign Registered Companies
- Act V of 2013 (Civilian Code)
- Act XLIX of 1991 on Bankruptcy Proceedings and Liquidation Proceedings

There are seven types of business forms available for foreign companies in Hungary. Each of these business forms has unique advantages and disadvantages, as well as differing scope of approved business activities, registration requirements and minimum capital requirements. Both foreigners as well as Hungarian nationals can establish a business in Hungary. Moreover, there are no restrictions on a business organization registered in Hungary to be exclusively owned by foreign nationals. The only restriction that applies to foreign business owners is that if they do not have a residence in Hungary, an agent of service for process must be appointed in the due process.

When setting up a company in Hungary you have the following options.

General (unlimited) Partnership (Kkt)
Limited Partnership (Bt)
Limited Company (Kft)
Private Company limited by shares (Zrt)
Public Company limited by shares (Nyrt)
Branch Office
Commercial representative office

This article provides a general guideline for foreign businesses that seek to enter Hungary for business purposes. In particular, it looks at common pathways to establish a business presence in Hungary, generally through a Partnership, Limited Company, Commercial, or Representative Office. In addition, various economic, tax, and regulatory factors are provided throughout as a source of useful information to assist those who seek to establish a business presence in Hungary. The guide also looks at some immigration requirements such as obtaining appropriate visa status.

Limited Liability Company (Kft)

LLCs can be established with only one member and have pre-determined initial capital.

Company Limited by shares (Rt)

There are two forms for CLS.

Private Limited Company
Public Limited Company

Unlimited Partnership (Kkt)

The liabilities of the members are joint and unlimited for the obligations of the Partnership.

Limited Partnership (Bt)

A Limited Partnership must have atleast one general partner and atleast one general partner.

Commercial Representative office

Foreign investors can perform business functions such as contract negotiation, advertising and exhibiting products and other forms marketing on behalf of the parent company

Branch Office

A branch office is an organizational unit of a foreign company which is authorized to carry out independently business activities. However, it does not have a legal personality.

Outsourcing Employment Through a GEO Employer of Record Service

Whether to incorporate in Cambodia, and what sort of entity to setup are just two of the many choices companies must make when expanding into a new market.

If the company intends to have staff in Hungary they must also decide whether they will administer that employment internally or use a Global Employment Organization to handle payroll and Employer of Record responsibilities. A GEO Employer of Record solution is an attractive alternative where

the company is looking to setup an office quickly
the company wants to work within a defined budget
the company wants to limit its initial commitment in Hungary
the company needs help with tax, employment, immigration and payroll compliance in Hungary

The complexity of employment regulations in Hungary makes the use of a GEO advisable coupled with local legal counsel to ensure full compliance with employment laws, for example the drafting of local contracts for workers.

AtoZ Serwis Plus provides a comprehensive service in Hungary allowing companies to deploy their staff quickly with reasonable, clearly stated costs and timeframes. The company contracts directly with Shield to employ and payroll their staff on their behalf in Hungary.

AtoZ Serwis Plus then becomes the Employer of Record. AtoZ Serwis Plus assumes the legal responsibility for these employees, sponsoring them on work permits, complying with local employment law and running their monthly payroll. Using AtoZ Serwis Plus is the fastest and most cost effective way to deploy local and foreign workers into Hungary.

While there are categories and nationals of countries that are privileged with entering the Schengen visa-free zone, there are also other categories and nationals, which have to go through all the process of meeting requirements and attending interviews, in order to obtain a visa that grants them with the permission to enter the Schengen Area.

Citizens of Which Countries Need a Schengen Visa to go to Europe?

The countries whose citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any member country of the Schengen Area are:

Afghanistan	Gabon	Oman
Algeria	Gambia	Pakistan
Angola	Ghana	Papua New Guinea
Armenia	Guinea	Palestinian Authority
Azerbaijan	Guinea-Bissau	Philippines
Bahrain	Guyana	Qatar
Bangladesh	Haiti	Russia
Belarus	India	Rwanda
Belize	Indonesia	Sao Tome And Principe
Benin	Iran	Saudi Arabia
Bhutan	Iraq	Senegal
Bolivia	Jamaica	Sierra Leone
Botswana	Jordan	Somalia
Burkina Faso	Kazakhstan	South Africa
Burma/Myanmar	Kenya	South Sudan
Burundi	Kosovo	Sri Lanka
Cambodia	Kuwait	Sudan
Cameroon	Kyrgyzstan	Suriname
Cape Verde	Laos	Swaziland
Central African Republic	Lebanon	Syria
Chad	Lesotho	Tajikistan
China	Liberia	Tanzania
Comoros	Libya	Thailand
Congo	Madagascar	Timor-Leste
Cote D’ivoire	Malawi	Togo
Cuba	Maldives	Tonga
Dem. Rep. Of Congo	Mali	Tunisia
Djibouti	Mauritania	Turkey
Dominican Republic	Mongolia	Turkmenistan
Ecuador	Morocco	Uganda
Egypt	Mozambique	Uzbekistan
Equatorial Guinea	Namibia	Vietnam
Eritrea	Nepal	Yemen
Ethiopia	Niger	Zambia
Fiji	Nigeria	Zimbabwe
North Korea	Northern Mariana’s

Citizens of Which Countries Need an Airport Transit Schengen Visa?

There are countries citizens of which need also an airport transit visa in order to change the airplane at an airport in a Schengen Area country.

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Congo (Drc)
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka

There are however exceptions regarding the Airport Transit Visa for certain individuals. In case of the following terms, the nationals of the above mentioned countries are not obliged to obtain an airport transit visa:

If the person holds a residency permit from a Schengen member country, a valid Schengen Visa for short stays or long stays.
If the person holds a residency permit from countries such as, Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino or the USA that guarantees the persons whereabouts.
If the person holds a valid Schengen visa or a valid visa for entering one of the EFTA countries as well as Canada, Japan or the United States, even if they are returning from those certain countries after using this visa.
If the person is a family member of e EU citizen (close family only)
If the person holds a diplomatic passport.

Citizens of Which Countries Don’t Need a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?

The countries whose citizens are not required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any member country of the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes are:

A -- H

Albania*
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina*
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Holy See (Vatican City State)
Honduras
Hong Kong S.A.R***

I -- P

Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao S.A.R***
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova*
Monaco
Montenegro*
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia*
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru

S -- Z

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
Samoa
Serbia*
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan**
Timor Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela

* Visa-free regime applies to citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia only if they are holders of biometric passports.

** Visa-free regime applies to holders of passports issued by Taiwan only if their passport contains an identity card number.

2) Special administrative regions of the Peolple’s Republic of China:

Hong Kong***
Macao***

*** Visa-free regime applies only to holders of a “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” passport.
*** Visa-free regime applies only to holders of a “Região Administrativa Especial de Macau” passport.

3) British citizens who are not nationals of the United Kingdom (British Nationals (Overseas):

British Nationals (Overseas)
British Overseas Territories Citizens
British Overseas Citizens
British Protected Persons
British Subjects

Citizens of the countries that don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen zone are however not allowed to reside in the traveling destination for the time desired without any other legal permission.

The amount of days permitted to stay in any of the Schengen zone countries doesn’t exceed 90 days/ three months every half a year needless of the travel reasons. Also, you got to bear in mind that the fact that you are able to obtain a Schengen visa to enter and reside for the certain amount of time in a Schengen area doesn’t apply to working or studying in that country.

If you are a family member of an EU/EEA national it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t need a visa in order to enter the Schengen zone. It only means that the procedures on obtaining a visa will be alleviated and faster. Still, in order for this to apply you have to meet certain standards such as:

You have to be a first degree family member of the EU/EEA citizen (husband or a child under 21years old).
You have to join the EU/EEA citizen in the travel destination or the residing country within the Schengen Area and have proof of that.

In the case of citizens with more than one nationality the visa requirements depend on the passport he/she chooses to travel with. If you chose to travel with a passport of a nationality that requires a mandatory visa you will have to obtain one even if you are in possession of a passport of one of the Schengen member countries but you are not willing to use it for any reason.

In case you are holding a D visa that allows you not only to enter a Schengen area but also live there for a certain period of time, holding the residency permit of the certain country you are entitled to visit any Schengen country within the 90 days period every 6 months. As seen in the following section, in order to obtain a D visa you have to have a legitimate reason.

What makes an Embassy or Consulate reject providing you a Schengen Visa? This is the question many people make anytime they are about to apply for such a visa. The fact is that whenever a Schengen visa or any visa gets rejected, there is something UNSATISFACTORY as regards of that visa application.

Many visa applicants get confused and unable to exactly understand the reason for their visa refusal. That is why the article will focus on presenting the common known reasons for such refusal.

A visa application might be considered unsuccessful if the consular officer fails to get from the candidate all the needed information about him/her. Lacking to possess such information, the consular officer will be incapable to decide if the candidate qualifies to be given a visa. On the other hand, sometimes the consular might get information from the applicant that is unacceptable or beyond the fixed procedures. Sometimes the candidate is prone of illegitimate and/or dishonest activities. In all of the aforementioned cases the officer is led to DENY offering a visa to the applicant.

LEARN which are the Most Common Reasons For Failed Schengen Visa Applications, in order to avoid being amongst those who perform them:

1. Past or Current Criminal Actions

The past and current circumstances and actions of the applicant matter a lot in the decision of the consular officer in issuing a Schengen visa. In such cases, the refusal might occur because the applicant is considered a threat to the public policy, internal security or public wealth of Schengen Area (i.e. terrorism, drug abuse, child abuse, addiction, other serious crimes).

2. False Travel Document

There is a common destiny for all the individuals (applicants) who attempt to present false travel documents to the embassy or consulate, trying to misrepresent their identity, using fake identity – and that is an absolute visa denial and other accompanying unfavorable consequences.

3. Insufficient Explanation For The Purpose And Circumstances Of The Planned Stay

Another motive to lead the consular office to deny your Schengen Visa is failing to have the needed justification for your purpose and conditions of the planned travel and stay. Such are the cases of:

Failing to present an employment and professional qualification that matches with the presented financial situation
Incapacity to provide documents that support the purpose of travel and stay in the Schengen Area
Missing to apply for a visa period in conformity with the presented travel itinerary and holiday right or revenue situation
The inability to offer unchanging declarations about the purpose of travel and stay

4. Damaged Passport

A reason for a visa refusal could be presenting a passport that is not kept in a good condition. Such case can be when passport pages are detaching or missing, when the cover of the passport is damaged and so on.

5. Passport Invalidity

Alternative motive to lead the consular officer denying your visa application is presenting a passport that is not acceptable for the Embassy or Consulate. Such cases are classified the following:

Presenting a passport that does not have a valid period less than three (3) remaining months after the return from the visit in the Schengen Area
Presenting a passport that does not possess two different blank visa pages
Presenting a Travel Document Booklet instead of a valid passport
Presenting a valid passport that is older than ten (10) years

6. Lack To Proof The Travel Itinerary

An additional reason for Schengen Visa application fail, is lacking to present the proper plan of your travel within the Schengen Area. Such cases include:

Applying at the wrong Embassy of the Schengen Area (not being able to determine the main destination of your visit in the Schegen Area)
Not being able to prove having a booked accommodation for each destination and each night to spend in the Schengen Area
Not being able to provide booked flight ticket for each applicant (when a group of travelers)
Not being able to provide travel tickets for each destination to be toured in the Schengen Area.

7. Invalid Letter of Reference

Further evidenced reason for a failed Schengen Visa application is providing a formal letter of reference that is not authenticated by the author. Such cases involve:

Lacking to offer a formal letter that has an original letterhead with the address and contact details of the company or the author issuing it
Lacking to present a formal letter issued not later than three (3) last months from the application date
Missing to have the stamp and signature of the author on the formal letter
Other

8. Insufficient Means Of Subsistence

One of the reasons the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country might refuse to give you a visa, is lacking or insufficient proof of means of existence for the duration of stay in Schengen Area, nor for the return to home country. Such cases might involve:

Failing to offer financial statements not older than one (1) month from the application date
Lacking to enjoy a current account statement (presenting credit card statements in its place)
Missing to possess enough funds in financial statements presented
Presenting a traveler’s cheque that does not have the candidate’s name

9. Unacceptable Birth Or Marriage Certificate

Additional cause for a failed Schengen Visa application is not being able to offer birth or marriage certificates that are accepted (not authenticated) by the embassy or consulate. Such cases include:

Failing to offer a certificate endorsed by official authorities, i.e. Ministry Interior
Failing to offer a certificate in non English language translated by the authorized translator
Lacking to prove a civil certificate (offering a religious document instead)
Not being able to offer a certificate showing both parents of the child
Not being able to offer certificate that matches with the names of the parties presented on the submitted passports
Not being able to offer a document of the legal sole custody order for the child (if a single parent)
Not being able to offer the legal adoption documents for the adoptive child (for EU Spouse application)

10. Invalid Travel Insurance

The other reason that might lead to a Schengen Visa application fail, is the inability to present the appropriate travel insurance coverage for the duration of stay in the Schengen Area. Such cases might involve:

Failing to provide a travel insurance cover in the anticipated amount
Lacking to provide a travel insurance that does not cover the return of the candidate in home country
The inability to provide a travel insurance whose policy is valid all over the Schengen Area
The incapacity to show a travel insurance that covers the entire days of the trip in the Schengen Area

11. Lacking to present a Proof of Accommodation

An additional factor that might lead for your visa to be refused is not being able to properly demonstrate you have a place to stay during your travel abroad. Such cases include:

Not being able to present an evidence of a hotel reservation,
Lacking to provide the invitation from the host (proof of sponsorship),
Failing to present an evidence of a pre-paid tour.

12. Unfavorable Schengen Visa Situation

What else could destroy one’s Schengen Visa application is earlier history with the Schengen Visa. Such cases include:

Failing to previously respect Schengen Visa limitations (i.e. Overstay in the Schengen Area, failing to follow the presented travel itinerary – by skipping to stay mostly in the main country of destination in the Schengen Area, and so on).
Holding a passport with an active Schengen Visa.

Note: The information provided here is intended for assistance only and might be usable NOT ONLY for the purpose of applying for Schengen Visa but for any visa type of any world country.

If you have been pondering with the idea of visiting the Schengen Area – you are not alone. Worldwide applications fly over Schengen countries’ Embassies daily, requiring profound analyzing of documents and the purposes of travel.

Assuming you have already become familiar with the Schengen Visa types and the required documents for that matter, the brooding portion you may be left with could be the perplexity of the issuing rates statistics. Presumably baffled with the idea of where to apply and not receive a rejection notice!

Herein, as obviously loud and clear to you – is where we encounter – in the listing of rates starting by the highest percentage. These statistics should help you in augmenting your horizon and conceiving smarter decisions when ready to apply!

Starting from the leading country, you will be introduced separately and gradually down to the last of the top 10 Schengen Area countries with the highest rate of Schengen visas issued during year 2018.

The easiest Schengen countries to apply for a Schengen visa from, are as follows:

Lithuania

Lithuania is the easiest Schengen country to get a visa from, with only 1.3% of the short-term applications rejected in 2018. In total, 98.7% of the applicants for a Schengen Visa to Lithuania received a positive answer on their application.

Moreover, Lithuania is placed somewhere in the middle of the table regarding the total number of short-term visa applications received. This also means you will have to wait less to make an appointment. Unlike for countries as Germany and France, when in many countries applicants need to make an appointment several months ahead of their planned trip to Schengen.

Estonia

Another Baltic country is listed among the easiest to get a visa from, according to the 2018 rejection rates. Only 1.6% of the applications lodged at the Estonian embassies abroad were turned down, while the rest 98.4% were granted with a short-term visa to the Schengen Area.

In addition, Estonia is the sixth Schengen country with least visa applications received, which means its embassies are less crowded.

Finland

The Northern European country of Finland, despite the high number of visa applications it receives annually, remains an easy Schengen country to get a visa from. Rejecting only 1.7% of the applications its consulates abroad received, you have high chances to get a Schengen Visa to Finland.

Iceland

With the least Schengen Visa applications received in 2018, and only 1.7% of the applications rejected, Iceland is a wonderful way to get a visa to the Schengen Area. Yet, you are advised to first check where you need to apply, since Iceland is mostly represented by other countries, and does not have that many consulates of its own. This means that if the consulate representing Iceland is crowded, you will need to wait a bit more for an appointment.

Latvia

Latvia is the fifth Schengen country from which is easier to get a visa to Schengen. This makes all three Baltic countries ideal for Schengen visa application. With 97.9% of the applications received, and only 2.1% rejected, you have quite a good chance to get a visa from this country.

Poland

The Republic of Poland is also an easier country to get a visa from. Despite a 0.9 difference with Latvia, those applying for a Schengen visa to Poland have a 97% chance of getting a positive answer. The Central European country had a low rate of visa rejection of only 3%.

Luxembourg

The small landlocked country of Luxembourg may be your way to Schengen, in particular if you wish to visit its neighboring countries, France, Germany and Belgium. With a rejection rate of only 3.7% Luxembourg, which is also the second country with least applications received, looks like a good deal for Schengen visa applicants.

Slovakia

All those lodging a Schengen visa application at a Slovak consulate have a 95.8% chance of being approved. In 2018, the Slovak embassies abroad rejected 4.2% of the 26,797 applications received, what makes it the fifth Schengen country with least applications.

Czech Republic

Those applying for a short-term visa to the Czech Republic have a higher chance of getting rejected, compared to the ½ of what previously was Czechoslovakia (yes, we’re talking about Slovakia). Yet, with an approval rate of 95.3%, you still have a very high chance of getting a positive answer on your application.

Greece

While in 2014 Greece had a rejection rate of only 2%, things have changed a bit. Now, if you apply for a Germany Schengen visa, you have a chance of 4.9% to be rejected. Last year, the Greek embassies abroad approved 95.1% of the applications received. Greece is the fifth most favorite country for those intending to visit the Schengen area for short-term stays, with 855,285 applications received last year.

The Schengen visa is undoubtfully one of the most famous visas in the world, and one of the best to have as well. Granting to its holder the possibility of traveling to 26 European countries, 22 of them part of the European Union, the number of Schengen visa applicants has been steadily increasing every year.

Currently, travelers from 104 countries and entities need to obtain a visa to enter the EU for stays up to three-months within the Schengen Zone.

The Schengen Visa has often been dubbed as hard to obtain. However, now the EU is changing some of the rules to the Schengen Visa Code that regulates visa issuance and benefits, in a bid to facilitate the application procedures for travelers and consulate staff.

Brief History of the Schengen Visa Code

The EU Visa Code, which is a set of rules that regulates application procedures, processing and issuance of short-stay visas to the European Union, officially known as Schengen Visas.

The Code is also known as the Regulation (EC) No 810/2009. It came into force in 2010, and since then, it has been applied by all European Union Member Countries and associate states implementing the Schengen Acquis.

The common visa policy has been an integral part of the establishment of the borderless Schengen area, and has contributed to the enforcement of other Union policies, such as those concerning external relations, trade, education, culture and tourism.

Throughout the years, the Union has used the Visa Code to ensure a better balance between migration and security concerns, economic considerations and general external relations.

Why is the EU Updating the Visa Code?

In May 2018, the European Commission adopted a proposal on the revision of the Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, under the purpose of strengthening the common visa policy while taking into account migration and security concerns.

The revised form of the Visa Code also suggested that the role of the EU’s Visa Policy should increase more in relation to cooperation with third countries.

Overall, the Commissioners behind the proposal said they intended to facilitate visa procedures for frequent travelers to the Schengen Area, and by rewarding countries that collaborated in readmission of illegal migrants and other similar fields, with easier visa procedures.

After the Commission adopted its proposal, the European Parliament backed it up in April this year, and then the Council of the European Union gave it the green light later in June, which was the last step towards its implementation.

When Does the Updated Visa Code Start Implementation?

All Schengen Visa applicants lodging an application file from the first Monday of February 2020 and on, will be subject to the new Schengen Visa Code.

“Since Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) is binding in its entirety and is directly applicable in all EU Member States in accordance with the Treaties, all Schengen countries, including Lithuania, will apply it from 2 February 2020,” an official from the Information Monitoring and Media Division of Lithuania explained ..

A German Federal Foreign Office spokesperson also confirmed that the German mission will apply the reformed Schengen Visa Code from February 2, 2020, as well as officials from the Visa Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the Press Office Foreign Affairs of Belgium, and the Foreign Ministry of Denmark.

What Is Set to Change for Visa Applicants?

The new rules will bring several changes to the visa application procedures, and improve the benefits that come with a visa.

The main changes foreseen by the updated code are as follows:

Higher visa fees.
Extended application submission periods.
Electronic application forms in most countries.
Representative authorities of every Schengen Member must be present in every third-country in terms of visa admission after February 2.
Frequent travelers with a positive visa history to benefit from visas with lengthier validity.

The new code also introduces a mechanism that asserts, whether the visa fees should change or remain the same, for every three years. Another mechanism that will use visa processing as leverage will also be introduced, in a bid to improve cooperation with third countries on readmission.

Higher Visa Fees for Every Applicant

The first way how applicants will be affected by the new visa code is through the visa fees.

Applicants that used to pay €60 per application will now need to pay €80, while those that had to pay €35 will now need to pay €40. This includes children and other categories that were granted with the benefit of paying lower fees.

Children aged 0 to 6 remain exempt from the visa fees.

The new code also introduces a mechanism that asserts whether the visa fees should change or remain the same, for every three years. Some of the countries cooperating with the EU in terms of readmission of illegal migrants may also benefit from reduced visa fees.

Application Form Can Now Be Signed and Submitted Electronically

In a bid to facilitate visa application procedures, the updated Visa Code instructs Member States allow application forms to be completed and submitted electronically, where possible.

It also obliges them to allow visa applicants to sign the application form electronically, which electronic signature should then be recognized by the competent Member State.

Extended Application Submission Periods

Another benefit that the new code brings for visa applicants, is that it extends the period within which an application can be lodged, from three months to six months in advance of a trip.

Seafarers in the performance of their duties can as f February, submit an application as early as nine months in advance of their arrival at any of the Schengen ports.

The latest an application can be submitted, however, remains 15 calendar days before an intended trip to the Schengen Area.

Highlighted Importance of Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance remains mandatory for Schengen Visa applicants, despite attempts to make it optional. In fact, the new code highlights the importance of having Schengen Insurance when applying for a visa.

As for travelers applying for a multiple-entry visa, they will have to prove they are in possession in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering the period of their first intended visit.

In this regard, even the new visa application form established by the EU, has a declaration at the end that states “I am aware of the need to have an adequate travel medical insurance for my first stay and any subsequent visits to the territory of Member States.”

Schengen Members Need to Appoint Representative Missions in Every Country

The new code obliges all Schengen Member states to be present in every third country, through their embassy/consulate, another Member States, or by outsourcing Schengen visa admission to an external service provider.

The obligation comes in a bid to facilitate visa application, as well, so that the nationals of some countries will no longer have to travel to a neighboring country just to lodge and application.

External service providers will be able to charge a service fee, which should not exceed the amount of the visa fee.

More Benefits for Frequent Travelers with a Positive Visa History

Travelers frequently visiting the Schengen Area, who also have a positive visa history, meaning they have lawfully used their previous visas, they have a good economic situation in the country of origin and a genuine intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa for which they have applied, will be granted with the benefit of getting a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years.

This benefit will not be limited to specific travel purposes or categories of applicants. However, Member States are instructed to have particular regard for persons travelling for the purpose of exercising their profession, such as business people, seafarers, artists and athletes.

Visa Processing as a Readmission Leverage

The new visa code foresees using visa processing as a leverage to push third-countries collaborate in terms of readmission of illegal immigrants.

Thus, the Commission will assess regularly, at least once a year, third countries’ cooperation with regard to readmission, and find whether a third country is cooperating sufficiently and whether action is needed, in particular in the field of migration.

In cases when the Commission considers that a third country is not cooperating sufficiently the nationals of that country may face longer visa processing periods and higher visa fees. Countries collaborating in this regard, will be granted with shorter visa processing periods, lower visa fees, and visas with lengthier validity.

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Step : 1

Know Your Visa Type Know

Before applying for Polish visa, applicants should decide the visa subclass under which they wish to lodge their visa application.

Please make sure you familiarize yourself with the information on the visa subclass you are applying for.

The different categories that are catered to are –

Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa (C Visa) allows you to travel to the following countries:

Austria	Belgium	Czech Republic	Denmark
Estonia	Finland	France	Germany
Greece	Hungary	Iceland	Italy
Estonia	Lithuania	Liechtenstein	Malta
Netherlands	Norway	Poland	Portugal
Slovakia	Slovenia	Spain	Sweden
Switzerland	Luxembourg

Please apply for your visa at the Consulate or Embassy of the country of your main destination. If there is no main destination, the application must be submitted to the Embassy or Consulate General of the country where you will be staying for the longest period of time.

If no longest stay can be ascertained then you may apply at the country of the first port of entry.

National Visa

If you intend to spend more than 90 days (at least 91 days) on Polish territory (either continuously or in intervals) in the half-a-year period since the date of first arrival, you must apply for the country visa D. The country visa (D) permits for: being in Polish territory for the duration of your stay and/or for the duration period the visa was issued for; as well as being able to travel in the other Schengen countries for up to three months during the specified half-a-year period.

Once you know the visa type you need to apply for, please read all relevant information to that category which includes its Visa Fees, Service Charges, Documents Required, Photo Specifications and Processing Time along with the Visa Application Form within that category.

Applicants should read all instructions carefully and then fill in the Visa Application Form. Applicants can also get the visa application form by visiting the nearest Visa Application Centre of the Republic of Poland or by downloading the forms (Schengen Visa Application Form or National Visa Application Form) from the website “Download Form”.

Once all requirements corresponding to the visa subclass under which they wish to lodge their application are fulfilled, you are ready to apply for your visa applications.

Schedule an Appointment

All applicants are required book an appointment online to submit their visa application at the Joint Schengen visa application center.

Please click here for appointments

Important: As part of the visa application procedure, from 2 November 2015 applicants will need to provide Biometric fingerprint data along with a digital photograph. If you have temporary injuries on your fingers, applicants are advised to wait until the injuries have healed before you book your appointment. Henna on fingertips may also mean we are unable to get a clear scanned image and should be removed or allowed to fade before your appointment date.

Step : 2

How To Apply

The visa applications can be submitted at the below mentioned Polish Visa Application Centers in India with a prior appointment. All applications will be assessed by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi or Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai.

Applications lodged at given visa centers will be processed at Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi: New Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Bhopal.

Applications lodged at given visa centers will be processed at Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Step 1

Prepare your application and supporting documents:

Go to “Schengen Visa” or “National Visa” link on this website to understand details of different visa types. There you can find information on the photo specifications, documents required, processing times and more.

Step 2

Book an appointment to visit the Visa Application Centre:

To visit the Visa Application center you should schedule the appointment. You can book the appointment online or by calling our Helpline.

Please read the security regulation notice before visiting the Centre.

Step 3

Submit your visa application:

Visit the Visa Application Centre and submit your completed Schengen Visa Application Form or National Visa Application Form along with required supporting documents. Please see the Contact Us page for the location of the centre. In order to avoid a second trip to the Visa Application center after your application has been processed, you may opt for a commercial courier delivery service of your passport for an additional fee.

Please ensure that you furnish the required document, you may download document checklist from this website. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

Please note: in exceptional cases the consul has the right to request the provision of other documents as well or invite you for an interview at the Consulate.

Step 4

Pay application fee:

Visa fee is paid at the submission counter in cash in Indian rupees. Receipt will be provided for all payments made at the center.

Step 5

Collect your ready passport:

Track the progress of your application and come accordingly to pick up your passport. If you have opted for a commercial courier delivery service your passport will be delivered to your chosen address.

Applicants are requested to collect their passports from the Visa Application Centre within 30 days. If passports are not collected within this period, they will be handed over to the Embassy. Passports which are handed over to courier for delivery will be called off and returned back to the Embassy if delivery fails for more than 30 days. In both cases, applicants will have to collect their passport directly from the Embassy.

Please pay attention that in accordance with Art. 21 (8) of the Visa Code, during the examination of the visa application form, the consul in exceptional cases has the right to invite the applicant for an interview and also ask him for additional documents. The provision of additional documents does not guarantee a visa.

Please kindly be informed it is still possible to apply for a visa at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, please register a visa application and book an appointment at Click here, but the number of spots in Embassy is limited.

Step : 3

After Submission

After you have successfully submitted your application at one of the Visa Application Centres, you may like to check the status of your application on the website personally.

The second option is to dial our call-centre number. Please, be prepared to tell your receipt number and date of birth.

Having made sure that your passport is received by the Visa Application Centre, you can collect it in person or order a courier delivery to the selected address. The processed passport will not be handed over to any of the travel agent / representative.

“Only Applicant can collect the passport. He/she needs to carry a Photo Id of himself/herself, ”.

Quick Links

Useful Links

Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi

Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai

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Important Information

Step : 1

Know Your Visa Type Know

There are 3 types of Visas issued by Foreign Diplomatic Institutions of Ukraine:

General information on B type visas

B type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to transit through Ukraine and each transit period does not exceed 5 days.

B type visas are issued as single / double / multiple entry visas valid for a maximum of 1 year or another period depending on supporting documents.

General information on C type visas

C type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days (within every 180 days).

C type visas are issued as single / double / multiple entry visas valid for 6 months or another period depending on supporting documents but cannot be issued for more than a 5 year-term.

General information on D type visas

D type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to apply for a temporary residence permit to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days.

D type visas are issued as multiple entry visas valid for 90 days.

Step : 2

How To Apply

Step 1

Prepare your application and supporting documents:

Go to “All about your visas” link on this website and find out details related to the visa category you want to apply for – here, you can find information on the applicable fee, documents required, Visa application form and more.

Step 2

Complete your Visa Application Form:

Visit Online Visa Application form to fill in and print out electronic visa application.

Step 3

Submit your application:

Visit Visa Application Centre and submit your completed visa application form along with required supporting documents.

Minor applicants under 18 cannot submit the documents in person, without the presence of parents or legal guardians.

Submission and collection of documents do not require previous appointment.

Visa Application Centres working hours are: 09.00 – 16.30 (Monday to Friday except weekends and holidays).

Step 4

Pay applicable Fee:

Submission Officer will advise you on total payable amount and guide you to the bank cashier where you need to pay Service fee and Visa fee. Receipt will be provided for all payments made at the Centre. To view the cost of visa fees, service fees and additional services please click here.

Please Note:

At the time of submission at the Visa Application Centre, applicant has the choice to subscribe for Courier Service for return of passport.

Step : 3

After Submission

After you have successfully submitted your application at one of the Visa Application Centres, we will take care to inform you about every movement with SMS service.

Also, you may like to check the status of your application on the website personally.

The third option is to dial our call-centre number. Please, be prepared to tell your receipt number and date of birth.

“Only Applicant/Family member within Blood Relation/ in case of group any one applicant travelling in the same group/ person from same company can collect the passport/documents, He/she needs to carry a Photo Id of himself/herself, applicant's passport photocopy and an authority letter from the applicant”.

If your passport with the decision is at the Visa Application Centre in New-Delhi and you wish to order a courier delivery of the passport, you need to send a written request to the information e-mail of Visa Application Centre: info.ukrainein@vfshelpline.com and indicate your name and surname, registration number and address to which you want your passport to be delivered. You must also provide a contact telephone number at which the Visa Application Centre may contact you for information.

After verifying the information over the phone, you will be sent details for payment services. After receiving confirmation of payment, your passport will be sent to the chosen address.

In order to collect documents, which have arrived to Visa Application Centre from Embassy/Consulate, please, take your passport and receipt with you. If you have submitted documents on behalf of somebody else, please, take appropriate letter of authority also.

Please be informed that the turn round time for submitting any required documents requested by Embassy is 2 weeks. In case of any failure to provide requested documents within timeline the application will be deliver & handed over to the applicant. In these cases, Visa fees and VFS charges will not be refundable.

Minors (applicants, under 18 years told) cannot submit or collect their applications without their parents or legal tutors. To submit and receive documents for the minor applicants, parents (guardians) must provide an original birth certificate or proof of guardianship fact.

Quick Links

Public holidays

Useful Links

Embassy of Ukraine to India

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Overview

Tourist visa is granted for those applicants who intend to visit Ukraine for tourism and sightseeing without having an invitation from a Ukrainian referent.

Visa Fees

1	Issuing of Transit visa (Type B)*:
1	-single, double, multiple entry	85
2	Issuing of short term visa (Type C)*:
	-single entry -single entry business visa	85 130
	-double entry	130
	-multiple entry (up to 1 year)	130
	-multiple entry (up to 5 years)	250
3	Issuing of long term visa (Type D)	85
4	Issuing of long term employment visa (Type D)	120

Visa fee to be paid (USD only) through telegraphic Transfer (TT). For detail information please visit : http://www.vfsglobal.com/Ukraine/Bangladesh/visa-fees-at-glance.html

Fees are not refunded in case of a visa refusal.

These categories of applicants are issued with visas upon a zero fee:

children under 6 years;

Documents Required

The Passport should be issued less than10 years ago & valid for at least six months &, beyond the intended duration of stay in Ukraine and with at least two blank pages. (Binding of the passport should be in good condition).
Complete & Signed Visa Application Form must be completed computerized in block letters from (visa.mfa.ua.in).
Two Recent (not older than 30 days) passport-size photographs in color with white background. (35mm x 45mm)
Medical/travel insurance policy to cover Ukraine and the period of stay (the policy should provide a minimum of €30 000 or equivalent coverage) with full details of person.
Two copies of passport bio-data pages. (Photo page and address/parents page) copies of all Ukrainian Previous Visas, and USA, UK, Schengen and Australia Visas.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay. (Original updated Bank Statement for last 03 months with minimum balance 2500$ with original stamp and sign of bank.)
Hotel/accommodation with complete details of applicant and Flight Tickets Booking as per Name, Surname & Travel dates mentioned on the Visa application form for the particular Duration with person details.
For Minors
1. Application to be signed by both parents.
2. If traveling with one of the parent a Notarized. NO Objection Certificate from other parent must be provided. Accompanied by ID copy of the same.

Note: - *Application for Tourist visa may take minimum 30 working days or more for processing it can be extended by Embassy.

Applicant could be asked for additional documents or for a personal interview if desired by The Embassy of Ukraine, New Delhi.
The information contained provided here is a general guideline. Granting visa is a prerogative of the Embassy in every case. Having submitted “All the documents” does not imply a “Right” for the visa to be granted. The Embassy reserves the right to refuse application without any explanation.

Photo Specification

A Photograph submitted with the application form should comply with the following specifications:

Must be an up to date photograph (not more than 6 months old)
Must be a colour photograph printed on normal photographic paper
Should be passport sized 3,5 Ñ… 4,5 Ñm
Face should take 70-80% of the photograph
The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 31mm and 36mm
The background shall be plain and light coloured
Without sunglasses
Without hat or other head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons
Spectacles should not have toned or reflecting glasses
The frame of the spectacles may not cover the eyes
The mouth must be closed

Please note that photos that do not comply with these standards are not accepted.

Processing Time

Usually decision on a visa application is made within a period of 10-30 calendar days excluding day of submission. It is advised to submit visa application at least 30 calendar days before the intended visit. A visa application cannot be submitted earlier than three months before the intended date of travel.

In some cases, which are exclusively determined by the Embassy, processing time can be extended up to 30 working days.

Processing procedure and time are solely of competence of the Embassy of Ukraine to India

Forms

Please note that one can use the Form Filling service for the convenience of the applicants at the centre. Feel free to contact the VAC staff to know more about the Form Filling service.

Forms listed below must be filled in completely and must be signed by the applicant himself/herself.

Visa application form can be filled in online and then printed out.

HELPLINE :

+88 09606 555 111

+88 09666 911 388

(For Mobile Users Only)

EMAIL ID :

info.ukrainebl@vfsglobal.com

Quick Links

Customer Experience

Public holidays

Useful Links

Embassy of Ukraine to Bangladesh

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

apply-for-private-visit-visa-to-ukraine-in-bangladesh.jpeg

Overviw

Applicants visiting family and friends legally residing in Ukraine.

An applicant will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

Visa Fees

1	Issuing of Transit visa (Type B)*:
1	-single, double, multiple entry	85
2	Issuing of short term visa (Type C)*:
	-single entry -single entry business visa	85 130
	-double entry	130
	-multiple entry (up to 1 year)	130
	-multiple entry (up to 5 years)	250
3	Issuing of long term visa (Type D)	85
4	Issuing of long term employment visa (Type D)	120

Visa fee to be paid (USD only) through telegraphic Transfer (TT). For detail information please visit : http://www.vfsglobal.com/Ukraine/Bangladesh/visa-fees-at-glance.html

Fees are not refunded in case of a visa refusal.

These categories of applicants are issued with visas upon a zero fee:

children under 6 years;

Documents Required

The Passport should be issued less than10 years ago & valid for at least six months &, beyond the intended duration of stay in Ukraine and with at least two blank pages. (Binding of the passport should be in good condition).
Complete & Signed Visa Application Form must be completed computerized in block letters.
Two Recent (not older than 30 days) passport-size photographs in color with white background. (35mm x 45mm).
Medical/travel insurance policy to cover Ukraine and the period of stay (the policy should provide a minimum of €30 000 or equivalent coverage) with full details of person.
Two copies of passport bio-data pages. (Photo page and address/parents page) copies of all Ukrainian Previous Visas, and USA, UK, Schengen and Australia Visas.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay. (Original updated Bank Statement for last 03 months with minimum balance 2500$ with original stamp and sign of bank.)
Flight Tickets are Required with Name, Surname & Travel dates as mentioned on the Visa Application Form.
Original notarized invitation letter from a Ukrainian citizen in Ukrainian language or a foreigner/stateless person who legally resides (temporarily or permanently) in Ukraine. Invitation should contain full surname and name(s) of the inviting person, details of his/her passport and temporary or permanent residency permit (for a foreigner or stateless person), address, and full name of the invited person, information about his/her date and place of birth, nationality, passport details, place of residence, purpose of visit, duration of intended visit to Ukraine, number of entries and place of stay in Ukraine, physical person’s obligations towards possible coverage of costs related to the applicant’s stay and/or departure from Ukraine; (Must mention the Travel Dates, Invitee details, Period of Stay, Single/Multiple entry).

                         OR

Document(s) confirming that the applicant is a spouse, a parent or a child of a citizen of Ukraine.

                         OR

Document(s) confirming that the applicant owns property (real estate) allocated in Ukraine.

                         OR

Certificate of a person of Ukrainian descent* issued by Ukraine’s National Committee on Persons of Ukrainian Descent. If applicant’s family applies for this type of visa as well documents on their status and family relation to the applicant should also be provided.

                        And

Copies of the inviting person’s Ukrainian passport.
For Minors
1. Application to be signed by both parents.
2. If traveling with one of the parent a Notarized NO Objection a letter from other parent must be provided. Accompanied by ID copy of the same.

Note: - Application for Private Visit visa may take minimum 30 working days or more for processing it can be extended by Embassy.

Applicant could be asked for additional documents or for a personal interview if desired by The Embassy of Ukraine, New Delhi.
The information contained provided here is a general guideline. Granting visa is a prerogative of the Embassy in every case. Having submitted “All the documents” does not imply a “Right” for the visa to be granted. The Embassy reserves the right to refuse application without any explanation

Photo Specification

A Photograph submitted with the application form should comply with the following specifications:

Must be an up to date photograph (not more than 6 months old)
Must be a colour photograph printed on normal photographic paper
Should be passport sized 3,5 Ñ… 4,5 Ñm
Face should take 70-80% of the photograph
The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 31mm and 36mm
The background shall be plain and light coloured
Without sunglasses
Without hat or other head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons
Spectacles should not have toned or reflecting glasses
The frame of the spectacles may not cover the eyes
The mouth must be closed

Please note that photos that do not comply with these standards are not accepted.

Processsing Time

In some cases, which are exclusively determined by the Embassy, processing time can be extended up to 30 working days.

Processing procedure and time are solely of competence of the Embassy of Ukraine to India.

Froms

Please note that one can use the Form Filling service for the convenience of the applicants at the centre. Feel free to contact the VAC staff to know more about the Form Filling service.

Forms listed below must be filled in completely and must be signed by the applicant himself/herself.

Visa application form can be filled in online and then printed out.

HELPLINE :

+88 09606 555 111

+88 09666 911 388

(For Mobile Users Only)

EMAIL ID :

info.ukrainebl@vfsglobal.com

Quick Links

Customer Experience

Public holidays

Useful Links

Embassy of Ukraine to Bangladesh

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Business visit

Overview

Visa for business travellers and representatives of business organizations.

Visa Fees

1	Issuing of Transit visa (Type B)*:
1	-single, double, multiple entry	85
2	Issuing of short term visa (Type C)*:
	-single entry -single entry business visa	85 130
	-double entry	130
	-multiple entry (up to 1 year)	130
	-multiple entry (up to 5 years)	250
3	Issuing of long term visa (Type D)	85
4	Issuing of long term employment visa (Type D)	120

Visa fee to be paid (USD only) through telegraphic Transfer (TT). For detail information please visit : http://www.vfsglobal.com/Ukraine/Bangladesh/visa-fees-at-glance.html

Fees are not refunded in case of a visa refusal.

These categories of applicants are issued with visas upon a zero fee:

children under 6 years;

Documents Required

The Passport should be issued less than10 years ago & valid for at least six months &, beyond the intended duration of stay in Ukraine and with at least two blank pages. (Binding of the passport should be in good condition).

Complete & Signed Visa Application Form must be completed computerized in block letters.(Visa.mfa.ua.in)
Complete & Signed Visa Application Form must be completed computerized in block letters.(Visa.mfa.ua.in)
Two Recent (not older than 30 days) passport-size photographs in color with white background. (35mm x 45mm)
Medical/travel insurance policy to cover Ukraine and the period of stay (the policy should provide a minimum of €30 000 or equivalent coverage) with full details of person.
Two copies of passport bio-data pages. (Photo page and address/parents page) copies of all Ukrainian Previous Visas, and USA, UK, Schengen and Australia Visas.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay. (Original updated Bank Statement for last 03 months with minimum balance 2500$ with original stamp and sign of bank.)
Original Invitation letter on Official Letter head from an entity/company/organization registered in Ukraine and Invitation should be in Ukrainian Language mentioning Information of Company, Travels Dates.
Flight Tickets Booking Required for the particular Duration with person details. (Details Mention as per the Application form).

Registration letter from an entity/company/organization registered in Ukraine.
OR

Document issued by the relevant regional/city state administration/bank confirming that the applicant has made an investment to Ukraine’s economy

Note: - Application for Business visa may take minimum 30 working days or more for processing it can be extended by Embassy.
- Applicant could be asked for additional documents or for a personal interview if desired by The Embassy of Ukraine, New Delhi.
- The information contained provided here is a general guideline. Granting visa is a prerogative of the Embassy in every case. Having submitted “All the documents” does not imply a “Right” for the visa to be granted. The Embassy reserves the right to refuse application without any explanation.

Photo Specification

A Photograph submitted with the application form should comply with the following specifications:

Must be an up to date photograph (not more than 6 months old)
Must be a colour photograph printed on normal photographic paper
Should be passport sized 3,5 Ñ… 4,5 Ñm
Face should take 70-80% of the photograph
The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 31mm and 36mm
The background shall be plain and light coloured
Without sunglasses
Without hat or other head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons
Spectacles should not have toned or reflecting glasses
The frame of the spectacles may not cover the eyes
The mouth must be closed

Please note that photos that do not comply with these standards are not accepted.

Processing Time

In some cases, which are exclusively determined by the Embassy, processing time can be extended up to 30 working days.

Processing procedure and time are solely of competence of the Embassy of Ukraine to India.

Forms

Please note that one can use the Form Filling service for the convenience of the applicants at the centre. Feel free to contact the VAC staff to know more about the Form Filling service.

Forms listed below must be filled in completely and must be signed by the applicant himself/herself.

Visa application form can be filled in online and then printed out.

how-apply-for-owner-of-property-in-ukraine-visa-to-ukraine-in-bangladesh.jpg

Overview

Visa for owners of real estate in Ukraine.

Visa Fees

Issuing of Transit visa (Type B)*:
-single, double, multiple entry	85
2	Issuing of short term visa (Type C)*:
	-single entry -single entry business visa	85 130
	-double entry	130
	-multiple entry (up to 1 year)	130
	-multiple entry (up to 5 years)	250
3	Issuing of long term visa (Type D)	85
4	Issuing of long term employment visa (Type D)	120

Visa fee to be paid (USD only) through telegraphic Transfer (TT). For detail information please visit : http://www.vfsglobal.com/Ukraine/Bangladesh/visa-fees-at-glance.html

Fees are not refunded in case of a visa refusal.

These categories of applicants are issued with visas upon a zero fee:

children under 6 years;

Documents Required

signed visa application form;
applicant’s valid passport/travel document;
2 applicant’s photo (35 * 45 mm);
Copy of all visa pages
residence documents – valid residence permits/equivalents (in cases where applicants reside in a country that is different from the country of their nationality/citizenship);
proof that a foreigner or stateless person owns property (real estate) allocated in Ukraine;
proof of medical/travel insurance to cover Ukraine and the period of stay (the policy should provide 30 000 euros or equivalent minimum coverage);
proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay (e.g. bank statement for 2 recent months, cash in Ukrainian hryvnia/other convertible currency, bank cards along with current/savings account balance statements provided the bank cards can be cashed in Ukraine, hotel/accommodation booking, letter from the applicant’s employer/sponsor confirming their coverage of applicant’s expenses in Ukraine, a return/transit ticket etc).

Please note that applicants might be asked for additional documents by Ukraine’s visa officers (e.g. return flight tickets and other documents confirming applicants’ circumstances (to be defined by Ukraine’s visa officers of the relevant Embassy/Consulate General).

Photo Specification

A Photograph submitted with the application form should comply with the following specifications:

Must be an up to date photograph (not more than 6 months old)
Must be a colour photograph printed on normal photographic paper
Should be passport sized 3,5 Ñ… 4,5 Ñm
Face should take 70-80% of the photograph
The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 31mm and 36mm
The background shall be plain and light coloured
Without sunglasses
Without hat or other head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons
Spectacles should not have toned or reflecting glasses
The frame of the spectacles may not cover the eyes
The mouth must be closed

Please note that photos that do not comply with these standards are not accepted.

Processing Time

In some cases, which are exclusively determined by the Embassy, processing time can be extended up to 30 working days.

Processing procedure and time are solely of competence of the Embassy of Ukraine to India.

Forms

Please note that one can use the Form Filling service for the convenience of the applicants at the centre. Feel free to contact the VAC staff to know more about the Form Filling service.

Forms listed below must be filled in completely and must be signed by the applicant himself/herself.

Visa application form can be filled in online and then printed out.

How to obtain a work permit and visa in Romania

If you want to work in Romania and have a citizenship of a country outside the European Union and the European Economic Area, there are 2 or 3 steps you need to follow in order to get a work permit for a long time. It will take you almost a month to obtain a work visa in Romania after you gained the work permit. All steps required for having a stable working place are the following:

Obtain a work permit/ seeking advice
Get a long-stay visa for employment purposes
Ask a single permit for making your stay in Romania longer

1. Seeking advice/ obtain a work permit

If you are not a European citizen but you want to work in Romania you need to find an employer and pass the tests required by them (if they require). If they decide to hire you, the work permit will be obtained by them for you. You do not need to go to Romania and spend a fortune there. The law is quite simple and friendly for you.

Usually, the General Inspectorate for Immigration processes the applications for the issuance of the work permit in 30 days from the date of its registration. In other terms, after a month your work permit is ready. Still, this term can be expended if the Inspectorate needs some more time for processing or there are some problems with documents or the need for more information.

Conditions

There are some conditions you have to fulfil in order to obtain your work permit. These conditions are more financial and do not affect your state in a direct way:

– if you are a permanent worker, deployed worker, cross-border worker, trainee worker,high-skilled, au pair, your employer will pay a tax in RON equivalent to 100 EUR;

– if you are a seasonal worker your employer will pay the equivalent in RON of 25 EUR;

– the equivalent in RON of 25 EUR will be paid if you are hired after graduation and you are a holder of a temporary residence permit for studies or for family reunification;

In order to achieve this permit not only financial conditions need to be fulfilled. There are some conditions you need to satisfy that have to be certified by your employer at the office of General Inspectorate for Immigration:

– You meet the specific work experience and authorization conditions;

– You are medically capable to engage in the activity you were engaged;

– You do not have a criminal record incompatible with the work that you are going to practice in Romania;

– You fall within the annual quota approved by Government Decision;

– The employer has no unpaid obligations to the state;

– The employer that hired you was not punished for undeclared work or illegal employment during the last 6 months prior to the settlement of the application for workers.

If all these conditions are satisfied just brace yourself, because in 30 days your work permit will be ready and you are going to practice the work you wanted to do in Romania.

But having the work permit is just the first step of the whole process. The other ones wait for you in case you want to work in Romania for a longer time.

2. Long stay visa for employment purposes

If you ask how to obtain a work visa in Romania you will be surprised how easy the procedure is. There are just some documents to upload on the official site of the Inspectorate or to submit them at the office of Inspectorate after you get the work permit. In this way, you will have a long-stay visa for employment that grant your workplace for a certain time. These are the necessary documents you will submit for this purpose:

-Copy of the work permit issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration that you already have, or there are cases when you can submit documents that prove the fact that you fall into the categories of foreigners who can be hired without a work permit

-Proof of financial means of support equal to the minimum gross salary guaranteed in payment for the entire period inscribed on the visa

-Criminal record certificate from your country or other documents that have the same value and purpose

-Medical insurance valid for all the duration of your visa;

For obtaining your visa you must pay a fee of 120 EUR in the country of your residence before submitting the documents. Just wait for 30 days and after that with your visa you can freely work for 90 days with one or more departures.

Single permit

Romanian employment law allows you to continue your work in Romania for a longer period of time, of course, if you wish this. If you have a long stay work visa in Romania you must obtain a single permit or so-called an EU Blue Card. This permit certifies your right to stay and work in Romania longer than allows you the visa. In order to obtain a single permit, you have to go personally to the Immigration office in your city to submit the necessary documents at least 30 days before the expiry of the right to stay granted by the visa.

This single permit can be extended as well as your right of residence.

In order to obtain it you must submit these documents:

– application you can find at the office;

– the border crossing document (passport, travel document, etc.) in original and duplicate;

– proof of legal ownership of the living space in original and duplicate;

– individual employment contract;

– print screen from the register of the employees, at the section containing the data about the individual employment contract signed by the employer;

– salary statement;

– medical certificate;

– fees required by the Inspectorate.

Working in Romania became for a lot of people a chance for a new life in the European Union. This is why the state simplified a lot the procedure for obtaining a work permit and after that a work visa for those who want to stay longer. If you need advice or help for preparing your documents or for informing more about how to obtain a work permit, work visa or a single permit the specialists of AtoZ Serwis Plus . Specialists from Romania with decades of experience that will become your trustful partner in all problems you meet with Romanian legislation.

When applying for a Schengen visa there is a non-refundable mandatory visa fee every applicant must pay.

The Schengen visa costs vary depending on the type of visa and age of the applicant as well as some other exceptions stated below in the text. The Schengen visa fee can be paid in the designated consulate/embassy via cash, debit or credit card. However, some consulates may not allow you to pay by credit card.

The Schengen visa application costs include the visa fees payable at the corresponding embassy/consulate when applying.

Schengen Visa Category	Fee in EUR	Fee in USD*
Adult	80€	90$
Child between 6-12 years of age	40€	45$
Child younger than 6 years of age	Free	Free
Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports traveling for official purposes	Free	Free
Family member of a EU/EEA national	Free	Free
Pupils, students and accompanying teachers during a school trip	Free	Free
Researchers traveling to perform scientific research	Free	Free
Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia.	35€	39$

* The applicable visa fee in USD (US Dollar) is as per the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.

Despite of the fact that these fees are static and unchangeable until the Schengen members decide otherwise altogether, there are some categories exempt from paying this amount.

The visa fees may also be waived for participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events, organized by non-profit organizations. The decision will be made case by case according to the relevance of the event.

Again, in case the visa is denied there is no refund of the money paid.

Last Updated on February 1st, 2020

Poznan University of Technology in the US News Best Global Universities ranking - Politechnika Pozna

Poznan University of Technology was on the 1148th place in the US News Best Global Universities ranking. Considering only Polish universities - it ranks 15th.

Among the four most important international rankings, i.e. THE (Times Higher Education), QS (Quacquarelli), Shanghai (Shanghai Ranking Consultancy) and US News Best Global Universities, just US News Best Global Universities (BGU) is indicated as the best to analyze the current position of the universities participating in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education by the Prospects Foundation by the International Visibility project. US News Best Global Universities (BGU) is a research-based ranking only. The main list includes 31 Polish universities, and two in disciplinary rankings.

legal-requirements-for-obtaining-a-work-permit-in-poland

Foreigners need to obtain work permits in Poland if they intent do work in Poland for more than three months and they have a work contract concluded with an employer registered in Poland. The future employer must apply for a work permit for the employee. Residence permits are also necessary if the individual wishes to stay more than three months in the country.

Our lawyers in Poland can help you with detailed information about the Polish employment law.

Types of work permits for foreigners in Poland

There are five types of work permits available in Poland for foreigners who want to work in the country. The employee must bear in mind that his or her employer is the one responsible for obtaining the work permit. Work permits are issued at a regional level and have a limited duration, according to the type of work that is to be performed by the employee (seasonal or permanent work).

The main types of work permits in Poland are:

- Type A: the foreign employee is employed by a business entity incorporated in Poland;
- Type B: the foreigner stays in Poland for a specific amount of time to perform a function on a management board;
- Type C: the foreign employee is employed by a foreign employer and has been delegated to work at a branch or subsidiary in Poland for a period exceeding 30 days;
- Type D: the foreign employee is employed by a foreign employer that does not have a subsidiary or branch in Poland but the employee has been delegated to perform a temporary service in the country (usually export services);
- Type E: the foreign employee is employed by a foreign employer and has been delegated to Poland for a period longer than 3 months in the next 6 months of the calendar year, to perform other tasks than those described above.

How to apply for a work permit in Poland

The employer who wants to hire a foreign employee needs to submit the application for a work permit, together with the following documents:

- copies of the ID card or passport of the employee;

- documents from the National Court Register if the employee is a legal person;

- document proving the economic activity of the employer;

- a company deed, if the employer is a limited liability company;

- documents that prove that the foreigner meets the requirements for working in a specific position;

- copy of the employment contract that defines the obligations of the two parties.

Certain fees for the issue of a work permit application in Poland according to the type of work permit and the period for which the permit is requested. Our Polish lawyers can help you apply for a work permit in Poland.

Work permit validity

A work permit in Poland has a fixed validity period, usually no longer than three years. This period can be of five years when the said foreign employee is a Board member for a company that has more than 25 employees when the application is made.

The work permit validity is established by each Voivodship, and as a consequence, employees should be well informed of the certain validity period for the location in which they will work. For example, some voivodships issue work permits with a validity of only one year and they can be extended for no more than two years.

In Poland, the employer will make the necessary work permit extension. For this purpose, he will submit the application for extending the permit no later than 30 days before the expiry of the currently valid work permit. Just like when first submitting the work permit application, the one for the extension will include documents such as proof of payment, the employee’s personal identification details, and the valid employment contract. Additional steps, such as a labor market test for the employee, may be needed when the employer decided that the foreign individual should be promoted.

Other issues to consider

Work permits in Poland should be issues within one month and the costs are not burdensome for the employer. In general, the extension applications will cost half of the fees for the initial application. The procedure can last longer but in general not more than two months, when the employee who requests the permit has a more complicated situation.

A Polish Voivode can refuse a work permit application. This can happen when:

- the submitted information was false or a document was found to be a forgery;

- the applicant does not meet the approval criteria: has committed crimes or has been found guilty by court verdict for illegal foreign employment;

- the employer did not observe his obligations for hiring foreign employees;

- the employer filed for work permit application for an employee who does not meet the qualification criteria for regulated professions or has been found guilty/was punished for a crime.

When any changes occur to the status of the company that performed the employment, such as a change in the company’s residence, its legal form or name, these changes, along with any other that may occur, need to be reported to the Voivode in writing, by filling in a special form. The submission is made with the Voivode that issues the work permit.

How do you make the most of your days off in Poland? One of the best ways is to maximize your bank holiday breaks. Take a look at the calendar below to book some time off next year!

Not sure about the amount of your holiday entitlement? Read our article to learn more about annual leave in Poland.

Launched in 2016, the "Family 500+" ("Rodzina 500+") benefit scheme aims to improve Poland's birth rates and provide financial support to low-income families. Until recently, the programme entitled all Polish families with two or more minor children to receive a tax-free benefit of PLN 500 a month for the second and each subsequent child. Low-income families on the other hand, could claim the benefit for their first child as well. However, from 1 July 2019, all Polish children (under the age of 18) are entitled to the "Family 500+" benefit, regardless of their parents' income. What about foreign residents in Poland? Can you benefit from the programme as well? Read on to find out more.

500+ FOR FOREIGNERS

The 500+ benefit can be granted to foreign residents of Poland on the basis of:

the rules on social security coordination (meaning that as an EU citizen you have access to social security services in other EU member states but you can only receive benefits in one country);
bilateral agreements on social security signed between the Republic of Poland and other countries (including Canada, the US, Australia, Moldova, South Korea or Ukraine - in short, citizens of these countries are eligible for the 500+ benefit).

Additionally, foreigners who reside in Poland with their children are entitled to the 500+ benefit if:

they have obtained a residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment;
they have access to the Polish labour market (except for third-country nationals whose work permit is valid for less than 6 months, who have been granted a residence permit for the purpose of studies or who can perform work on the basis of a visa);
they have obtained a temporary residence permit for the purpose of work under the intra-corporate transfer.

Note that the benefit is granted to all families, irrespective of the parents' marital status.

HOW TO APPLY?

Are you expecting a child?

Learn more about maternity and paternity leave in Poland.

Rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Poland

Who qualifies as a refugee?

According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is a person who has been forced to flee his or her country because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. A person who is seeking asylum in Poland (a signatory to the Convention) can be granted refugee status or subsidiary protection.

It is important to note that the term "refugee" should not be confused with "migrant" - the latter one implies voluntarily moving to another country, whereas refugees are forced to flee their countries due to life-threatening conditions or human rights violations.

How many refugees are there in Poland? Where do they come from?

There are around 5,500 people who are granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in Poland, most of whom come from Russia or former USSR countries. The major ethnic groups are Chechens, Ukrainians, Tajiks, Syrians and Belarussians.

Where do they live in Poland?

Refugees have the right to choose their place of residence and to move freely around the country. The majority of them live in Warsaw and neighbouring areas or towns and cities such as Lublin, BiaÅ‚ystok, ÅomÅ¼a and Åuków, where there are (or there used to be) centres for foreigners seeking international protection.

What rights do refugees have in Poland? Are they allowed to work?

Foreigners granted refugee status in Poland have the same privileges as Polish citizens, save for voting rights. Refugees are not required to obtain a work permit in order to take up employment in Poland - the same rules apply to foreigners granted humanitarian protection or a tolerated residence permit.

Can I hire a person with a pending asylum application?

Yes you can, provided that they have a temporary ID card and a certificate issued by the Head of the Office for Foreigners (it can be obtained by the asylum seeker if they have been waiting for a decision on their status for at least six months). The document allows asylum seekers to take up a job in Poland.

What steps do I need to take to hire a person with refugee status?

The same you would take to hire any other employee. Foreigners granted refugee status, humanitarian protection, subsidiary protection or a tolerated residence permit are not required to obtain a work permit to take up a job in Poland. They have the same labour rights as Polish citizens.

Source: on the basis of FAQ prepared by The UN Refugee Agency in Poland

More information on refugee rights in Poland can be found on the website of the Office for Foreigners.

Students can apply for financial aid due to coronavirus crisis

The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education has announced a new support package for students in Poland.

The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education has released a set of recommendations for Polish universities, the aim of which is to support students during the coronavirus crisis. Thanks to the so-called “student package” (Pakiet dla studenta), those who have found themselves in a “temporarily difficult situation” will be able to apply for financial aid to their university or college on the basis of “exceptional circumstances caused by the current epidemiological situation”. As noted by JarosÅ‚aw Gowin, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, a lot of students who used to work in restaurants, cinemas or many other businesses have now lost their main source of income. It has been announced that those students whose family members have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic (hence cannot support their families) will be eligible for financial aid as well. The above rules also apply to PhD students who began their programmes of study before the academic year 2019/2020.

The Minister has also called on Polish universities to ensure timely payments of student scholarships and grants and not to charge students for their accommodation in halls of residence if they chose to return home for the duration of the crisis. Finally, the Ministry extended the validity of student identity cards until the end of May, so that students will not be required to visit their faculty offices in person.

All Polish universities will remain closed until at least 14 April. However, most of the institutions have shifted to online learning.

If you happen to be an international student in Poland, please visit the website of the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland, where you will find more useful information on the current situation in the country.

What are the most (and least) respected professions in Poland? Doctors, nurses or teachers? Can you guess who made it to the top?

As revealed in a recent survey by the Polish Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS), firefighters are the most respected profession in Poland, highly regarded by 94% of respondents. Nurses rank second on the list (89%), followed closely by skilled workers e.g. masons or lathe operators (84%), miners (84%), and university professors (83%). Doctors (80%) and teachers (77%) come next in the ranking, ahead of factory engineers (76%), farmers (76%), and accountants (75%).

It is perhaps not surprising that occupations considered to be of great value to society or associated with helping others command universal respect. However, the CBOS report observes that certain professions may rank differently depending on the socioeconomic status of the respondents. Professors, for example, are thought of highly by university graduates, whereas skilled workers and miners are far more respected by those of lower educational attainment. Inhabitants of bigger cities hold very positive views of doctors, teachers and factory engineers - the work of farmers on the other hand, is mostly appreciated by inhabitants of the rural areas of the country. As noted by the CBOS, certain professionals (e.g. nurses) may be held in high regard for performing demanding, yet underpaid jobs.

According to the ranking, Poles are most likely to express negative views on politicians or people in positions of power, who are of course judged by their political affiliation.

**The Most Respected Professions in Poland**
	Profession	Favourable views
1	Firefighter	94%
2	Nurse	89%
3	Skilled worker	84%
4	Miner	84%
5	University professor	83%
6	Doctor	80%
7	Teacher	77%
8	Factory engineer	76%
9	Farmer	76%
10	Accountant	75%

**The Least Respected Professions in Poland**
	Profession	Favourable views
1	Public servant	44%
2	Priest	36%
3	Minister	33%
4	Town councillor	32%
5	Member of Parliament	27%
6	Stockbroker	27%
7	Politician	18%

Source: CBOS

Study in Poland - costs, charges and tuition fees

Consider Poland as your study destination – it has a lot to offer to foreigners looking to receive a solid education at reasonable cost. Find out what fees and expenses are involved if you choose to pursue higher education at a Polish university or college.

Polish higher education system

Polish higher education facilities can be divided into universities, technical universities, academies, colleges and schools. The system of education comprises of three cycles established by the Bologna process, each of them open to foreign students:

1st cycle - undergraduate studies (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, in Polish licencjat and in?ynier respectively);
2nd cycle - postgraduate studies (Master of Arts or Master of Science, in Polish magister);
3rd cycle - doctoral studies (in Polish doktor).

Education is free for all Polish full-time students of public universities financed from the national budget, although there are some extra costs involved (such as: fee for issuing student ID, recruitment fee or paid exam retakes).The same applies to Pole’s Card holders, who can study full-time for free even if they do not hold Polish citizenship. Studying at private facilities is paid and generally all foreigners (both EU and non-EU) need to pay for their studies in Poland.

Private vs public universities

In 2016 Aegon, an international insurance company, carried out its research aiming to establish costs of studying in Poland’s private higher education facilities (click to read the full Aegon report on costs of studying in Poland for 2016/2017). Its findings indicate that while these expenses remain significantly lower than in Western Europe, they still vary and depend on the selection of university. The table below presents the charges for some of the leading private universities in Poland, collected by Aegon in 2016.

University	Undergraduate first year tuition	Postgraduate first year tuition	Recruitment fee (one-off)	Entry fee (one-off)
Ko?mi?ski University in Warsaw	PLN 6,400 - 21,000	PLN 10,400 - 22,050	-	PLN 200
University of Social Sciences in Warsaw (SWPS)	PLN 6,800 - 18,550	PLN 7,600 - 18,500	PLN 300	-
Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology in Warsaw	PLN 7,000 - 12,800	PLN 7,000 - 14,300	PLN 75	PLN 750 - 1,500
?azarski University in Warsaw	PLN 4,320 - 13,800	PLN 4,320 - 13,800	PLN 400	-
Vistula University in Warsaw	PLN 4,400 - 12,942	PLN 5,200 - 12,492	-	PLN 400 - 517
Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Kraków University	PLN 2,050 - 3,700	PLN 2,400 - 3,800	PLN 100 / 5,000 (med students)	PLN 200 - 400
Collegium Civitas in Warsaw	PLN 3,100 - 7,100	PLN 3,200 - 9,200	PLN 100 - 290	PLN 320 - 450
University of Social Sciences in Warsaw	PLN 2,500 - 7,200	PLN 2,950 - 7,200	PLN 100 - 150	PLN 50 - 400
Katowice School of Economics	PLN 3,705 - 5,038	PLN 4,530 - 5,695	PLN 120	PLN 0 / 500
The University of D?browa Górnicza	PLN 3,550 - 4,467	PLN 3,750 - 3,953	PLN 100	-

The data collected by Aegon gives you insight into how much one needs to spend on studying at some of the leading private universities in Poland. When it comes to public universities, foreign students may need to inquire as to how much tuition fees and other charges are. Each public university's international office should be able to provide up-to-date information in this respect.

See how much you need to pay for courses in English at Warsaw University in 2016/17.

You are the ones to judge whether studying costs in Poland are high or low. It is useful to compare it with other countries, and in this respect Poland can be placed on the cheaper end. At most English universities, students are required to pay around £9,000 each year, while Harvard annual tuition fees amount to $47,074. In continental Europe, studying in e.g. Germany entails similar costs to what students are charged in Poland, for instance students of the Technical University of Munich pay tuition fees of €234 each year.

Tuition fees and other university charges are not the only costs involved in moving abroad to study. If you are interested in learning more about living costs in Poland, stay tuned!

how-to-extend-a-schengen-visa-while-being-within-schengen-area.jpg

One of the main things that those visiting Europe get concerned about at the end of their Schengen visa validity is if there is a way for them to extend their stay in Europe.

Whether you are a traveler who wishes to experience more of Europe, a business person who has some unforeseen business to do after the expiration of their visa, or a patient seeking medical treatment in one or more member states of the Schengen Zone that needs to continue their medical treatment, you will not be permitted to stay in Europe after the expiration of your Schengen visa, unless you extend it.

According to the Schengen rules, one can obtain a short-stay visa for Europe for a maximum of three months within a six-month period. However, for many foreigners 90 days are just not enough, especially for travelers who want to visit all of the 28 Schengen Member States, each of which is an interesting attraction with rich culture and traditions, making these travelers wish not to leave.

Though many believe that it is impossible to extend a short-stay Schengen visa, that is actually quite possible. It is very hard, but if you have a strong reason in which you base your application then you have quite a chance to get that visa extension.

Schengen Visa Validity

Before deciding to apply to extend your Schengen visa, know the validity of the visa you hold and the visa-type you hold. A short stay-stay Schengen visa can be either:

Single entry – which means you will have a limited amount of days to remain in Schengen, and after you leave you have no right to go back
Double-entry visa applies for the same policy as above mentioned, however you are allowed to enter the Schengen Area twice, meaning that for the certain period of time permitted by your visa you can enter the Schengen Zone, leave and enter again without any problems. Once you are out of the country for the second time the visa expires.
Multiple entry – which means you will be granted with a visa that permits you to enter any of the Schengen member states as many times as you wish, for as long that you do not surpass the 3 months limit within a six months period.

In all cases, you can apply for a visa extension, if you have a strong reason why you wish to remain.

Below in this article, you can find the ultimate guideline on how to extend a Schengen visa, the reasons under which the extension may be granted, as well as what the required documents are and how to apply for to extend a short-stay Schengen visa.

Schengen Visa Extension

Short-stay Schengen visa extensions are permitted by the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EC) No. 810/2009 of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Journal of Laws of the EU of 2009 L243/1). However, you will have very low chances to get one, if you do not have a strong reason as the basis of you application.

According to the Schengen visa policy, acceptable reasons to extend a Schengen short-stay visa are only the following:

Late Entry

You can base your visa extension application on this reason, only if you have a single-entry short-stay visa. However, this is your best case to extend your visa. You can apply for this visa extension, if you have entered Schengen after you visa became valid. I.e. if your visa became valid on August 1, but you entered Schengen on August 15, you can apply for a two-week visa extension, and you are very likely to get it.

Humanitarian Reasons

The Schengen visa policy has made it possible to extend a short-stay Schengen visa in order to prevent or overcome hardship for third-country nationals. You will be granted with a short-stay visa extension based on humanitarian reasons if you need to stay in one of the member states to continue receiving medical treatment, to take part in the funeral after the sudden death of a family member, to give support to a person close to you who is going through some kind of hardship, etc.

Force Majeure

If something unexpected has occurred all of the sudden in your home country prior to your visa expiration, as a conflict or war, or even violent protests across the country, extreme weather conditions, no flight connections because of consecutive earthquakes or other reasons, then you have a good chance to get a Schengen short-stay visa extension. You will be granted with an extension of a few weeks, or until the situation in your home country changes. If the situation does not change, you will have to apply once again for a short-stay visa renewal, in order to remain in Schengen.

Important Personal Reasons

Risky, but you should still give it a try if you have no other chance. If you have some unfinished business in one of the Schengen Member States, an unplanned wedding (of yours of your relative) etc., then you may apply for the extension. The immigration authorities will then decide whether you should be granted with a visa extension or not.

Schengen Visa extension Application Process

If you wish to extend your visa and stay longer in the Schengen Zone, then start getting ready for your application which differs from a regular Schengen visa application. The very first thing you have to do is decide under which reason you wish to apply for a Schengen visa renewal. After figuring that out, then you can proceed to the other steps.

When to Apply for a Short-Stay Visa extension?

It is very important to apply on time, which is before the expiration of your visa. If you apply after your visa expires, even just a day later, then you will be deported for overstaying your visa, despite of your reasons. Therefore, take care to apply at least a week before your current Schengen short-stay visa expires.

Where to Apply to Extend a Schengen Visa?

It depends on the Member State you are currently residing. The main thing you have to know when it comes to the application country is that you will have to remain in that particular country until you get your visa extension, if you do. That is why you are strongly advised to apply at the immigration authorities (or their equal) in the country where you need to remain, and not another.

Schengen Visa Extension Requirements

After you figure out the reasons which will be the basis of your application, where and when to apply, move to the other step, which is gathering the required documents. Unlike when collecting the Schengen visa required documents, for a visa extension you need to submit quite fewer documents.

The list of documents you need when applying for a Schengen visa extension are as following:

Passport, which must have the current visa under which you entered the Schengen
Application form, for a short-stay Schengen visa extension
One photo, which fulfills all the criteria and visa photo requirements.
Proof of Income, which shows you can financially maintain yourself during the period of time you have applied to get a visa extension for
Travel Health Insurance – that covers the whole Schengen Area as well as the whole period which you have applied to extend your visa for
Documents, which prove your situation, and the need to get a visa extension

After you collect these documents, schedule an interview appointment online at the immigration authorities (or their equal). In some of the member states, you may not have to schedule an interview, however try to check out if this applies to the country you are currently residing, or not.

If you need to schedule an interview, do it, and on the day of the interview show there on time with all of the required documents. The interview is crucial to get a visa extension, in the countries that apply it, since during it the interviewer will decide if you really need to extend your visa and the reasons you have presented are true, or you are just trying to remain a little longer in the country.

Processing Time for Visa Extension

Usually, your visa extension application can take a few days, up to a month to be processed by the relevant authorities. During this time, you are permitted to remain in the country where you submitted your application even after your visa expires, but not to travel to the other Schengen countries.

If you are granted with a visa you will be able to remain, while if you do not you will have one or two days to leave.

Schengen Short-Stay Visa Extension Fee

A Schengen visa extension fee is different from a normal Schengen visa fee, which you apply for prior to your trip towards the Schengen Area. Depending on the reasons of your application to extend your short-stay Schengen visa as well as if it is the first or second extension you are applying for, you may or may not have to pay a fee.

First Visa Extension Fee

If this is the first time you are applying for a Schengen short-stay visa extension, then you will not have to pay any fee if your application is based on the following reasons:

humanitarian reasons
majeure reasons

Whereas, you will have to pay a fee of 30 euros, if you have based your application in one of the following reasons:

important personal reasons
due to late entry

Second Visa Extension Fee

If you have already extended your visa once, but you really need to extend it once again, for whatever reasons, then you will have to pay a fee. The cost of the second Schengen visa extension fee depends on the age of the applicant as following:

Minors need to pay a fee of 30 euros
Adults have to pay a fee of 60 euros

Do not forget, that just as when applying for a regular Schengen visa, if your application is rejected, you will not get your money back.

Who Needs and Who Doesn’t Need a Schengen Visa to Travel to Europe?

Citizens of Which Countries Need a Schengen Visa to go to Europe?

The countries whose citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any member country of the Schengen Area are:

Afghanistan	Gabon	Oman
Algeria	Gambia	Pakistan
Angola	Ghana	Papua New Guinea
Armenia	Guinea	Palestinian Authority
Azerbaijan	Guinea-Bissau	Philippines
Bahrain	Guyana	Qatar
Bangladesh	Haiti	Russia
Belarus	India	Rwanda
Belize	Indonesia	Sao Tome And Principe
Benin	Iran	Saudi Arabia
Bhutan	Iraq	Senegal
Bolivia	Jamaica	Sierra Leone
Botswana	Jordan	Somalia
Burkina Faso	Kazakhstan	South Africa
Burma/Myanmar	Kenya	South Sudan
Burundi	Kosovo	Sri Lanka
Cambodia	Kuwait	Sudan
Cameroon	Kyrgyzstan	Suriname
Cape Verde	Laos	Swaziland
Central African Republic	Lebanon	Syria
Chad	Lesotho	Tajikistan
China	Liberia	Tanzania
Comoros	Libya	Thailand
Congo	Madagascar	Timor-Leste
Cote D’ivoire	Malawi	Togo
Cuba	Maldives	Tonga
Dem. Rep. Of Congo	Mali	Tunisia
Djibouti	Mauritania	Turkey
Dominican Republic	Mongolia	Turkmenistan
Ecuador	Morocco	Uganda
Egypt	Mozambique	Uzbekistan
Equatorial Guinea	Namibia	Vietnam
Eritrea	Nepal	Yemen
Ethiopia	Niger	Zambia
Fiji	Nigeria	Zimbabwe
North Korea	Northern Mariana’s

Citizens of Which Countries Need an Airport Transit Schengen Visa?

There are countries citizens of which need also an airport transit visa in order to change the airplane at an airport in a Schengen Area country.

The list of the countries which are subject to the airport transit visa in the Schengen Area goes as following:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Congo (Drc)
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka

If the person holds a residency permit from a Schengen member country, a valid Schengen Visa for short stays or long stays.
If the person holds a residency permit from countries such as, Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino or the USA that guarantees the persons whereabouts.
If the person holds a valid Schengen visa or a valid visa for entering one of the EFTA countries as well as Canada, Japan or the United States, even if they are returning from those certain countries after using this visa.
If the person is a family member of e EU citizen (close family only)
If the person holds a diplomatic passport.

Filing a Schengen visa application is never a guarantee that you will get the visa. You may have spent days trying to collect the required documents, fulfilling the application form, writing the required letters and so on. However, sometimes, for a reason or another your application gets rejected, despite of the fact you may be very sure that you did everything right.

A visa rejection is never a reason for desperation. You can always try to apply once more, correcting the mistakes that you did in your first application or improving your situation. Moreover, if you think that your first application was correct, and the decision on its refusal was a mistake, you can always appeal the rejection.

Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement clearly states that those who have been refused a visa shall have the right to appeal.

How to Appeal a Schengen Visa Denial

Appealing a decision on your visa application is not an simple thing to do. First of all, you must be very sure that the decision was incorrect, and that there was no reason for rejection. Secondly, you shall appeal the conduct against the Member State that has taken the final decision on your application.

You shall appeal by writing an Appeal Letter for Schengen Visa Refusal. Writing this kind letter is a whole process itself. You must give very strong reasons why you believe your application was incorrectly rejected, and why the decision must be taken back. Following in this article, find further explanations on what an appeal letter is as well as how to write one, and where to submit it.

What Is an Appeal Letter for Schengen Visa Refusal?

An Appeal Letter for Schengen Visa rejection is written by the visa applicant to dispute a visa rejection. The letter shall be written on valid grounds, which point out why the rejection is incorrect. Basis of fact or law must be identified, and in some cases, the appealer is permitted to submit additional evidence in order to prove the incorrectness of the refusal.

Each embassy has their appointed time within which the rejected applicant can submit the appeal letter. If your visa application has been turned down, you are highly recommended to write and hand in the appeal letter, if you are planning to do so.

How to Write an Appeal Letter for Schengen Visa Rejection

Writing an appeal letter is not an easy task. Even if you base it in very strong grounds, you still need to know how to structure it, to whom to direct it, and what else to write. You are not suggested to write a 2-page long letter. Take into account that the embassy receives other appeal letters aside of yours, and those who have to deal with them, do not have the time or the energy to read about your bragging why they were unfair.

At the same time, a one-paragraph letter is not enough. Writing that they were wrong when rejecting you visa, is not an appeal. As soon as you do not give any reasons why you believe the denial of your application should be reversed, your appeal letter will not be considered valid.

In this step-by-step guideline you will find all the information you need to know on how to write an appeal letter for a Schengen Visa rejection.

What Should an Appeal Letter Contain?

There are some details that an appeal letter must contain, in order for it to be legit, as following:

Personal Details – the letter must contain details about the person writing it, as their name and surname, date and place of birth, passport number, as well as their current address. You are strongly advised to put your email address and phone number in the letter as well.

The date when your application was rejected – take care to mention at the very beginning when you received the rejection letter on your application.

The reason why behind your visa refusal – mention clearly, as stated in the rejection letter you received, the reason why you were not granted with the visa.

Why you believe the rejection was incorrect – explain why you think your application was wrongly rejected, and why they should approve it. List the reasons, if more than one, why you believe the decision on the denial of your application must be overturned. This is the most important part of the letter so pay attention to it!

Your signature – after you write your letter, print it and sign it at the end. Letters submitted without signature will be turned down.

Sample of a Schengen Visa Denial Appeal Letter

As every other document, an appeal letter has a structure that shall be followed. The structure of an appeal letter is not fixed, indeed. Still, if you have never written an appeal letter before, you are highly advised to follow the structure of the sample given below.

Date:

Embassy Address:

To whom it may concern,

Paragraph 1:

In the first paragraph, you should introduce yourself, your name, home address, date and place of birth and passport number. Tell the reason why you are writing this letter. Indicate when you applied for a Schengen visa, and where, as well as under what purpose you wish to visit the Schengen zone.

Paragraph 2:

State when you received the rejection letter for your visa application, and the reasons on which the denial was based, if any. Assert the reason(s) why you believe that your application was denied incorrectly.

Paragraph 3:

Elaborate these reasons. Try to argument them in a convincing way. You can use references, so you prove your assertion is not wrong. Write why they should approve your Schengen visa focusing on the reasons given behind the rejection. Remember that your application depends on how strong are the grounds you base your appeal, and how convincing you sound.

End the appeal with the date of your planned trip to create a sense of urgency especially if you really do not have much time left to wait.

Sincerely,

Hand signature

Your full name

Your email

Your phone number

Supporting Documents

The supporting documents you will need to attach to your appeal letter really depend on the reason why your application was rejected. Since everybody has different reasons on their visa rejection letter, the documents you will have to submit, vary on that. Below find a list of the most frequent reasons for visa denials, and the supporting documents you will have to submit in that case.

Unclear purpose of visit

If you were rejected because the embassy concluded the purpose of your trip to the Schengen Area was unclear, submit documents that will make it clearer for them, which you have not submitted during your application. These documents could be:

Travel itinerary – in case you have already submitted such a document, try to submit a clearer and more detailed itinerary.
Letter of invitation – by a friend, an institution or organization etc., in which they clearly explain why they wish you to go over
Cover letter – in which you explain further what you will be doing, and why – in the Schengen Zone

Not demonstrating proof of funds

Schengen embassies often reject visa application because they think the candidate does not have enough money to support themselves during their stay in their territory. In case you are rejected for this reason, submit:

current bank statements – adding extra money, if you can, since the former amount of money may have seemed as not enough to the embassy
letter of support – by another person who claims that they will support you financially during your stay in Schengen, accompanied by their current bank account statement

Insufficient travel insurance coverage

If this is the case, purchase travel insurance from another company, or just update your current and submit a document that proves that, alongside with your appeal letter.

Suspicion you may not return to your home country

This is the most frequent reason why visas get denied. If you got this as the reason for your visa application refusal, try to submit at least one of the following, if possible:

Employment contract – if you submitted that during you application, obtain a letter by your employer in which they claim you are obliged to return to work, upon the end of your planned trip
Student enrollment – in case you did not submit it previously
Documents that show you have property, i.e. business, house etc.
Certificates that prove you have family members in your home country, i.e. marriage certificate, child birth certificate etc.

Where to Submit an Appeal Letter

In general, you will have the opportunity to submit your appeal letter at the embassy of the Schengen country you wish to visit, or the embassy / consulate to which that particular country has outsourced visa submission and processing.

On the other hand, the visa appeal deciding body depends on the country that has rejected the visa. I.e. in Germany, the Administrative Court in Berlin is responsible for deciding on your visa refusal appeal. In Italy is responsible the Administrative Regional Tribunal, in Norway, the Directorate of immigration, in France, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

Schengen Visa Appeal Processing

Once you submit your appeal letter, alongside with the supporting documents, the right appeal processing body of that country will look at your letter. A higher-ranked officer responsible for dealing with Schengen visa appeals will take a decision on whether the decision on the rejection of your visa application should be reversed or not.

Waiting times for an appeal letter depend on the embassy of the country you have applied at. Some of them do not notify you on the decision taken on your application in case your appeal is also refused.

If you have been granted a Schengen visa, there are several pieces of important information on the visa sticker. The visa sticker information is provided in three languages: English, French and German.

Please read carefully the following article to understand better the meaning of the labels attached into a Schengen visa.

Countries the Visa Holder is permitted to Enter

A visa sticker always contains information on the countries that its holder is permitted to visit.

The phrases «VALID FOR», «VALABLE PUR» and «GULTIG FUR» are set before the name of the territory you are permitted to enter with the visa you have obtained.

If next to those words is written «ETATS SCHENGEN» or «SCHENGEN STATES», then it means that the visa is valid in all Schengen states, and the visa holder can visit each of them, once inside the territory.

On the other hand, the letters A, B, CH, CZE, D, DK, E, EST, F, FIN, GR, H, I, IS, LI, L, LT, LVA, M, N, NL, P, PL, S, SK, SVN – are acronyms for the Schengen countries where the visa is valid, and they stand for:

A – Austria
B – Belgium
CH – Switzerland
CZE – Czech Republic
D – Germany
DK – Denmark
E – Spain
EST – Estonia
F – France
FIN – Finland
GR – Greece
H – Hungary
I – Italy
IS – Iceland
L – Luxembourg
LT – Lithuania
LVA – Latvia
M – Malta
N – Norway
NL – Netherlands
P – Portugal
PL – Poland
S – Sweden
SK – Slovakia
SVN – Slovenia

If there are listed just some of the acronyms of the names of these countries i.e. «LVA, M, N, NL, P, PL» then this means you are permitted to enter only Latvia, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal and Poland.

Whereas, if the visa contains the following label «ETATS SCHENGEN (-country acronym)» – then this means the visa is valid for all Schengen countries, expect for that country i.e. expect Sweden if the label is «ETATS SCHENGEN (-S)». You will be unable to enter depending on the country code after the minus sign.

Label «name of country» – means that the visa is valid only for the respective territory, and its holder is not permitted to move to the other countries of the Schengen Area if he / she does not have another visa.

Schengen Visa Sticker Validity

Next to the labels «FROM», «DU» and «VOM» is given the first day you are permitted to enter the Schengen Area, whereas near the labels “UNTIL”, “AU”, and “BIS” is given the last day when you will have to leave the Schengen or the countries in which you are permitted to remain during your stay.

Number of Entries

The label “NUMBER OF ENTRIES”, “NOMBRE D’ETNREES” and “ANZAHL DER EINREISEN” stands for the number of times a person is permitted to enter the Schengen Area.

Label «MULT» – means that the holder is authorized to enter more than one time in the Schengen Area, as often as they wish, as long as they do not exceed their permitted duration of stay.
Label «1» – means that the holder is authorized to enter only once in the Schengen Area.
Label «2» – means that the holder is authorized to enter twice in the Schengen Area, and so on.

Duration of stay

Label “DURATION OF STAY”, “DUREE DE SEJOUR” and “DAUER DES AUFENTHALTS” and immediately next to it is the words “DAYS”, “JOURS” and “TAGE” stand for the number of days a person is permitted to remain in the Schengen Zone within the given Schengen visa validity.

Warning: If you stay longer than the amount of days listed in your visa, you might be fined and future Schengen visa applications are subject to further review and possible refusal. The processing time for future visa applications may also be extended to 30-60 days. Depending on the amount of days you stay too long, you could risk being banned for 2-5 years.

Visa Type

The labels “TYPE OF VISA”, “TYPE DE VISA” and “VISA TYP” stand to tell the type of visa you have obtained which may be:

Label «A» – stands for the visa type A- Airport visa, that does not permit the holder to pass the “international airport zone”.
Label «C» – stands for the visa type C – or short-stay visa, that does not permit the holder to stay more than 3 months in the Schengen Area.
Label «D» – stands for the visa type D – or long-term visa, which permits the holder to stay more than 3 months.

Details about the Visa Issuer & Date of Issuance

Label “ISSUED IN”, “DILIVRE A” and “SUGESTELLT IN” stands right next to the name of the city where is located the embassy or consulate that issued the visa.
Label “ON”, “LE” and “AM” – is for the date when the visa is issued.

Details about the Visa Holder

Label “NUMBER OF PASSPORT”, “NUMERO DE PASSEPORT” and “NUMMER DES PASSES” – is for the passport number of the visa holder.
Label “SURNAME, NAME”, “NOM, PRENOM” and “NAME, VORNAME” – is for the name and surname of the visa holder.
Label “REMARKS”, “REMARQUES” and “BEMERKUNGEN” stand to tell the purpose of the visa holder behind their travel to the Schengen.

Frequently asked questions - Study in Poland

Q: How long does it take to complete bachelor and master studies in Poland?

A: In general, it takes 3 academic years to complete bachelor studies (6 semesters), whereas master studies, depending on the field of studies, last from 1,5 to 2 academic years (3 or 4 semesters accordingly).

Q: Do I have to speak Polish?

A: There are English courses available for international students, so you don't have to speak Polish. If you prefer to study in Polish you will have to complete a Polish language course before you start studying.

Q: Are any scholarships available?

A: Students with proved Polish origin (having "karta polaka") may apply for budget-funded studies on the same basis as Polish citizens. A list of scholarships provided by the Polish government and other organizations is available at: www.buwiwm.edu.pl. Other scholarship offers may be available in certain Universities. You should check it out in a course search engine and in the International Students office of the University of your choice.

Q: What do I need to enroll?

A: To qualify all international applicants must first meet the minimum requirements for entry into higher education in their own country, have a matriculation certificate or equivalent document; command of English (at least on an intermediate level) is also required.
Some departments of the arts, physical education, departments preparing students for the teaching profession, medical and technical universities may organize additional aptitude tests.
All graduating from Polish institutions of higher education receive a Diploma Supplement. The Supplement is available free of charge and is issued in Polish, and on request in other languages (English, German, French, Spanish or Russian). Since Poland ratified the Lisbon Convention on Recognition of Degrees in 2004 recognition of Polish diplomas has become easier inter-nationally.
For information on diploma recognition please visit www.buwiwm.edu.pl.

Q: When academic year starts and ends?

A: In most cases the academic year at Polish universities consists of 2 semesters of 15 weeks duration each.
Fall semester starts in the beginning of October and lasts till mid-February, with two-week break for Christmas holidays and with a one-week vacation period in February. Spring semester starts in mid February and lasts till the end of June, with one-week break for Easter holidays. Summer vacation lasts from the beginning of July to the end of September.

Q: Do I need to speak fluent Polish?

A: You do not need to because universities offer a large variety of study programmes in English. Nevertheless, you may learn Polish either for private everyday use for the time you stay in Poland, or for joining a university course in Polish. Courses of Polish language and culture or survival Polish with orientation programmes are organized by most universities hosting foreign students. This type of course can last for a few weeks just before the academic year or can run throughout the whole semester.
In case you choose Polish as the language of your studies, however, you will be required to prove your proficiency in Polish before you start your studies. Foreign students wishing to pursue studies in Polish are required to have a command of Polish, allowing them to understand lectures and other forms of tuition at universities see www.polonicum.uw.edu.pl.
Information on Polish language certificates is provided by the State Commission for Certification of Command of Polish as a Foreign Language (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).

Q: Do I need a visa? If so, how do I apply for one?

A: EU/EEA students do not need any Polish visa, however upon arrival to Poland they should apply for a temporary residence permit if they stay in the country longer then 90 days. Non EU/EEA students need to arrive in Poland with a student's visa obtained at a Polish Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. It is important to remember that visas are granted for a maximum of three months. In order to extend the stay in Poland, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit for specified period of time in Voivodeship office. For further assistance students are strongly urged to contact the International Relations Office of their university. More practical information about: coming to Poland, legalizing your stay, medical care and insurance, driving license, addresses of diplomatic missions of in Poland is available at www.msz.gov.pl (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Q: Is health insurance required?

A: Medical care in Poland is not free of charge. Health insurance is mandatory for all students for the entire duration of their stay in Poland. The students from non-EU/EEA countries are recommended to buy medical insurance in their home country or immediately after their arrival in Poland. Otherwise students are required to pay for any health service they get. Foreign students are also advised to purchase third party liability insurance and accident insurance.
EU citizens staying in Poland are legible for free health service, providing they present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
EU citizens not having insurance in their country of residence and non-EU citizens may sign insurance agreement with the Polish Health National Fund (NFZ - Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) and purchase insurance for the monthly fee of 40 PLN.
Under bilateral agreements the citizens of the U.K., Sweden and Slovakia are entitled to free medical care. Under an agreement with the Czech Republic Czech students are entitled to necessary medical care in cases of sudden illness or accident.
More information can be found on The National Health Fund website: www.nfz.gov.pl.

Q: Can I apply for scholarship?

A: All international students may apply for scholarships within bilateral agreements on direct cooperation offered through Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl) to one of the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Switzerland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, the Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam.
Scholarships for students from European Union are offered within the framework of the Socrates/Erasmus program (www.socrates.org.pl). In addition university scholarships are available for academic excellence.

Adam_Mickiewicz_University_in_Poznan_Study_in _Poland _Poland Education Consultants _Poland_AtoZ_Ser

Overview

Established (year): 1919

Type: Public University

Main specialization(s): Education English studies Language and literature studies

Rector: prof. dr hab. Andrzej Lesicki

Students (total): 43.20 thousand

Website: Adam Mickiewicz University Homepage

Profile - Short Description Profile

Adam Mickiewicz University in PoznaÅ„ is the major academic institution in PoznaÅ„ and one of the top Polish universities. Its reputation is founded on tradition, the outstanding achievements of the faculty and the attractive curriculum offered to students.
In addition to its facilities in PoznaÅ„, it has campuses in Gniezno, Kalisz, PiÅ‚a and SÅ‚ubice/Franfurt-Oder.

Students may choose between 180 possible professional specialisations. In recent years the educational offer has become increasingly diverse. New educational projects include: integrated studies in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and program carried out in cooperation with other institutions both in Poland and abroad.

International Student Education at AMU Consists of:

• AMU PreMed Medical Study Course
• School of Polish Language and Culture for Foreign Students
• Summer School of Polish Language and Culture
• English intensive preparatory courses for further study
• BA, MA and PhD Degree Programs
• AMU-PIE: A YEAR AT AMU that co-ordinates nearly 300 regular courses on a variety of subjects taught in English, and some in French and Spanish (among others)

Highlights

AMU has been ranked among Top 3 Universities in Poland for the last 5 years
AMU has secured third place in the prestigious ranking of Higher Education Perspectives and the Republic for 2010
Advanced research opportunities are provided to students through 25 research projects that are funded by the 6th European Union Framework Program for Research and Technological
AMU has the largest population of students with disabilities in Poland
The University currently employs nearly 3,000 teaching staff, including 264 tenured professors, 439 associate professors and 1617 adjunct professors with the Ph.D. title and senior lecturers

The history of AMU

On October 28, 1611, under the Royal Charter granted by King Sigismund III Vasa, the Jesuit College became the first university in PoznaÅ„. The document was then affirmed with charters issued by King John II Casimir in 1650 and King John III Sobieski in 1678. Based on these charters, the university had the right to grant MA and Ph.D. degrees. The inauguration ceremony of the first academic year at the newly founded Piast University of the (the initial name of the University of PoznaÅ„; its current name was adopted on December 24, 1955) took place on May 7, 1919, i.e. 308 years after the university had been formally established by the Polish king. The day happened to be the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the LubraÅ„ski Academy, which did not hold the status of a university but is considered the spiritual predecessor of the Piast University.

The first faculty to begin educational activity immediately after the ceremony was the multidisciplinary Faculty of Philosophy, established on April 4, 1919. On April 5, 1919, at the first Faculty Meeting, Professor Heliodor ÅšwiÄ™cicki was elected Rector of the University. The newly founded Piast University was supported by professors from Kraków, Lviv, Vilnius and Warsaw. In the years between WWI and WWII, the university (renamed the University of PoznaÅ„) thrived, educating students at five faculties in the following fields: law and economy, medicine, the humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, and agriculture and forestry. Every tenth university graduate in Poland received their degree at the University of PoznaÅ„.

In 1939, Germans immediately closed all Polish higher education institutions, including the University of PoznaÅ„. However, the determination and heroism of professors and academic youth allowed for educating over 2,000 students in underground-university courses. Since November 1940, the university functioned as the underground University of the Western Lands, whose founder and first rector was Professor Ludwik Jaxa-Bykowski. It was mainly composed of academic staff from the University of PoznaÅ„ but within only three years its structure expanded from two to six faculties. With the beginning of the Warsaw Uprising, the university had to suspend operations.

However, immediately after the cessation of hostilities in the city, the university resumed its activity, admitting 4,000 students. After several years, a number of faculties separated from the main university to form independent higher education schools: School of Medicine, School of Agriculture and School of Physical Education. The University of PoznaÅ„, renamed Adam Mickiewicz University in 1955, has survived the fragmentation of its structure, remained the main university in PoznaÅ„ and gradually grown in importance within the Polish education system. With the collapse of the contemporary political regime in 1989, the University gained new opportunities for development.

Study programmes

Area	Programme	Level	Mode of studies	Unit	Language
Social sciences	Balkan studies	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Polish and Classical Philology, Collegium Maius	EN
Science	Biotechnology	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Biology	EN
Technological sciences	Business information science	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science	EN
Science	Chemistry	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Chemistry	EN
Humanities	Cultural studies	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Collegium Polonicum	EN
Humanities	English in public communication	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English studies	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English studies	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English studies	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English studies	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English studies	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English studies	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	English track	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Collegium Polonicum	EN
Science	Environmental protection	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Biology	EN
Social sciences	Ethnology	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology	EN
Social sciences	International relations	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Collegium Polonicum	EN
Humanities	International relations	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Political Science and Journalism	EN
Humanities	Journalism and social communication	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	Language and literature studies (conference interpreting)	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Modern Languages	EN
Humanities	Language and literature studies (Dutch)	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	Language and literature studies (English and Celtic)	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	Language and literature studies (English and Celtic)	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	Language and literature studies (English)	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	Language and literature studies (translation)	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN
Humanities	Linguistics	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Institute of Linguistics	EN
Science	Mathematics	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Mathematics	EN
Medical, health and sport sciences	Medicine	Non-degree programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science	EN
Humanities	Mediterranean studies	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of Polish and Classical Philology	EN
Humanities	South African studies	Bachelor Programme	full-time programme	Faculty of English	EN

*Disclaimer: The Study Finader application is based on the information provided by universities. Therefore, AtoZ Serwis Puls does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this application, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

OVERVIEW

Established (year): 1999

Type: Public University

Main specialization(s): Law ,Psychology ,Theology

Rector: Ks. prof. dr hab. StanisÅ‚aw DziekoÅ„ski

Students (total): 11.70 thousand

Website: Adam Mickiewicz University Homepage

Profile - Short Description Profile

The Cardinal WyszyÅ„ski University in Warsawhas been one of the most frequently chosen public universities in Poland. At present, there are 16 000 students studyingat 10 faculties. The University offers studies in Humanities as well as in Science. Students can choose from a wide scope of degree programmes. The University also participates in many scholarship programmes. Since 2000, it has been participating in the ERASMUS programme, and since 2014 in the ERASMUS +, offering opportunities for studying abroad. Students also have the possibility to be awarded national scholarships at 19 Polish universities in the MOST student mobility programme.

UKSW also supports the following programmes, funds and scholarships which promote international cooperation and exchange:

International Visegrad Fund
CEEPUS (studies abroad as part of the network of the Institute of Political Science – Ethics and Politics in the European Context)
Polish-American Fulbright Commission
Free Mover
DAAD
BUWiWM programmes

Why choose the UKSW?

The Cardinal WyszyÅ„ski University in Warsaw has been one of the most frequently chosen public universities in Poland. At present, there are 10 600 students studying at 12 faculties. The University offers studies in Humanities as well as in Science. Students can choose from a wide scope of degree programmes. The University also participates in many scholarship programmes. Since 2000, it has been participating in the ERASMUS programme, and since 2014 in the ERASMUS +, offering opportunities for studying abroad. Students also have the possibility to be awarded national scholarships at 19 Polish universities in the MOST student mobility programme.

Information of studies - catalog

Legal information

As defined in the provision of Polish law, foreigners are persons who do not have Polish citizenship.

In the territory of the Republic of Poland persons who simultaneously have a Polish passport (citizenship) and the passport of another country or several countries are treated as Polish citizens.

The following persons are eligible for undertaking and realizing formalised study programmes and participating in research and development work according to the same principles as Polish citizens:

foreigners who have been granted a permit to settle in the territory of the Republic of Poland
foreigners who have been granted refugee status in the Republic of Poland,
foreigners enjoying the temporary protection in the territory of the Republic of Poland,
migrant workers who are citizens of a member state of the European Union, the Swiss Confederation or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – and countries party to the agreement for European Economic Area (EEA), i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, as well as the members of their families, if they reside in the territory of the Republic of Poland,
foreigners who have been granted a long-term residence authorization of the European Communities,
foreigners who have been granted a residence authorization for a fixed period in the territory of the Republic of Poland in relation to the circumstance described in art. 53 section 1 items 7, 13 and 14 of the “Law on Foreigners” dated 13 June 2003 (Journal of Laws of 2006 no. 234 item 1694, uniform text, as amended),
foreigners who have been granted the subsidiary protection in the territory of the Republic of Poland,
citizens of the member states of the European Union, the member states of EFTA – EEA or the Swiss Confederation and the members of their families, who have the right of permanent residence.

Persons holding a valid Polish Card (Karta Polaka) are eligible for undertaking and realizing formalised study programmes following one of the categories specified below:

either according to the principles applicable to Polish citizens, which includes the right to apply for all kinds of material aid benefits (scholarships, relevant grants etc.) granted to the students and doctoral students having the Polish citizenship,
or in the mode and on the conditions other than those applicable to the citizens of the Republic of Poland. It should be noted that as such (for example beneficiaries of the scholarships granted by the Republic of Poland to foreign students), they may not apply for the bursaries assigned by the universities from the state budget subsidy dedicated to the non-repayable material aid for students and doctoral students.

Conditions for formalised study applicable to persons who do not hold full Polish citizenship:

Foreigners who have completed an advanced level of secondary education attested to by a certificate issued in a country other than the Republic of Poland, or who have completed university studies attested to by a diploma issued in a country other than the Republic of Poland may be admitted to formalised study programmes without having to meet the entry requirements applicable to the Polish citizens. If, for a specific area of study, particular skills or competences are required, foreign candidates must demonstrate that they meet these requirements during the application process to be offered a place on the desired study programme.

Prospective students who do not speak Polish may take advantage of a 9-month language course which prepares students to undertake study programmes taught in the Polish language. Such courses are organized, amongst others, in the following cities: Kraków (Jagiellonian University and Kraków University of Technology), Lublin (Maria Curie-SkÅ‚odowska Memorial University), ÅódÅº (University of ÅódÅº), Rzeszów (University of Rzeszów), Katowice (University of Silesia), WrocÅ‚aw (WrocÅ‚aw University of Technology).

In order to undertake studies in Poland (first- and second-cycle studies, long-cycle studies or doctoral studies – i.e. the third-cycle studies or postgraduate studies) foreigners have to prove their authorization with an appropriate document, legalized or bearing an “Apostille”, granting the right to undertake the particular level of education in the country in which that document has been issued.

The category of the persons who may undertake education on the conditions different from those applicable to the Polish citizens includes:

third-country nationals,
holders of the valid Polish Card who renounce applying for the admission on the principles applicable to the Polish citizens,
citizens of the member states of EU, EFTA-EEA and Switzerland who have decided to undertake education in Poland according to the conditions regarding the citizens of non-EU countries.

Study programmes

Area	Programme	Level	Mode of studies	Unit	Language	Contact
Humanities	Philosophy	Master's Programme	full-time programme	Philosophy and Culture of East-Central Europe - Experience and Thought	EN

Work Permits

Foreign workers are required to have the proper visas and work permits in Poland, as established by immigration laws. Work permits must be secured for employees, and sponsored by a locally licensed and incorporated entity, which can be a problem for companies just entering the Polish market. Poland is known for typically being quite inflexible with its visa arrangements for foreigners, and visas will only be granted if no suitable Polish candidate can be sourced for a position. If you have yet to complete the incorporation process you can use an outsourced management company or GEO Employer of Record to sponsor the employee for the necessary permits.

Your Options

Have your own company

It is possible for companies that have established limited liability or joint-stock companies, or limited or limited joint-stock partnerships, to arrange visas for their workers. The relevant visa is Work Permit C, for foreigners who perform work in Poland for a foreign employer for a period exceeding 30 days, as long as the conditions of their employment align with the conditions stipulated within the Polish Labour Code. Permits are issued by the Province Governor. Work permits are valid for a maximum one year and are only valid if the applicant performs the work specified in the permit.

Non-EU residents must apply for a work permit if they wish to work in Poland. There are various exceptions, including:

Individuals with refugee status
Permanent residents of Poland
Beneficiaries of temporary or humanitarian protection from Poland
Victims of human trafficking
Individuals performing scientific research for at least 30 days per year

The steps to apply for a work permit in Poland are as follows:

Employer carries out labour market test
Employer begins application for foreigner’s work permit
Upon successful application, the Voivode will issue the work permit, at which point the applicant may begin undertaking employment

1. Labour market test carried out by employer

Employers must carry out a labour market test to acquire information about the circumstances surrounding employment in the local labour market. This test must confirm that there are no eligible Polish or EU nationals who could be employed in a given position.

The process is as follows:

1. Employers submit notification of vacancy to the County Labour Office.

2. The Labour Office then analyses the records of all unemployed people and job seekers

3. If the analysis determines that there are sufficient persons meeting the job requirements, the Labour Office will undertake its own recruitment amongst these individuals.

4. Remuneration proposed by the employer is compared to the remuneration that could be obtained in the same or similar position for similar work by the Labour office. These sums must be similar

5. The County Commissioner will issue the relevant decision.

6. If appropriate, the governor will issue the decision to the employer who is then able to apply for a work permit and temporary residence permit on behalf of the foreigner.

The labour market test does not need to be carried out in the following circumstances:

The work is included in the list of occupations which are in great demand – these are specified by the local Voivode
A work permit is being extended for the same foreigner for the same job
The foreigner is a citizen of a country bordering Poland or with which Poland works cooperatively on labour immigration, with the intention of working as a domestic worker or caregiver, OR performed work with the same entity for the last 3 months minimum with the intention of the job being entrusted to them
The foreigner is undertaking employment within a domestic household.

Fees: Varies based on the Voivodship

Time:

If nobody can be recruited from the Polish unemployed and job seekers, within 14 days
If recruitment amongst those registered with the Labour Office is possibly, within 21 days

2. Employer begins application form for foreigner’s work permit

Employees may only receive work permits provided the following conditions are satisfied:

The conditions of employment are equally, or more, favourable under the provisions of the Labour Code and other employment regulations
Remuneration is not lower than the average monthly wage by more than 30% – this information is provided by the Voivodship Office
Documentation proving the above are provided

The employer must submit a completed application form along with the following documents:

Up-to-date records of economic activity and an extract from the National Court Register to confirm the employer’s legal status
A company deed or company establishment notarial deeds, if the employer is a limited liability company or joint stock company respectively
Proof that the applicant has health insurance
Copies of the passport pages containing travel data for the applicant
A copy of a statement of profit or loss incurred by the employer
A copy of a contract pursuant to which a service is provided in Poland
Proof of payment of application fees

The relevant forms can be found at the website of the Department of Civil Affairs and Foreigners of Malopolska Regional Office.

3. Other obligations of the employer

Aside from completing the application form for the foreigner, the employer must also:

Inform the foreign about the steps required to issue a work permit and any other events which may affect this procedure
Exercise due diligence in the procedure for issuing and extending the validity of the work permit
Implement the conditions of the contract with the foreigner which are set forth in the work permit application. This contract must be in writing and if necessary, translated into a language which the applicant can comprehend before being signing
Inform the Voivode about the foreigner failing to undertake work within 3 months of the work permit commencement, or completion of work more than 3 months before its expiry, or any changes in the foreigner’s job duties

If employers do not comply with these duties and are found to be in breach, they must immediately rectify their mistake, otherwise risk penalties of between PLN 3,000 and PLN 5,000.

Time: The entire process generally 3-4 weeks for approval, but may extend to up to 8 weeks.

Fees:

- PLN 50– in the case of application for a work permit for a period of up to 3 months,
- PLN 100– in the case of application for a work permit for a period of more than 3 months,
- PLN 200– in the case of D-type application (for an employee delegated for the purpose of providing an export service)

Once the work permit is issued, one copy is retained by the Voivodship Office, and two are transferred to the employer, who is required to issue one copy to the foreigner.

4. Work permit is issued

The employee may commence work if a work permit is successfully issued.

Use the AtoZ Serwis Plus Employer of Record Solution

It takes around 10-12 weeks to secure a Work Permit in Poland.

The processing costs are around €3000 through AtoZ Serwis Plus’s local partner.

Documentation required (Employee): Copy of the personal pages of the applicant’s passport, CV, passport photos, copies of degree/diploma/professional certificates and copies of professional references (may need to be notarized/apostilled depending on nationality). All documents need to be translated into Polish. Client will also need to provide a detailed job description in both English and Polish.

The process for obtaining a Work Permit for Poland once the above documents are received is as follows:

AtoZ Serwis Plus’s local partner and the employee sign a local employment contract (labour contract).
Position is advertised for 2 weeks.
Application is then lodged with Polish Immigration in the country of origin of the applicant.
Once the application is approved, candidate can then enter Poland to commence their assignment.

Poland LLC / Limited Liability Company Formation and Benefits

A Poland LLC / Limited Liability Company is the most common method for an investment platform in Poland. As a separate legal entity, the Polish LLC is liable for its legal obligations, debts, loans, and judicial court judgments. The shareholders liability is limited to their contribution of the share capital. Foreigners can own 100% of the shares in a LLC.

The law which governs Polish LLC’s is the Polish Companies Code.

Background

Poland is officially called the “Republic of Poland” and is located in Eastern Europe and is a member of the European Union (EU).

Its political system is a unitary parliamentary republic with a President, Prime Minister, and an Upper and Lower House National Assembly.

Benefits

A Poland Limited Liability Company (LLC) has the following benefits:

• 100% Foreign Ownership: Foreigners can own 100% of the shares in a Polish LLC.

• Limited Liability: Shareholders’ liabilities are limited to their capital investment.

• One Shareholder: The minimum number of shareholders is one to form a LLC in Poland.

• One Director: Only a minimum of one director is required to form the LLC.

• Low Minimum Share Capital: The required minimum share capital is low.

Limited Liability Company

This is the most popular type of business set up by foreigners in Poland, and are intended for larger business ventures. Shareholders are only liable to the amount of share capital they hold.

To establish a company, share capital of PLN 50,000 is required.

In addition, it is necessary for the new company to obtain a REGON (statistical number), NIP (tax identification number) and register for VAT payment.

Steps Required:

Partnership must be entered in the Polish Court Register
Obtain Certificate of Approval,
Post- Registration Procedures.

Time: 4 months

The steps to set up a company are as follows:

1. Execution of articles of association, which may be performed by an attorney. The following documents must be included:

The business name and company’s registered office
The purpose of the Company’s activities, as set forth in the Polish Classification of Activities
If the company is established for a definite duration of a time, the duration of the company
The amount of share capital, at a minimum of PLN 50,000
A provision as to whether a shareholder is allowed to hold more than one share
The number of shares and nominal value subscribed for by each shareholder

It is recommended that the articles of association include information detailing what would happen if there was an increase in share capital, changes to the board of directors, additional contributions, dividends, and/or actions that require shareholder approval.

2. A Polish bank account must then be opened.

3. Contributions covering the entire company’s share capital should be paid to this new bank account.

4. An application to register the company with the Polish Court Register is then made. The following must be included:

Motion for the REGON statistical number issued by the Central Statistics Office
The application for the company’s registration with the Social Insurance Institution, agreeing to make the required payments, and
The application containing the NIP tax number and relevant taxation offices.

5. The company’s management board is appointed.

6. The company is entered into the commercial register.

All of the above documents must be submitted in Polish, and therefore, if the applicant is not a Polish language native a registered translator must be appointed to translate the documents into Polish. If the signatories to the deed do not speak Polish, their signing must be in the presence of a sworn translator.

A company is able to operate as a “company in organisation” for up to six months before filing for registration and can make valid contracts. However, its activities can theoretically be impeded until it becomes a proper company.

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If you’re citizen of non-European countries, you could enter Poland with biometric passport (if your country is on a list of countries, whose citizens are exempted from a visa requirement when entering Schengen Area) or with valid visa:

Schengen visa (marked with the symbol C) - entitles you to stay on the territory of the Schengen Zone (including Poland) up to 90 days within each 180-day period;
National visa (long-term visa; marked with the symbol D) - entitles you to entry and continuous stay on the territory of Poland or several consecutive stays lasting for a total of more than 90 days; the period of validity of a national visa may not exceed 1 year.

We offer you our help in preparing check-list of the documents, which will be needed to obtain visa, fulfillingthe visa application and booking an appointment in the Polish Embassy to submit the documets.

To obtain a work visa, you need a document that will confirm your intention to work in Poland. There are some documents, which could confirm that your purpose of stay in Poland is work.:

The seasonal work permit (type S) – for foreigners who intend to perform the so-called seasonal work (e.g. work in tourism, gardening, agriculture, etc.) for a period not exceeding 9 months;
Work permits (all types: A, B, C, D, E) – are issued for a maximum period of 3 years (an exception is a type B work permit - it may also be issued for a maximum period of 5 years);
The declaration on entrusting performance of work to the foreigner (applies to the citizens of: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia) - this document legalizes work of a foreigner who is a citizen of one of the abovementioned countries for a period not exceeding 6 months in the next 12 months.

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If you came to Poland on the basis of visa or under the visa-free traffic, the most common solution for prolonging your stay in Poland is to apply for the temporary residence permit .

We offer our assistance in obtaining any type of temporary residence permit. The maximum period of validity of a temporary residence permit is 3 years. The type of the temporary residence permit depends on your purpose of stay in Poland:

Temporary residence and work permits – for foreigners whose purpose of stay in Poland is work for a specific employer;
Temporary residence permits due to seasonal work – for foreigners who stay in Poland in connection with the performance of seasonal work and wants to extend their legal stay;
Temporary residence permits for the purposes of highly qualified employment (the so-called Blue Card) – for foreigners who intend to work in the so-called profession requiring high qualifications (e.g. engineer);
Temporary residence permit for seconded foreigners – for foreigners who are delegated to work in Poland by a foreign entity;
Temporary residence permits for the purposes of conducting business activity – for foreigners who conduct business in Poland;
Temporary residence permits for students and graduates – for foreigners studying in Poland on full-time studies as well as for foreigners who are graduates of Polish universities who are looking for a job after graduation;
Temporary residence permits for researchers and scientists – for foreigners who are scientists and conduct research in a research unit in Poland or look for a job after their completion;
Temporary residence permits for trainees and volunteers – for foreigners whose purpose of stay in Poland is completion of an internship in an approved unit or participation in the European voluntary service;
Temporary residence permits due to other circumstances – for foreigners whose stay in Poland is justified by other circumstances, e.g.: short-term stay, continuation of education, stay with family, etc.;
Temporary residence permit for foreigners who are victims of human trafficking (including assistance in procedures aimed at confirming the fact of being a victim of human trafficking).

The other option to legalize your stay in Poland after your visa, visa-free traffic or current temporary residence card expire is to apply for the permanent residence permit .

The permanent residence permit is issued for an indefinite period, which means that a permanent residence permit entitles a foreigner to an indefinite stay in Poland, without having to apply for further residence permits in the future. There are 2 types of permanent residence permit:

Long-term resident's EU residence permit – for foreigners residing in Poland for over 5 years who want to obtain the right to stay indefinitely in Poland;
Permanent residence permit – for foreigners who want to obtain a permanent residence permit, which entitles to an indefinite stay in Poland (applies to among others: a minor child of a Polish citizen, a minor child of a foreigner who has been granted a permanent residence permit or a long-term resident's EU residence permit, spouse of a Polish citizen, person of Polish origin, holder of a valid Pole's Card).

We could also help you in getting Polish citizenship.

If you are a foreigner living in Poland on the basis of a residence permit and you want to acquire Polish citizenship, you can do so by:

Granting Polish citizenship by the President of Poland – the decisions of the President of Poland is discretionary, do not require justification and are not subject to appeal;
Recognition as a Polish citizen – it refers to foreigners, who want to acquire Polish citizenship by way of recognition by the appropriate Voivode and meet the special requirements (e.g. stay in Poland continuously for at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit).

Extra services:

We can also help you with obtaining:

temporary address registration;
PESEL / NIP numbers;
certificate of non-taxation.

If you want to open a business in Poland or you already run a company in Poland, we can offer our assistance in all formalities related to conducting business activities:

registration / suspension / termination of a business activity;
business and investment consultancy;
account keeping;
renting you a virtual office;
reviews and examination of financial reports;
tax consultancy.

You can also count on our help with purchase or sale of a real estate.

You are an Employer and you Employ Foreigners

We offer comprehensive assistance in all formalities necessary for employers employing or intending to employ foreigners, i.a.:

Assistance in legalizing work and /or stay of foreigners in Poland – we obtain all kinds of work permits (seasonal work permit – type S; work permits – all types: A, B, C, D, E; declaration on entrusting performance of work to the foreigner), as well as residence permits and visas for foreigners, who are already in Poland as well as outside Poland;
Preparation of standard contracts and employee documents due to the Labor Law and Immigration Law;
Advice on storage of documents of employed foreign workers (the documents which employer is obligated to have in workers’ records);
Assistance in contacts with the National Labor Inspection - we help employers employing foreigners to prepare for a positive results of control of the legality of employment of foreigners as well as at the employer's request we can also participate in such inspections;
Audit - we conduct audits regarding the legality of employment and stay of foreigners in Poland;
Posting of foreigners - we provide all services related to the posting of foreigners to work in Poland (i.a. we mediate in contacts with the State Labor Inspection; we prepare notifications regarding the commencement of work by a foreigner in Poland as part of delegation etc.)
Relocation services – we provide relocation services to the foreigners who intend settle in Poland.

Also we offer our clients training courses addressed to the companies and HR specialists concerningterms of legal employment of foreigners.

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New clearing abstracts launched on Thursday demonstrate principal raise within the number of Indians accepted pupil visas, British allegiance and assignment-related visas – however also reveal that Indians precise the checklist these returning voluntarily to their domestic countries.

India is now essentially the most normal non-UK country of birth of British citizens ,, displacing Poland ,, which topped the record due to the fact that , the abstracts from the home office and the workplace for national facts for the months catastrophe march demonstrate.

The good non-ecu nationalities being accepted British citizenship right through the months were Indian ,, Pakistani , and Nigerian , nationals. The largest variety of recorded autonomous returns turned into of Indian nationals ,, or % of the full.

The figures exhibit a % jump within the variety of student visas issued to Indians: forty nine,; compared to , in the yr catastrophe march . despite the fact, as a result of the coronavirus communicable, it is uncertain what number of of these students will flip up back the educational year begins in September-October.

The % upward push is the largest number of offers to Indian college students considering that the year catastrophe September , the home workplace stated.

chinese language , and Indian , nationals collectively accounted for simply under half % of all traveler visas granted throughout the yr. besides, Indian nationals record for % of all tier work-linked visas granted, the variety of promises expanding by three% to fifty eight,.

Of the nationalities that generally claim cover within the UK, Libyans % and Syrians % typically have high supply costs, whereas nationals of India %, china % and Bangladesh % usually have low supply fees, the domestic office stated.

In figures displaying addendum of visas considerations too Indians figured acutely. the majority % had been extensions in professional tier assignment classes. Indian nationals had been accepted the optimum variety of all work-linked extensions all through the year: forty three% of the whole, reflecting the larger percentage of bank visas issued to Indian nationals.

there have been ,, family-linked offers of acceptance extensions within the months catastrophe march , an % boost compared to the old yr. Pakistani, Nigerian and Indian nationals narrative for two in five % household-linked extensions accepted over the year.

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for the time being, or not it s problematic, however we are activity because there are no jobs in Ukraine for americans of our age, says Oksana Furman from the metropolis of Khmelnytskyi.

She and her husband, Serhiy, who re and , appropriately, had managed to get brightness work visas in aboriginal march just before the arising authority become closed.

That skill brightness bound agents will doubtless let them through, even though the brace will again need to go into self-quarantine for canicule. They intend to use these weeks in a hostel close Warsaw. An application agency helped discover the lodging, but they re going to ought to pay for it themselves.

adding within the expenses of food, the quarantine will cost the couple at the least zloty about €a hundred seventy five; $one hundred ninety, Oksana estimated. it is a lot of money for a clothier and a truck disciplinarian from Khmelnytskyi. but working closing year in a polish manufacturing facility that bogus tv sets, Oksana and Serhiy earned the equivalent of € a ages. To be capable of work in Poland once again, they are saying they are organized to employ cash and overcome the limitations of their route, We achievement to be capable of go away, anything the charge.

: DHL s Ukrainian temps journey the darkish side of Christmas

The laborious go back and forth to Poland

Measures to barrier the unfold of the coronavirus pandemic make the shuttle to Poland a tough one for Oksana and Serhiy. ities accept quickly banned buses from crossing the border, and with out a car of their own, the Furmans will should seek other options.

The Furmans observed they see no choice to touring to Poland despite the quarantine claim

trips to the Ukrainian-polish border are actuality offered in minibusses — despite the ban — for the equivalent of €. One grownup providing this service on warm media says that cartage who have,arrested in via phone are picked up at Kyiv s leading instruct station. whereas alignment select-up is effortless, the trips all conclusion on the Ukrainian facet of the border due to the fact the busses are not allowed in Poland.

The brightness govt has additionally banned bridge the border taking walks, so the brace must discover a automobile a good way to force them over the bound.

One provider of bus transfers to the border gave assurances it would not be an issue to enter Poland and could be geared up correct on the bound.

but, he added, that form of provider would not come low-cost. The commute of about one hundred fifty meters toes to a waiting brightness bus would charge around €.

Such a visit is anything however secure, as cozy break strategies can not be adhered to, exceptionally when people are sitting awkward together in minibusses.

read extra: Germany faces scarcity of health affliction laborers from Poland

option avenue by the use of Belarus

one more choice is to shuttle to the european by means of Belarus, which continues to be ignoring the pandemic.

not like Ukraine, Belarusian authorities have not bankrupt the bound to foreigners, and americans who can display they handiest intend to transit throughout the country are accustomed to trip on.

Some Ukrainians who want to work overseas go back and forth first to the airport in Minsk to board probably the most flights to a number of eu international locations that haven t canceled air site visitors with Belarus, such because the Czech Republic and Finland.

To get to the airport in the Belarusian capital, the Ukrainians again ascend aboard minibusses. in accordance with one bus driver, there are two trips a day starting from Kyiv.

daaeccfeecaefed,We pick the americans to the bound, and that they power on from there in a Belarusian bus that has been waiting for them, he says.

One of those journeys expenses €. the motive force says travelers don t need to concern that they ll accept complications as a result of actionable communicable defense rules. He says the buses had been running. considering that the first day of the apprehension, including: we have by no means been stopped, acknowledge God. however our boss turned into a militiaman, so we re now not scared.

call for particular flights

however Tetyana Bugakova, who runs the business,assignment Garant, an company for jobs principally in Poland, says there are not at present abounding Ukrainians touring out of the country for work.

daaeccfeecaefed,before the communicable, melancholia people were in a position to foul the bound as tourists, find a job and get a working allow, she says, including that her company has alone by using greater than two-thirds. Now, she explains, overseas laborers first need to prove they have got lodging and show a working visa or allow.

many of the Ukrainians who have the necessary files choose now not to prompt, deterred by using both-anniversary quarantine and the complicated adventure.

The Ukrainian government could abridge the experience if it helped administration by way of offering quick special flights to move melancholia laborers, Bugakova says.

daaeccfeecaefed,it s a pretty good issue if employers want to pay charter aircraft, she says, as the laborers could then travel in plenty more advantageous consolation and won t have to spend two canicule on the highway.

The govt in Kyiv says it s discussing special flights for Ukrainian laborers with a few ecu countries.

Vadym Prystaiko, the agent prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic affiliation, observed at first of might also that several hundred flights were beneath consideration. up to now, despite the fact, only a few accountant aircraft have taken off from Kyiv destined the ecu — leaving best Ukrainians to lodge to unlawful trips on minibusses.

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The Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun (NCU) was established in 1945 and today stands as one of Poland’s largest higher education institutions. It is named after Renaissance mathematician and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who was born in the city of Torun in northern Poland.

Today, almost 30,000 students are enrolled at NCU. Comprised of 16 faculties offering courses in 80 different fields of study at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral level, the university has grown significantly in recent years. Most of the faculties are located at the Torun Campus, although a lot of the medical facilities are located at the university’s second campus in the nearby city of Bydgoszcz.

International relations remain central to the NCU philosophy and along with the Erasmus programme, the university has established bilateral agreements with institutions all over the world. Individual departments also establish their own international partnerships, and the Faculty of Economics having worked extensively with universities in France, while the History department has collaborated with a Moscow University.

Some of the research facilities at NCU are considered to be among the best in Poland. The Centre for Astronomy is home to a 32-metre radio telescope, and among the university’s alumni are astronomers Maciej Konacki and Aleksander Wolszczan.

Other notable former students of NCU include the poet Zbigniew Herbert and ethnographer Jan Rompsczi. The former head of the Polish Intelligence Agency Zbigniew Nowek, and the CEO of railway manufacturer PESA, Tomasz Zaboklicki, also studied there.

soccer-in-poland-targets-new-fans-online-in-may-restart

With soccer fans around the world hungry for live games to watch, the Ekstraklasa in Poland is ready to show them.

Germany will lead Europe’s top-ranked leagues to restart on Saturday after the shutdown, and Poland is set to follow on May 29 with a streaming service to reach new viewers as part of an ambitious digital strategy.

The global attention on games in South Korea this month suggests a demand for soccer that returns to play safely during the pandemic.

A successful restart in Poland would also keep it on track to host the Europa League final in Gdansk. It was scheduled for May 27 and UEFA hopes for a late-August date.

Ekstraklasa president Marcin Animucki told the Associated Press he had interest from Germany, Italy, Portugal and parts of Asia to broadcast the 11 rounds of games remaining.

Curious viewers can also join more than 150,000 registered users — mostly exiled Poles in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States — of the Ekstraklasa’s new online platform screening games.

“All we need now is live matches from the stadia,” Animucki said in a telephone interview from Warsaw.

A plan to reach fans on devices that suit them is key for any league competing for attention with big-market rivals and their slew of international broadcast deals.

Ekstraklasa has a YouTube channel showing game highlights, and an OTT (over-the-top) streaming service that is geoblocked only in the Balkans and at home, where the league has its richest-ever deal with a pay-TV broadcaster and state-run TVP.

“In the other international territories we are ready to provide two matches per weekend to TV broadcasters,” Animucki said.

On restart weekend, the headline match is league leader Legia Warsaw’s visit to Lech Poznan, the former club of Poland and Bayern Munich star striker Robert Lewandowski.

The league was shut down in mid-March after Legia lost at home to second-placed Piast Gliwice, the defending champion.

Clubs have had no revenue since, Animucki said. Completing the season earns the final 25% instalment from broadcast deals, which should share at least $53 million among the 16 teams.

“We are saving workplaces for plenty of people,” he said, noting 100,000 workers in Poland are connected to sports industries.

Official statistics suggest Poland has coped well in the pandemic. The nation of 38 million people had 883 known deaths linked to COVID-19 by Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

On April 25, Poland’s government approved soccer returning to play games in empty stadiums.

“I think we were the first league to have government permission to play. We sent a good signal to the other leagues,” said Animucki, who works closely with the Bundesliga in neighboring Germany.

Each of the 16 Ekstraklasa clubs had 50 key staff isolated at home before all were tested for COVID-19. The one positive test was not a player.

Each team will now play in its own stadium, where an inner area — branded “zone zero” — is restricted to those who were tested. Other people attending, such as media, must wear face masks.

No ball kids will surround the field. Instead, 24 disinfected balls are prepared and positioned to allow play to restart quickly.

The 11 rounds left — four in the regular season, seven in each of the eight-team championship and relegation groups — should finish on July 19. Pre-pandemic, that would be the opening weekend of next season.

Animucki suggested the next Ekstraklasa could begin on Aug. 16 and get ahead of the Europa final that would be technically part of the previous season.

One scenario UEFA has had to consider, if international travel proves too restrictive, is completing the Champions League and Europa League as mini-tournaments in a single country. Both competitions stalled in the last-16 round.

“It would be great to have the possibility to produce the games for UEFA,” Animucki acknowledged.

First, his league must follow the Bundesliga’s example: “We can learn. We will see how the restrictions are going and what has to be implemented.”

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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may , | :

while many colleges are disturbing to determine what the starting of the brand new tutorial year will appear to be, a couple of have made accessible schedules for the next semester that already sage for an extra beachcomber of COVID- infections in the abatement, which epidemiologists accept noted is more or less inevitable.

The colleges that have fabricated affairs looking ahead to the next wave of infection have appointed one or a combination of measures that include opening earlier than usual — or in one case, later than typical — for the fall; foregoing or abridgement the autumn damage; catastrophe in-grownup courses at thanksgiving and relocating to faraway instruction afterwards; and even altering the bounce division.

The intention is to reduce mass shuttle right through the short abatement smash and then a return to campus after, which could lead to a spike in infections. associations need to eliminate in-person interactions after the approbation spoil for a similar purpose.

a few public health consultants have talked about a whole new set of COVID- infections can be anticipated within the abatement and iciness. Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the centers for disease manage and prevention CDC, advised the fiscal instances this anniversary that he is concerned a couple of second wave within the arctic hemisphere, which he sees on the conclusion of . “We’ve considered facts that the concerns it could go south within the southern hemisphere like flu are advancing actual, and you’re seeing what’s going on in Brazil now,” Redfield said. “and then back the southern hemisphere is over, i suspect it will reground itself in the arctic.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key affiliate of the admiral’s coronavirus project force, has announced similarly.

“I’m practically definite it is going to come returned, because the virus is so catching and it’s globally spread,” said Fauci all over an economic membership of Washington webinar backward final month, said The hill and other publications.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Greg Poland, a assistant of drugs and infectious illnesses at the Mayo hospital, talked about COVID- will probably comply with the sample of earlier coronaviruses that height in the iciness months, stated CNN. “frequently, not at all times … often the second wave of a virus is worse,” Poland referred to.

The tuition of South Carolina on Sunday announced tweaks to its faculty reopening affairs conserving in mind what epidemiologists are saying about a different wave of COVID-. The institution, which has a little over , students, will reopen for classes Aug. ; abolish the Oct. -sixteen fall smash; end contiguous guide Nov. before the approbation smash; resume guide but remotely after the smash; and hold far off exams in December. The university’s semester ends Dec. .

“… the public health risks associated with thousands of students and college abiding to campus after fall break campaign can be huge for the campus and Columbia communities and could jeopardize the continuation of the division,” wrote the tuition’s president, Bob Caslen, in a bulletin to the group on may additionally . “I realize that students and school look ahead to getting away and recharging within the center of the semester, and i respect that lots of you are not blissful with the determination to abolish fall damage.”

The institution canceled fall destroy to ensure no scholar campaign and returns infected, and it determined to reside faraway afterwards its -day thanksgiving break for the same purpose, notably as epidemiologists warn about multiplied infections within the winter.

“… our highest quality latest modelling predicts a fasten in cases of COVID- at first of December, which additionally will probably accompany with common flu season,” Caslen observed.

Bob Caslen

The tuition hasn’t about introduced what it affairs to do afterwards the December damage.

in the meantime, the college of Notre amazon spoke of on Monday that it is catastrophe its abatement division at thanksgiving, but to make up for guide canicule lost, it is not best abandoning abatement destroy, it s going to additionally commence the semester two weeks aboriginal, on Aug. instead of Aug. . The Indiana-based tuition, which has a little over , students, consulted with a crew of medical experts from the Cleveland health center and members of a few associations’ communicable disorder departments, including canton fitness officers.

“Bringing our students lower back is in impact accumulating a small metropolis of americans from abounding materials of the nation and the area, who may additionally bring with them pathogens to which they have been exposed. We respect the challenge, however we trust it s one we will meet,” stated Rev. John Jenkins, president of Notre amazon, in a bulletin to the campus community.

Jenkins also said the Indiana-primarily based school will “alter affairs should a serious beginning occur.”

in a similar fashion, Creighton tuition will also initiate its fall term sooner than commonplace, starting Aug. , and should abolish abatement ruin. and since of “considerations about a d beachcomber of the virus all the way through the typical starting of the flu division in backward November or December,” the Omaha, Nebraska-based school will finished best in-adult, on-campus studying for the division by using Nov. , the day before approbation.

Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson

Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, Creighton’s admiral, spoke of in an announcement that it’s critical to be aware “we might be bendy and adjustable in our planning and resolution-making, as we proceed to monitor and reply to international, country wide, accompaniment, and native accessible health situations, techniques, and instructions.”

On Tuesday, when asserting similar plans, the tuition of Portland additionally said its plans aren’t set in bean.

“there are many variables nonetheless past our handle, including directives from local, state, and country wide fitness authorities that could doubtlessly cause us to rethink our affairs,” observed Rev. Mark L. Poorman, the tuition’s admiral, in a press release.

The institution of Portland introduced it s canceling abatement smash and ending in-adult guide through Wednesday Nov. , forward of approbation. students received’t return to campus after the approbation wreck and assessments Nov. -Dec. three might be held online.

Regis and Rice universities accept announced equivalent abbreviated fall plans.

meanwhile, Marquette tuition has announced tentative plans for spring as neatly. moreover catastrophe the fall division earlier than thanksgiving and moving tests online, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based institution, which has close to , students, mentioned it will begin the bounce division a week later than usual, on Jan. , “to maximise the amount of time college students are far from campus and out of residence halls,” and in case some college students deserve to stay home best as a result of COVID--linked emergencies.

It, too, included a caveat in its advertisement, about affairs being discipline to change.

“As we shared remaining ages, any of our plans may wish to trade based on govt and medical authentic instructions, so we ask on your persevered endurance and flexibility,” said Dr. Kimo Ah Yun,

Dr. Kimo Ah Yun

provost and govt vp for educational diplomacy at Marquette, in a press release. “If future counsel requires a special action, be guaranteed that the safeguard of our college students, school and group of workers may be probably the most essential aspect in our selections.”

nevertheless, abounding institutions which have stated they re going to begin as average for the fall, with in-person instruction and as residential campuses. most colleges cited they will convention defense protocols together with break in classes and in dorms. Others accept talked about they re going to inaugurate but area to their state’s govt orders, leaving them some convulse allowance. And yet others have planned for a amalgam mannequin, it really is, a combination of in-person and faraway guideline. again there’s the California accompaniment college gadget, which categorically referred to it will, for the most, half stay online throughout the abatement. California community colleges indicated it could well do the identical.

but affairs can alternate, be adapted, or tweaked on a dime, during this age of uncertainty.

recall the case of Purdue university. The Indiana-based mostly establishment, with forty three, college students, announced as early as April that it would reopen as normal in the fall, bidding even admiral Donald Trump to laud its determination. The school mentioned ultimate ages it s “decided not to surrender helplessly” to difficulties created through the pandemic.

On may , though, the institution stated it ll get rid of the fall break, conclusion in-adult guide with the aid of thanksgiving and proceed the relaxation of the semester remotely.

“This turned into accomplished to reduce the accumulation avenue and acknowledgment of scholars these break created,” spoke of Dr. Jay T. Akridge, Purdue’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, in a statement.

meanwhile, at least one establishment, Ithaca faculty, is planning to initiate the autumn division later than general, on Oct. , saying it is taking greater time to prepare a safer campus and competent a extra positive academic journey.

“As time passes, i do know that other institutions and colleges can also announce that they re planning to open the autumn semester ahead of we re,” said Dr. Shirley M. Collado, Ithaca’s president, in an announcement. “however via placing a pale within the floor — at the moment — for an October initiate at Ithaca faculty, we are intentionally offering imperative time for each person to plan, prepare, and thoughtfully adjust toward a standard purpose as this public fitness crisis continues to adapt.”

Dr. Shirley M. Collado

Collado additionally referred to the plan to start the ny college later has been recommended with the aid of techniques from several countrywide and accompaniment corporations, including the CDC; the country wide association of impartial faculties and Universities; the American council on education; the fee on unbiased schools and Universities of big apple; and the big apple forward Re-opening advising lath and its Restart Plan for bigger training assignment drive.

while Trump has referred to he wants everybody to return to colleges and universities in the abatement, some public health experts and lecturers aren’t on lath with the thought.

At a assembly listening to on may additionally , Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander R asked Fauci to seem to be three months ahead and focus on what he foresees when it comes to a treatment or a vaccine for COVID-.

“What would you say to the adjudicator of the school of Tennessee Knoxville or the primary of the general public faculty about a way to actuate folks and students a way to return to college in august?” requested Alexander.

Fauci’s retort: “i would be very useful with the chancellor and inform her that in this case, that the concept of having cures obtainable, or a vaccine, to facilitate the reentry of students into the autumn term would be anything of just a little of a arch too some distance.”

in the meantime, Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, admiral of Paul Quinn faculty, an traditionally black institution, said faculties and universities are “deluding themselves” about getting college students again to campuses in the abatement amid the COVID- pandemic.

Dr. Michael J. Sorrell

In a might also article in the Atlantic, Sorrell spoke of higher training associations “are letting their fiscal and reputational issues billow their judgment” about when it is secure to reopen campuses like common.

“… speeding to reopen our society and our schools is a aberration in an effort to ultimately influence in tons of of hundreds of citizens falling ailing and worse,” wrote Sorrell. “during this atmosphere, we face sparkling questions about larger training’s enterprise model, charge, and lengthy-time period possibilities — and about whom higher schooling in the end serves. will we serve the students and families who appear at our doorways each fall crammed with achievement and faith? Or does self-maintenance appear first?”

warsaws-start-air-chopin-live-shows-circulate-on-line-due-to-coronavirus

WARSAW Reuters - enthusiasts of Frederic Chopin’s song who continually army to a significant Warsaw esplanade on Sundays for originate-air concerts will need to go online this season to listen to the account performances because of restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Pianist Karol Radziwonowicz plays Chopin s concert all over recording for online unlock, amid the beginning of the coronavirus disease COVID- in Warsaw, might also , . picture taken might also , . Radoslaw ZawadzkiStoleczna Estradaadvertisement by the use of REUTERS consideration EDITORS - THIS picture HAS BEEN supplied via a third birthday party.

The concert events are a key experience within the brightness basic’s summer season cultural calendar, with performers serenading residents in the dependent surroundings of the aristocratic Lazienki esplanade with concertos, nocturnes and other masterworks by using the great adventurous artisan.

but for the first time in more than six a long time, the green square dotted with benches near a bronze of Chopin had best pre-recorded music pouring from loud speakers on Sunday, when in keeping with subculture the first out of doors concert of the season had been because of begin.

Chopin fanatics who failed to appear to the park might also go onto YouTube here to listen to the primary live performance, that includes polish pianist Karol Radziwonowicz, which had been pre-recorded within the park s Orangery.

The decision to livestream the concerts, because of the the constraints on public gatherings, became abashing, spoke of Andrzej Matusiak, director of Stoleczna Estrada, the group that organizes the annual adventure.

“The live shows we recorded took place without the general public. It become weird, it became surprising, for us and for the pianists. They were enjoying and there was no audience, no applause at the conclusion,” stated Matusiak.

revered composer

The Sunday outdoor concert events begun in in honour of a composer whose music is deeply angry up with brightness country wide id. The Chopin bronze, erected in , was blown up by means of the Nazis in all over their barbarous activity of Poland and its about-face was a reaffirmation of countrywide delight.

“The bronze is some thing angelic for us, it s our country wide treasure,” talked about Teresa Poniemierska, a regular frequenter of the start air concerts who was out for a airing within the park on Sunday.

She accustomed the decision to livestream the concerts in view of the latest lockdown restrictions, asserting they would provide Chopin tune fanatics “some satisfaction”.

“no person can think about that, afterwards years, we won’t have Chopin’s music in Warsaw in can also,” Matusiak said.

The inaugurate-air concerts run from may until September. It is still unclear when Warsaw will lift its ban on public gatherings, even though Matusiak said he hoped it could be earlier than September to enable the resumption of the concerts in the esplanade.

Poland, a nation of actor individuals, has up to now stated , demonstrated coronavirus circumstances, together with deaths.

advertisement via Joanna Plucinska and Kacper Pempel; enhancing through Gareth Jones

Step 1: visa

If you come from the European Union, you can skip this part. You may also be a native of a country where visas are not required to visit Poland for a short period of time (learn here who needs a visa to Poland). However, if you come from a country outside the EU or with no particular ties to Poland, it will be necessary to obtain a visa.

Step 2: application prep

Students who made up their mind and decided to go on with their education in Poland, can start thinking about extending their legal stay here. Even if your visa is still valid for a long time, even a few months, start gathering the documents necessary for getting your temporary residence permit. For students, these would include:

application form;
certificate of admission to university in Poland
proof of paying all required tuitions and fees;
proof of health insurance;
possession of necessary funds to support oneself in Poland (at least PLN 543 per month for as long as you intend to stay here);
possession of necessary funds to cover travel expenses back to home country if necessary (PLN 200 for a neighbouring country citizen; PLN 500 for a citizen of other EU country; PLN 2,500 for other citizens);
proof of accommodation (e.g. rental contract, dorm admission, hotel booking).

Step 3: application filing

Application forms along with the necessary documents should be filed to your relevant Voivodeship Office, Department for Foreigners. Now you can await your decision, which may take up to a few months due to increased interest in relocation to Poland.

What if my visa expires?

Do not worry; while filing your residence application, you will receive a stamp in your passport indicating that your application was complete and now you are awaiting decision. Now, even if your visa or previous residence card expires, you will be able to stay in Poland legally. Leaving the country however may result in not being able to get back without a valid visa or residence permit.

What is my permit’s validity period?

Your first permit will be issued for a period of 15 months. If, however, your documents indicate that your stay is required for a shorter period of time, the residence card will be issued for the length of a given academic year, plus extra three months. Next temporary residence cards will be issued for a standard period of time, so up to three years.

What about employees & businessmen?

Students who are employed or own a business in Poland should apply for a temporary residence permit on the grounds of employment or business activity respectively, not education.

What if I stop studying?

Your university will inform the relevant Voivodeship Office about the fact, which as a result may deem your residence card invalid. If you want to stay in Poland in such circumstances, you’d better contact the office and present another compelling reason for the continuation of your stay here!

An invitation is a form of a legal document confirming that the inviting party is willing to take care of a foreigner coming to Poland. What does this guardianship involve? How are such invitations useful for people coming to Poland? Read below.

Get invited

Invitations show the inviting party’s readiness to cover potential costs incurred by the foreigner’s stay in Poland. These may usually include food, accommodation and travel expenses for the journey back home or to a transit country. It does not mean that the costs will have to be covered, but if the invited foreigner needs this kind of security, the inviting person will be responsible for that and their bank statement will prove that they are capable of putting their money on the table.

The period of the invitation validity is set forth by the inviting party themselves, but the legal document is valid for just 1 year from the day of its formal registration.

Invitations vs. visas

One important thing to remember is the fact that invitations do not replace visas. In fact, they serve as an aid in the course of applying for a visa. While filing documents for the latter, a foreigner needs to present some sort of financial security back-ups. When there is an invitation, the foreigner is freed from the necessity of presenting their own proof and can use data stated by the inviting person instead.

Who can invite me?

Polish citizens are not the only ones who can invite foreigners to the Republic of Poland. Other categories include:

EU nationals and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who have a residence card and reside in Poland;
Other foreigners residing in Poland for at least 5 years without interruptions on the basis of a permanent residence card or a long-term EU residence card;
A legal entity or an organisational unit without legal personality but based in Poland (a company, a non-profit organisation).

Do you want to find a job before you get to Poland?

The invitation

The invitation itself needs to be written down on paper and has to include:

Personal data of the inviting party
Personal data of the invited foreigner (and their family members if applicable)
Declaration of covering the costs incurred by the foreigner’s stay, including their medical treatment and potential expulsion from the country
Place of the foreigner’s residence in Poland
Duration of their visit
Purpose of their visit
Information about the invitation’s registration (where it was registered – usually the voivodeship’s office; and its date and number)
Signature of the inviting party.

Poland is Closer Than you Think

A European Homeland For the last thousand years, Poland was the country where cultures from the east and west of Europe made their initial contact. Poles had to defend their independence many times and they had to befriend many different nations. It is therefore easy to understand how Poland’s national character was forged, one that drives the Poles to staunchly defend their freedom at the same time showing great tolerance for others. Aiding Others If we consider certain nations, we can see that Poles have played important roles in the history of those nations in the past. In the 18th century Tadeusz KoÅ›ciuszko and Kazimierz PuÅ‚aski joined the struggle for the independence of the United States of America. More recently Ernest Malinowski built a railway line in the Peruvian Andes and BronisÅ‚aw PiÅ‚sudski is highly respected in Japan for his ethnographic work. It is not widely known that Joseph Conrad, celebrated in the world of literature, was born and educated in Poland before he set off on his adventures at sea. During the Second World War Polish mathematicians helped break the Enigma code, giving the Allies access to the military plans of the Third Reich. The Allied forces were also aided by Polish airmen who played a crucial part in the Battle for Britain.

Poland in the 21st century As a member of the European Union and the NATO Alliance, Poland plays an active part in the development of European integration. A stable democ-racy with a robust economy and monetary system – this is Poland in the third millennium

One thousand years ago, Polish Prince Boleslawthe Brave and the German Emperor Otto III met in Gniezno to sign a treaty, Poland Always in Europe the fi rst ever international agreement in this part of Europe.

A Country of Religious Tolerance

Poland has never been a place of religious wars. Even though the majority of Poles are Roman Catholics, they have always shared their country peacefully with followers of other religions. Protestants have lived in Poland for hundreds of years and contributed greatly to the nation’s culture. Prominent testimony to this peaceful coexistence is the memorial to Martin Luther in Bielsko-BiaÅ‚a or the cementery at Wschowa, with tombstones of Lutherans and Calvinists. Today, there are many Evangelical centres in southern and western Poland. In the 13th century Jews came to live in Poland. Until the Second World War they constituted the largest Jewish community in Europe. From such families as Rubinstein, Natanson, Kronenberg and Epstein came many eminent Jewish personalities in the fi elds of art, science and economy. The wealth of the Jewish culture and tradition in Poland can be seen from Tykocin and Warsaw to LeÅ¼ajsk and Lublin, from Cracow and Lesko to Bobowa. One of the major religious communities in Poland is the followers of the Eastern Orthodox faith, who have been present in south-eastern Poland for centuries. Tartars have lived in Poland for at last 600 years, preserving their cultural autonomy and Muslim faith, enjoying all the rights and privileges of Polish citizens.

Poles – Citizens of the World

He Stopped the Sun

Four hundred years ago, Nicolaus Copernicus proved mathematically that the Earth moves around the Sun and not vice-versa. This breakthrough, known as the Copernican Revolution, was the beginning of a new era in astronomy and science.

Without Violence

Solidarity leader, Lech WaÅ‚Ä™sa, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, started Central Europe on its road to freedom. In 1989 Poland regained its independence in a non-violent way. Scenes of political opponents sitting together at the ‘Round Table’ showed the world how to solve a confl ict at home and across borders in a peaceful way.

A Pilgrim of Love

Father Karol WojtyÅ‚a was an experienced trekker and a nature lover who walked even the most diffi cult of trails. After being elected Pope, he became a pilgrim of love and hope. He was respected and listened to throughout the entire world. Communing with millions was a characteristic feature of the pontifi cate of Pope John Paul II.

Music for Everyone

The Polish composer Frederick Chopin, born at Å»elazowa Wola near Warsaw, is one of the world’s greatest musicians. The sheer beauty of his work casts a spell over people across all the continents. How this is possible is a mystery that can be only explained by Chopin’s musical genius.

Castles and Palaces

The doorway to Poland’s culture is symbolically and literally marked by the sculptured bronze door in Gniezno Cathedral, a repository of relics dating back to the origins of the Polish state in the 10th century A.D.

The Heritage of All Mankind

The city of ToruÅ„, the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, has preserved its Medieval urban cityscape with defensive walls, towers and the spires of its many churches. ZamoÅ›Ä‡ attracts visitors with the beauty of its Renaissance architecture and the well restored sections of its formidable fortifi cations. Malbork possesses the world’s largest Gothic castle, once the seat of the Teutonic Order. Visitors will be impressed by the enormous size of the castle complex. The beauty of the amber collection displayed in the castle art gallery is breathtaking.

Sunlit Castles and Palaces …

On a hilltop overlooking the town of Nowy WiÅ›nicz is a castle bathed in sunlight and surrounded by fortifi cations. This is a rare example of the architectural style, palazzo in fortezza. Sunlit castles draw visitors to Baranów Sandomierski and Krasiczyn with their beautiful architecture and splendid interiors. ÅaÅ„cut, once the stately home of Polish aristocratic families, is the meeting place of the aristocracy of the operatic world at the annual festivals held there. The large collection of antique carriages on display in the ÅaÅ„cut coach house draws many people from all over ...

UNESCO Sites and Other Tourist Attractions

… and Baroque Contrasts

The Royal Palace at Wilanów in Warsaw, the Jesuit Monastery at ÅšwiÄ™ta Lipka in Masuria, and the Old Basilica at Bardo in Lower Silesia are all very different and very beautiful examples of the Baroque style in Poland.Baroque artists were often inspired by the memento mori theme. One of them used three thousand human skulls to decorate thewalls of the chapel at Czermna near Kudowa Zdrój! Incredible and true!

To the Manor Born

Manor houses, the family seats of the Polish gentry, were always furnished with objects of art and rare books. The intellectual aspirations of their residents have left an indelible mark on Polish culture. One such house is the small country house at Å»elazowa Wola where Frederick Chopin was born. The composer’s famous polonaises and mazurkas were named after old at country Fairs and rural events.

Leonardo da Vinci in Cracow

When visiting the Czartoryski Museum in Cracow, you will observe how crowds seem to gather in one place. They all come to admire the portrait of the Lady with the Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci.

Polish Sites on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List:

The Old Town in Cracow, ToruÅ„, Warsaw and ZamoÅ›Ä‡. The Salt Mine at Wieliczka. Evangelical Churches of Peace at Jawor and Åšwidnica The monastic complex at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska The Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz The Gothic castle of the Teutonic Knights at Malbork BiaÅ‚owieÅ¼a Forest (World Natural Heritage List) The wooden churches in the south MaÅ‚opolska region MuÅ¼akowski/Muskauer Landscape Park in ÅÄ™knica Centenary Hall in WrocÅ‚aw

Religious Traditions in Poland

Churches Carved in Wood

Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox wooden churches are found in the regions of MaÅ‚opolska and Podkarpacie (Carpathian Foothills) in many villages and little towns. They are unique examples of rural wooden architecture and enchant visitors with their graceful forms and beautiful interior decorations.

Pilgrim’s Progress

Roman Catholic sanctuaries are landmarks in Poland. The majority of pilgrims go to the Pauline Monastery on Jasna Góra in CzÄ™stochowa to the Blessed icon of the Black Madonna, venerated both in Poland and abroad. The followers of other faiths have their sanctuaries in many places around the country. The Eastern Orthodox at Grabarka, the Protestants at Karpacz, WisÅ‚a and Cieszyn,and the Muslims at Bohoniki and Kruszyniany.

Colourful and Mysterious

On Palm Sunday, prior to Easter, an unusual procession is held in Åyse, a village in the Kurpie region, and in Lipnica Murowana near Bochnia. Several, 25 metre-high Easter ‘palms’ can be seen soaring above the crowd. Made of wicker and wood, decorated with paper fl owers, these palms are slender but surprisingly solid. Corpus Christi processions are also representative of ancient religious and folk customs. Those held in Åowicz are especially well-known. Women’s costumes fl ash with the colours of the four seasons and the procession resembles a parade of a fi eld of fl owers.

The Salt Mine in Wieliczka

Wieliczka – Man and Nature Create a Masterpiece

Nature created the salt rock and the salt crystals and men carved them into galleries, chapels, sculptures and chandeliers, into this unique sparkling gem to stand as an equal amongst the great creations man has fashioned anywhere in the world. The Salt Mine in Wieliczka also contains an exceptional and unique museum of mining history with modern examples of equipment used as early as in the 13th century.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Brief:

Age: over 800 years old Length of galleries: over 300 kilometers Tourist route: over 2,000 meters Visitors: 700,000 per year, from all continents Unique features: underground lakes, chambers and pits, chapels and sculptures carved out of the salt rock, wooden bridges and passages Highlights: the Chapel of the Blessed Kinga, the patron of salt miners, hewn out by hand from solid salt Underground town: on several levels at depths ranging from 60 to 100 meters. The town has a sanatorium, post offi ce, cinema, restaurant, souvenir shop and concert halls

The capital of Poland is a meeting place for politicians, economists and artists of all nationalities. Warsaw’s 1.7 million inhabitants are known for their sense of humour and hard working traditions. It took them 15 years, with the help of the entire nation, to rebuild their beloved city, of which 84% was razed to the ground during the Second World War.

The scenic Old Town and its Market Square with mansard roofed houses attract artists and tourists. Here, the wine-cellars and elegant restaurants are constantly busy, but there’s always a table waiting for new guests. Warsaw’s St John’s Cathedral is the national Pantheon and not far from it is the Royal Castle which was the residence of the last Polish King. The most elegant houses in Warsaw are aligned along the Royal Route which links the three royal residences: the Royal Castle, the Åazienki Palace and Park, and the Wilanów Palace. Among the numerous neo–classical buildings located in the Royal Åazienki Park, the most impressive is the Palace on the Water, which is situated on an island surrounded by water. A particularly beautiful landmark is the Frederic Chopin Monument. Here, every Sunday in summer, the music of Frederic Chopin is played by celebrated pianists.

The Wilanów Palace is an outstanding example of the Baroque style in Poland. It belonged to King Jan III Sobieski, remembered for his victory over the Turks at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Like other great cities in Europe, Warsaw offers a great variety of entertainment: theatre performances, cabaret shows, fi lm festivals as well as concerts by famous opera soloists, pop stars and classical music performers. Poland hosts one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events which is organised every fi ve years, the Chopin International Piano Competition, as well as the International Festival of Contemporary Music, Warsaw Autumn, and the Mozart Festival.

AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow
Bialystok University of Technology
Czestochowa University of Technology
Gdansk University of Technology
Kazimierz PuÅ‚aski Technical University of Radom
Kielce University of Technology
Koszalin University of Technology
Lodz University of Technology
Lublin University of Technology
Opole University of Technology
Poznan University of Technology
Rzeszow University of Technology
Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice
Tadeusz Kosciuszko Cracow University of Technology
University of Bielsko-Biala
Warsaw University of Technology
West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin
WrocÅ‚aw University of Technology

Tuition fees and Scholarships

Full-time studies (in the Polish language) at the state Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are free for Polish students and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens (see: define your status). These include citizens of the EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka). All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees that on average are the following:

EUR 2000 per year for the first, second and long cycle studies,
EUR 3000 per year for postgraduate as well as scientific, arts, specialist and post-doctoral internships,
EUR 2000 per year for an annual preparatory Polish language course to commence studies in Polish

Fees at public and non-public HEIs are established by the institution itself under the condition that they cannot be lower than the costs of the education process. The tuition fees range from EUR 2000 to 6000 per year and depend on the institution and study program (for MBA programs: about EUR 8000-12,000 per year).

Please take note that actual fees and specific study conditions are described in the framework agreement between individual institutions or between the student and the given university.

!!! Doctoral colleges are a notable exception, as not only do they offer tuition-free education but also provide a scholarship for all doctoral candidates in a full-time programme.

ERASMUS+

Erasmus+ is the European Union (EU) programme which supports projects, partnerships, events and mobility in the areas of education, training, youth and sport. The Programme, which runs from 2014 to 2020, provides funding opportunities for cooperation in all these areas, both among European countries and between European countries and Partner Countries throughout the world.

Erasmus+ Higher Education is mainly a student exchange programme which also includes work placements in companies abroad and academic staff mobility. It operates in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ Programme which continues the good tradition of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) and involves all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey. Erasmus+ Higher Education allows students to undertake a part of their studies in another country without additional costs of tuition, registration or examination. Students obtain a scholarship that covers the costs of living abroad. The time spent studying abroad as well as the courses completed in accordance with the rules of the Programme have to be accepted by the home institution. In comparison with the LLP the ERASMUS+ Higher Education Programme offers a new option of graduate mobility for the purpose of practical training or work placement.

The Erasmus+ Programme has been developed by the EU’s European Commission and is implemented by the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA) in Brussels and the National Agencies (NAs) located in each of the 33 Programme Countries. The institution that has been appointed as the Polish National Agency of Erasmus+ Programme is the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. The Foundation’s main aim is support, in its broad sense, for activities serving the development of education in Poland.

For more information on Erasmus+ Programme check the FRSE website www.frse.org.pl and www.erasmusplus.org.pl/in-poland/ or the European Commission website: www.ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/index_en.htm

Scholarships within bilateral agreements

There are many scholarships available within limits defined in bilateral agreements. They are financed either by the Polish or the foreign partner's government, often within the aim to enhance exchange within a specific field of study. The amount of a scholarship depends on the type of research undertaken. You can find more information on the website of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/

CEEPUS exchange programme with Central and Eastern Europe

CEEPUS is an acronym for "Central European Exchange Program for University Studies".

The CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies) is a multilateral exchange programme with Central and Eastern Europe. It is a transnational Central European university network that provides a platform for individual subject-specific networks. At present, CEEPUS unites universities from 16 Central and Eastern European countries (Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary,Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, Prishtina/Kosovo is also participating) within networks consisting of at least three higher education institutions from at least two different contractual countries. Student exchange within CEEPUS lasts from 3 to 10 months. Within a network incoming students are exempted from paying tuition fees and receive a comprehensive grant from the host country which depends on the living costs in the country. To be eligible for scholarships, exchange students have to be nationals of a CEEPUS country. Further information including a list of the current networks can be found at www.ceepus.info

Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program

The program is addressed to university graduates from Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan who already have at least two years of professional experience, and are determined to be actively involved in the development of democracy, economy and civil society in their countries and the region. The program offers a two-semester supplementary studies in the fields of economics and management, administration/management (business, NGOs, culture, environment, health), public administration (state and local), law, social sciences (sociology, social psychology), political science and international relations, development policy and humanitarian aid. Studies are supplemented by at least a two-week internship at Polish institutions. For more information, please visit: www.kirkland.edu.pl

Visegrad Scholarship Programme

The International Visegrad Fund offers Master and Post-Master scholarships awarded to selected students for 1 or 2 semesters (for MA scholarships within the In-Coming scheme 1- to 4-semester scholarships can be awarded). Citizens of the following countries and territories can apply: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. On applying all applicants must have completed at least 4 semesters of university studies. There are various scholarship schemes available. Further information is accessible on the Visegrad Fund website: http://visegradfund.org/scholarships/

Scholarships for citizens from developing countries

The Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme

The Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (Polish: Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej – NAWA within the framework of Polish Development Assistance. The patron of the Programme is Ignacy Åukasiewicz, an outstanding Polish inventor, pharmacist, pioneer of the oil industry and the creator of the kerosene lamp. The Programme aim is to support the socio-economic growth of developing countries (excluding European and Central Asian countries) through raising the level of knowledge and education of their citizens.Scholarship holders will be first recruited from the following countries: Angola, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Peru, The Republic of South Africa, The Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam. Participation in the Programme enable to undertake tuition-free 2nd cycle studies (Master degree studies) at public universities in Poland supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in the following areas of study: engineering and technical sciences, agricultural sciences, sciences and natural sciences. Second cycle degree programmes are preceded by a preparatory course to facilitate undertaking studies in Poland, which is also covered by the scholarship. The preparatory course is aimed at teaching the scholarship holders the Polish language, familiarising them with Polish culture and introducing them to subjects related to the course of their future studies. Participating in The Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is a good path for those who would like to improve their intercultural competences. Not only does it give a possibility to become familiar with the Polish culture, but also is a great opportunity to join the multicultural network. Candidates are selected on the basis of the calls for proposals announced on the annual basis. Application process for the Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is operated by NAWA’s ICT system, available at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login.Information for applicants. Phone: +48 22-390-35-78 Application process for the Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is operated by NAWA’s ICT system, available at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login. For more information check the website: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/

Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme

The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme aims to support the socio-economic growth of developing countries by improving the knowledge and education of the citizens of Eastern Partnership, Central Asian and Western Balkan countries. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), implemented as part of the Polish development assistance programme. The Programme’s patron is Stefan Banach – an eminent Polish mathematician, the co-founder of the Lviv School of Mathematics and the branch of mathematics known as functional analysis. The Programme offers an opportunity to pursue second-cycle studies in the full-time mode in the field of engineering and technical, agricultural, applied and life sciences at public and non-public universities subordinate to the Minister of Science and Higher Education, benefiting from an exemption from public university fees and a monthly Scholarship from NAWA in the statutory period of studying in Poland. The Scholarship offer is addressed to the citizens of countries identified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as having priority status for the Programme: Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, as well as the following Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia. The candidates shall be qualified under the competition procedure, based on the results of an interview conducted by an Evaluation Committee appointed by the Director of NAWA, composed of the academic researchers representing Polish higher education institutions. The candidates themselves select the university and the field of study, based on the educational offer of Polish higher education institutions. Application process for the Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is operated by NAWA’s ICT system, available at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login. For more information check the website: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/

Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program is a program of highly competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists, founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. Under the Fulbright Program, competitively selected US citizens may become eligible for scholarships to study, conduct research, or exercise their talents abroad and citizens of other countries may qualify to do the same in the United States.

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious awards programs worldwide, operating in over 155 countries. In Poland it was initiated in 1959 and as of today it is one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the most prestigious and continuous academic exchange program between Poland and the United States.

With contributions from both governments the Fulbright Program in Poland is administered by the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission. Through its various exchange programs the commission supports studies, research, instruction, and other educational activities of American and Polish educators, scholars, and institutions; it also administers visits and exchanges between the United States and Poland for students, trainees, scholars, teachers, instructors, and professors.

Detailed information about current programs available for US citizens can be found on the commission’s website: http://fulbright.edu.pl/en/category/ grants/for-american-citizens/ or the website of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State: http://eca.state.gov/fulbright/country/poland.

Programme of Fellowships under the Polish National Commission for UNESCO

The Polish National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education carries out a programme of fellowships for young scientists from Central and Eastern European countries and developing countries.

Candidates under this programme must be post-graduates wishing to pursue their research in the Polish universities. Fellowships are of short-term type lasting from 1 to 6 months.

The fellow must carry out research in a hosting institution subordinated to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, under the auspices of an academic supervisor. Confirmation of acceptance from the academic supervisor is imperative.

A monthly research grant 1600 PLN /net/ which is approximately the equivalent of a salary paid to a local junior research fellow. Thus, all living expenses in Poland are supposed to be covered by the fellow himself.

All applications should be submitted to the Polish National Commission for UNESCO.

Card of the Pole and Residence Permit holders cannot become beneficiaries of the Fellowships Programme under the Polish National Commission for UNESCO Scheme; their applications will not be considered.

Information available at: http://www.unesco.pl/edukacja/stypendia-i- staze/program- stypendialny-pk- ds-unesco/

UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme in Engineering

The Programme started in 2012 and aims to promote capacity building and research activities in UNESCO’s Member States in the field of science and engineering. Beneficiaries of these fellowships are given the opportunity to undertake an individual research programme in the field of Science, Technology and Engineering at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow for six (6) months duration starting on 1st October.

Facilities offered by Polish Authorities:

Free tuition and access to the university facilities
Accommodation at the AGH UST Student Campus in Kraków
Monthly allowance of 1600 PLN

Facilities offered by UNESCO:

International travel expenses from the beneficiary’s country to and from Poland;
Health insurance

This programme is offered in open competition. All applications must be channeled through the National Commission for UNESCO of the candidate's country. More information is available on the website of AGH: http://www.unesco.agh.edu.pl/en/ and UNESCO: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/fellowships

Accommodation

There are many different options for arranging student accommodation in Poland. They vary depending on the city and higher education institution you choose. Many Polish HEIs have their own dormitories, which are usually the cheapest option available. However, most Polish students prefer to rent a room in a private apartment.

Student houses and dormitories

The pricing of the student houses depends on the particular HEI. Usually the cost of accommodation in a dormitory ranges is around EUR 60-80 monthly for a shared room and between EUR 100-150 for a single room. However, the standard of the dormitories may differ greatly even between various student houses of the same HEI, so it’s good to do some research before the final decision. What doesn’t differ is the friendly and helpful atmosphere in the student houses.

Private housing

It is quite common in Poland to rent a room in a bigger apartment. Most of the out-of-town students share flats in this way. The cost varies between cities and it depends greatly on the location of the apartment as well as the size and quality of the room. The monthly rent is usually between EUR 150 and 200. Some landlords may require a deposit of a similar amount. Don’t worry if you don’t have friends to live with. Sharing a flat with locals is an amazing opportunity: you can pay for the accommodation and get great friends for free! And if you really don’t like to share, you can find an independent apartment. The rent for the smallest, one-room apartment starts from about EUR 300 (in Warsaw).

Climate

Poland has a moderate climate with both maritime and continental elements. You can count on many sunny days and many rainy days and don’t be surprised when the summer turns out to be quite hot or quite rainy. Winters are usually cold, with temperatures well below freezing, and more or less snowy. If you come from a warmer climate, make sure you have proper clothing.

Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/

Health insurance

Students from the EU/EEA countries

Healthcare in Poland is available for students from EU/EEA countries, provided that they hold valid medical insurance in the national insurance system of their country. A valid passport, student identity card or doctoral student identity card and a valid European Health Insurance Card (Europejska Karta Ubezpieczenia Zdrowotnego) entitles its holder to medical care free of charge in Poland. Detailed information on the health care for EU/EEA citizens can be found on the website of the National Health Fund:

https://www.ekuz.nfz.gov.pl

Students from outside the EU/EEA

If possible it is recommended that students from non-EU/EEA countries purchase their own international medical insurance prior to their arrival in Poland. Otherwise they are required to sign a voluntary health insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ) and pay their own insurance fees, which amount to about EUR 15 a month. Under this insurance scheme, students are entitled to free medical care and can use university health care clinics and health centres. Also, all foreign students have the option of purchasing additional accident insurance. For detailed information visit the website of the National Health Fund: www.nfz.gov.pl.

Transportation

Most Polish cities have well-developed networks of public transport. Depending on a city, they include buses, trams, trolley buses, trains and underground trains. It is usually a good idea to buy a long term ticket, as it’s hard to avoid public transport. Even if you manage to find accommodation close to the university, its separate faculties or facilities may not be within walking distance. Some of the cities have short-time bike rental systems that allow you to take a bike from one place to another.

Leisure

There is a wide range of leisure activities available in Poland. Whatever you enjoy, you’ll probably find it here! Those who like to be active can use one of well-equipped sport facilities or explore beautiful Polish landscapes while cycling, hiking, horse-riding, sailing, canoeing, ballooning or in any other way they want. Those who like sight-seeing should visit the churches, castles, museums and many other attractions. The culture-oriented can choose between many theatres and galleries as well as philharmonics, concerts and music clubs. There are also a number of interesting festivals organised over the year.

And after a whole day of activity you can wind down in one (or a few) of the clubs and enjoy the nightlife. For more ideas on how to spend your free time in Poland check out the website:

http://en.poland.gov.pl/Sports,and,active,leisure,8705.html

Polish mountains

Although Poland’s landscape is predominantly made up of lowlands, it is also varied enough to cater to the needs of sea, lake and mountain enthusiasts. If you are the mountaineer type, you should go to the south of Poland, where two large mountain chains rise: the Carpathians and the Sudety Mountains. Both ranges are popular as holiday destinations; not only in the summer among hikers, but also in the winter, when snow-covered slopes wait for skiers and snowboarders. From December till March perfect weather conditions and modern skiing facilities attract both beginners and experienced skiers.

The favorite holiday resort of Poles is Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains (highest mountain range in Poland). The reason for this is not only the town’s multitude of skiing routes and over a hundred ski lifts, but, more importantly, its unique highland atmosphere and an extensive network of cosy guesthouses, luxurious villas as well as rustically- styled restaurants serving typical Polish food.

Other popular destinations of winter sports fans are: Szklarska PorÄ™ba, WisÅ‚a, and Szczyrk, the last being especially appreciated for its cable railway. If you prefer winter trekking, on the other hand, the Bieszczady range in the very southeast of Poland is where you should go. Beside winter sports, a typical attraction offered to tourists in Poland off the slope are brisk sleigh rides. Be prepared for an exciting adventure if you get a hot-blooded Polish highlander (góral) to drive your sleighs!

For more information, visit:
www.poland.gov.pl
www.polandforall.com
www.holidays.staypoland.com (sections: Holiday; Polish Mountains; Skiing)

Working

Work during studies

To be able to study in Poland, a non-EU/EEA students must demonstrate that they possess sufficient means to cover the costs of living in Poland. Still, some students may wish to combine studies with work. In this case, non-EU/EEA students who stay in Poland with a visa generally need to apply for a work permit, which is granted only if no EU citizen can fill the position. Some forms of work (vocational training, summer student jobs programs) do not require a permit.. All full-time students who possess a student visa or a temporary residence permit (see VISA & APPLICATION ), EU/EEA citizens and holders of the Card of the Pole do not need a work permit at all. For more information, please visit the websites of the International Organization for Migration (http://www.migrant.info.pl/home.html) or the Office for Foreigners (http://udsc.gov.pl/).

Summer job

The three-month long academic holidays are a great opportunity to earn extra money and get some work experience. Admittedly, all full-time students can work all year long without a permit, but it is a good idea to find a job or an internship especially during the holidays. Some companies organise very interesting internship programs that can really help your future career. It’s definitely worth trying!

Work during the academic year

It’s not easy to work and study at the same time, but it can be done, especially if you’ve chosen evening or weekend courses. Nevertheless, think carefully about whether this is in your best interest, as it may affect your academic performance. Most universities have academic career centres, where you can find information about jobs, internships and trainings. You can also find job offers at the nearest labour office.

Work after graduation

It may be really hard to leave such a beautiful country after you complete your education here. Don’t worry if you prefer to stay and work in Poland. As a graduate of a Polish higher education institution full-time program, you don’t need a permit to work here. Just make sure your temporary residence permit is in order.

Living and working

In comparison to other European countries Poland is a relatively cheap place to live and study. Prices depend greatly on the city, but a student can get by with about EUR 400 at their monthly disposal. Average costs of student living range from EUR 425 up to EUR 900. Please remember, that to be able to study in Poland non-EU/EEA students have to possess sufficient means to cover the living costs.

Below are some examples to give an idea of the amounts students spend per month.

Student Card

The student card is the size of a credit card, but it can change your life. Not only does it confirm your student status and allow access to libraries and other HEI facilities, but it also entitles you to all kinds of student discounts, most important of them being a 50% discount on public. There is also – up to age 26 – a 37% discount on national railways, allowing you to travel all around the country for less. Some other transport companies, as well as theatres, museums and cinemas, even restaurants, have special prices for students. In some HEIs, the student union provides additional discounts for students.

So get your student card and enjoy the city!

Monthly Expenses (Averrage Value )

Rent in a shared flat (or dormitory)	140-500 EUR
Food	150-200 EUR
Transportation (in big cities)	15-20 EUR
Telephone/mobile, internet, TV	20-30 EUR
Study materials	30-50 EUR
Other expenses (leisure/entertainment)	70-100 EUR

Examples Of Othere Selected Prices

bread (1 loaf )	1.40 EUR
milk (1 litre)	0.80 EUR
lunch at a canteen	5.00 EUR
coffee in a café	2.50 EUR
cinema ticket	5.00 EUR

Germany is not only a beautiful country, it is also one of the most powerful countries in Europe. With high growth and low unemployment, it is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a job. The country offers free education to its residents and is considered to be a highly safe and attractive living and working environment.

Germany is also one of the countries that is seeking highly qualified employees to work in well-paid positions, and encourages all young and skilled people to come visit and look for places to work. So if you have decided that you would like to work there, the first things you need to do is get a Germany job seeker visa.

What is a job seeker visa?

The job seeker visa for Germany is a Long-Term Residency Permit, which allows you to stay in the country for six months and look for a job. If at the end of the six months you have found a place of employment, you will be given the Germany work visa or a Germany work permit and you will be allowed to work and live there. Please note that having a job seeker visa does not allow you to start working immediately in Germany. It only means that you can visit the country and look for a job during your stay.

In order to obtain a job seeker visa for Germany, you need the following:

Be eligible to apply
Compile all the necessary documents
Fill out an application form and book your visa appointment

Eligibility of applicants

There are several criteria that you need to fulfill to be eligible to apply for the Germany job seeker visa:

Hold a Bachelor of Master’s Degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree
Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in your related field of study
Show proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay during the time you are in Germany
Have travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in Germany or until you get your Work Permit

If you checked all of the criteria, then you’re one step closer to getting your visa.

Documents for Application

The next step is to prepare your set of documents which will be attached to your application. The documents ensure that your application is not immediately rejected on grounds of not fulfilling the requirements, so make sure you have all of them.

Checklist of documents you need to obtain a Germany job seeker visa:

A valid passport (issued in the past 10 years and valid for at least 12 months after your scheduled return)
A copy of your passport’s data page
3 passport pictures based on biometric specifications
A cover letter where you explain the objective of your visit, how you plan to find employment, and your alternative career plans if you cannot find a job
Diploma of your degree (or any other proof of academic qualification from a German or non-German university) as well as any certificates of previous work experience
Your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of accommodation in Germany (where you will be staying during your visit)
Proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your stay in Germany by showing one of the following documents:
- Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter) by a sponsor living in Germany
- Bank account statement, or
- Blocked bank account.
Proof of personal status in your home country, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, and others (translated in English)
Proof of your health insurance

In order to fulfill the requirements, you have to prepare two sets of these documents and take them to your application centre.

To Highly Increase Your Chances of Getting Your Job Seeker Visa You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

Note that having all of these documents does not guarantee you will be granted the visa. The decision is entirely up to the consular officer.

The German embassy/consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents. This applies –among others- for certain professions (e.g. Nurses, Medical Doctors, Pharmacists, Teachers).

Application form and appointment

After you have gathered the necessary documents, the final step is to fill out an application form from your German Embassy office for the job seeker visa. After you have submitted the form, you will be booked an appointment for an interview. Your background and documents, application form, and interview will determine whether you will be granted the Germany job seeker visa.

In conclusion, if you are determined to find employment in Germany, make sure to follow these steps, prepare a good application, and you should be on your way to making contact and networking with potential employers in Germany.

the-higher-education-institutions-in-poland

The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Poland are divided into two main groups: state (public) and private (non-public) institutions. These institutions are further divided into two main categories: academic and vocational institutions.

The academic category accommodates the authorization of at least one scientific or artistic discipline and conferment of scientific category A+, A or B+. The academic institution conducts first-cycle (bachelor’s degree) and second-cycle (master’s degree) studies or long-cycle studies. It may also provide education for doctoral students (PhD) too.

Vocational education does not accommodate the same conditions such as that of academic education. It may only provide education on a practical basis. A vocational-type institution conducts first- and second-cycle studies or long-cycle studies.

All types of HEIs are controlled by the Polish Accreditation Committee, which is an independent institution, acting to ensure and enhance the quality of education.

Below, we present the list of public and university-type non-public HEIs.

Advisory services for migrants in Poland

UrzÄ…d do Spraw Cudzoziemców

In English: The Office for Foreigners – a central institution overseen by the Polish Ministry of the Interior that deals with all matters regarding foreigners’ entry, stay and departure from the territory of Poland. It is also responsible for granting asylum, tolerated stay, temporary protection and other forms of humanitarian aid. It is also the appeal body for those unhappy with voivodeship’s decision regarding stay legalisation.

UrzÄ…d Wojewódzki

In English: Voivodeship Office – 16 offices (one for each province referred to as a voivodeship in Poland) located in the country’s major cities (see the list of Voivodeship Offices in Poland). They are an institution of great importance – this is where you head first if you want to get a residence permit, work permit, extend or get a visa, or exchange some of these documents for new ones.

Do you think you need to pay them a visit?
See how to book an appointment in a Voivodeship Office in Poland.

NGOs

There is a number of non-governmental organisations that operate in Poland and can serve as a point of contact for troubled foreigners staying in Poland. The most famous ones include: Polish Red Cross, Caritas Polska, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Ocalenie Foundation, Amnesty International, and more. Please bear in mind that these organisations should be contacted first and foremost in deeply challenging situations, after all other means have been exhausted.

Student organisations

If you happen to study in Poland or participate in a student exchange programme, there is a big chance you can direct your doubts and questions to some sort of student network operating at your university, or even the university itself. A good example of an organisation promoting mutual help among its members is ESN for Erasmus exchange students.

Centres for foreigners

These institutions are designed for foreigners who have applied for the status of a refugee and receive benefits. Centres for foreigners are safe facilities providing shelter for the most troubled migrants fleeing life-threatening events in their home countries. There are 12 facilities of this kind, most of them located near the Polish border.

Declaration of intention to employ foreigners

Although some of the countries neighbouring Poland have not entered the European Union (Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian Federation), there is a strong bond between their labour markets and it called for more lenient regulations towards the nationals of these states. The same applies to people from Armenia, Georgia and Moldova, even though these countries do not share a border with Poland.

Thanks to introducing the employer’s declaration of intent to employ a foreigner, citizens of the aforementioned countries can take up non-seasonal* work in Poland without the necessity of obtaining a work permit, if the work period does not exceed 6 months within 12 subsequent months. If it does, they ought to apply for a work permit on regular grounds.

Who can file the declaration

Similarly to the job market tests, it is your employer’s initiative to take care of the formalities. The employer can be:

A legal entity which is obliged to possess the National Court Register (KRS) or an entry in the Central Registration and Information on Business
A natural person who presents their ID and can confirm their source of stable income. Such persons can file only 4 declarations per year.
An employer conducting their business for at least one year, employs at least one person and is unable to suffice for their recruitment needs on the local labour market.

Step by step

There are a few crucial steps that need to be undertaken for the procedure to be successful. Your employer needs to take care of the formalities, which are the following:

The employer submits a job offer to a local employment office (in Polish: Powiatowy UrzÄ…d Pracy). This action should take place at least 10 days before submitting the declaration itself.
The employer registers the declaration in the respective employment office at least 14 days before the planned date of starting the cooperation. To download the form along with the letter of rights at the last page of the document, click here. All necessary documents confirming the employer’s legal status, as in the paragraph above, should also be submitted. Each document has to have a copy.
The employer delivers one copy of the declaration to their future employee. If the person is abroad, it has to be mailed to them. The other copy remains at the employment office.
Upon the receiving of the declaration, the foreigner may apply for a visa or temporary residence card (depending whether they are still residing abroad or are already in Poland).
The declaration opens the way to signing a written contract of employment or a civil law contract between the employer and the foreigner.

What else is there to know

The procedure of registering the declaration is free, so any employer charging you money is breaking the rule of law.

Similarly to work permits, if the employee fails to start or stops working on the post specified in the declaration, the employment office should be notified. If the employee wants to change the job, a new declaration has to be registered.

The half-year period of legal work can be split into shorter periods. However, after it passes and the employee wishes to continue their work, a work permit is needed. In this case, it is easier than in standard circumstances, as there is no need for a labour market test.

Keeping our fingers crossed for all the citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine who want to work in Poland - best of luck!

*taking up employment in seasonal industries such as agriculture, horticulture or tourism requires a type "S" work permit. Read more about seasonal work in Poland.

Just like any other type of employment, seasonal work requires a work permit in Poland - unless of course, you are a citizen of the EU or one of few other countries exempt from this obligation. If you do not fall into the above category, you may want to learn how it all works.

Since 1 January 2018, seasonal work in Poland can be taken up by foreigners for a maximum of 9 months in a calendar year and performed in the following sectors: agriculture, horticulture and tourism. Seasonal work requires a special work permit (type "S" permit), issued by the relevant starosta office and applied for by the employer.

Such a permit can be issued only under the following conditions:

the amount of pay specified in the contract can not be lower than that of other employees performing similar type of work
the application contains the labour market test ("starost's information") confirming that the staffing needs of the employer can not be otherwise met

The labour market test is however not required if the foreigner:

is a citizen of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine, or
have stayed on the territory of Poland for the period of 3 years preceding the application, or
is a doctoral student or graduated from a university on the territory of Poland or Switzerland or one of the EEA countries within the 3 years preceding the application

The application procedure varies depending on whether the foreign citizen already lives in Poland or not. If they do live in Poland, the application is processed within 7 to 30 days from its submission. If the foreigner does not live in Poland yet, the application submitted by the employer will be first entered into the application registry and a certificate of application issued within 7 to 30 days. The certificate shall be then sent to the foreigner by their employer and used to obtain a visa to Poland. Once the foreigner arrives in Poland, the work permit can be issued.

When setting up a company you may want to consider these factors:

Business factors

Business factors need to be considered, such as:

The industry and type of business
Nationality of the headquarters/individual(s) and
Presence of existing trade agreements or relationships

Location

Location will be another factor. Separate cities and regions may have different rules, costs and availability. It is always recommended to seek advice from relevant professionals, such as business or legal advisors, accountants and others depending on your needs.

Geography

Geography may be an issue. At present, Poland is lacking in its transportation systems, with weak road, railway and infrastructure network, which increases the cost of doing business due to the difficulty of accessing each regional Polish market. Internet access is generally good in urban areas, although can be poor in less populated areas.

Regulation

Regulation has long been an issue in Poland, a country known for an inefficient commercial court system, rigid labour code and heavy red tape. These have all historically proven challenges to foreign companies.

Your Options

Setting up and carrying out business in Poland as a foreigner is highly regulated. Entrepreneurs from non-EU countries may only establish and operate a business in the form of a limited liability company, joint-stock company or limited partnership. Investors may also choose to purchase an existing company. Entrepreneurs from EU countries are able to set up any type of company, the same as Polish citizens. It is also possible to set up a branch or representative office.

Before choosing which legal form of business to set up, entrepreneurs should consider the scope of responsibilities, running costs, size of the business, etc. Limited liability companies are the most popular type for foreigners.

Poland payroll & taxation

Poland is largely still undertaking the modernisation of its electronic payment systems, which makes payment to foreign employees complex at times as many employers continue to pay in cash. While there is no payroll tax in Poland, foreign companies are required to comply with Polish tax laws, primarily in regards to individual income tax, social security, withholding tax, and sales tax.

Polish employment law appears complex and confusing when looking from outside view although in some ways there are many similarities to other countries. The following are only guidelines in the broadest sense, and professional legal services are recommended when employing in Poland.

Key points on employment in Poland

There are several key areas to be aware of within Poland’s employment regulatory framework, especially for companies that plan to initiate a full local office and human resources department. These challenges can be mitigated by use of a locally sourced payroll provider who is familiar with all of the local laws and rules for both local employees as well as foreign nationals.

Residence card temporary residence permit.jpg

Residence card is the kind of the temporary residence permit (TRP). We offer only legal ways of obtaining a card. You must have a job or other legal basis for obtaining a card. We do not sell documents. Each client must to pass a free entrance examination.

We are a licensed Recruitment and Employment Agency with 12 years of experience in providing wide range of services, such as:

hiring skilled and unskilled workers from Western European countries (Ukraine, Bielarus, Moldavia etc.) and Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Singapur, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh)
procesing of work permits and visas obtaining for employees from foreign countries for work in Poland
legalisation of foreigners’s work and stay in Poland (work permits, temporary residence cards, permanent residence cards, citizenship)
temprorary employment of foreign workers in Poland and leasing of employees
delegation of foreigners to work in other EU countries
outsourcing services in in the welding industry, assembling services, mechanical metalworking and machining metalworking
services of establishing a business entity in Poland (companies, partnership etc)

The recruiting Agency AtoZ Serwis Plus is working in a branch of recruitment and employment on an interstate and international levels. We recruit and hire workers from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapur, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh.

Our firm is functioning since 2009. And due to this fact, we can do all kinds of recruitment without any problem. We have a huge base of candidates and satisfied employers. Cause of this we can find an appropriate candidate for any type of work and guarantee good conditions for both sides. Also, we have clients that are looking not only for professionals but even workers without experience!

Mostly, we are working with such firms that are functioning on the local level of the market and labor market but aren’t able to find appropriate candidates by their own means.
The recruiting agency AtoZ Serwis Plus is here to help! We will find professional personal of workers with needed experience in a short time. We have three recruiting centers: in Warsaw, Wroclaw, and KÄ™pne. Thanks to this, we are able to provide our services seamlessly and successfully throughout the country.

We also provide advises to foreigners. Recruiting Agency AtoZ Serwis Plus receives in the name of the employer the necessary documents for the legal employment of foreigners, such as:

Work permits;
Residence card – temporary stay permit;
Applications for the intention to get a job;
A delegation of foreigners to work in EU countries;
Business Invitations.

We will tell you how to employ foreigners. Live to us the clarification of documents, that are needed to obtain for a work permit for foreigners. Also, we provide advises about leasing and outsourcing.

The employment agency Worksol fits each order on a professional level. We recruit people to all sectors – from highly skilled builders, workers in manufacturing to IT-specialists or managers.

the-minimum-wage-in-poland-in-2020-will-increase

By the end of 2019, Work Garant began to receive very often questions: “What will be the rate / hour for Ukrainian workers in Poland in 2020?” We suggest in this article to deal with this issue.

The number of working Ukrainians in Poland is increasing every year. Of course, our citizens are attracted by the level of wages in Poland, which is much higher than in Ukraine. The Polish minimum wage is equal to the salary of a specialist in Ukraine. And if we also take into account that the salary in Poland is growing decently every year and the number of vacancies for foreigners is increasing, the Polish labor market does not lose its attractiveness for Ukrainians.

Starting in 2020, the minimum wage in Poland will increase significantly.
In the first half of 2019, the Polish Ministry of Labor announced that since 2020 the minimum wage in Poland will be 2450 zlotys.

However, this decision was revised and the government approved the minimum wage for 2020 at the level of 2,600 zlotys‚ gross, which is significantly higher than previously announced.
It turns out that starting from January 2020, the minimum wage in Poland will increase compared to the minimum wage in 2019 by 350 zlotys‚, which is 15.6%.

Accordingly, the payment for an hour of work will also increase, which in 2020 will be at least 17 zlotys gross / hour, but the question remains “how much will we get clean on our hands?” We answer: it will be 12.85 PLN / hour net.

In addition, there was another good news. The Polish government announced plans to raise the minimum wage to 3,000 gross by the end of 2020.

In parallel with the growth of the minimum wage, the average wage in Poland is also growing. The Main Department of Statistics of Poland summed up the results of last year and provided the following information about the average monthly salary of 2018.

According to published data, you can see a clear growth dynamics of the average salary:
I quarter. 2018 - PLN 4 731.35 (1092 euros)
II quarter 2018 - PLN 4,817.18 (1112 euros)
III quarter 2018 - PLN 4 891.11 (1129 euros)
IV quarter 2018 - PLN 4 969.98 (1147 euros)

We also want to note a significant increase in the salaries of such specialists as welders, metalworkers, electricians, as well as skilled builders and truckers. If on average in 2018 their salaries reached 1,000 euros, then by the end of 2019, the average salary of these specialists varies between 1,500-2,000 euros.

Even though Poland is a very affordable country getting a Part time job while studying will help you in mainly financial way, other than that you can build your contact, get to know some locals and learn their language, which will help you in future if you are thinking of settling in Poland or Searching for new part time or permanent job.

New regulations from Polish Govt makes it easy for international students to get a part time job, you don’t need special permission for applying a partime job, But get the residential card first then apply for job. If you get a job and then apply for residence card you have to apply for work residence card which is very hard to get than getting a Student residence permit.

For MNCs

In order to land in part time or permanent job you need good English, if you don’t know English German, Spanish, French, Polish with IT skills are required .There are many MNC companies in Poland which prefer people who speak English.
Infosys, H&M, City Bank,Samsung, HCL have their base in Poland you can apply jobs for these companies.

Below are the links to find Full time or part time jobs in cities in Poland
1. Warsaw
2. Krakow
3. Wroclaw

General sites to search for Full time and Part time jobs in Poland

Career in Poland
Amazon jobs in poland
Polish website for jobs – Just like noukri.com India
Upload your CV and find relevant jobs here
Facebook page for job search
Jobs in Startups
engineering jobs

Moreover you can contact your career office of your University for Part time jobs and internship options. Some college will have Job fairs where companies will recruit students from Universities.
——————————————————————————————————
Finally if you are planing to settle in Poland or Get a permanent job in Poland, learning Polish language will help you a lot in the prospectus.

Visa & Application

Welcome to Business in Polan AtoZ Serwis Puls Legal Consulting webpage! You can find here help and information about legalizing your stay and conducting business in Poland. We are a law office which specializes in immigration law and business/commercial law in Poland. We provide legal assistance in the grounds specified below:

Business Area :

opening a company in Poland
opening branch of your company in Poland
buying a ready made company (shelf company)
legal services connected to running a company

AREA Investmenst Area:

investment in Poland VIP offer

Shelf Cmpanies For Sale Shelf:

actual offer for shelf companies

IMMIGRATION AREA Immigration Area :

business residence permit
permanent residence permit
EU long term resident permit
business visa

If you have received a rejection of a visa decision or a residence permit decision, we can prepare the appeal for you and act on your behalf in the appeal proceeding.

If your case is not listed above, then please contact us, and we will do our best to solve your issue.

It is extremely important to us that you have complete peace of mind during the process knowing that your application is in the best hands. Throughout the process, you will have us as your contact who will help and guide you every step of the way to gain visa/residence permit and starting your business in Poland.

As a result of cooperation with our law office, your company:

will have it’s articles of association signed in a Notary Public Office in Poland;
will be registered in the National Company Registry (KRS) and will obtain it’s individual KRS number;
will get tax identification number (NIP);
will get statistical number (REGON);
will be registered in Polish Social Security Service (ZUS);
will have it’s own address in Poland.

common-work-visa-interview-questions-in-the-embassy

In this article, we will give you the most common questions you can hear on Visa interview for work purpose.

A lot of our clients keep asking us how to prepare yourself for work visa interview questions in the embassy. We will give you tips how to increase your chance to get the visa. Very often people making mistakes by coming for work visa interview questions without any earlier preparation, they forgetting the basic information about company and they job position. That’s why it’s so important to be well prepared and don’t forget information in stressful situation. Remember that we are giving you only sample questions and on your visa appointment they can ask you about additional matters.

There is always a reason for every visa rejection. Some common mistakes contribute to negative decision. Right documents are not always enough, you need to notice the importance of personal meeting during work visa interview questions with diplomatic officials and the way you are presenting yourself.

Remember to always be on time and exact date. Being there couple of minutes earlier will help you to calm dawn and relaxed.

Secondly, interviewer will see if you are not well prepared for the work visa interview questions. Your answers should be confident, calm and in point. Don’t wait too much time before you will give answer, it may seem like they are not fully truthful.

On that kind of appointments appearance is also very important. If you look inappropriate to the situation you can make bad impression. Your outfit, body posture and behaviour are telling a lot about you. If you will dress too casually you can make impression that you don’t really care about this appointment.

Also, body posture, your facial expression and voice are very important during answering the questions. If your face is showing fear and uncertainty, interviewer may think that you are not sure about your answers. You should show by your posture that you are confident and your purpose of getting visa is clear. Try to sit natural, keeping your arms open and keeping natural eye contact with the interviewer. Avoiding eye contact is also read as lying or not being trustworthy.

Below you have list of most common questions. Remember that your interview won’t be exactly the same.

Visas - general information

Visa types

Before you apply, you must decide which visa you need:

Airport transit Schengen visa (A-Type)

choose this visa type if you plan to pass through an international transit area of a Schengen airport travelling with a passport of one of these states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka.

Schengen visa (C-Type)

Choose this visa if you plan to stay in Poland or other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in each 180-day period of time. This means that you are allowed to stay in the Schengen zone legally only if your stay in Schengen countries did not exceed 90 days over the last 180 days. A special calculator on the European Commission’s website Na stronie Komisji Europejskiej will help you count how long you can stay in Schengen countries.

You can apply for a Schengen visa in a Polish diplomatic mission if:

Poland is the only destination country of your visit to the Schengen zone;
you visit more than one Schengen country, but Poland is your main destination;
you do not know which Schengen country will be your main destination, but you cross the Schengen border for the first time in Poland.

In exceptional cases it is possible to issue a Schengen LTV visa which is valid only in the territory of selected Schengen states.

National visa (D-Type)

Choose this visa if you want to stay in Poland for more than 90 days. The validity of a national visa cannot exceed one year. You also need to apply for a national visa if you seek asylum, repatriation, or if you use Polish Card privileges.

Simplified Visa procedure for family members of EU citizens

Who is eligible:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This procedure applies only to family members of EU nationals who do not have Polish citizenship or do not have a permanent residence in Poland.

EU nationals include:

nationals of EU member states,
nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

A family member of an EU national is:

a spouse,
a partner with whom an EU national formed a partnership under the law of a given EU state, provided that this country’s law recognizes a formal partnership as equal to a marriage,
a child under 21 who is dependent on an EU national, his/her spouse or partner.

Under the procedure you are eligible to submit your visa application:

free of charge,
without prior appointment.

Required documents:

A printed and signed visa application (filled in online)
A recent photo in colour 35 x 45 mm size,
A valid passport,
A document confirming marriage or partnership with an EU national,
A document confirming that you accompany an EU national in his/her journey or join him/her in their place of residence.

Visa refusal:

You can have your visa application refused only if:

your data are in the register of foreigners whose stay on the Polish territory is undesirable,
visa authorities have considered that your stay might pose a threat to national defence or national security or to the protection of public safety, order and health.

A consul refuses a visa in the form of a decision. You can appeal against the refusal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Biometric data

When you apply for a visa, you have to provide your biometric data: a photo in the case of a national visa and a photo and fingerprints in the case of a Schengen visa.

If you have already applied for a Schengen visa in the recent 59 months and if you have given your fingerprints, you do not have to give them again – the system will automatically transfer your data.

The following applicants do not have to give their fingerprints:

children under 12;
persons who are physically unable to give their fingerprints (because they do not have fingers or they suffer from a temporary finger trauma);
heads of states or governments, members of national governments and their accompanying spouses and members of official delegations if they are invited for official purposes;
monarchs and high-ranking members of royal families, if they are invited for official purposes.

Personal data

The authority responsible for the processing of personal data that are in the Visa Information System (VIS) is the Central Technical Authority of the National Information System at the National Police Headquarters, address: ul. Pu?awska 148/150, 02-624 Warszawa.

Complaints concerning personal data protection are handled by the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection, address: ul. Stawki 2, 00-193 Warszawa.

Legal basis

Ustawa z dnia 14 lipca 2006 r. o wje?dzie na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, pobycie oraz wyje?dzie z tego terytorium obywateli pa?stw cz?onkowskich Unii Europejskiej i cz?onków ich rodzin (Dz. U. z dnia 11 sierpnia 2006 r. poz. 1525)

Ustawa z dnia 12 grudnia 2013 r. o cudzoziemcach (Dz. U. z dnia 30 grudnia 2013 r. poz. 1650 z pó?n. zm.)

Ustawa z dnia 25 czerwca 2015 r. Prawo konsularne (Dz. U. z dnia 31 sierpnia 2015 r. poz. 1274)

Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abu Dhabi

adress: Corner of Delma and Karamah Str. (13th and 14th), P.O. Box 2334, Abu Dhabi
telephone: +971 0 24465200
fax: +971 0 2 446 2967
e-mail: abudhabi.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl

Consular Section

address: Corner of Delma and Karamah Str. (13th and 14th), P.O. Box 2334, Abu Dhabi
tephone: +971 0 24465200
fax: +971 0 2 446 2967
e-mail: abuzabi.amb.rk@msz.gov.pl

source url :https://www.gov.pl/web/uae

A cryptocurrency hedge fund allows entrepreneurs to direct their investments in a large number of underlying securities. Many types of investors, especially the ones oriented towards adverting risks, have long preferred hedge funds. The growth of the Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, paired with the popularity of fund investment and the evolution of blockchain technology, have led to the creation of funds oriented towards investing in cryptocurrencies.

Our Polish company formation agents can help investors structure their hedge fund and observe the ongoing regulations in the country. When they open a cryptocurrency hedge fund in Poland, investors will need to observe a number of steps as well as pay attention to the local regulations. In Poland, the Financial Services Authority regulates investment funds and investors are also under the obligation to obtain relevant permits and licenses. Our agents can help during the setup and licensing process.

What are cryptocurrency hedge funds like?

A hedge fund gathers capital from a large number of investors and then uses it to invest in a variety of assets. Cryptocurrency hedge funds will manage only portfolios that include this specific type of assets, while mixed hedge funds can manage portfolios that include both virtual currencies and other types of assets. The first type also includes initial coin offerings, or ICOs, to the portfolio while the second is generally perceived as less risky for investment purposes.

Investors who open a cryptocurrency hedge fund in Poland can structure their fund to address accredited or institutional investors. In some cases, these types of funds will address only individual investors with w net worth over a certain amount (high-net-worth individuals).

How do investors open a hedge fund in Poland?

In a broad sense, a hedge fund is a mutual fund that is organized as a limited partnership. The method for obtaining profits is often a speculative one which in this case is combined with the volatile nature of the cryptocurrencies.

Investors will need to open a company in Poland or a partnership for the purpose of starting a hedge fund. Next, they will want to decide upon one or more investment types that will be available for the fund. These can include direct cryptocurrency investments, blockchain investments and ICO investments or, in some cases, crypto futures.

In general, the steps for opening a hedge fund are the following:

Gather the capital: before commencing the actual incorporation, entrepreneurs will need to gather the needed to secure enough capital for a hedge fund startup.
Organization: this includes preparing the documents needed to open the fund as well as seeking legal representation.
Structure: hedge funds are often alternative investment funds which can determine their own investment policy and strategy.
Incorporate: most hedge funds are incorporated as limited partnerships; one of our agents who specialize in company registration in Poland can assist you.
The management team: an experienced team will be required for the future hedge fund in Poland; licensed investment advisors may also be required.

Investors who start a hedge fund in Poland will also need to observe the restrictions that may apply on the marketing of alternative investment funds, either directed by the regulatory agencies or by the internal constitutive documents.

How are cryptocurrency transactions treated in Poland?

The Polish Ministry of Finance has proposed a set of guidelines for the taxation of income from cryptocurrencies in Poland, an issue that needs to be carefully considered by investors interested in this business field.

For corporate income tax, the income from cryptocurrencies will be treated as capital gains while for individual income tax, this will also be treated as capital gains, however, it will be subject to a flat tax rate. One of our agents who specialize in company formation in Poland can give investors more details about the current taxation regime.

Hedge funds that focus entirely or partially on cryptocurrencies have the potential to benefit from this market, which remains a young and promising one, despite its volatility.

The cryptocurrency environment is a dynamic one, as shown below:

• in 2018, there were 1,568 different cryptocurrencies, 654 tokens, and 914 coins;
• In 2018, there were 190 cryptocurrency exchanges;
• the number of cryptocurrencies increased by 3,08% from December 2013 to December 2017.

The business registration information can change during the lifetime of a company. The business address, the company name, the involvement of new partners or their retirement, as well as the nature of the business, can all be subject to changes.

As an investor, you should know how to make changes to your Polish company as it is mandatory to notify the authorities of any changes that take place in the company. The process for submitting the changes will depend on the particular modification that is intended and can also differ according to the chosen type of company. We recommend getting in touch with one of our agents who specialize in company registration in Poland in order to receive complete assistance when making changes to a Polish company.

Below, we list some of the most common changes:

• Change of business address: it is not uncommon to change the registered address of the business when it becomes more convenient for the management to relocate the address.
• Change of business name: the business name can be changed provided that the new name is available; investors can perform an online check.
• Changing the scope of the business: any changes in the nature of the business, or new activities that are being added to the ones performed by the Polish business must be notified to the authorities.
• New partners/retired partners: it is common for business partners to retire or for new members to join the company; their details will be made public.
• Change the business type: as the business evolves, it may be necessary to change the type of company, for example from a private limited company to a public one.

How do you change the company name?

The company name can be changed by means of a special resolution adopted by the company’s Board members. The new name will observe all of the requirements as well as the applicable restrictions, for example, it will include a suffix according to the type of company.

A company can later its Articles of Association by means of a special resolution that is executed as a notarial deed.

How do you change the company’s registered address?

All companies in Poland must have a registered address which is included in the company’s Articles of Association. For this change to be possible, a resolution is also required and the new address needs to be provided. The new details will be included in the public information on the company, available via a search of the National Court Register. One of our agents who are accustomed to the process of company registration in Poland can assist individuals who wish to perform these searches.

Other changes for Polish companies

Another significant change that can take place in case of a Polish company is modifying the type of legal entity. This can be done from a partnership to a corporation, from a sole trader to a corporation or from one type of corporation to another, such as from a private limited liability company to a public limited liability company. There can be significant advantages when making these changes, however, this is beyond the scope of this article. One of our agents can help you register a company in Poland once the details on the new legal entity are complete and it is ready to be registered in the National Court Register.

When making changes to the company particulars, entrepreneurs should remember that these changes need to be notified to the National Register within a number of days. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in penalties for the company. Individuals who wish to know more about this can reach out to our Polish company formation agents.

All of the relevant changes to the company details are to be registered in the National Court Register and the process will include a fee of approximately 250 PLN (or nearly 60 euros). The time needed for the changes to become officially registered can be between two weeks and one month, depending on the number of changes and the manner in which the submission is made (if all of the documents are properly submitted). The next step is to announce the changes in the Official Journal.

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Poland is one of the largest countries in the Central European region and it has an internal market that is suited to the import of various types of products. Coffee, tea, and spices are among some of the most important products that are being imported by Poland. India is one of the primary countries of origin for these products, and this particular category of goods is among the top ones exported to Polish consumers, along with oil seeds, seafood, and others.

The total import value for coffee, tea, and spices in Poland increased in 2017, amounting to approximately 649 million euros. This is a difference that can highlight a growing trend in the consumption of these types of products. It is projected that the total amount of revenue from this industry will continue to growth thru 2023.

In order to open a Polish business for selling coffee, tea, and spices, investors will need to deliver products that suit the needs of the customers and also secure export agreements with various manufacturers from different countries. Intra-EU trade, as well as trade with countries from outside of the Union, needs to be taken into consideration for this purpose.

Investors who are interested in entering this market need to follow the general steps for company registration in Poland and, according to the needs of the business, either set up an online shop for selling the items or renting/purchasing a location from which they will sell the coffee, tea, and spices.

How to open a Polish company for selling coffee, tea, and spices

The amount of coffee and tea consumed by Polish nationals varies according to the area (urban/rural) and the age of the consumer. Poland has many coffee shops that offer specialty coffee and use alternative brewing methods. The development of the coffee culture can also provide for an important market in selling the drink for private consumption, not only for cafes in Polish cities.

Entrepreneurs who open a Polish business for selling coffee, tea and spices can sell their products both to other shops and to private customers. Below, we present the main steps needed to open a company in Poland:

choose a company type: a business that sells coffee, tea and spices can be incorporated as a Polish private limited liability company.
choose a company name: the name needs to be unique and entrepreneurs can check it via our online tool.
draw up the company documents: the Articles of Association and the Memorandum include information about the new legal entity.
open a bank account: the bank account is needed in order to deposit the minimum share capital.
register the business: the company documents, the application for registration and other documents are submitted to the Polish trade register for the purpose of incorporation.

The market for coffee, tea, and spices in Poland

A business that sells coffee tea and spices can offer a wide array of products to its customers, sources from different exporters. Some of the items that can be sold by such a shop include the following:

• Herbs and spices: Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai spices
• Coffee: imported, locally roasted coffee as well as roasted coffee beans can represent the assortments of coffee offered.
• Tea: different categories of tea, rooibos tea, herbal tea, mate, loose teas.
• Others: some of these businesses will also sell tea accessories as well as some food items such as biscuits or jams.

When selling food and drink, investors in Poland will need to acquire the mandatory special permits and licenses. The broader category of food includes a wide array of products, including those that are processed or partially processed. Investors may need to follow the fundamental requirements for establishments that sell food, as set out by the Polish Sanitary Inspectorate. Special rules also apply for the labeling of the products. One important issue to keep in mind is that the labeling should contain a Polish translation.

When applying for the needed special permits and licenses, foreign investors may find that the language barrier is an impediment not only in communicating with the state authorities but also for filling in and submitting the necessary forms. Our team of agents who specialize in company formation in Poland can assist you during the process of registering the legal entity and when applying for special permits and licenses.

Gambling activities in Poland are largely composed on betting agencies, with sports betting being very well established both online and offline. betting shop operators are subject to the Gaming Act and need to comply with the local market regulations as well as the licensing requirements.

In this short guide on how to open a betting agency in Poland, our team of agents describes the main steps needed to first incorporate a company that will engage in gambling/betting activities and then set up the actual betting site or betting shop.

Gambling and betting in Poland

Betting is a game, along with card games, change games and gaming machines, regulated by the Polish Gambling Law. The activity of betting is performed for the purpose of obtaining cash or material prices, conditioned by guessing the results of:

sports activities (either with human or animal participants, examples including football, horse races, etc.). Poland uses a sweepstake system, where the value of the prize depends on the total amount of placed bets.
virtual events, that can include computer-generated events where there is also a competition in place; for this purpose, the prize will depend on the stake-to-winning ratio; for these types of events, the value of the prize cannot be lower than 5 percentage points our of the average winning rate in betting; companies that arrange virtual betting events are required to archive the data containing the results (for a period of five years).

Online betting is the type of online gambling that is allowed by law to be performed by private entities.

According to law, investors in Poland who open a betting agency can only operate the business (arrange the betting sessions) when holding relevant licenses or permits. The activity can only be arranged according to the scope of the permit, for example in a betting shop or point or via the internet. Betting companies that offer their services online are required to sustain a platform that will allow for proving the participation in betting and will allow for the sufficient safety measures so as no unauthorized persons may engage in the activities.

One of our Polish company formation agents can help investors obtain the permit that allows them to arrange betting activities. We can also provide you with more detailed information about the laws in force and the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Finance, the supervisory authority for gambling.

How to start a Polish betting agency

Investors who open a company in Poland and wish to engage in gambling activities, more specifically in betting, need to follow a few key steps. These are the common ones for opening any type of business in Poland, with an additional step needed to obtain the special license for this type of activity.

The main steps to open a betting agency in Poland are listed below:

- choose the legal form: the Polish private limited liability company is often the chosen business form for a betting operator; it allows the founders to only be liable up to the amount of the capital they invest.
- choose a name: the company needs to have an original business name, one that can be checked prior to moving forward with the next steps.
- prepare the documentation: the Articles of Association and the Memorandum are drawn up during this phase; they include information about the company activities, its registered office, shareholders, types of shares and others.
- register: the company documents, together with the registration form and proof of payment of the minimum share capital (and other documents, as needed) are submitted to the National Court Register.

One of our Polish company formation agents can give you more information about these steps and can help you register the company.

Requirements and regulations for betting agencies in Poland

The application for the special gambling license is submitted to the Ministry of Finance. The application will include details about the applicant (details about the applicant, about the operation, financial statement, conditions for the betting games, etc). A special fee is due when submitting the application.

The betting permit is issued for six years, after which it can be renewed for an additional period of six years. One of our agents can help foreign investors in Poland who wish to open a betting agency submit the necessary documents in order to obtain the needed permit.

These types of companies in Poland are subject to the provisions of the anti-money laundering laws and when applying for the license they must be able to show that they comply with these laws. Inspections can be carried out by the relevant Polish authorities and the permit can be revoked when a money laundering conviction is issued.

The bakery market in Poland is a significant part of the overall food market and the sector is well represented both by large companies and artisan bakers.

This guide presented by our agents presents how to start a bakery in Poland, the main steps and the manner in which this type of business can also be incorporated by foreign entrepreneurs in the country.

Opening a bakery in Poland

Bakeries in Poland focus both on freshly baked items that are sold rapidly and on bread or pastry that have a longer shelf life, like the products typically found in supermarkets. Average bakeries offer a wide variety of products, so as to satisfy the changing and diverse goods of Polish buyers.

The steps below are important to take into consideration before starting a Polish bakery:

- Choose the products: baked goods are diverse and companies in Poland can focus on providing savory or sweet patisserie goods; choosing the type of products that will be manufactured in an important step.
- Incorporate: a bakery is commonly incorporated as a private limited liability company; it has lower requirements than the joint stock and it can be used for a small or medium business, suitable for an artisan bakery concept; foreign investors can request our special services for Polish company formation.
- Start-up costs: the new bakery will need to be set up in a satisfactory location that will have room for the manufacturing equipment and the staff employed as well as a front store if this is included in the business concept.
- Marketing: new bakers in towns like Wroclaw, Warsaw or other locations will want to promote their goods and services.

Company formation in Poland

These steps outline the process of opening a bakery in broad terms. Investors will also need to remember that the baking sector, like any other sub-sector of the food industry, is regulated and special permits and licenses are needed.

The HORECA, or the food and service industry, is well-represented both by permanent and seasonal establishments such as hotels or hostels but also by restaurants, bars, cafes and catering companies for example.

The market is favored by Poland’s strategic position in Europe, making it an ideal place for business but also an interesting tourist attraction. In order to set up a HORECA company in Poland, investors will need to comply with the special regulations in this field and also obtain the necessary permits.

Our Polish company formation agents can help you understand the particularities of the food services, hotel, and restaurant sector in the country and can assist in company registration.

HORECA market summary in Poland

The HORECA sector in Poland is a recipient of foreign direct investments and, although the country has a smaller hotel and accommodation market compared with other EU countries, foreign investors are welcomed in this business field.

The restaurant sector and the catering sector are two of the promising sub-markets in the HORECA sector in terms of opportunities for doing business in the food services industry. in both cases, company owners will need to gain the special permits and licenses for the production and storing of food as well as establish their manufacturing units in approved premises.

Open a HORECA company in Poland

The list below contains examples of HORECA establishments in Poland:

Hotel: foreign investors can either become engaged in hotel construction or hotel restoration projects in Polish cities.
Bed and Breakfast: an alternative to a business in the accommodation sector, the bed and breakfast can be suited for those entrepreneurs looking to start a small or medium business.
Restaurant: opening a restaurant in Poland can be a promising business opportunity due to the fact that clients welcome a variety of types of cuisine.
Café: this can include just the service of coffee and related drinks but can also be combined with snacks, sweet and savory.

Other food establishments such as fast food franchises, bars, and food trucks can be included on this list. Investors who wish to open a company in Poland in this field can request specialized assistance from our agents.

Poland is a country that has seen significant growth in the food and service industry. Companies in this business field enjoy a reduced VAT.

Cryptocurrencies are disrupting the manner in which we perceive online payments and how we understand the characteristics of a currency in general. Poland has officially recognized trading in cryptocurrencies at the beginning of 2017. Since then, companies in this field have been promoting the development of the services associated with these digital currencies.

Our Polish company formation agents present a few cryptocurrency startup business ideas, both for local and foreign investors in Poland.

Main cryptocurrency business ideas in Poland

The following list shows some cryptocurrency business ideas in Poland.

• A cryptocurrency wallet: a software solution for storing, converting and using the major types of cryptocurrencies, all within a secure wallet.

• Buy/sell platform: helping entrepreneurs invest in popular cryptocurrencies, a platform for buying and selling is a tool that allows for the free movement and transaction of these currencies.

• Bitcoin ATM: or more accurately a BTM, is a physical machine used by individuals who wish to purchase cryptocurrency subunits.

• Cryptocurrency exchange: a platform that acts much like a stock exchange in the sense that users can transact the main types of cryptocurrencies,

Cryptocurrency regulation in Poland

Poland has not expressed a clear pro or anti opinion on virtual currencies although there have been some initiatives for discouraging anti-money laundering practices for companies in this industry. Although there are no clear laws to regulate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrencies are more likely to be treated as property instead of currency.

Owners of online cryptocurrency trading platforms and other types of business in this field need to comply with the regulations included in the country’s anti-money laundering Directive. Some government amendments require that these companies are to be monitored by national authorities, precisely for the purpose of avoiding any money laundering activities.

Our team can help you open a Polish company and comply with all of the ongoing regulations specific to the business field and to the registration of the new legal entity.

Poland is a favored destination to start a business in Europe because of its location and low business management costs. Investors who open a fintech company in Poland have a number of advantages, including but not limited to the country’s openness to encourage these types of services tailored to the needs of the financial industry – both the corporations and the clients.

Company formation in Poland is a simple process and foreign investors can talk to one of our agents who specialize in the incorporation of any business forms.

The financial technology business sector in Poland

Fintech companies in Poland provide services needed to companies in the banking and the financial industries. Their solutions, however, can be both targeted towards corporate needs, such as providing internal software solutions, and towards the customers, such as developing software for a better interaction between the bank and the client.

Polish companies in the fintech sector offer solutions for electronic payments, financial platforms, solutions for sales platforms or analytics. Apart from having a market that encourages the cooperation between banks and fintech companies, Poland has another important advantage: it has a pool of talented IT specialists.

International companies involved in the fintech sector have already caught on the business potential and the benefits that exist for those who open a Polish company. The country has a favorable investment regime and allows for full foreign ownership.

Types of fintech activities in Poland

Investors who start a fintech business can engage in a number of activities related to financial technologies. These are mainly related to the digitization of traditional financial services. The following list includes a few examples:

Financial and wealth management: services and platforms designed to help individuals and investors with actual investment counseling and advice and guidance related to money management;
Payment platforms: another option for those who open a company in Poland in this sector is to offer services that streamline online payments.
Crowdfunding: this category encompasses more types of alternative financing methods but a popular option is to open a crowdfunding platform.
Banking solutions: essentially the digitization of the traditional services that would have been available to clients of Polish banks.

When opening a new company, investors need to choose an appropriate type of legal entity in Poland. We suggest that you talk to one of our Polish company formation agents for detailed information about a specific type of company that would be suited to your business needs.

Companies that specialize in ventilation systems in Poland offer a wide range of services, both to corporate and to individual clients. Investors who open an air conditioning business in Poland have the option of offering services related to the supply of ventilation parts and accessories or the option of providing air conditioning installation in buildings.

Our agents who specialize in company formation in Poland can assist you throughout the process of opening a services company that specializes in providing air conditioning installation and maintenance.

Air conditioning companies in Poland

Air conditioning business in Poland will generally be classified according to the type of services they offer to their clients. Some businesses operating in this field are involved solely in the manufacturing and the supply of ventilation equipment and parts.

Other types of Polish companies in this field will be involved in the supply of air conditioning installation for commercial or residential buildings as well as in offering related maintenance services. Some businesses can offer combined services for air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration – including those for industrial purposes.

When starting a business in Poland, investors will need to establish the needed start-up costs and the specific requirements according to the nature of their business. Companies that are involved in manufacturing can have larger start-up costs while those that only provide installation and maintenance for clients will need to hire a professional team of mechanics. The Polish company formation process needs to be followed according to the local rules and regulations, both for manufacturing companies and for service providers.

How to start a business in Poland

A few steps are needed to open a company in Poland and they can be summarized as follows:

- choosing a suitable business structure and an available company name;

- drafting the incorporation documents;

- opening a ban account;

- registering the new legal entity with the Polish National Court Register;

- registering for tax and VAT purposes;

- hiring employees and commencing the business activities.

Amazon is the largest Internet retailer in the world, with a reported net revenue of nearly 136 billion US dollars in 2016. The e-commerce giant offers access to a wide variety of items, from clothing to consumer electronics, digital content and even groceries.

Amazon has opened fulltime centers in Poland, which are dedicated to the packaging and shipment of items o customers. These are located near Wroclaw and Poznan. The centers are designed to support the e-commerce retailer’s operations in Europe.

Investors who wish to set up an Amazon store in Poland can do so by following the company incorporation steps in the country. One of our Polish company formation agents can give you step-by-step guidance on how to set up the shop.

We invite you to watch the following video on starting an Amazon store in Poland:

Opening an Amazon store in Poland

In order to set up an Amazon store in Poland, entrepreneurs will need to register a company in Poland. This step is essential, as the new affiliate company will need to be able to issue invoices and comply with the taxation matters for online selling or VAT applicability.

Our team can help you open a Polish company, namely the Polish Sp. Z.O.O. company - the local equivalent of the private limited liability company. This is a preferred business form, including for those who open an Amazon store, because the assets of the founders are completely separate from those of the corporation.

Investors who choose to set up a Polish Amazon store can even sell their own products or products merchandised by local sellers, as Poland is included on the list of countries that can register for selling on Amazon.com.

Conditions for operating an Amazon store in Poland

An important issue to consider when providing access to the Amazon marketplace through a local store is the accepted payment method. Clients who purchase items often choose PayPal as a preferred method, however, companies in Poland need to provide other payment options such as credit or debit card payments. This is done by opening a merchant account in Poland. One of our Polish company formation experts can help you with detailed information.

Investors who open a franchise business in Poland have access to various business opportunities and benefit from acquiring the business know-how, together with the rights to bring a specific business to the Polish market.

The relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee is determined by the franchise agreement. Below, our Polish company formation agents describe the issues that need to address both by the franchisor and by the franchisee.

How to become a franchisor

The Polish franchisor is the one who has created a successful business and is willing to sell the usage rights for the tested business model. In a franchise agreement, the franchisor allows the franchisee to open a business based on an already existing and successful model.

The franchisor grants the following via a franchise agreement:

- the business model, which is a recognized and already successful one;

- the trademark, which is also already recognized in a particular field or market;

- the business system, which is the means of conducting business used in all other franchises;

- support for the new Polish franchise.

One of our agents can give you complete details on company formation in Poland and the franchising opportunities should you decide to become a franchisor and sell your business model.

How to become a franchisee

The franchisee in Poland, the one who buys the business model and rights, has access to a business that has been tested on other markets and in other cities and has proven to be a successful one.

The role of the franchisee is to pay in order to acquire the rights to use the franchise model and use the gained rights and business know-how to start and operate the franchise in Warsaw, Wroclaw or other Polish cities of choice. The franchisee will take on the complete responsibility for managing and running the new location. They are the ones who control the operations of their particular franchise business in Poland.

Taxi companies operate in all Polish cities, with varying fares. This means of transportation is popular among tourists and locals alike.

In order to open a taxi company in Poland, investors will need to have a business plan and determine the business start-up costs which are related to the vehicle costs but also the Polish company formation costs.

Taxi companies in Poland

Taxi companies in Poland operate as per the applicable national legislation for road transportation by taxi. A special license is issued for entrepreneurs who want to operate a taxi company in Warsaw, Krakow, or another Polish city.

Our experts who specialize in company formation in Poland can give you specific information on the licensing process, the application, and needed documents as well as the Law on Road Transport.

Taxi drivers are also subject to holding adequate driving licenses and a complete training course for taxi driving purposes (an attestation of competence).

Apart from the licensing requirements, taxi companies in Poland need to be registered for business and tax purposes and have a registered office in a Polish city. The taxi company can start with a few cars and a subsequent expansion of the car fleet can take place once the company develops.

All companies in Poland are required to have a unique company name and the same applies to these types of companies. Investors can design their unique taxi logo and apply for trademark registration in Poland.

Open a company in Poland

The Polish company formation process is a simple one and begins with choosing the right type of company. Taxi businesses will usually be incorporated as a private limited liability company. Businesses are registered with the National Court Register and they obtain a tax number, a VAT number, and a REGON number.

Foreigners can conduct business in Poland and they have the same rights as Polish nationals. Business ownership is not subject to obtaining Polish residency, however, visa requirements may apply for some foreign nationals.

Bookstores in Poland offer a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction book. Polish cities are home to chain bookstores and small, independent stores as well as antiquarian bookshops.

Investors who want to start a bookstore in Poland need to follow a few steps related to company formation, find suitable premises and hire employees for their new business.

Our agents can help you open a company in Poland and follow the necessary requirements for operating such a business.

Bookstore businesses in Poland

Bookstores in Poland meet the needs of all book lovers and some of them go beyond their classical function by also providing clients with special reading or seminar spaces and selected events like meetings, readings, and discussions. Offering something new or in a reimagined fashion is a good way to attract clients of all ages. Therefore, investors are advised to come up with a business plan and select a suitable location for their book business in one of the Polish cities.

Entrepreneurs who want to open a Polish bookstore can choose between offering a wide variety of titles and genres or selecting just a few niche fields for their clients. They can specialize in biographies, travel literature, antique books or children’s books.

Bookstores that offer food and beverage options will need to obtain separate special permits and licenses for providing these types of services. One of our Polish company formation agents can help you meet these requirements and obtain the necessary permits according to the specific services you provide and the size of the bookshop.

How to open a company in Poland

A Polish bookstore is typically incorporated in the form of a private limited liability company. Entrepreneurs select an available business name, draft the Articles of Association, open a bank account and submit the minimum share capital and register the company with the National Court Register. Additional permits are obtained after this stage and the company also needs to obtain its tax and identification numbers.

The advertising market in Poland is one that is keeping its pace close to the level of economic development. Poland has a stable economy and marketers have access to a large internal market that presents various business opportunities.

In order to open an advertising agency in Poland, investors need to consider some of the country’s particularities in terms of population reach and advertising channels and the particularities for company formation.

Our Polish company formation agents in can help you throughout the entire company formation process if you are willing to start a Polish advertising business.

The advertising market in Poland

Advertising companies in Poland have access to a large internal market and have access to a large number of Polish customers through television advertising. Television remains the most important media in which companies advertise their products. Expert’s analysis indicates that the advertising channels will shift from printed media advertisements to online and television advertising.

Poland has the following types of media in which companies can advertise: television, press, mail, outdoor advertising, radio and online.

The advertising market is comprised of large, international companies but also smaller companies that provide niche services or just one of the main means of advertising, for example, online advertising.

Poland regulates the advertising standards and the law limits or even prohibits any types of commercials for certain categories of products (advertising for cigarettes is not permitted, and that for alcohol is limited).

One of our Polish company formation agents can give you more details on the laws for advertising applicable to companies in this field as well as the special permits and licenses needed.

How to open a company in Poland

Company formation in Poland involves a few key steps, plus the drafting of the company’s Articles of Association. The new business entity must have a unique business name, a bank account, paid-up capital and a registered address in Poland.

All companies in Poland are registered with the National Court Registry, they obtain a REGON number they are also registered with the tax authorities for VAT purposes.

A business idea for those who are planning to start a company is to open a courier business in Poland. This type of business can be profitable, especially as the company grows and gains more contracts and as it expands its fleet of cars and employees.

In order to open a company in Poland, investors will need to follow a few steps, have the necessary capital for their start-up as well as the understanding of the Polish laws.

Courier and delivery services in Poland

Courier and delivery services companies are an attractive investment option. It can also be a lucrative one if the entrepreneurs are willing to expand their business to other cities.

Most courier business in Poland set up their headquarters in a large Polis city, like Warsaw, however, according to their size and the available fleet of cars, they can provide services in more than one major city. Competitive pricing can be an advantage and prior market research is recommended for investors who want to open Polish a courier business.

Your new courier business must have a unique name, a prerequisite for registering the company, and should position itself on the market according to a targeted audience: corporate clients, private ones or a combination of both.

Investors can also explore the availability of courier franchises in Poland: they can start their business by acquiring the rights to use the brand and business model of al already existing courier company. One of our Polish company formation agents can give you more details on this option.

Start a company in Poland

In order to open a company in Poland, investors who want to enter the courier business need to follow a few steps:

- choose a type of company: for courier businesses the chosen type if usually the private limited liability company;

- draft the Articles of Association;

- open a bank account in Poland;

- register the company;

- handle the arrangements for an office space, fleet of cars and employees.

Other steps may be needed, and foreign investors in Poland may need to translate certain documents into Polish.

The entire Polish company formation process should last less than a month after which the company can start its parcel delivery services.

Poland recognized Bitcoin trading as of 2016 and companies that trade in virtual currencies have increased their number. In order to open a cryptocurrency company in Poland, investors need to follow the general rules for company formation but also the special regulations in this field that is subject to ongoing regulatory changes.

Poland is encouraging the development of the cryptocurrency community and blockchain technology. The Government has already made steps towards encouraging start-up companies in this field.

Investors who need help in order to open a company in Poland can talk to one of our company formation agents.

The cryptocurrency sector in Poland

Poland officially recognized trading and mining of virtual currencies. This includes Bitcoin but also other cryptocurrencies. These types of companies are able to obtain an official registration in Poland and the issue, sale, and purchase of electronic currencies is classified as official statistics services in Poland. The status and the taxation of profits derived from cryptocurrency activities is still to be regulated. Those investors who are interested in current taxation matters for companies can talk to one of our Polish company formation experts.

Earlier this year, the Polish Government released a set of best practices for the national cryptocurrency market. Start-ups in this field benefit from several national programs, implemented by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

The Polish company formation process is the same for cryptocurrency companies as for any other type of corporate structure. Investors who cannot be present in the country for the entire duration of the process can request specialized, personalized investment aid from one of our experts.

Opening a Polish company

Company formation in Poland is an easy procedure both for local and foreign investors. The new company needs to have an original name and be registered with the National Court Register. different types of companies have different requirements for a minimum share capital and for the management structure.

Companies that want to start online trading activities can open a merchant account in Poland. This means that they will open a separate bank account that will enable the company to accept multiple payment methods.

These types of accounts are mandatory for certain types of businesses and only optional for others. Investors who want to open a company in Poland can request the help provided by our company formation agents in the country.

The advantages of a merchant account in Poland

Companies in Poland can broaden the payment options they make available to their clients. The merchant account is a type of bank account through which companies can accept and process credit and debit card payments. Online businesses need to have this payment method in place and businesses of all types can benefit from being able to offer their services to paying customers worldwide.

This bank account is actually an agreement between the company in Poland, the bank where the account is open and a payment processor that handles and settles the credit/debit card payments.

The Polish company formation process requires that investors open a corporate bank account before they incorporate the legal entity. This account will be used to deposit the minimum share capital required for the chosen type of company.

Corporate bank accounts in Poland

Company owners in Poland who want to open a merchant account can contact the bank where their regular corporate account is open. The requirements for this type of payment processing service can vary according to the bank, however, all financial institutions will perform a company background check and will need several documents before they open the merchant account.

Polish companies that have had issues with bankruptcy or perhaps creditor liability in the past may find it more difficult to apply for a merchant account. Start-ups and new businesses are also subject to evaluation and

The catering sector in Poland is one of the most developed industries in the hospitality sector. Catering companies can target different types of clients. The sector is growing and attracting investors in Poland who are mainly turning their attention toward restaurants but also other types of catering establishments.

In order to set up a catering business in Poland, entrepreneurs need to follow a series of steps and submit the required company documentation. The process can differ according to the selected type of company. One of our company formation agents in Poland can assist you during the registration phase and provide you with detailed information.

We invite you to watch the following video on opening a catering business in Poland:

The catering sector in Poland

The catering sector in Poland has a dynamic evolution: these types of establishments are diverse and are adapting to the changes in consumer preferences and attitude. An important factor for the growing demand for these types of establishments is the economic growth in Poland and the development in other business sectors, like tourism.

Revenue in the catering sector is mainly generated by food production, followed by the sale of beverages (including alcohol) and tobacco.

Those who open a Polish company that activates in the catering market can choose to incorporate in one of the main cities like Warsaw or Wroclaw.

Opening a company in Poland

Catering companies in Poland undertake activities that involve the preparation and sale of food and drinks. Restaurants, bars, canteens, street food establishments and any other type of company that is involved in the preparation, storage, and sale of food and drink (including alcoholic drinks) must obtain the relevant special permits and licenses from the Polish authorities. These licenses not only target the safe and proper preparation of food and drinks but also confirm that the location is suitable and safe for clients.

Investors who want to open a company in Poland and are in need of more information on how to apply for these permits can talk to one of our company formation agents.

All Polish companies need to be registered with the National Court Register. Registration for VAT purposes also applies.

Poland has a developed food and beverage market that is open to innovation and investments. The country presents several advantages, including a geographical one to all foreign investors who want to open a beverages company in Poland.

Polish consumers are open toward new brands and products that are launched on the market, however, as a study from 2015 showed, they are largely concerned with health and wellness.

Our company formation agents in Poland give you the main details concerning investments in the beverages industry, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic products.

The beverages industry in Poland

Poland has a developed beverage industry, with demand for many types of commercial beverages. The soft drinks, still drinks and the alcoholic drinks sub-markets are three examples of investment areas that can be targeted by foreign investors.

The market potential is considerable, taking into consideration the country’s large internal market and the rate of consumption. Many large international companies are present on the market and company mergers are a possibility in this business sector.

Investors who want to open a company in Poland should be aware that the food and beverage sector is subject to requirements for manufacturing and distribution. Special permits and licenses are often required. These may include import permits, for bringing alcoholic or non-alcoholic products into the country or those permits that refer to beverage manufacturing, hygiene, and production.

Opening a company in Poland

Foreign investment is encouraged in Poland and, except for a limited number of restrictions, and foreign entrepreneurs enjoy the same treatment as local investors or legal entities.

The limited liability company is a popular choice for investors and a good option for those who want to open a beverages company in Poland. Alternatively, entrepreneurs may open a joint stock company, a branch of a foreign company, a sole proprietorship or choose between the types of partnerships available in the country.

All companies are required to open their bank account in Poland and register with the National Court Register. Companies are assigned an REGON number and must comply with the tax requirements in Poland.

n today’s hectic world, more Polish citizens and residents become too busy taking care of their daily activities, hobbies and families that they are interested in reducing the time spent on everyday chores, like laundering, as much as possible. In anticipation of the needs of their potential customers, local and foreign businesses and entrepreneurs have started to cater them by opening laundry businesses in Poland. Our company formation professionals in Poland can assist you in opening this kind of business here.

Types of laundry businesses in Poland

There are two types of laundry businesses in Poland:

• Dry cleaning businesses: the most popular laundry companies in the country. These are businesses that offer their services for pieces of clothing or other items which are hard to wash at home. Among the most successful dry cleaning businesses in Poland, we mention Pralnia Languna, Fresh Clean and Pralnia Foka;

• Self-service laundry businesses: they generally can thrive in bigger cities of Poland, where people are busier. Some businesses offer other benefits included as well, like detergent, free WiFi and coffee machines so that customers can spend their time in a pleasant way while waiting for the laundry to finish. In Warsaw, some of the most popular self-service laundry companies are Osmiorniczka, Blanc Lys and Lili.

In Poland, a profitable investment can prove to be the franchise self-service laundry business. A self-service laundry business is quite different from your traditional fast food or retail franchise in the sense that, unlike other types of franchise investments, it does not necessitate the payment of ongoing royalties or commissions.

There are no employees, as the business is self-serviced and the time an entrepreneur has to spend on managing it is minimal. Besides, the business delivers predictable profits and it is recession-proof. Our Polish company formation professionals can provide further information on how to open a Polish franchise self-service laundry business here.

How to open a laundry business in Poland

In order to open a laundry business in Poland, just like with any other company, there are certain steps which have to be followed, such as:

• Notarization of the company agreement;

• Deposit the paid-in funds in a bank account;

• File for company registration at the National Court Register in Poland;

• Register for VAT and other taxes.

n the last years, fitness businesses all over Europe have seen a major increase in their numbers. And Poland is an important player in this field, with 2,800 fitness clubs and more than 3 million members. In 2015, the country was only EUR 25 million short of reaching EUR 1 billion in revenues in the sports industry, registering an increase of EUR 100 million compared to the previous year. Opening a sports business in Poland can be, therefore, a profitable endeavor for those interested to promote health and an active life style while making profits at the same time.

The company registration procedure in Poland

No matter whether you decide to open a sole trader or another company type in Poland, firstly you will have to visit the Central Registration and Information on Business Website .

Then, you will be required to fill out a registration form. While doing so, you will also have to choose the type of activity number.

Afterwards, you will have to register for social insurance and tax contributions. Our Polish company formation advisors can assist you with these matters.

Legislation and licenses for sports instructors in Poland

Foreign investors interested in opening a sports business in Poland must hire specialized personnel and they can choose between:

• coach;

• sports instructor.

If choosing to work as a coach, one has to fall under one of the following degrees:

• Second Class Coach;

• First Class Coach;

• Master Coach.

Our company formation representatives in Poland can offer more details on the requirements to open a gym or a fitness center.

A sports instructor in Poland can be an individual who underwent a higher education, which allowed him or her to gain specialized knowledge and skills, or has at least a high school diploma and completed a specialized course for sports instructors in a certain sport through passing an examination.

A successful gym must be located in an easily accessible area and with a wide visibility in order to attract as many clients as possible. There are certain licenses which have to be obtained from the city hall, or other administrative bodies, as well as other permits. Our company formation specialists in Poland can offer all the necessary information on these licenses and permits.

The food industry is one of the fastest-growing and most significant domains of the economy in Poland. And fast food is a profitaeble sector to get involved in.

The other reason why foreign investors are interested in opening a fast food in Poland is because this type of business sometimes requires a smaller initial investment. There are, though, certain licensing requirements which have to be obtained, like for any type of food business in Poland.

If you would like to open a fast food in Poland, our Polish company formation advisors can assist you in this matter.

Aspects to consider when opening a fast food in Poland

Opening a fast food business in Poland can prove to be a lucrative investment. However, strict regulations apply to this type of business as it involves handling and selling food to the public.

According to the Polish legislation, which has to comply with that of the European Union, a foreign investor who activates in the food production or marketing, must register to obtain an approval to do so with the regional sanitary inspector.

This type of approval is issued after inspecting the premises, at which time thorough hygienic standards have to be verified.

The local legislation also provides strict regulations relating to:

• Food safety related to the use of different equipment, as well as equipment design and constructions in order to rule out the risk of contamination;

• Certain plant procedures based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles;

• The staff employed to work with food have to obtain certain requirements related to preventing and fighting infections and infectious diseases.

Our company formation professionals in Poland are ready to offer more details regarding other important aspects and requirements to consider when opening a Polish fast food.

Permits and licenses for a fast food in Poland

Since a fast food business stores, produces and trades foods which will be consumed by individuals, they have to follow special health regulations and obtain special licenses and permits to be able to do so.

As part of the European Union, Poland has to comply with the EU rules and regulations for food safety.

The food safety bodies in Poland are represented, among others, by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate within the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health.

Foreign investors who want to open a company in Poland need to execute the Articles of Association. These are a legal entity’s constitutive documents and they are mandatory for the incorporation of the company.

The Articles, together with other required documents are submitted to the Polish Commercial Register. Once the new entity is registered it obtains legal personality. The Polish law allows for an intermediate period before the actual registration during which the company may function as one that is currently undergoing organization.

Information included in the Polish company’s Articles

The Articles of Association of a Polish company are executed before a notary, as a notarial deed. A declaration regarding the subscription of shares accompanies the articles. These documents can be signed by the shareholders or by their attorneys if a power of attorney was drafted for this purpose.

The company’s constitutive documents include information about:

- the company’s business name and place of business;

- the activity of the company or its business scope;

- the duration of the company, if applicable;

- the share capital amount;

- special provisions for holding more than one share per shareholder;

- the number of nominal value of shares per each shareholder.

The Articles of Association and other resolutions, including those for the appointment of the Board of Directors are made in Polish. Foreign investors who want to open a Polish company may require the presence of a translator.

Company formation in Poland

Investors who want to register a company in Poland can do so with the National Court Register (KRS). Special forms as well as the requested documents, including the Articles of Association, are submitted upon the registration.

The next step after registering the company with the KRS is to obtain an REGON number and a NIP number. Companies in Poland must also be registered for VAT purposes.

Several types of companies can be formed in Poland. The limited liability company is the most popular business form which can be incorporated by one or more members.

he special purpose vehicle (SPV) is a corporate structure set-up in Poland by a parent company abroad. This Polish company is used for tax optimization of the business activity. The SPV, usually set-up as a subsidiary is also able to help the parent company retain its assets if it goes bankrupt.

The special purpose vehicle can be an attractive solution, which is able to provide companies with the needed structure for asset management and profits distribution. If you want to register a company in Poland that will be used as an SPV you can talk to one of our local company formation specialists.

Polish SPV structure

A commonly chosen structure to form a special purpose vehicle in Poland is the limited partnership. This is one of the recognized types of partnerships in Poland and it has at least one limited partner who is liable for the business with all of his assets. No minimum share capital is required for his business form, which is advantageous for those investors interested in opening an SPV in Poland.

The special purpose vehicle, sometimes also called a special purpose entity, can be used for securitisation purposes, for property investment in Poland, the transfer of assets or risk sharing. These legal entities are used to isolate financial risk, however, investors in Poland should be aware of all of the implications of owning such a type of company if the parent corporation does indeed file for bankruptcy. If you want to open a company in Poland, our team can assist you with adequate tax planning and financial advice for corporations.

Company formation in Poland

Special purpose vehicles can take the form of a partnership, limited liability company or trust. The choice belongs to the investor and it can be based on a number of factors, including available capital, the purpose of the newly formed corporate structure and the nature of the business. The tax relationship between the SPV in Poland and the parent company abroad is the main reason for the creation of this vehicle. In most cases, a double tax treaty will apply between Poland and the country in which the parent company is located.

Open a Telecommunications Business in Poland .jpg

The telecommunications market in Poland is well developed and represented mainly by private companies and international corporations. The number of clients using internet services is growing on a yearly basis and the mobile market maintains a linear growth.

Telecommunications companies in Poland need to obtain special permits and licenses for the services they provide to their clients. Investors who want to open a company in Poland can request the services offered by our company registration experts.

The telecommunications market in Poland

Poland has a telecoms market that has been developing constantly over the last years. The broadband and mobile sectors as well as the internet sector are very well developed and maintain a linear, constant growth.

Many telecommunications companies are based in Warsaw but other Polish cities provide the same facilities, incentives, and benefits for companies. Investors in Poland can also explore the options offered in the country’s Free Zones.

Our Polish company formation experts can give you additional information about the conditions for foreign investments on the telecom market and how foreign companies can register a branch in Poland.

Requirements for telecoms companies in Poland

The Telecommunications Law Act, issued in 2002, observes the existing EU framework for the telecommunications industry and the laws applicable in Poland in this business field are similar or in line with the existing European regulations for electronic communications. The Office of Electronic Communication is the regulatory agency for the telecom industry in Poland.

The Polish competition law applies to companies operating in the telecommunications sector. Investors who want to open a legal entity that operates in this field must do so by observing the Company Law and the requirements for registering and managing a Polish company. All telecommunications companies must pay taxes in Poland and file the annual tax returns.

The Polish retail sector represents an important opportunity for business. The macroeconomic climate in the country and the stability of the GDP encourage investors who want to enter the Polish market.

Foreign investors in Poland who want to enter the retail market should be aware of all the aspects related to company formation and start-up as well as the laws governing foreign investments. Those who want to open a Polish company can rely on the services provided by a specialized company incorporation agency.

The Polish retail sector

The Polish retail market is stable in terms of supply and consumption. Market performance remains good, with the number of new shopping centers growing.

The retail sector consists of various sub-sectors like lifestyle, clothing, specialty goods, home appliances, supermarket chains, and others. The sector includes small and large companies alike, with foreign and domestic retail companies. Several large international retail chains are present on the Polish market. Company mergers and acquisitions are not uncommon in the Polish retail sector.

Opening a company in Poland

Retail businesses in Poland can take the form of one of the existing types of legal entities. Most retailers choose to open a limited liability company or a joint-stock company but individuals can also act as a natural person, in the form of a sole proprietor.

All companies must be registered with the Polish commercial register. International retail chains can open a branch in Poland or a subsidiary.

From a tax point of view, corporations are subject to larger taxes and reporting requirements compared to the Polish partnership or the sole proprietorship. If you want to register a company in Poland our experts can give you more information on the mandatory minimum share capital for corporations.

After having incorporated the new company, retail shops need to lease appropriate premises to conduct their activities. The location can present important advantages but there are also some important tax considerations when choosing to rent premises. Our Polish company formation experts can help you conclude the lease contract.

according-to-eurostat-over-half-of-all-temporary-workers-employed-in-poland-last-year-came-from-outs

According to recent data compiled by Eurostat, Poland has the highest share of non-EU temporary workers in the European Union. In 2019, as much as 53% of all people employed on temporary or short-term contracts in Poland came from outside the EU. The rest of the temporary workers were native-born.

Spain and Cyprus came second and third in the Eurostat table, employing respectively 38% and 33% of temporary workers from outside the EU, and followed by Portugal (29%), Sweden (26%) and the Netherlands (25%). On the other end of the chart, Estonia (2%), Latvia (4%), Austria (8%) and Ireland (10%) had the lowest share of temporary workers from non-EU countries.

Overall, around one-fifth (22%) of all third-country nationals working in the EU in 2019 were employed on temporary contracts. By comparison, only around 15% of workers born in a different EU member state and 13% of native-born workers were employed on short-term contracts.

Eurostat has also revealed that in 2019, the highest share of temporary workers from other EU member states was observed in Spain (29%), Portugal (24%), Greece (23%) and Italy (21%), and the lowest in Hungary and Ireland (both 6%), Austria (7%), Luxembourg, Cyprus and Slovenia (9%).

As regards native-born employees, the highest share of employees on temporary contracts in the total number of workers was observed in Spain (24 %), Poland (21%), Portugal (19%) and Croatia (18%), the lowest in Lithuania and Romania (1%), Estonia, Latvia (3%) and Bulgaria (4%).

Source: Eurostat

Poland has important potential for start-up formation in terms of favourable business climate, entrepreneur expertise, and Government support. The mix of these three elements is found in a number of key business fields and represents one of the reasons to launch a start-up in Poland.

1. Investment incentives

The Polish Government supports foreign investments and encourages young, innovative entrepreneurs through a series of targeted investment incentives. The Programme for supporting investments of major importance to the Polish Economy for years 2011-2020 offers a special grant to investors in fields like automotive and aviation, biotechnology, food processing and many others.

2. R&D support

The research and development sector in Poland is one of the business fields that show the greatest potential for development. Poland has more than 400 higher education institutions and an important number of university graduates each year. Research and development activities are financed through government grants but also through private sector investments.

3. Special Economic Zones

Poland has 14 Special Economic Zones spread throughout its territory. These areas are selected zones where investments are encouraged through a series of incentives exemptions and access to business facilities. Each of the fourteen zones has its own management board and particularities for investments. Foreign investors who want to open a company here need to obtain a license for functioning for that particular zone.

4. Industrial and Technology Parks

The Special Economic Zones are not the only areas where start-ups in Poland can benefit from a larger support and research facilities. The Poznan Science and Technology Park was the first of its kind. These areas are designed to create favourable business conditions and encourage the collaboration between investors, at the same time creating new workplaces in Poland.

Polish start-up founders are taking advantage of the existing facilities and collaborating to create their own innovative community. In recent years, Poland’s start-up world has begun to see more and more innovative products and concepts.

Entrepreneurs, business owners or any other persons interested in obtaining a trademark registration in Poland must submit a special application.

A trademark can be protected in Poland either through the country's regulations, either thourgh international laws.

In Poland, trademark protection is granted by the Polish Patent Office. Due to Poland's membership in the European Union, Community trademarks registered at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) in Alicante are also valid in Poland and protected throughout the European Union. International registration can be made in Geneva, at the International Bureau of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Our lawyer in Poland can assist you in this matter.

Elements that can be registered as trademarks in Poland

Signs registered as trademarks in Poland must have certain features that distinguish them from existing ones. Any graphic sign or a sign than can be represented graphically can be registered as a trademark. Some examples for trademarks are:

- words;

- designs;

- ornaments or combinations of colors;

- three-dimensional shape of goods or their packaging;

- melodies or other acoustic signals.

Trademark protection in Poland lasts for 10 years after the filing date and can be extended (upon request) for another 10 years. For more detailed information it would be adviseable to search for the advice of an attorney in Poland.

Necessary documents for registering a trademark in Poland

When the application is filed, a request must be made in which the applicants are identified and the trademark is defined. A priority document together with certain copies of the trademark must be submitted, according to its type (clear prints if the trademark is a drawing, sign, designs, etc. color claims, if applicable, or recording tapes for sound trademarks).

The priority document should be translated, if needed, in one of the following languages: Polish, English, German, French or Russian.

Other documents may include: statements (if applicable), power of attorney rules for using a collective mark, certain documents authorizing the use of other trademarks (safety signs, flags, etc.).

Any natural or legal person may apply for a trademark registration in Poland.

The insurance sector in Poland shows important potential for development and growth. The country has a strong economy and encourages foreign investments, including the presence of multinational insurance companies on the market.

Life insurance occupies the largest market share but other sectors like vehicle insurance are also significant in the non-life insurance sector.

In order to open an insurance company in Poland investors will need to follow the usual steps for incorporating a Polish company.

The insurance market in Poland

Poland has a well-developed insurance market that has important potential for future growth. The number of life and non-life insurance premiums are expected to grow in correlation with rising employment and the growth of the average household income levels.

The Insurance and Reinsurance Act is the most important source for the national regulation of insurance activities and companies in Poland. The Compulsory Insurance Act sets forth the sectors in which insurance is mandatory: buildings and motor vehicles are included in this category. Other European rules and regulations are also applicable in the Polish insurance sector.

The Polish Insurance Association ensures the quality of the insurance services provided in the country and acts as a representative of the national insurers. The Association also includes the Polish branches belonging to foreign insurers and reinsurers.

Requirements for opening a Polish insurance company

Several steps need to be completed in order to open a company in Poland. The investor will need to choose one of the available business forms and a suitable and available business name. Companies are registered with the National Court Register after an application form is submitted together with the required documents. A REGON number, a NIP number, and a VAT number is assigned to the company.

Polish insurance companies can provide a series of insurance premiums, targeted for life and/or non-life insurance. These include home and property insurance, life or medical insurance or vehicle insurance.

Insurance and reinsurance companies need to be compliant with the ongoing legislation for insurers and brokers and protect the best interests of the insured individuals. The insurance law allows the policyholder to revoke the insurance contract under certain terms.

Polish companies that have been evolving favourably and expanding their business may consider changing their business structure. This change may be needed for a number of purposes, like easier access to outside investors or for listing the shares of the company on the Stock Market (which is not possible for a limited liability company).

The most common type of structure change is from a private limited liability company, the Sp.Z.O.O. in Poland, into a public limited liability company. This process can be performed by the company founders themselves or with the help of a company registration expert in Poland.

Changing the type of company in Poland

The Polish private limited liability company has different requirement for the mandatory minimum share capital. This is an important aspect to consider when changing the business structure. Moreover, the joint-stock company may have more shareholders who can contribute to the capital.

An important step when changing the business structure is to update the Articles of Association. This document will need to state the new characteristics of the company. The National Court register (KRS) in Poland is the legal authority where entrepreneurs register their businesses, associations or organizations. The changes brought to the company will need to be registered with the relevant authorities. The name of the company will also have to be changed afterwards because it contains the company type initials.

Polish sole proprietorships can also be converted. A common procedure is to change them into limited liability companies. For this purpose, the investor will need to register his new company and follow all the usual steps for company incorporation.

Requirements for company formation in Poland

Several costs will be associated with changing the type of company, apart from the mandatory minimum share capital increases. These include taxes to prepare/change the company’s Articles of Association/Deed of Formation, notary fees, and the registration fees. Companies that need to register for VAT purposes will also have to pay a fee.

Tourism is one of Poland’s economic pillars which is why the Government is currently trying to amend its laws in order to encourage its development. Over the years, the hotel industry flourished alongside the other branches of the tourism sector which why it has now become very profitable to open a hotel in Poland. Recent statistics show that there are around 2,000 hotels in the country accounting for more than 80,000 jobs. However, the hotel industry influences around 300,000 employees due to the complex services they offer, among which catering and spa services.

Our experts in company registration in Poland can provide you with more information about the development of the tourism industry.

Setting up a hotel in Poland

The laws governing hotels in Poland are the Commercial Law which provides for the incorporation of companies, the Tourism Services Act and the European Directives. During the last few years, the Polish Chamber of Tourism together with several other governmental institutions have worked towards amending the tourism legislation in order to provide investors with an advantageous framework for opening hotels in this country.

All companies offering hotel services are required to obtain a license. Our specialists in Poland can assist foreign investors by preparing and filing the company incorporation documents with the Trade Register.

Classification of hotels in Poland

Apart from the company registration procedure, hotels must fulfill certain conditions as they are subject to a classification prior to their opening. Accommodation establishments in Poland are divided into:

- hotels;
- motels;
- guest houses;
- camping establishments;
- youth hostels;
- houses for tourists;
- bivouacs.

Their classification ranges from one to five stars, as it follows:

- hotels and motels must have at least 10 rooms;
- guest houses must have at least 7 rooms;
- hostels must have at least 30 dormitories.

These establishments must also secure central heating and hot and cold water 24/7. Customers must also be granted access to phones and fax machines at all times. Depending on the hotel, the surface of the rooms differs based on the number of stars awarded.

work-in-poland-for-foreigners-how-to-find-a-good-job.jpg

Recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o provides work in Poland for foreigners from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal India and from other countries. Our company has been operating in the labor market since 2009. Thanks to our experience, we can carry out each set of employees efficiently and quickly.

We select the necessary vacancy considering the characteristics of the applicant and provide information to the candidate about the place of new work. Also, we take on our shoulders organizational issues. Our offer is directed to people who want to continue their professional development in Poland. Also, for people who are planning to move to Poland for permanent residence.

Cooperating with the recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o you will find a suitable job for your qualifications.

Extensive base. On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

Our specialists work out for good money. The example that is above shows that we know the labor market in Poland for skilled workers. We know what money and what employers are willing to pay. Therefore, all our employees receive big salaries for their job.

Work in Poland for foreigners is our main job and vector of employment.

We are a professional recruitment agency which many campaigns cooperate with: from building corporations to IT-companies.

And we can immediately please you. Working through AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o, working with our recruiters, you will save money. Because you don’t pay money to your local agencies that operate in your countries that don’t know all the subtleties about vacancies in Poland and the work itself.

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

Work in Poland for foreigners. Where to begin?

The procedure is very simple and consists of 3 steps:
1. You need to send your CV to the post office info@atozserwisplus.pl and also fill in the form — here is the link.
2. After reviewing your application form and your resume, we offer you current vacancies that match your experience and skills.
3. We call up and agree on the documents, terms of arrival and commencement of work.
And if you want to transfer to Poland with your family, we will show you how to do it correctly.

Work in Poland for foreigners – vacancies

Below are the most relevant vacancies for such specialists as a welder, a CNC operator, a mechanic, IT specialist and a cook. We don’t have time to post all the hot vacancies on the site but know that employers are already looking for you.

1. A welder (method 136 or 138) to a factory in Szczecin.

Requirements and concerns:
• To a group of welding materials FM1 (unalloyed and fine grain steel) or FM2 (high strength steel)
• Welding method 136 or 138 (MAG).
• Welding of sheet metal in the butt and T-shaped joints (experience min 2 years).
• To have experience in welding method 121 and to work with welding-tractors is welcomed (mechanization of the welding process using methods 136 or 138 (135).
• Also to have the ability of the detailed electrical cutout.
• To have the certificate of European sample. It must be obtained if you don’t have it now. We will go with you to the exam for free.
• The possibility of servicing a soldering iron or gaseous oxygen. The best thing is if you would have evidence that confirms this.

We offer:

– Prestigious work with a schedule of 8 hours per day + additional hours that will be extra paid.
– We provide a guarantee that you will have a place to live for the first 3 months of work.
– A good salary, which consists of a rate of at least 4,000 PLN – 8,000 PLN Brutto, depending on skills and quality + a premium of 10-20% of the basic wage. Also, there will be a surcharge for night work – 50% or 100% for overtime. In month from you will have 7 500-9 500 PLN + paid vacation. Wages in netto from 5400 PLN to 6 500 PLN.
– Contract of employment (umowa o prac?) for full-time employment. Salary to a bank account. Full insurance and bonuses.
• We will help with issues concerning the residence card.

2. CNC operator job vacancy in Poland

Requirements and responsibilities:
• Lathe support.
• To know technical drawing.
• To know the Polish language on a communicative level.
• To do manual work.

We offer:

– Prestigious work with a schedule of 8-12 hours a day.
– Wages in the amount of 3500-4000 PLN (16 – 18.50 PLN / hour)
– We provide free accommodation. Or if you provide your own accommodation, then your rate rises to 2.5 PLN net for each worked hour. That is, the rate goes out to PLN 18.50 net.
– Contract of employment (umowa o prac?) and a number of bonuses.

3. For a mechanic to work in the Chojnice (Poland)

Requirements and responsibilities:
• The ability to read technical drawing very well.
• To use a burner and other plumbing tools.
• To know well the Polish language in order to understand the commands of a boss.
• The candidate runs pre-employment locksmith skills test. It is a test to understand your electrician skills in the workplace. We will accompany you.

We offer:

– Prestigious work with a schedule of 8-12 hours a day.
– Salary: 5000-6000 PLN (21-24 PLN / hour).
– We provide a free place to live. Or if you have your own house the rate increases by 3 PLN net per hour. That is the rate of 24 PLN net per hour of work.

4. IT specialist Frontend Developer

List of obligations and requirements:
• Co-design and co-create applications, components, and services.
• Maintenance of high-quality code, maintenance, and updating of documentation associated with the project.
• You need higher education in the direction of “information technology” and knowledge of object-oriented programming.
• Very good knowledge: HTML 5 and CSS 3, React.js framework, Redux technology, HTTP protocol.
• Good knowledge of “javascript” related issues, including ES2015 + standard and TypeScript.
• Ability to work in Linux, using the GIT version control system.
• Knowledge of English at the communicative level; reading and understanding of technical documentation; well knowledge of Polish.
• At least 3 years’ experience in implementing IT projects.
• It will be a plus for you if you are familiar with .net Core, MVC, or knowledge of the UML language.

We offer:

• Salary: from 10 000 – 13 000 PLN Brutto (without tax in dollars $ 2000 – $ 2650). We accept salary offers from you.
• Employment contract (umowa o prace), full-time (8 hours per day, 40 hours for the whole week). Full bonus package.
• Support experienced software developers and architects.
• Good experiences in a comfortable team and advanced training.

Requirements and responsibilities:

• Need a work visa for 4 months. There is the possibility of employment for full biometric.
• It is desirable to have a higher education, but most importantly — the skills and experience.

We offer:

• An interesting job in shifts.
• Wages in the amount of 2500 – 4000 PLN (16 PLN / hour). Moreover, after 2-4 weeks the rate will be higher — 21,73 z? Brutto (16 PLN net)
• From the employer will free place to live. You pay only for utilities — a maximum of 300 PLN per month.

Also, we recommend filling out this form. Spend a bit of your time to be the first to get all the latest vacancies. First of all, we offer our new job offers to people who filled out our application form and sent their CV to the email info@atozserwisplus.pl

How to work in Poland on qualification?

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself .

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please note that we communicate only with selected candidates. If our recruitment specialist will not reply to you, it’s mean we can’t hire you.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

We treat each of our clients individually, as the employees we recruit for you. We will not be able to accurately determine the cost of our services without knowing your needs and requirements for candidates. Preparing a job is always the main task at the beginning of recruitment. Please fill in all the fields as much as possible, as it is important for us as well as for the job applicants.

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialise like in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Complete the questionnaire !

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

AtoZ Serwis Plus provides specialist permanent, temporary and contract recruitment services across a wide variety of industries and functions including:

AtoZ Serwis Plus Specialisations

We source candidates for our customers from all corners of the world across the following sectors:

Accounting & Financ
Bankin
Construction
Engineering
Funds
Healthcare
Hospitalit
HR
Insurance
Languages
Legal
Light Industrial
Marketing
Office Support
Retail
Sales
Science
Supply Chain
Technology

Depending on the purpose of your travel to Poland, there are different types of visas that will apply to the occasion. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside in Poland permanently, you will have to apply for a different Polish Schengen Visa, accordingly.

You can apply for the Polish Schengen Visa since 2007 when Poland as a Member State of the European Union also became a member state of the Schengen Area.

Poland Entry Restrictions in Response to Coronavirus

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Poland, as well as the rest of the EU and Schengen Area members imposed an EU-wide entry ban on third-country nationals in mid-March 2020.

To this day, only the following are permitted to enter the Polish territory:

Polish citizens
Foreigners who are spouses or children of citizens of Poland or remain under the constant care of citizens of Poland
Polish identity Card Holders
Diplomats
People entitled to permanent or temporary residence in the Republic of Poland or who hold a work permit
Foreigners who run a means of transport designed for the transport of good
Citizens of EU Member States, EFTA Member States – parties to the Agreement on the EEA or the Swiss Confederation and their spouses and children, when travelling through the territory of the Republic of Poland to their place of residence or stay
Those with a permanent residence permit or a long-term resident’s EU residence permit, in the territory of other EU Member States, a Member State of the EFTA – parties to the Agreement on the EEA or the Swiss Confederation and their spouses and children, when travelling through the territory of the Republic of Poland, to their place of residence or stay.

Additionally, in particularly justified cases, the commander of the Border Guard post may allow a foreigner to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland in accordance with the procedure specified in the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 35), always after obtaining the consent of the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard.

Those coming to Poland from outside the EU are obliged to go through a fortnight of quarantine, whereas those crossing the internal EU borders are exempt from the requirement of quarantine.

General required documents for a Polish Visa Application:

Download the Polish Visa application form, fill it completely and with sincerity. You can also fill the Poland Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
2 photos must be attached; the photo should be of passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background. Learn more about photo requirements and specifications for a Polish Visa.
Your passport and copies of your previous visas – valid for at least 3 months beyond return date – are required. Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
Travel medical insurance confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Poland and the entire Schengen area. Find out more about Visa Insurance for Europe.
A cover letter stating the purpose of visit to Poland and itinerary
Flight air ticket reservation with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Poland
Hotel Booking Reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Poland
Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
Means of subsistence – Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Poland

If employed:

Employment contract
Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
No-objection certificate from employer
Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

If self-employed:

A copy of your business license
Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

Proof of enrollment
Leave approval letter from school or university

If retired:

Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

Regular income generated by property proof of the latest 6 months

*Note: The signed application form must be accompanied the rest of the above-mentioned mandatory documents and handed personally at the appropriate embassy/consulate or its representative in your home country.

Apart from the general documentation required, accompanying should be other additional documents depending on the purpose of your Polish Visa application.

List of additional documents required for the most frequent purposes of Poland Visa Application:

Poland Tourist Schengen Visa:

Invitation letter with the address and phone number from family member or sponsor – if applicable
Bank statement of the last 6 months
Passport copies

Poland Visa for Business Purposes:

Invitation letter from the Polish company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit
A certificate from your employer stating/allowing your business travel
If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, proof of such events must be provided
Business bank statement of the latest 6 months
Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies) Trade License (first issued and present renewal), Proprietorship/Partnership documents
Regarding the applicant’s expenses during stay in the Schengen zone, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Poland Visa for Medical Purposes:

A local medical report
A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Poland, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation
Payment receipt of medical fees

Poland Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes:

Invitation letter from the above-mentioned authorities with details upon the nature of events or activities – purpose of visit , expense coverage
Names of the applicants (crew members)
Duration of stay
Travel itinerary

Poland Visa for Members of Official Delegations:

The official invitation copy
Identity of applicant
Purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations)
Duration of stay
Place of accommodation

Poland Visa for Study, Training, Research, or other type of Internship Purposes:

An enrollment certificate allowing attendance of courses
Certificate of completion or courses attended
Financial sustenance

Poland Visa For The Wife/Husband of a Polish citizen:

Proof of Polish citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Polish nationality or naturalization order)
Polish marriage certificate
Polish family record book

Poland Airport Transit Visa:

Visa or other type of entry permit in the transit country
Copy of your valid visa for your final destination

Poland Visa for Under-Age Children:

Proof of parent’s regular income (work contract with specified monthly income or a bank statement or business license)
Notarized travel permission from parent (parental travel consent)
If one parent lives in another country – their notarized parental travel consent

*Note: When applying at the Polish embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Can I extend my Schengen visa in Poland?

Yes, you can extend your Poland Schengen visa but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Poland.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa to understand in what circumstances and what are the conditions you must fulfill in order to be eligible to Extend your Poland Schengen Visa.

Poland National D-type visa

If you intend to stay in the territory of Poland for a total of more than 90 days (at least 91 days) during one or more visits within a half-year period calculated from the date of first entry, you need to apply for a national D-type visa.

Attention! Please consult the Embassy of Poland in your country for the updated Poland Visa requirements!

This announcement does not constitute any source of law. The authors showed due diligence for it to be compliant with the binding legal regulation. However, it is necessary to remember that it concerns typical frequently occurring cases, and may not fully refer to particular cases. The number and type of documents, which may be required by administrative authorities during the proceedings, may differ from the listed on a case-by-case basis. In case of any doubts, it is necessary to contact the authority competent for hearing the individual case or to independently review the legal regulations.

Temporary residence and work permit

Legal grounds – Act of 12 December2013, on Foreigners – Article 114 and 126 of the Act – along with implementing acts.

To whom and for what period of time it may be granted

Foreigners intending to undertake or continue work within the territory of the Republic of Poland, if the circumstances justify the foreigners stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland for the period longer than 3 months.

Also to foreigners intending to undertake or continue work as a board member in a joint-stock company or limited liability company, which shares or stocks are not owned by the foreigner, and the entity which that person manages or will be managing, meets the relevant requirements.

Temporary residence permit shall be granted for the period necessary for implementation of the purpose of the foreigner’s stay within the territory of Poland, exceeding 3 months up to 3 years, with the possibility to apply for the subsequent permits.

Please, note important exception: this permit may not be applied for by foreigners:

being employees delegated by an employer seated outside Polish borders,
residing within the territory of Poland on the basis of obligations as stipulated in international agreements concerning facilitation of entry and temporary residence of certain categories of natural persons, dealing with commercial transactions or investments, or
conducting economic activities in Poland,
performing seasonal work in Poland,
residing within the territory of Poland on the basis of a visa issued by Polish body for the purpose of tourism or a visit with family or friends, or
residing within the territory of Poland for the purpose of tourism or visit with family or friends, on the basis of a visa issued by another country of the Schengen area.

Where and when to make the application

Foreigner shall make an application in person, not later than on the last day of legal stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland to the voivode competent for the place of residence of the foreigner.
When making the application the foreigner shall be obliged to provide fingerprints.

Fees related to granting the permit

Temporary residence and work permit for an employee:

Stamp duty PLN 440

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Temporary residence and work permit for a foreigner being board member in a limited liability company or a joint stock company, which shares or stocks are not owned by the foreigner PLN 340

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Necessary documents

Completed in accordance with the instructions form of the application for granting temporary residence permit;
Note: The application should be attached with appendix no. 1, which is to be completed by the entity entrusting work to the foreigner (employer of the foreigner).
Four valid photographs;
Xerox copy of a valid travel document (original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when the person has no valid travel document and it is impossible to obtain it, he/she may present other identity confirming document..

Note: Absence of any of the aforementioned documents shall result in a call upon the foreigner for supplementing thereof within the period of 7 days from service of the call under pain of leaving the application unprocessed.

Typical documents needed for processing the application

Note: Attaching the filled documents to the application before its submission may reduce the number of official correspondence and shorten the time of settling the case.

1. Notification of the starost competent for the main place of work performance by the foreigner on the lack of possibility to satisfy human resources needs of the employer on the basis of the unemployed registers and negative result of the recruitment process organised for the employer.

Note: This document shall be issued at the request of the entity entrusting work performance by the Poviat Labour Office competent for the main place of work performance, or competent for the seat or place of residence of the entity entrusting work performance, in the case if the specification of work performed by the foreigner does not allow to indicate the main place of work performance, or competent for the seat or place of residence of the user employer, in the case when the temporary work specification performed by the foreigner does not allow to indicate the main place of work performance.

In case of doubts, whether the above notification of the starost is required, it is recommended to contact the relevant organisational unit of the voivodship office, dealing with issuing work permits for foreigners.

The document is not required, if:

a) the profession performed or work entrusted is present on the list, determined by every voivode, of professions and types of work in relation to which issuance of work permit does not require inclusion of the aforementioned notification to the starost (Article 10 (4) (1) of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions), or

b) the foreigner, directly prior to making the application had work permit or temporary residence and work permit with the same employer and on the same position, or

c) the foreigner meets the conditions as stipulated in the provisions issued on the basis of Article 90 (5) of the Act of 20 Article 90 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions, or

d) the foreigner, within the period of 3 year preceding making of the application, has graduated from a university seated within the territory of the Republic of Poland or another country of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation or is a listener of doctoral studies in the Republic of Poland, or

e) the foreigner, within the period of 3 years preceding making of the application has legally and uninterruptedly resided within the territory of the Republic of Poland, or

f) the foreigner meets the conditionsof exemption from the obligation of having work permit, stipulated by separate provisions, or

g) work performed by the foreigner consists of procurement activities, being a board member of a joint stock company or a limited liability company, which shares or stocks are not owned by the foreigner.

2. In the case of meeting the conditions for exemption from the obligation of having work permit – document confirming meeting those conditions (e.g. the Card of the Pole, full-time studies graduation diploma of Polish university);

3. Document confirming a place of residence provided (e.g. confirmation of registration, apartment rent contract, other contract enabling possession of a dwelling, or statement of a person authorised for possession of a dwelling on provision of a place of residence to the foreigner);

4. work certificate from the previous employer (in the case if the foreigner has previously performed work for a different employer);

5. documents certifying a source of stable and regular income to cover living expenses for themselves and any dependent family members thereof (for a person running household alone – in the amount higher than net PLN 701 per month, for a person in a family – in the amount higher than net PLN 528 per month), e.g. PIT tax return on the amount of income earned by the foreigner for the last tax year or ZUS statement;

6. documents certifying holding a health insurance as defined by the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds or confirmation of insurer’s coverage of medical treatment costs within the territory of the Republic of Poland (e.g. relevant ZUS statement, insurance policy).

If performance of within the territory of the Republic of Poland includes procurement activities, the foreigner serving as a board member of a legal person subject to entry to the register of entrepreneurs, which shares or stocks are not owned by the foreigner – the documents confirming that the entity entrusting work meets the relevant conditions.

Note: In the case of a need for explaining and clarification of the evidence held by the authority in the case, during the proceedings the receiving unit may be called upon to provide additional documents or to provide testimonies confirming the conditions mentioned in the application.

Residence status after submitting the application

If the application for granting temporary residence permit was made during legal stay of the foreigner and the application was free of any formal defects or the formal defects have been corrected within the deadline, voivode shall include the travel document of the foreigner with a stamp imprint, confirming making the application. The foreigners stay is deemed legal from the day of submitting the application until the day when the decision in the case of granting temporary residence permit would become final.

Note: Including an imprint of a stamp in the foreigner’s travel document does not entitle the foreigner to travel within the territory of other Schengen States, but the foreigner may leave for the country of origin, however, in order to return to Poland it is necessary to obtain a visa if that person originates from a country subject to the visa obligation..

Case settlement period

Issuance of the decision on granting the permit shall occur not earlier than after 1 month from the day of initiation of the proceedings.

Document issued after obtaining the permit

The foreigner who has obtained the temporary residence permit within the territory of Poland is issued with a residence card. The document is issued ex-officio by the voivode who has granted this permit to the foreigner.

In its validity period the residence card confirms the identity of the foreigner during that persons stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland and, together with the travel document, provides the right for multiple crossing the border without the need to obtain a visa.

Information obligations

The foreigner residing in Poland on the basis of the temporary residence and work permit shall be obligated to provide a written notification to a voivode, who granted the permit, within 15 working days, on losing a work position at any of the entities listed in the permit, entrusting performance of work (employers). If the temporary residence and work permit was granted by the Head of the Office in the second instance, the aforementioned notification shall be addressed to the voivode, who made the decision in the case of granting the permit in the first instance.

Adhering to the aforementioned obligations results in the residence and work permit not being withdrawn within 30 days running from the day of losing the work position. Such a situation may occur not more than once within the validity period of the permit.

The right for performance of work

This permit shall entitle to perform work on the conditions as stipulated in the permit or on the conditions resulting from the provision the permit is based on. The foreigner does not have to hold additional document entitling to perform work in the form of work permit. The residence card issued in relation with granting the foreigner the temporary residence permit shall be annotated with “access to labour market”.

Note: If the decision issued for the foreigner stipulates conditions of work performance:

– change of the entity entrusting work performance (employer) indicated on the permit shall require obtaining new temporary residence and work permit;

– performance of work at a different user employer (in the case of seasonal work) or on the conditions different than those stipulated on the permit (i.e. different position, with lower remuneration, in the case of change in a working day or the type of contract constituting the basis for work performance) shall require changing the granted temporary residence and work permit.

Change of the seat or place of residence, name or legal form of the entity entrusting work performance to the foreigner or the employer or part thereof being overtaken by another employer, or the work place or part thereof being transferred to another employer, or replacing a civil and law agreement by an employment contract shall not require changing or issuance of a new temporary residence and work permit.

The application for changing the temporary residence and work permit the foreigner should attach with the aforementioned information, save for when this requirement shall not apply.

Validity period of the changed permit may not exceed 3 years from the day of issuance of the permit, which has been changed. In such a situation the foreigner shall have the possibility to apply for a new temporary residence and work permit.

The foreigner may perform additional work for a different entity entrusting work performance on the basis of a separate work permit – in this case work permit for the foreigner shall be obtained by the entity entrusting work performance.

The obligation to leave Poland upon refusal, discontinuation or revocation of the permit

The foreigner is obliged to leave the territory of the Republic of Poland within 30 days following the day, when the decision on refusal to grant the temporary residence permit, the decision on discontinuing the aforementioned case or the decision on revocation of the permit has become final, in the case of issuing the decision by the higher degree authority, following the day of servicing the decision to the foreigner, unless that person is entitled to stay within the territory of Poland on another basis.

work-in-the-profession-requiring-high-qualifications.jpg

This announcement does not constitute any source of law. The authors showed due diligence for it to be compliant with the binding legal regulation. However, it is necessary to remember that it concerns typical frequently occurring cases, and may not fully refer to particular cases. The number and type of documents, which may be required by administrative authorities during the proceedings, may differ from the listed on a case-by-case basis. In case of any doubts, it is necessary to contact the authority competent for hearing the individual case or to independently review the legal regulations.

Temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment

Legal grounds – Act of 12 December2013, on Foreigners – Article 127 of the Act – along with implementing acts

To whom and for what period of time it may be granted

Foreigners, whose purpose of residence within the territory of the Republic of Poland is highly qualified employment, i.e. employment requiring the foreigner to graduate university or having at least 5 years of professional experience on the level comparable with the level of qualifications obtained as a result of graduating studies, which are necessary for performance of the work.

Amount of the minimal yearly gross remuneration required for the purpose of granting the permit may not be lower than equivalent of 150% of the amount of the average remuneration in the national economy during the year preceding conclusion of the contract, announced by the President of Statistics Poland, pursuant to Article 20 (1) (a) of the act of 17 December 1998 on Pensions from the Social Insurance Fund (Journal of Laws of 2018 pos. 1270).

The aforementioned permit shall be granted if the circumstances, which constitute the basis for application for the permit, justify the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period longer than 3 months.

The permit shall be granted for the period longer by 3 months from the period of work performance, however, not longer than 3 years, with the possibility to apply for subsequent permits.

Please, note important exception: this permit may not be applied for by foreigners:

who seek granting temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting research or the temporary residence permit for the purpose of long-term mobility of a scientist or who have such a permit,
who are employees of an enterprise conducting economic activities in a different UE Member State, and are temporary delegated by the employer for rendering services within the territory of the Republic of Poland, or
who resided within the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of obligations as stipulated in the international agreement concerning facilitation of entry and temporary residence of certain categories of natural persons, dealing with commercial transactions or investments, or
who hold temporary residence permit of EU long term-resident from another EU member state, or
who perform seasonal work in Poland, or
residing within the territory of Poland on the basis of a visa issued by Polish body for the purpose of tourism or a visit with family or friends, or
residing within the territory of Poland for the purpose of tourism or visit with family or friends, on the basis of a visa issued by another country of the Schengen area.

Where and when to make the application

When making the application the foreigner shall be obliged to provide fingerprints.

Fees related to granting the permit

Stamp duty PLN 440

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Necessary documents

Completed in accordance with the instruction form of the application for granting temporary residence permit;
Note:the foreigner shall complete the application form and appendix no. 2 to the application. The application should be attached with appendix no. 1, which is to be completed by the entity entrusting work to the foreigner (employer of the foreigner).
Four valid photographs;
Xerox copy of a valid travel document (original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when the person has no valid travel document and it is impossible to obtain it, he/she may present other identity confirming document..

Note: Absence of any of the aforementioned documents shall result in a call upon the foreigner for supplementing thereof within the period of 7 days from service of the call under pain of leaving the application unprocessed.

Typical documents needed for processing the application

Note: Attaching the filled documents to the application before its submission may reduce the number of official correspondence and shorten the time of settling the case.

Notification of the starost competent for the main place of work performance by the foreigner on the lack of possibility to satisfy human resources needs of the employer on the basis of the unemployed registers and negative result of the recruitment process organised for the employer – note: this document shall be issued at the request of the entity entrusting work performance by the Poviat Labour Office competent for the main place of work performance by the foreigner, or competent for the seat or place of residence of the entity entrusting work performance, in the case if the specification of work performed by the foreigner does not allow to indicate the main place of work performance, or competent for the seat or place of residence of the user employer, in the case when the temporary work specification performed by the foreigner does not allow to indicate the main place of work performance. The document is not required, if:
the profession performed or work is present on the list, determined by every voivode, of professions and types of work in relation to which issuance of work permit does not require inclusion of the aforementioned notification to the starost (Article 10 (4) (1) of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions), or
b. the foreigner, directly prior to making the application, has held the work permit, temporary residence and work permit or temporary work permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment at the same employer on the same position, or
the foreigner has already been legally employed within the territory of the Republic of Poland for the period of 2 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment, or
the foreigner meets the conditions as stipulated in the provisions issued on the basis of Article 90 (5) of the Act of 20 Article 90 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions, or
the foreigner meets the conditions of exemption from the obligation of having work permitstipulated by separate provisions
In the case of meeting the conditions for exemption from the obligation of having work permit – document confirming meeting those conditions (e.g. the Card of the Pole, full-time studies graduation diploma of Polish university);
concluded for the period of 1 year employment contract, tolling agreement, civil and legal contract, on the basis of which that persons performs work, provides services or maintains relationship of subordination;
document confirming holding higher professional qualifications;
document confirming meeting qualification requirements and other conditions in the case of intending to perform work in a regulated profession;
permission of the relevant body for holding the specified position, performance of the profession or conducting other economic activity, if the obligation of obtaining it prior to concluding the contract results from the separate provisions;
documents certifying health insurance as defined by the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds or confirmation of insurer’s coverage of medical treatment costs within the territory of the Republic of Poland (e.g. relevant ZUS statement, insurance policy).

Residence status after submitting the application

If the application for granting temporary residence permit was made during legal stay of the foreigner and the application was free of any formal defects or the formal defects have been corrected within the deadline, voivode shall include the travel document of the foreigner with a stamp imprint, confirming making the application. The foreigners stay is deemed legal from the day of submitting the application until the day when the decision in the case of granting temporary residence permit would become final.

NOTE:
Including an imprint of a stamp in the foreigner’s travel document does not entitle the foreigner to travel within the territory of other Schengen States, but the foreigner may leave for the country of origin, however, in order to return to Poland it is necessary to obtain a visa if that person originates from a country subject to the visa obligation..

Case settlement period

Issuance of the decision on granting the permit shall occur not earlier than after 1 month from the day of initiation of the proceedings.

Document issued after obtaining the permit

The foreigner who has obtained the temporary residence permit within the territory of Poland is issued with a residence card. The document is issued ex-officio by the voivode who has granted this permit to the foreigner.

Information obligations related with obtaining the permit

The foreigner residing within the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of the permit shall be obligated, within 15 working days, to sent written notification concerning loosing the work position to the voivode competent for the current place of residence of the foreigner. If the temporary residence and work permit was granted by the Head of the Office in the second instance, the aforementioned notification shall be addressed to the voivode, who made the decision in the case of granting the permit in the first instance.

In the case of adhering to the aforementioned obligation, the temporary residence permit granted to the foreigner shall not be withdrawn, if:

the period of unemployment of the foreigner has not exceeded 3 months within the validity period of the permit, and;
the period of unemployment has not occurred more than 2 times within the validity period of the permit.

If, within the period of the first 2 years of the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of this permit, there has been a change in the work conditions as determined on the permit, concerning the minimal working day and the type of contract which is the basis for work performance by the foreigner, the foreigner shall, within 15 working days, be obligated to notify the change to the voivode competent for the place of the current residence of the foreigner.

If, after expiry of the first 2 years of the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of this permit, there has been a change in the position, remuneration to a lower amount or change in the minimal working day and the type of contract which is the basis for work performance by the foreigner, the foreigner shall, within 15 working days, be obligated to notify the change to the voivode competent for the place of the current residence of the foreigner.

The right for performance of work

After obtaining such a permit, the foreigner may perform work in Poland under the conditions as stipulated therein, without the need for additionally having a work permit. The decision includes conditions under which the foreigner may perform work.

The residence card issued in relation with granting the foreigner the temporary residence permit shall be annotated with “access to labour market”.

The foreigner should apply to the voivode competent for the place of current residence of the foreigner for changing the temporary residence permit, if the foreigner indents to commence performance of work for an entity different than the one stipulated in the permit, intends to change the position or will receive remuneration lower than the one determined in the permit.

Change of the permit shall not be required in the case of changing the name or legal form of the entity entrusting work performance to the foreigner, as well as in the case of overtaking the work place or part thereof by another entity.

The application for changing the permit the foreigner should attach with the aforementioned information, save for when this requirement shall not apply.

Validity period of the changed permit may not exceed 3 years from the day of issuance of the permit, which has been changed. The foreigner has the possibility to apply for a new temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment.

Within the period of the first 2 years of the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of the permit:

the foreigner may not start to perform work for an entity other than the one determined in the permit,
the foreigner may not change the position of employment,
the foreigner may not receive remuneration lower than the one determined in the permit
– without changing the permit

The obligation to leave Poland upon refusal, discontinuation or revocation of the permit

This announcement does not constitute any source of law. The authors showed due diligence for it to be compliant with the binding legal regulation. However, it is necessary to remember that it concerns typical frequently occurring cases, and may not fully refer to particular cases. The number and type of documents, which may be required by administrative authorities during the proceedings, may differ from the listed on a case-by-case basis. In case of any doubts, it is necessary to contact the authority competent for hearing the individual case or to independently review the legal regulations.

Temporary residence permit for the purpose of performing work by the foreigner delegated by a foreign employer within the territory of the Republic of Poland

Legal grounds – Act of 12 December2013, on Foreigners – Article 140 of the Act – along with implementing acts

To whom and for what period of time it may be granted

Foreigners who are delegated to work within the territory of Poland, by a foreign employer, if the circumstances justify the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland for the period longer than 3 months.

Where and when to make the application

When making the application the foreigner shall be obliged to provide fingerprints.

Fees related to granting the permit

Stamp duty PLN 340

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Necessary documents

Completed in accordance with the instructions form of the application for granting temporary residence permit;
Four valid photographs;
Xerox copy of a valid travel document (original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when the person has no valid travel document and it is impossible to obtain it, he/she may present other identity confirming document..

Typical documents needed for processing the application

Note: Attaching the filled documents to the application before its submission may reduce the number of official correspondence and shorten the time of settling the case.

work permit, as defined by the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions or a written statement of the employer on the scope of work entrusted thereto, if the work permit is not required. The document is not required, among others, in the case of foreigners entitled to stay and work within the territory of a member state of EU/EEA/Switzerland, who are employed by an employer seated in this country or who are temporary delegated to Poland for the purpose of rendering services. See the other cases when work permit is not required.

Note: Work permit shall be issued at the request of the entity entrusting work performance to the foreigner, by a locally competent voivode. In case of doubts concerning obtaining work permit by the foreigner, it is necessary to contact the relevant organisational unit of the voivodship office, dealing with issuing work permits for foreigners.

document confirming delegation by a foreign employer to the territory of the Republic of Poland for the purpose of work
documents certifying holding a health insurance as defined by provisions of the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds or confirmation of insurer’s coverage of medical treatment costs within the territory of the Republic of Poland
document confirming a place of residence provided (e.g. confirmation of registration, apartment rent contract, other contract enabling possession of a dwelling, or statement of a person authorised for possession of a dwelling on provision of a place of residence to the foreigner);
documents certifying a source of stable and regular income to cover living expenses for themselves and any dependent family members thereof (for a person running household alone – in the amount higher than net PLN 701 per month, for a person in a family – in the amount higher than net PLN 528 per month), e.g. PIT tax return on the amount of income earned by the foreigner for the last tax year or ZUS statement.

Residence status after submitting the application

NOTE: Including an imprint of a stamp in the foreigner’s travel document does not entitle the foreigner to travel within the territory of other Schengen States, but the foreigner may leave for the country of origin, however, in order to return to Poland it is necessary to obtain a visa if that person originates from a country subject to the visa obligation.

Case settlement period

Issuance of the decision on granting the permit shall occur not earlier than after 1 month from the day of initiation of the proceedings.

Document issued after obtaining the permit

Information obligations related with obtaining the permit

Within 15 working days the foreigner who was granted temporary residence permit shall be obliged to notify the voivode who has granted the permit that the reason for granting thereof no longer applies. If the temporary residence permit was granted by the Head of the Office in the second instance, the notification shall be addressed to the voivode, who made the decision in the case of granting the permit in the first instance. Failure to fulfil this obligation may result in refusal to grant subsequent temporary residence permit, if the application for granting the subsequent temporary residence permit was made by the foreigner before the end of a year before the expiry date of the previous permit or by the day in which the decision on withdrawal of the temporary residence permit has become final.

The right for performance of work

Temporary residence permit shall not entitle the foreigner to work. The foreigner should additionally hold work permit, unless it is not required.

The obligation to leave Poland upon refusal, discontinuation or revocation of the permit

This announcement does not constitute any source of law. The authors showed due diligence for it to be compliant with the binding legal regulation. However, it is necessary to remember that it concerns typical frequently occurring cases, and may not fully refer to particular cases. The number and type of documents, which may be required by administrative authorities during the proceedings, may differ from the listed on a case-by-case basis. In case of any doubts, it is necessary to contact the authority competent for hearing the individual case or to independently review the legal regulations.

Temporary residence permit due to seasonal work

Legal grounds – Act of 12 December2013, on Foreigners – Article 185a of the Act – along with implementing acts

To whom and for what period of time it may be granted

Foreigners, whose purpose of stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland is to perform seasonal work, referred to in Article 88 (2) of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions (seasonal work), for the entity temporary entrusting work performance or for another entity entrusting work performance.

This permit shall be granted for the period of the permit for seasonal work held by the foreigner or extension of seasonal work permit, not longer than 9 months from the day of the first entry, for the purpose of seasonal work, occurring in the given calendar year. The permit may also be granted if the circumstances, which constitute the basis for application for the permit, do not justify the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period longer than 3 months.

Where and when to make the application

Foreigner shall make an application in person, not later than on the last day of legal stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland to the voivode competent for the place of residence of the foreigner. When making the application the foreigner shall be obliged to provide fingerprints.

Fees related to granting the permit

Stamp duty PLN 170

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Necessary documents

Completed in accordance with the instructions form of the application for granting temporary residence permit;
Four valid photographs;
Xerox copy of a valid travel document (original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when the person has no valid travel document and it is impossible to obtain it, he/she may present other identity confirming document..

Note: Absence of any of the aforementioned documents shall result in a call upon the foreigner for supplementing thereof within the period not shorter than 7 days from service of the call under pain of leaving the application unprocessed.

Typical documents needed for processing the application

Note: Attaching the filled documents to the application before its submission may reduce the number of official correspondence and shorten the time of settling the case.

Document confirming that the foreigner has entered the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a visa issued for the purpose of seasonal work or under visa-free regime, in relation with the application for granting seasonal work permit entered into the application register, referred to in Article 88p (1) (1) of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions;
Seasonal work permit or extension of the seasonal work permit;
Documents certifying a source of stable and regular income to cover living expenses for themselves and any dependent family members thereof (for a person running household alone – in the amount higher than net PLN 701 per month, for a person in a family – in the amount higher than net PLN 528 per month), e.g. PIT tax return on the amount of income earned by the foreigner for the last tax year or ZUS statement.
documents certifying health insurance as defined by the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds or confirmation of insurer’s coverage of medical treatment costs within the territory of the Republic of Poland (e.g. relevant ZUS statement, insurance policy);
Document confirming a place of accommodation provided (e.g. confirmation of registration, apartment rent contract, other contract enabling possession of a dwelling, or statement of a person authorised for possession of a dwelling on provision of a place of residence to the foreigner).

Residence status after submitting the application

If the application for granting temporary residence permit was made during legal stay of the foreigner and the application was free of any formal defects or the formal defects have been corrected within the deadline, voivode shall include the travel document of the foreigner with a stamp imprint, confirming making the application. The foreigners stay is deemed legal from the day of submitting the application until the day when the decision in the case of granting temporary residence permit would become final.

NOTE:
Including an imprint of a stamp in the foreigner’s travel document does not entitle the foreigner to travel within the territory of other Schengen States, but the foreigner may leave for the country of origin, however, in order to return to Poland it is necessary to obtain a visa if that person originates from a country subject to the visa obligation.

Case settlement period

Issuance of the decision in the permit case should occur within 1 months from the day of initiating the proceedings.

Document issued after obtaining the permit

The foreigner who has obtained the temporary residence permit within the territory of Poland is issued with a residence card, annotated “seasonal work”. The document is issued ex-officio by the voivode who has granted this permit to the foreigner.

Information obligations related with obtaining the permit

The right for performance of work

The permit shall not individually grant the foreigner the right to access Polish labour market. Undertaking employment is possible on the condition of the foreigner holding a seasonal work permit or extension of the seasonal work permit.

The obligation to leave Poland upon refusal, discontinuation or revocation of the permit

provision-of-work-during-the-proceeding-for-granting-temporary-residence-permit.jpg

This announcement does not constitute any source of law. The authors showed due diligence for it to be compliant with the binding legal regulation. However, it is necessary to remember that it concerns typical frequently occurring cases, and may not fully refer to particular cases. The number and type of documents, which may be required by administrative authorities during the proceedings, may differ from the listed on a case-by-case basis. In case of any doubts, it is necessary to contact the authority competent for hearing the individual case or to independently review the legal regulations.

Legal grounds – Article 87 (1)(12)(b) and (13), Article 87 (2) (5), Article 88g (1b) Article 88 after paragraph 3 of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions (Journal of Laws of 2018 pos. 1265, as amended).

The foreigner, who made the application for granting temporary residence permit during a legal stay in Poland, the application was free from formal defects or those defects have been remedied within the required time limit and the voivode has made in the travel document of the foreigner the stamp imprint confirming making the application, shall be entitled to work within the territory of Poland during the pending proceedings for legalisation of stay in Poland, until the decision in the case becomes final, if:

that persons has valid work permit or directly prior to making the application was entitled to work within the territory of the Republic of Poland,
that persons is exempted on the basis of the separate provisions from the obligation of having work permit (exemption from the obligation of having work permit must, however, be valid during the pending administration proceedings),
directly prior to making the application, that person was exempted from the obligation of having work permit due to holding, among others:
- temporary residence permit for the purpose of undertaking studies
- temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting scientific research,
- temporary residence permit for the purpose of long-term mobility of a scientist,
- temporary residence permit for a family member of a citizen of the Republic of Poland,
- temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification, temporary residence permit for the victims of human trafficking,
- temporary residence permit for the holder of the residence permit for EU long-term resident or a family member thereof,
- temporary residence permit for a foreigner, who, directly prior to making the application for granting this permit resided within the territory of Poland on the basis of the temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting research, has completed the research or development works and seeks employment within the territory of Poland or plans to establish economic activity within the territory,
who has made the application for granting temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment or the temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting economic activity, for the purpose of continuing work performed in accordance with the previously held temporary residence permit or work permit.

In the situation of provision of work by the foreigner within the territory of Poland, on the basis of the statement on entrusting work to the foreigner, the possibility of continuing legal work during the proceeding for granting residence permits exists only in the case of applying for granting a temporary residence and work permit due to continuation of work at the same employer, which previously has employed the foreigner for the period not shorter than 3 months in relation to the statement, on the same position on the basis of employment contract.

Is your company planning an expansion to Poland? If so, you’ll need a talented group of employees to make the move. It can be challenging to obtain permits for foreign employees to live and work in Poland, as the priority goes to Polish citizens. However, understanding the process and requirements for obtaining visas and work permits can help.

What Types of Work Visas Are Available in Poland?

Because Poland is a member of the European Union (EU), citizens of other EU member states do not need a permit to work there. Most other individuals will need a visa to stay in the country as well as a permit to work.

There are several types of visas available for non-EU citizens seeking entry into Poland for employment purposes, including:

Work Permit (Type A): This permit is required for foreign individuals who work for a Polish employer.
Work Permit (Type C or E): This permit is available for those sent to work in Poland through an intracompany transfer.
Business visa (Schengen Visa C or D)
Freelance/entrepreneur visa

Each type of work permit has its own requirements. Remember that employees will need both a valid visa or residence permit and a work permit.

What Are the Requirements to Get a Work Permit in Poland?

The employer must provide several documents to obtain a work permit on behalf of a foreign employee. These documents include:

A completed application form
Evidence of payment of application fees
Confirmation of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Copies of the applicant’s passport pages with relevant travel information
Evidence that the applicant has health insurance
A deed for the company
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses sustained by the employer
A copy of a contract in accordance with the service being provided in Poland

What Is the Application Process to Obtain a Polish Working Permit?

Individuals planning to work in Poland will need a Polish employer to apply for a work permit on their behalf. There are several steps in the application process.

1. Conducting a Labor Market Test

Before beginning an application for a foreign work permit, the employer must conduct a labor market test. The purpose of this test is to determine whether there are any Polish citizens or other EU nationals qualified to fill the position. These individuals have priority over foreign nationals.

If there are no eligible job seekers in the market, the employer can apply for a work permit on behalf of a foreigner.

2. The Application Process

The employer is responsible for the work permit application. With the application, the employer will need to include documentation proving that the following conditions are satisfied:

The conditions of employment are favorable under all applicable employment regulations, including provisions of the Labor Code.
Remuneration is no more than than 30% lower than the average monthly wage, according to the Voivodeship Office.

The employer will also need to include the required documents listed above. It’s the employee’s responsibility to provide the employer with the necessary personal documents, such as passport pages.

3. Issuing the Work Permit

Polish work permits are issued by the local government head of the land, the Voivode. Once the work permit application is approved, three copies of the permit will be made: one for the Voivodeship Office, one for the employer, and one for the employee. The employer is responsible for giving the work permit to the employee. The employee can then begin to work legally in Poland.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Employees should be aware that their work permit is only valid for the time they stay with the company that applied for it on their behalf. Should they want to switch careers, their new employer will need to apply for an entirely new permit.

culture-shock-becoming-increasingly-rare

People working for international companies and running business that goes beyond the borders of our country agree that coming to Poland more and more rarely entails experiencing even a little “culture shock”. There are two reasons for that. First, multinationals create a strong organizational structure which can be called “the culture of the international working environment”. Second, certain standards are aimed to reach the highest effectiveness. The companies simply try to apply proven solutions in all their branches.

International orchestra

It is especially hard to expect a culture shock in the BPO/SSC sector companies. Apart from the fact that their employees often work in international teams, they also provide service to customers from different countries. Sometimes everyday life in a company has practically no connection to the office location.

“The majority of our team positions are occupied by Poles. Yet it doesn’t have an overwhelming influence on the corporate culture because we practically don’t work with customers from Poland,” says Marta Drozdowska, Recruitment Manager from Atos, an international company in the IT services industry. “Before foreigners landed in our team, our Polish staff were prepared to deal with cross-cultural differences, thanks to contacts with customers from other countries.”

Management also influences the prevalent culture elements in a company branch. If a company operates in Poland but it is managed by executives from another country, it is them who shape such elements as communication, relationships between employees and between subordinates and superiors. The country of a particular organization’s origin is also important. The working environment in a Polish branch of an international company from Sweden or Norway may be more “Scandinavian” than “Polish”. “The culture of a company’s mother country gives a tone to the communication to some extent, and determines the company’s management style. It also translates into priorities and lines of action,” says Maryla Aftanasiuk Lisiecka, Manager of Regus business centre in Mokotow, which belongs to a chain of 2,000 locations all over the world. “If in a given country, extensive social packages are popular, there is a real chance that you will find such an approach also in the Polish branches of companies from this country.

That is why an employee relocating to a Polish branch of a company from its home location can expect that their working environment will not change in a spectacular way.

Culture of effectiveness

Multinationals also unify the corporate culture in their branches all over the world to achieve the highest effectiveness. Relations between superiors and subordinates are often the topic of deliberations on culture differences. The style of an open discussion and “open door” to the boss’s office, typical of the USA, contrasts with the authoritarianism in the companies from Eastern Europe, including Poland, or even more hierarchical and closed Asian culture. Yet the situation is changing dynamically and cultural patterns are giving way to models which enable speed and flexibility of actions. Heads of companies from China and India, whose investments in Poland are increasing, do not expect from the British and Germans coming here that they will follow the Asian etiquette while contacting their superiors.

“All the companies pay increasing attention to their employees’ ideas although it is the head who takes the final decisions. Yet the growing openness to consultation with employees is clearly visible in Poland,” says J.J. Singh, Managing Director at Weco-Travel, which deals with the service of international business trips and has several branches in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. “In companies operating in Asia, hierarchization is still noticeable but it manifests itself, first of all, in showing outward respect to the boss. Yet although similarly to the situation 20 years ago, a subordinate in India or Japan bows intently to their boss, the relationships between them are fundamentally different. They consult, let their subordinates to a discussion – this is just an international tendency. Asian people running companies in Poland also adapt themselves to this. I consider my meeting with my former boss, who I worked for in India, as the symbol of these changes. We met in Poland with his numerous co-workers, who hold the key positions in the company, and we jointly thought over what we could do together. During this meeting, my boss’s subordinates presented their stand point. Once, in India, it would have been more likely to be a meeting of two bosses."

It’s easier at work, but in public offices...

While cultural differences and language problems are becoming less of a problem in a company, carrying out work formalities in Polish public offices can be a test of foreigners’ nerves. Red tape, permits, incomprehensible procedures and a language barrier are serious obstacles. “I think that foreigners coming to Poland from the West may be surprised by a more bloated bureaucracy related to work”, says Daniel Sawko, KYC Analyst at UBS, a British man working in Krakow. "What especially surprised me in Poland is the obligation to undergo medial tests before you start work. In the UK, it is not reguired. As a Poland is a member of the EU, where we promote the free labour market, such obstacles should be reduced."

To cope with the specific Polish “bureaucratic culture”, foreigners need support. Sometimes it is provided by a company, sometimes by friends. Andrzej Jaworski, who works for a Wroclaw company Taxat, operating in the area of debt recovery and developing procedures for debt recovery, came to Poland from Ukraine. He was supported in adaptation, among other things, by a training, as part of a programme financed by the Wroclaw government, thanks to which he could obtain the most important information on living, working and studying in Poland. “I could quickly figure out the administrative procedures, law and such everyday issues as using public transport or shopping,” says Jaworski. “Coping with Polish public offices was difficult and time-consuming. Yet although I didn’t know Polish, it was easier because there are no huge differences between Poland and Ukraine as regards labour law and administrative matters. What’s more, a Pole and a Ukrainian are able to understand each other, more or less, even if each of them speaks their own language.”

Daniel Sawko was supported by his company as regards his adaptation to work in Poland and getting to know the cultural differences: “When I started my work in Krakow, I could take advantage of advice of a team which was assigned to help me. These people helped mi to go through the whole process: I could contact them any time asking questions on any topic, including issues related to everyday life, customs and moving around the city. This assistance was especially useful in communication with the public administration.”

What comes as a surprise for a foreigner?

While company’s operations or corporate culture are more and more rarely surprising for foreigners in Poland, depending on where they come from, they can have bigger or smaller problems with the Polish mentality. Those coming from the West may be irritated by the special attitude of “picking holes”, namely anticipating problems and not noticing the good points of the solutions discussed. During interviews, they are annoyed by being questioned as regards the truthfulness of the information in their CV instead of seeking potential benefits that both sides could achieve thanks to working together. Some people are surprised by the distrust concerning fulfilling commitments. “Especially southerners find it difficult to get used to long business agreements, full of legal and formal vocabulary, even if it is not particularly needed in a certain place,” observes Maryla Aftanasiuk-Lisiecka. “Of course, they will also have to get used to the Polish “grumbling”, which is talking about the downsides of happenings, and to the fact that constant smile and positive attitude do not occur on a daily basis.”

“Those who come from other countries may be surprised by the Polish long weekends, celebrating them, looking forward to them, and the fact that practically the whole life is declining then,” observes J.J. Singh. “On the other hand, they may be surprised by more advantages than they expected. In comparison to other nations, even the western ones, the Poles appear to be hard-working and meticulous employees who play as a team. They don’t finish at 5.00 pm regardless of what is happening. A foreigner coming to work here will have to adapt to this."

Culture shocks related to work are becoming a thing of the past in case of multinationals. This concerns also foreigners who come to work in Poland. In international companies, we encounter rather the special “corporate multiculti” than corporate culture with special national characteristics. As a result of the increasing mobility of employees, unifying standards and integration with the western world, there are more and more foreigners in the Polish branches of international companies. And this makes the adaptation of others easier. Marta Drozdowska concludes, “Maybe a few years ago, a foreigner coming to work in Poland could still experience a “culture shock” resulting from the difference. Now it’s rather not possible. People from abroad find their compatriots in Poland more easily, and this definitely makes their adaptation faster and helps to understand potential cultural differences. It is worth mentioning that besides the branch location, there are other factors that determine the management style in a company, for example, the average age of employees. In our company, it is 30. This means that there are more people who started their careers in the era of the Internet, promoting the knowledge of English, and faster communication. This reduces experiencing culture differences.”

Temporary residence permit and work.jpeg

Who submits the application?

You should submit an application if you intend to stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland for more than 3 months and if the purpose of your stay is to live with your spouse who is a citizen of the Republic of Poland.

If you are a spouse of a citizen of the Republic of Poland, you can also submit an application on behalf of a juvenile child. A residence permit for a juvenile child will be granted if you have a valid temporary residence permit.

When should I apply?

You submit your application for a temporary residence permit not later than on the last day of legal residence on the territory of the Republic of Poland.

If it is not possible to appear in person, send an application by post.

For the period of legal stay, the date of posting the parcel at the post office is counted.

If you submit your application on time and there are no formal defects or formal deficiencies are supplemented by you in the period indicated by us, your stay will be legal from the day of submitting the application to the day on which the decision in this matter becomes final.

If you request to suspend the proceedings for granting a temporary residence permit, your stay at this time will not be considered legal.

How can I submit my application form?

In person after previously booking a visit at https://rezerwacje.duw.pl/reservations/ or in person after previously filling out the application on-line, printing out and making a reservation of the visit at https://przybysz.duw.pl
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

At the Provincial Office of Lower Silesia in Wroc?aw
Section of Civic Matters and Foreigners
Pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1

or in one of the three Delegation offices of the Office:
1. Delegation office in Legnica
  ul. F. Skarbka 3
  59-220 Legnica
2. Delegation office in Wa?brzych
  ul. S?owackiego 23a
  58-300 Wa?brzych
3. Delegation office in Jelenia Góra
  ul. Pi?sudskiego 12
  58-500 Jelenia Góra
After coming to the Office approach the ticket machine of the line management system, type in the reservation number, get the ticket and wait for your number to be called out and once it is, approach the indicated post.
By mail to the address:
Dolno?l?ski Urz?d Wojewódzki we Wroc?awiu
Wydzia? Spraw Obywatelskich i Cudzoziemców
pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1
50-153 Wroc?aw

Remember to enter your valid place of stay in the application form. Having sent the application form by means of post you will be called for appearance in person in order for your fingerprints to be taken. You must appear in person at the headquarters of the Lower Silesian Provincial Labour Office or in one of its Delegation Offices, approach the ticket machine of the line management system and select the ticket “appearance in person”.

NOTE: If you wish to register your fingerprints without being called by the Office, you can do so not earlier than from the day of application form submission.

REMEMBER: registering of the account on the Information Portal - https://przybysz.duw.pl, filling out the application on-line in the system, printing it out and submitting in the Office may make proceeding process of your application shorter and will allow you to monitor your case!

What documents must I submit?

Completed application and 2 copies. Before filling out the application please familiarize with the instruction, which is located in the application. Application for a temporary residence permit.
The completed appendix 1 to the application. The appendix must be filled in by the employer and signed by the person authorized to representing the employer. Appendix 1 to the application for a temporary residence permit.
Four photos:
NOTICE: Foreigner using head covers according to the rules of his religion may add a photo to the application depicting him in the head cover on condition that the face is visible. In such a case a declaration of the foreigner will be needed that he belongs to a certain religious commune. Declaration of belonging to religious commune.
- Not destroyed, colour, sharp;
- Size 35 mm x 45mm;
- Made no earlier than within 6 days before the day of submitting the application;
- Depicting the face of a foreigner from the top of the head to the upper part of shoulders so that the face is visible within 70-80% of the photo, on the uniform background;
- Depicting the person looking straight ahead, with eyes open, not covered by hair, with natural expression and mouth closed, and showing natural skin colour;
- Depicting eyes of the foreigner, especially the pupils and the sight line of the foreigner should be parallel to the upper edge of the photo;
Copy of a valid travel document (original for insight). In particularly justified cases, when the foreigner does not have a valid travel document and it is not possible to obtain one, they can present other evidence of identity (e.g. residence permit card)
Confirmation of stamp duty payment
NOTICE: Submission of the above documents is necessary for initiation of the proceeding. In the event of submission of the application without any of the above documents, the foreigner will be appointed to supplement the formal deficiencies in the application. The proceeding may be initiated only after completing the missing documents within an indicated period and their positive verification by the Office.

IN ADDITION, TO OBTAIN A POSITIVE DECISION DUE TO THE PERFORMANCE OF WORK IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO INCLUDE ALSO THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
a document proving that you have a place of residence (e.g. check-in, lease agreement, a statement of the person entitled to the possession of premises providing the residence for a foreigner)
confirmation of the stable and regular source of income sufficient to cover the costs of maintenance of yourself and family members recognized as dependants (for a single person – 634 PLN net per month, for a person in the family – in the amount of 514 PLN net per month)
In the event of working in a regulated profession (e.g. truck drivers) – the documents confirming possession of formal qualifications or meeting the conditions that are required
Information of the District Governor relevant due to the main place of work performed by a foreigner who cannot meet the staffing needs of the employer on the basis of records of the unemployed and job seekers or with the negative result of recruitment organized for employers, released no earlier than 180 days prior to the application, if it is required
The information from the District Governor is not required if:
1. the executed profession or the entrusted work is contained in a list of occupations and types of work defined by each voivode in respect of which the issuance of a work permit does not require taking into account the above-mentioned information of a district governor (Article 10 paragraph 4 (1) of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions, or
2. a foreigner immediately before the application had a work permit or a temporary residence permit and worked for the same employer at the same position, or
3. a foreigner fulfils the conditions specified in the regulations issued on the basis of art. 90 paragraph 5 of the Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions, or
4. the foreigner during 3 years preceding the issuance of the application, graduated from a university with its headquarters on the territory of the Republic of Poland or of another Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation or is a participant of the PhD study programme in the Republic of Poland, or
5. a foreigner during the 3 years preceding the issuance of the application resided legally and continuously in the territory of the Republic of Poland, or
6. a foreigner meets the conditions for exemption from the obligation to have a work permit, specified with separate provisions, or
7. work performed by a foreigner is an operation as a proxy, performance of their duties on the management board of a joint-stock company or public limited liability company, whose shares are not owned by a foreigner.
In the event of the conclusion of the contract with an employer, the documents proving confirmation of possession of formal health insurance within the meaning of the provisions of the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care benefits financed from public funds or confirmation of coverage by the insurer's medical costs on the territory of the Republic of Poland (e.g. appropriate certificate from Social Security Institution, insurance policy) – does not apply to employment contracts and commission contract
Information on the number of persons remaining your dependants. A declaration of the number of dependant persons .

NOTICE: Attaching to the application all mentioned documents can fasten your case and limit the amount of correspondence sent to you. In case it is necessary to provide clarification on the evidence on the case submitted to the authority, you may be asked to provide additional documents or to provide explanations.

Documents must be submitted in originals or photocopies along with originals for insight. Civil status acts proving kinship or marital status issued by foreign countries should bear apostille clause or should be confirmed by the Polish Consul. If the application is accompanied by the documents prepared in a foreign language, also their translation into the Polish language made by a sworn translator is required.

What are the fees?

Stamp duty for the issue of a single temporary residence permit and work is: 440,00 PLN

The fee should be paid to the following account:
Gmina Wroc?aw
pl. Nowy Targ 1-8, 50-141 Wroc?aw
PKO BP S.A.
82 1020 5226 0000 6102 0417 7895

Remember to attach the confirmation of the payment to the application.

Fee for the issue or substitution of a residence card is: 50,00 PLN

The fee should be paid into the following account:
Dolno?l?ski Urz?d Wojewódzki
50-153 Wroc?aw, pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1
41 1010 1674 0005 9222 3100 0000

If you have a representative, then the stamp duty for the submitted authorization is PLN 17,00

The fee for representation should be paid to the account:

Gmina Wroc?aw
pl. Nowy Targ 1-8, 50-141 Wroc?aw
PKO BP S.A.
82 1020 5226 0000 6102 0417 7895

When and where can I collect my residence card?

After obtaining the permission (decision regarding temporary residence), in order to obtain the residence card, you should submit:

Confirmation of payment for the card (50 PLN)
Valid confirmation of registration of residence for the temporary residence longer than 2 months – if your address is to be placed on the card or else you ought to submit a written declaration when your card should be issued without the address. Declaration of printing a card without the address.

In case of not submitting the above mentioned confirmation of registration of residence within 14 days from the day of collection of the decision about permission for temporary residence, data about the address will not be included in the card.

Remember:

residence card may be collected only in person at the Department of Civic Matters and Foreigners at pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1, in Wroc?aw.

More information about the residence card

Visas - general information

Visa types

Before you apply, you must decide which visa you need:

Airport transit Schengen visa (A-Type)

Schengen visa (C-Type)

You can apply for a Schengen visa in a Polish diplomatic mission if:

Poland is the only destination country of your visit to the Schengen zone;
you visit more than one Schengen country, but Poland is your main destination;
you do not know which Schengen country will be your main destination, but you cross the Schengen border for the first time in Poland.

In exceptional cases it is possible to issue a Schengen LTV visa which is valid only in the territory of selected Schengen states.

National visa (D-Type)

Simplified Visa procedure for family members of EU citizens

Who is eligible:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This procedure applies only to family members of EU nationals who do not have Polish citizenship or do not have a permanent residence in Poland.

EU nationals include:

nationals of EU member states,
nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

A family member of an EU national is:

a spouse,
a partner with whom an EU national formed a partnership under the law of a given EU state, provided that this country’s law recognizes a formal partnership as equal to a marriage,
a child under 21 who is dependent on an EU national, his/her spouse or partner.

Under the procedure you are eligible to submit your visa application:

free of charge,
without prior appointment.

Required documents:

A printed and signed visa application (filled in online)
A recent photo in colour 35 x 45 mm size,
A valid passport,
A document confirming marriage or partnership with an EU national,
A document confirming that you accompany an EU national in his/her journey or join him/her in their place of residence.

Visa refusal:

You can have your visa application refused only if:

your data are in the register of foreigners whose stay on the Polish territory is undesirable,
visa authorities have considered that your stay might pose a threat to national defence or national security or to the protection of public safety, order and health.

A consul refuses a visa in the form of a decision. You can appeal against the refusal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Biometric data

When you apply for a visa, you have to provide your biometric data: a photo in the case of a national visa and a photo and fingerprints in the case of a Schengen visa.

The following applicants do not have to give their fingerprints:

children under 12;
persons who are physically unable to give their fingerprints (because they do not have fingers or they suffer from a temporary finger trauma);
heads of states or governments, members of national governments and their accompanying spouses and members of official delegations if they are invited for official purposes;
monarchs and high-ranking members of royal families, if they are invited for official purposes.

Personal data

Complaints concerning personal data protection are handled by the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection, address: ul. Stawki 2, 00-193 Warszawa.

Legal basis

Ustawa z dnia 14 lipca 2006 r. o wje?dzie na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, pobycie oraz wyje?dzie z tego terytorium obywateli pa?stw cz?onkowskich Unii Europejskiej i cz?onków ich rodzin

Ustawa z dnia 12 grudnia 2013 r. o cudzoziemcach

Ustawa z dnia 25 czerwca 2015 r. Prawo konsularne

European Community (EC) long-term residence permit.jpg

The aspects of obtaining the EC long-term residence permit in the territory of Poland are regulated by the provisions of the Foreigners Act of December 12 2013.

The permit in question is granted to a foreigner for an indefinite period of time upon their request, provided that they have continuously and legally resided in Poland for at least 5 years. Additionally, within 2 or 3 years preceding the submission of the application, a few conditions must be collectively fulfilled:

The foreigner must have a regular and stable source of income (e.g. ensuing from an employment relationship) that allows them to provide for themselves and for their potential family members dependent on them.
The foreigner holds a health insurance or a confirmation of covering the costs of medical treatment in the territory of Poland issued by their insurer.

The application is submitted on a form to the competent voivode. It should include the personal details of the foreigner and of their family members dependent on them. On top of that, it should include the information on the travel document, on the insurance held or its potential seizure as well as the signature sample. The application should be appended with adequate documents and photos, verifying the declared information.

AtoZ Serwis Plus law firm provides services for foreigners applying for EC long-term residence permit. Our lawyers support the client in preparing the application; they recommend appropriate documents, represent the client before the office and track the administrative proceedings.

Is it true that you don’t pay tuition fees for higher education courses in Poland? Yes and no. While full-time studies at public universities are generally free of charge for Polish citizens, they are not always free for international students. Read on to find out if you are eligible for free university tuition in Poland!

As a general rule, all non-Polish students are charged tuition fees for their degree courses in Poland. However, some foreign nationals are eligible to begin a programme of study on the same terms as Polish nationals (i.e. tuition-free). Full-time degree programmes at public universities are free of charge for:

Holders of a valid Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka)
Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and their family members who live in Poland
Holders of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU-residence permit
Holders of a state certificate in Polish as a foreign language (C1 level or above)
Holders of a temporary residence permit issued for the purpose of family reunification
People granted refugee status in Poland
People granted temporary protection or subsidiary protection in Poland
Relatives of a Polish citizen: their spouse, children or parents who live in Poland

Holders of a Pole’s Card and citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland may choose whether to enrol at a university on the same terms as Polish nationals or as foreigners. Those who choose the latter option are of course required to pay tuition fees, but they do not compete for university places with Polish nationals.

Note that a lot of Polish public universities also offer some tuition-based degree programmes (there are usually taught in foreign languages, e.g. International Studies in Psychology at the University of Warsaw) - all students admitted to those programmes, including Polish nationals, are required to pay for any courses they take.

If you do not fall into any of the categories listed above, you may not be exempt from tuition fees. However, it is worth noting that costs of studying at Polish public universities are usually significantly lower than in Western European countries and depending on the programme and the institution, they may vary between EUR 600 and EUR 6,000 per academic year during the first and the second cycle of studies.

Remember that you may also be eligible for scholarships awarded to foreign students on the basis of bilateral agreements or participate in programmes addressed to students who learn Polish abroad and want to pursue their higher education in Poland (e.g. Polonista, Poland My First Choice Programme). To find out more about such opportunities, visit the website of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).

Malta is the smallest state in the European Union but that does not stop it from being one of the popular places to live and work. From gaming to financial services, various industries are flourishing in the country thereby creating job opportunities for skilled people across the globe.

Being a part of the EU, European nationals do not need a work permit to live and work in Malta. However, if you are from outside the European Union here’s how you can live and work in Malta:

The process to get a Maltese Work Visa:

Malta’s official immigration website has information regarding the various visa options. However, different residence permits fall under different tax brackets and hence it is advisable to seek professional advice. Non-EU nationals can apply for Malta Tourist Visa and then apply for residence once in the country. Non-EU citizens would also need to apply for Permanent Residence which needs to be renewed annually. EU nationals have the liberty to choose between Permanent Residence and ordinary residence, as per Transferwise.

Another category that non-EU nationals can apply under is the Global Residence Program of Malta. This program offers great benefits but also has stricter control measures. To be eligible you must prove that

You maintain a residential address in Malta
You can pay 15% tax on the income earned in Malta
You have funds to support your family in Malta

The Maltese Global Residence Program is an attractive option as Malta being part of the Schengen area, allows free movement throughout the European Union.

To take up work legally in Malta, you may also need the ETC employment license which has to be applied by the Employer.

Documents needed:

Information on documents needed may be found on the official immigration website of Malta.

In case of an ETC employment license, your Employer would need the following documents:

A copy of your passport certified by relevant authorities
Completed application form
Passport size photos
Qualification and work experience documents
Updated CV

The Employer, as part of the application process, would also need to provide evidence that they tried to fill the position from within the EU before making an offer of employment to a non-EU national.

EU Blue Card:

You may be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card depending on the type of work you do. The EU Blue Card gives you work rights across most EU member nations.

The eligibility for an EU Blue Card is as below:

You must be a citizen of a country outside of the EU
You should be highly skilled which means that you should have at least a bachelor’s level education or five years of work experience at a senior level
You should have a work contract or a binding job offer in EU

Maltese Work Visa for Entrepreneurs:

To set up your business venture you need to obtain an employment license from the Govt. of Malta. To be eligible candidates should have a planned investment of EUR 100,000 in the first six months of establishing the business or you may need to demonstrate the capability to employ at least 3 local people in the first 18 months of the business. An employment license may also be procured by producing a sound business proposal approved by the Maltese Enterprise Agency.

Bringing the spouse and family members to Malta:

You may apply for a family reunification visa after completing a year of stay in Malta. This would include your spouse and dependent children.

You would be required to provide evidence of suitable accommodation and sufficient income to support the family. You would also be able to provide evidence of funds to support your whole family.

If you are a non-EU citizen and wish to work in Poland, you will need a work permit to enter the country. The work permit issued is valid for only one job and you can use it to perform only those tasks mentioned in your application form. If you are changing jobs, you will have to apply for a new work permit. The validity of a work permit is for three years.

Poland offers five work visa types; these include:

Type A – If you find employment based on an employment contract or civil law contract with an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most popular work permit.
Type B – This work permit is valid if you are a board member and residing in Poland for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
Type C –You can apply for this work permit if you are sent to Poland by a foreign employer for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch office in the country.
Type D – You are eligible for this visa if you are sent by a foreign employer to work in export services on a temporary basis. The foreign employer must not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Poland.
Type E – You can apply for this visa if you are going to take up work-related tasks that do not fall into any of the above four categories.

Application process

The employer has to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Let ‘s assume that you have found an employer willing to hire you and that your stay is legalized (either on the basis of a visa you have obtained or on the basis of a residence permit). Your potential employer has to fill out a work permit application that contains the name of the company you are recruiting and your future job description within this company in order to get a work permit.

Documents required to be submitted by the employer

A completed application form
Evidence of payment of application fees
Confirmation of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Copies of the applicant’s passport pages with relevant travel information
Evidence that the applicant has health insurance
A deed for the company
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses of the employer
A copy of a contract in accordance with the service being provided by the business in Poland

Work permits are issued by a local “voivode” (government land head) and are issued for the duration of stay needed to perform the work stated in the declaration of your employer. You need to sign an employment contract with the employer that applied for your permit to make the work permit valid.

Your employer is legally obliged to:

Give you the employment contract in writing
Provide you with a translation of the employment contract in your preferred language
Check the validity and make a copy of your residence permit or visa
Notify social security and health insurance institutions within 7 days after the employment contract is signed which gives you access to free healthcare; sickness leave and other social benefits.

Benefits of a work permit

Once you get the work permit for Poland, you can:

Legally work in Poland
Legalize your stay in the country
Do the work defined in the work permit
Sign a work contract with your employer

The processing of the visa should take about 10 to 12 days. Once you have entered Poland on a work permit, you can legally work here.

Temporary residence permit – for the purpose of family reunification

Legal grounds – Act of 12 December2013, on Foreigners – Article 159 of the Act – along with implementing acts

To whom and for what period of time it may be granted

Family members of foreigners living in Poland on the basis of one of the following residence titles, staying within the territory of Poland for the purpose of family reunification:

on the basis of the permanent residence permit,
on the basis of a residence permit for EU long-term resident,
in relation with granting refugee status,
in relation with granting subsidiary protection,
at least for the period of 2 years on the basis of the consecutive temporary residence permits, including directly prior to making the application for granting temporary residence permit for a family member – on the basis of a permit granted thereto for the period of stay not shorter than 1 year,
on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting scientific research,
on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of long-term mobility of a scientist,
on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment,
on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of work under the Intra-corporate transfer,
on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of exercising long-term mobility of a management employee, specialist or an employee under training under the Intra-corporate transfer.
on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted to a foreigner, who has finished scientific research or development works and seeks employment within the territory of Poland or plans to set up economic activity within the territory,
in relation with granting permit to stay for humanitarian reasons.

Family member of the aforementioned foreigner is:

a person who is married to that person and the marriage is recognized under the law of the Republic of Poland;
a minor child of the foreigner and the person married thereto by marriage recognized under the law of the Republic of Poland, including also an adopted child;
a minor child of the foreigner, including also an adopted child, dependant on the foreigner, over whom the foreigner effectively exercises parental custody;
a minor child of the person referred to in letter a, including also an adopted child, dependant on the foreigner, over whom the person effectively exercises parental custody;
a direct ascendant or an adult responsible for a minor foreigner, who was granted refugee status or subsidiary protection, staying within the territory of the Republic of Poland unattended.

Temporary residence permit shall be granted if the circumstances, which constitute the basis for application for the permit, justify the foreigner’s stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period longer than 3 months.

Manner of making the application

In the case of a foreigner being a minor, application for granting temporary residence permit shall be made by parents or guardians appointed by court, or one of the parents or guardians appointed by court.

In the case of making an application for temporary residence permit for a foreigner being a minor, who has reached the age of 6 years old by the day of making the appointment, presence thereof is required.

Note: If the foreigner resides outside the territory of the Republic of Poland, the application for granting temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification shall be made by a foreigner residing in Poland, who will receive the family member. Making the application by a family member of the foreigner requires a written consent thereof or their legal representative consent, unless the applicant is legal representative thereof. Expression of the consent is equal with granting the foreigner residing within the territory of Poland power of attorney for acting on behalf of the family member in the given proceedings.

Presence of the aforementioned family members shall be obligatory after issuance of the decision on granting temporary residence permit, at making the application for issuance of a residence card, for the purpose of provision of fingerprints thereby.

Fees related to granting the permit

Stamp duty PLN 340

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Minor foreigner, who until the day of making the application for temporary residence permit has not reached the age of 16 years old shall be entitled for PLN 25 reduction in the fee for issuance of a residence card.

Necessary documents

Completed in accordance with the instructions form of the application for granting temporary residence permit;
Four photographs:
Xerox copy of a valid travel document (original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when the person has no valid travel document and it is impossible to obtain it, he/she may present other identity confirming document..

Typical documents needed for processing the application

Note: Attaching the filled documents to the application before its submission may reduce the number of official correspondence and shorten the time of settling the case.

Documents confirming the level of kinship (civil-status extracts: certified copy of Marriage Certificate, certified copy of Birth Certificate);
documents constituting evidence of the foreigner, who intends to reside within the territory of Poland, holding the required residence title;
documents constituting evidence of the foreigner, applying for the permit, having a stable and regular source of income sufficient to cover the living costs of the foreigner and any dependant family members (for a person in a family – in the amount higher than net PLN 528 per month), e.g. PIT tax return on the amount of the income, for the last tax year, earned by the foreigner making the application or a family member for the last year or a relevant ZUS statement;
Note:The requirement of having a stable and regular source of income shall be deemed fulfilled also when the costs of living of the foreigner will be covered by a family member responsible for supporting the foreigner and residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland.
documents certifying that the foreigner applying for the permit holds a health insurance as defined by the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds or confirmation of insurer’s coverage of medical treatment costs within the territory of the Republic of Poland;
document confirming a place of residence provided ,e.g. confirmation of registration, apartment rent contract, other contract enabling possession of a dwelling, or statement of a person authorised for possession of a dwelling on provision of a place of residence to the foreigner).

Note: In the case proceeding for granting temporary residence permit, the body which conducts the proceedings shall be obligated to determine whether the marriage between the foreigner was concluded to circumvent the Act on Foreigners. In the case of a need for explaining and clarification of the evidence held by the authority in the case, during the proceedings the foreigner may be called upon to provide additional documents or to provide testimonies confirming the conditions mentioned in the application or the circumstances concerning purpose of the marriage.

Residence status after submitting the application

If the application was made during legal stay of the relevant foreigner and the application is free of any formal defects or the formal defects have been corrected within the deadline, voivode shall include the travel document of the foreigner with a stamp imprint, confirming making the application. The foreigners stay is deemed legal from the day of submitting the application until the day when the decision in the case of granting temporary residence permit would become final.

Case settlement period

Issuance of the decision on granting the permit shall occur not earlier than after 1 month from the day of initiation of the proceedings.

Document issued after obtaining the permit

The foreigner who has obtained the temporary residence permit within the territory of Poland is issued with a residence card.

If the foreigner has independently made the application for granting temporary residence permit while staying within the territory of Poland, the document is issued ex-officio by the voivode who has granted this permit to the foreigner.

If the application for granting temporary residence permit was made on behalf of a foreigner residing abroad by a family member thereof. Residence card shall be issued at an application of the foreigner, for whom the permit was granted. The body competent for issuance of residence cards is the voivode who granted the temporary residence permit to the foreigner. Presence of the foreigner shall be required at making the application for a residence card, for the purpose of providing fingerprints.

The document should be received in person. In the case when the residence card was issued to a foreigner who by the day of receipt thereof has not reached the age of 13, the card shall be received by a statutory representative or a curator thereof.

Information obligations related with obtaining the permit

Within 15 working days the foreigner who was granted temporary residence permit shall notify the voivode who has granted the permit that the reason for granting thereof no longer applies. If the temporary residence permit was granted by the Head of the Office in the second instance, the aforementioned notification shall be addressed to the voivode, who made the decision in the case of granting the permit in the first instance. Failure to fulfil this obligation may result in refusal to grant subsequent temporary residence permit, if the application for granting the subsequent temporary residence permit was made before the end of a year before the expiry date of the previous permit or by the day in which the decision on withdrawal of the temporary residence permit has become final.

The right for performance of work

The permit provides entitlement to work without the need to hold additional document allowing the foreigner to perform work in the form of work permit. The residence card issued in relation with granting the foreigner the temporary residence permit shall be annotated with “access to labour market”.

The obligation to leave Poland upon refusal, discontinuation or revocation of the permit

a-child-of-a-foreigner-born-during-the-term-of-validity-of-the-holders-national-visa-or-a-temporary-

Temporary residence permit – minor child of a foreigner born in the period of validity of a national visa or temporary residence permit

Legal grounds – Act of 12 December2013, on Foreigners – Article 160 (2) of the Act – along with implementing acts

To whom and for what period of time it may be granted

Minor child of a foreigner, who resides within the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a national visa or temporary residence permit, if the child was born within the period of validity of the national visa or temporary residence permit.

Temporary residence permit shall be granted for the period from the day, when the validity period of the national visa or temporary residence permit granted to the legal representative of the child, shall expire.

Where and when to make the application

The application shall be made to the voivode competent for the place of residence of the foreigner.

Fees related to granting the permit

Stamp duty PLN 340

Fee for issuing a residence card PLN 50

Necessary documents

Completed in accordance with the instructions form of the application for granting temporary residence permit;
Four photographs:
Xerox copy of a valid travel document (original for inspection), in a particularly justified case, when the person has no valid travel document and it is impossible to obtain it, he/she may present other identity confirming document..

Typical documents needed for processing the application

Note: Attaching the filled documents to the application before its submission may reduce the number of official correspondence and shorten the time of settling the case.

certified copy of Birth Certificate of the child;
document confirming the child’s parents holding the legally required temporary residence permit or a visa;
documents certifying a source of stable and regular income sufficient to cover living expenses for themselves and any dependent family members thereof (for a person in a family – in the amount higher than net PLN 528 per month), e.g. PIT tax return on the amount of income earned by the parent making the application for the last tax year or the relevant ZUS statement. Note:The requirement of having a stable and regular source of income shall be deemed fulfilled also when the costs of living of the foreigner will be covered by a family member responsible for supporting the foreigner and residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland.
documents certifying holding a health insurance as defined by the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds or confirmation of insurer’s coverage of medical treatment costs within the territory of the Republic of Poland;
document confirming a place of residence provided (e.g. confirmation of registration, apartment rent contract, other contract enabling possession of a dwelling, or statement of a person authorised for possession of a dwelling on provision of a place of residence to the foreigner).

Case settlement period

Issuance of the decision on granting the permit shall occur not earlier than after 1 month from the day of initiation of the proceedings.

Document issued after obtaining the permit

The obligation to leave Poland upon refusal, discontinuation or revocation of the permit

Explore the top universities in Poland using data from the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings.

Poland’s education system has seen some extraordinary changes in recent years. As a result of a huge drive in the nation’s pursuit of a world-class schooling system in recent years, Poland is now home to about 450 higher education institutions. Many of these institutions are specialised, unlike a lot of European universities, which tend to follow the traditional model of teaching and research in a wide range of disciplines. These are the best universities in Poland based on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.

The increasing prestige of Poland’s higher education system is not the only thing the country has to offer. With a number of universities offering English-language courses, as well as low living costs, a rich cultural legacy and beautiful scenery, it easy to see why Poland is fast becoming a very popular place to study.

Among Poland’s academic alumni are some names you may be familiar with, including the first female Nobel prizewinner, Marie Curie (who is also the only woman to have won it twice), the composer Frédéric Chopin and the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

Top 3 universities in Poland

1. Jagiellonian University

Founded in 1364, Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland.

The main campus is centrally located in Cracow, and the university has 15 faculties including humanities, law, natural and social sciences, and medicine.

The university library is one of Poland’s largest and houses several medieval manuscripts as well as an extensive collection of underground political literature.

More than 70 student associations are part of the university, usually to encourage students’ scientific achievements through organising lectures, excursions and international conferences.

=2. Medical University of Warsaw

The Medical University of Warsaw is one of the oldest and the largest medical schools in Poland. The first academic department of medicine was created in 1809.

The university is affiliated with a number of hospitals across Poland.

The Medical University of Warsaw occupies two sites: Banacha campus and Lindleya campus. The campuses include student clubs, libraries, sports and rehabilitation centres to facilitate the full-fledged development and growth of students.

The university has established partnerships with many medical colleges and universities in countries such as Germany, France, the USA, China, Japan and India, among others. It also regularly hosts student exchanges through the Erasmus Student Network.

=2. University of Warsaw

The University of Warsaw is one of Poland’s largest institutions and also one of its most prestigious.

While most of the teaching is in Polish, the university offers more than 20 programmes that are taught in English, including courses in economics, business and political science. The main campus of the university is located in the city centre and comprises several historic palaces.

Four University of Warsaw graduates have won Nobel prizes, including the physicist Joseph Rotblat and the former Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin.

Other notable alumni include the composer Frédéric Chopin and David Ben-Gurion, the founding prime minister of Israel.

Top universities in Poland 2021

World University Rank 2021	Poland Rank 2021	University	City
501–600	1	Jagiellonian University	Cracow
801–1000	=2	Medical University of Warsaw	Warsaw
801–1000	=2	University of Warsaw	Warsaw
1001+	=4	Adam Mickiewicz University, Pozna?	Pozna?
1001+	=4	AGH University of Science and Technology	Cracow
1001+	=4	Cracow University of Technology	Cracow
1001+	=4	University of Gda?sk	Gda?sk
1001+	=4	Gda?sk University of Technology	Gda?sk
1001+	=4	University of Lód?	Lód?
1001+	=4	Lodz University of Technology	Lód?
1001+	=4	Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru?	Toru?
1001+	=4	University of Silesia in Katowice	Katowice
1001+	=4	Silesian University of Technology	Gliwice
1001+	=4	SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities	Warsaw
1001+	=4	Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW	Warsaw
1001+	=4	Warsaw University of Technology	Warsaw
1001+	=4	Wroc?aw University of Environmental and Life Sciences	Wroclaw
1001+	=4	Wroc?aw University of Science and Technology	Wroclaw
1001+	=4	University of Wroclaw

Annual leave in Poland - what are your rights?

Holiday entitlement is possibly one of the most essential benefits of working under a contract of employment (umowa o prac?). The length of paid annual leave in Poland depends on the employee's seniority. A person who is beginning their first job under a contract of employment, acquires the right to 1/12 of their holiday entitlement after completing each month of work in the calendar year in which the employment has started. In the following calendar year, the employee will acquire the right to 20 or 26 days of paid annual leave, depending on their work experience:

20 days – receive employees who have worked less than 10 years
26 days – receive employees who have worked 10 years and more

Some occupations, such as teachers or academic workers may be entitled to a longer paid leave, which can extend to 36 days a year.

Calculating the years of employment

It should be noted that the employee's seniority includes not only years of employment, but also secondary and higher education. Thus, the employee’s education equals the following number of years worked:

Basic vocational education – up to 3 years of employment (depending on the school programme)
Secondary vocational education – up to 5 years of employment
High school – 4 years of employment
Post-secondary school – 6 years of employment
Higher education – 8 years of employment

The stages of education do not aggregate. Therefore, an employee who has just graduated from a university has a seniority of 8 years. Under a contract of employment, they are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave in their first job. After 2 years of work, they will acquire the right to 26 days of paid holiday.

Employees who do not work full-time, are entitled to paid leave on a pro-rata basis, meaning they receive a proportion of their holiday entitlement calculated on the basis of their weekly working time.

Leave at request (Urlop na ??danie)

The Polish Labour Code allows for taking up to 4 days of “leave at request” (urlop na ??danie) a year, within the annual leave limits. It means that an employee has the right to request a day off without prior notice (the employer should be notified on the same day at the latest).

Recognition of foreign work experience

Records of foreign work experience are fully recognised in Poland and included in the worker’s seniority. However, the employee is required to provide their Polish employer with all the necessary documents translated into Polish.

Civil law contracts: specific-task contract – pros & cons

There are two types of job agreements regulated by the Civil Code and a specific-task contract (umowa o dzie?o) is one of them. Its main specific is that both parties agree on a result, a product of work, and not the process of performing it itself.

A specific task ought to be palpable and created in a given space and time – this is what makes it the subject of this kind of contract according to the Polish Civil Code. The task is also created only once. When you draw an agreement of this kind, both parties concede to the fact the remuneration will be paid only after the task’s completion.

Unlike contracts of mandate (umowa-zlecenie), specific-task contracts do not fall under the recent amendments regarding minimum wage. Since tasks can be of different types and rather hard to classify (designing a website is different than cleaning an apartment or writing song lyrics), there is no fixed pay or any indication as to how much a contractor should be paid.

A person performing the task is responsible for the result delivery and gives a warranty of that. However, they do not need to work on the task themselves – similarly to contracts of mandate, the task can be delegated to a subcontractor.

It is also important to remember that employers may prefer this type of contracts as they have favourable tax deductible expenses. For an employee, however, this results in the lack of social security, sick leave, accident leaves and pension contributions.

Pros of specific-task contracts:

Contractors are to free as to the way of performing the task, its place and time;
Contractors do not need to perform the task themselves (unless stated otherwise in the contract);
Tasks are performed without supervision.

Cons of specific-task contracts:

They do not fall under the provisions of the Labour Law;
All legal claims should be made in a civil court instead of a labour court;
Contractors are solely responsible for the quality of the result.

Updates to Polish regulations on hiring foreigners

Polish Ministry of Labour and Social Policy is about to introduce changes into the labour law. This time they will focus on those who breach regulations related to filing declarations of intention to employ foreigners.

You already realise that as a national of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine your access to the Polish job market is a bit easier in comparison with other non-EU citizens. This slightly more comfortable path is easier thanks to the document called declaration of intention to employ a foreigner. Because of it, citizens of the aforementioned countries can take up work in Poland without the necessity of obtaining a work permit, if the work period does not exceed 6 months within 12 subsequent months.

Do you want to learn more about the declarations?

What is the reasoning behind the decision to update Polish law? Apparently, the Ministry discovered cases of fraud committed by Polish citizens. According to the law, declaration can be filed only by legal entities that have a right to employ foreigners. Recent investigations have shown however, that some people have abused the regulations and declared to employ foreigners in exchange for financial fees. These actions, contrary to the existing principles, often involve organised crime groups that make money from cheating foreigners coming to Poland.

The updates to the labour code will be concerned with adjusting them to EU directive number 2014/54/EU which facilitates the freedom of movement for workers within the European Union. These changes will affect mostly seasonal workers who are employed in Poland during summertime. The figures show that in 2015 the biggest number of declarations was filed by farm or orchard owners and in the construction industry.

The overall number of declarations in 2015 amounted to nearly 800,000. Among the new employees, the biggest group constituted of Ukrainian citizens, who were mentioned in over 760,000 declarations. After them there were nationals of Moldova, Belarus, Russia, Georgia and Armenia.

Hopefully the Ministry’s plans to curb illegal proceedings will make all employers follow EU regulations and prevent further frauds. The project also envisages to establish a system of legal consultations for people coming from abroad to work in Poland.

Source

Changes in Labor Law vs Long May Weekend

May is coming in huge steps and it also means we will soon have long May weekend in Poland. 1st May is a national holiday known all over the world as Labor Day.

In many countries it is a national holiday and it is celebrated on this day as it commemorates riots in Chicago in 1886. Riots took place on first days of May and were aimed against 12 hour work day and inhuman working conditions. The idea was quickly absorbed abroad and since around 1890 we celebrate Labor Day. In Poland in times of PRL – when Poland was occupied by USRR after the World War II – on this day propaganda marches were organized. Some countries celebrate Labor Day on different dates. For example in North America it is on 1st Monday of September and in Australia it depends on the state.

In Poland there is also second national holiday celebrated on 3rd May to commemorate the enactment of the First Polish Constitution, which was also the second constitution in the world. It was enacted on 3rd May 1791. This is a truly Polish national holiday and it is officially free from work.

As there are two national holidays one after another many people take 2nd May free and make themselves holidays. However this year 1st May falls on Friday and 3rd May is Sunday. According to the newest Polish law the entitlements of the employee and employer are the following.

The employer can make employees work during national holidays or Sundays – days officially free – in case the company provides services to foreign markets where the named days are normally working days. In such case the employee should have the possibility to have a free day 6 days before or after the working day (in case it falls on the day like Sunday, or general holiday) or an additional free day added to the sum of available vacation (in case of exclusively Polish national holidays). In case it is impossible, the employee should receive additional payment for having to work during holidays.

This regulation aims to make Polish market more attractive for international enterprises operating business all over the world. It might turn out less convenient for employees who might not be able to make themselves long weekend any more. Furthermore this year it is even more inconvenient as workers have one officially free from work day less – 3rd May is simultaneously Sunday and national holiday.

New regulation favorable for non-EU students in Poland

Although one should not have much trouble with obtaining one, it is another formality to fulfill. However, from now the situation is going to be much easier for the academics from abroad thanks to the ordinance of the Polish Minister of Labor.

Until now foreign students and graduate students studying in Poland on the basis of visa and having no work permit were allowed to work here exclusively in holiday months: July, August and September. Since now not only are they allowed to work the whole year round, but also the academics living in Poland and having no work permit are allowed to give guest lectures (for 30 days a year). Until now it was possible only for the academics living abroad.

This substantial change in formal regulations is a very good news for students coming to Poland, especially from Ukraine, as due to the political situation some of the families might have lost the ability to support their studying children. Generally all of the students will now be able to work and hence support themselves financially while pursuing higher education, visa being enough a basis. Moreover, students taking the chance will gain precious practical experience, which is then sought by the employers. Students will not be forced to limit themselves to internships, but it is now legal for them search for a more steady and responsible job.

Not only students will benefit from new regulations. Players who can gain a lot are Polish universities, which will soon feel the results of population decline. Favorable work regulations can attract more students from abroad and help fill the gap. Another positive result of more incoming students would be internationalization to which Polish academic societies are very open.

Employers will not lose either. More loose law regarding work permits means less trouble in case they want to employ student or graduate student from outside the EU or EEA. These employees are valuable for enterprises as they often know various languages and can contribute their distinct experience. Greater competition on the work market can potentially cause improvement in provision of services.

Furthermore, when students are allowed to work throughout their entire study time, which lasts on average 5 years they are more probable to find job and company, which will truly suit them and hence stay for good. It means they do not export education and experience gained here but they contribute to the economy. It is important for the employers as well as for the state.

Foreigners living in Poland are now able to give occasional lectures (30 days a year) without the necessity of obtaining work permit. It will allow avoiding bureaucracy for everyone willing to share their knowledge and experience.

Summing up, the changes are going in a very positive direction and they seem potentially beneficial for everyone. In this day and age the legislation outght to follow the changes in the world that becomes more and more intermixed and open. And it does.

A contract of employment (Polish: umowa o prac?) is possibly the most desired form of employment among Polish nationals and there are a few reasons for that. This, however, does not mean that it is the best form of employment for a foreigner in Poland. Read our description of it and decide if it is right for you.

A contract of employment is a mutual agreement of cooperation. On employee’s part it is an agreement to perform work for an employer in a continuous and uninterrupted manner and in a specific time and place, while an employer is obliged to pay remuneration to an employee. The contract needs to be prepared and signed on paper and all doubts should be clarified in compliance with the Labour Code.

There is some freedom in preparing a contract of employment, but some rules need to be remembered. Every contract should contain a description of both parties (employer and employee), type and place of work, salary, start date and number of working hours (8 hours per 5 days a week are most common).

There are a few types of contracts of employment, which may differ in the amount of rights delegated to employees through them. We have indefinite employment contracts, fixed-term employment contracts, probation period contracts, replacement employment contracts, employment contract for a specified task, employment contract for vocational training. The first two or three naturally make up the biggest number of employment contracts in Poland.

Why do people in Poland want to work on the grounds of employment contract? There are a few pros to this kind of agreement…

Employees are entitled to some benefits described in the Labour Code (e.g. paid holidays)
Employer is obliged to pay your social contributions
Protection in case of contract termination
Minimum wage guarantee

There are also, however, some cons to contracts of employment:

Reduced flexibility (specific time and place of performing work)
Impossible to delegate your work to subcontractors

Let us know if you have ever had an employment contract in Poland and what is your experience with that, good or bad!

How much time should you work in Poland?

General rules

According to the Polish law, a standard working week is 40 hours within 5 working days, which amounts to 8 hours on average per day and is considered a full-time employment in most workplaces. Moreover, there is a set of obligatory days off, which in 2018 amount to 13 days.

Breaks

Breaks from work are obligatory if an employee works for at least six hours a day. If this condition is not fulfilled and you work for a shorter period of time, breaks do not apply.

How long should it last? The standard break is 15 minutes for every day you work more than 6 hours and this time is counted as working time and you get paid for it. The law also allows to introduce a 60-minute break, but this longer lunch time is not part of your working time and you will not be paid for it, which means you will in fact spend one hour longer in the office.

Flexible working hours

More and more often employees in Poland are offered flexible working hours, especially if they are using civil or specific-task contracts. You can work in different hours in specific days and for a different amount of time, provided you discuss it with your boss. You can also ask for home office or spend more time at work Monday-Thursday to start your weekend earlier! In this day and age all is possible.

Overtime

When you are asked to work more than you agreed in your contract, your extra work should be compensated either financially or as time in lieu. If you work part-time, your contract should determine what amount of overtime entitles you to get an overtime bonus. Sometimes your contract may already specify that a certain amount of overtime may be required and your salary includes this forecast. In such cases, compensation will not apply.

You can refuse to work overtime, but please bear in mind that the employer has a full right to ask you to stay longer, e.g. if there is an emergency requiring your assistance, for instance in saving human life or company property. It is illegal to ask a pregnant woman to do overtime in Poland.

Your further questions regarding these matters can be answered by the Polish labour code in English.

Moving - modern employee challenge. How to smoothly go through the relocation process?

Moving your life and work to another place is associated with the need of taking many important steps, planning forward, and the necessary immigration bureaucracy. In such situations, it is good to rely on an experienced expert. Santa Fe Relocation is a global provider of relocation services.

Moving or transferring your life and work to another place is associated with the need of taking many important steps, planning forward, and in the case of moving abroad, with the necessary immigration bureaucracy.

The whole process can be a serious challenge, both logistic and formal. The employee who makes the decision to change the place of employment also has an immense responsibility. When deciding to change their job, one must plan in details the life in a new environment and new organization, at the same time securing the safety and comfort of one's family, for which they want to ensure the best conditions to live and to thrive.

Why is it worth changing your place of work and residence anyway? Above all, it is an interesting challenge for an employee, not only for professional but also for personal development. It is an opportunity to get to know a new city or country, meet new people, learn about their culture and life. It is also a great learning experience, when one can develop their independence and responsibility. On the other hand, moving can be a demanding task, sometimes resulting in unpleasant surprises and disappointments.

In such situations, it is good to rely on an experienced expert who will not only guide the employee through the relocation process in a simple and safe way, but will also take care of the necessary formalities and procedures accompanying the move.

Santa Fe Relocation Services is a global provider of relocation services, with over 120 years of experience, supporting employees who are changing their work places around the world. Created by a team of professionals with special knowledge and experience, located in 96 offices in 47 countries, it is equipped with the best technological solutions that help its clients at every stage of the relocation process.

Santa Fe provides the employee with comprehensive and professional assistance throughout the entire removal process.

Starting from the cost estimation, during which advising and properly assessing the size of the goods is necessary, to choosing the most appropriate form of security and transport (e.g. sea transport may be cheaper but takes longer, and conversely, air transport could be more expensive but quicker) we make sure your relocation process runs smoothly.

Santa Fe provides professional packing of removed goods, assures proper transport and unpacking in the new location, based on the highest standards and quality certificates with full protection and monitoring of status and delivery dates, visible from the customer interface level.

Santa Fe provides assistance in fulfilling all formal requirements and the preparation of necessary documents, such as: work permits, visas, residence cards, obtaining a PESEL number or opening a bank account.

Santa Fe provides support for the employee and his family to settle in a new place, which means helping in the necessary activities such as finding a suitable apartment, school, or supporting the employee's partner. It also offers cultural and language training, and provides support at the end of the stay (e.g. returning the flat, closing an account, termination of contracts, de-registration, etc.).

Santa Fe knows what a challenge and a difficult moment for an employee and his family it is to move. Thanks to Santa Fe’s network of offices and employees' experience, it makes the relocation process simple, gentle and safe, so that the employee can focus on his family, responsibilities and the best adaptation to the new reality.

We enable people and organizations to work, live and thrive in new places around the world.

We make it easy. We Are Santa Fe!

Poland’s mobile phone networks are reliable and offer a wide range of services. They provide nationwide coverage for 4G, 3G and 2G networks, as well as numerous innovative products. This section will introduce you to the largest Polish network carriers and help you make an informed decision.

Every foreigner living permanently in Poland will find switching to a Polish phone number extremely convenient, as it is not a complicated process. First, however, you will have to choose, whether you want to pay as you go (pre-paid systems are available in many offers) or sign a phone contract with one of the four major companies: Orange, T-Mobile, Play or Plus. Both options have their advantages and can have additional bonuses such as wireless Internet access and special offers for companies.

Pre-paid system

This system is particularly handy if you do not want to feel obliged by deals with mobile operators and simply need a SIM card (a starter pack can be as cheap as PLN 5) that can be put in your mobile device. It also allows to have more control over your money, as you top up your phone account whenever you run out of means, either online or in supermarkets, newsagent’s, post offices etc.

In 2016, a law passed by the Polish government, has introduced one major change to pre-paid mobile systems. Every number acquired in this way has to be officially registered in your operators’ store. The process involves both Polish nationals as well as foreigners residing in Poland. In the latter case, you will need to bring your passport or Polish residence card to get your phone number registered.

**Prices per minute call, SMS and data transmission*:**

Operator name/Service:	PLN per minute to mobile phones	PLN per SMS	Data per 100 kB
ORANGE Free	PLN 0.20	PLN 0.20	PLN 0.01
T-MOBILE Frii	PLN 0.29	PLN 0.14	PLN 9 for 100 MB
PLAY Na kart?	PLN 0.29	PLN 0.09	PLN 0.12
PLUS Na kart?	PLN 0.29	PLN 0.19	PLN 0.49

*as of January 2017. Some tariffs offer free minutes or messages to other users within the operator, but the prices above include prices to all other broadcasters.

Contract plan

Contracts for mobile services are also a popular option as users can forget about topping up their account and can benefit from being offered an attractive handset at a lower price or sometimes even for free. Please remember that as a foreigner you will need a set of documents (your passport and another document confirming your identity, preferably if applicable – residence permit, work permit or student ID).

Pay attention to what you get in your plan. Please remember that mobile operators offer now mobile Internet services, so for any foreigner it may be quite handy to kill two birds with one stone and use data transmission as well.

Subscription is primarily intended for people who talk a lot on phone and do not want to be bound by any limits.

What you get when you sign the least expensive contract (~ PLN 30) without buying a phone from Polish operators*:

Operator name/Service:	Mobile calls	Landline calls	Texts	Internet data	Minimum contract length
ORANGE	unlimited to Orange	PLN 10/month	unlimited	2 GB	24 months
T-MOBILE	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited	2 GB	6 months
PLAY	unlimited	unlimited	PLN 0.19/text	2 GB	24 months
PLUS	unlimited	PLN 10/month	PLN 0.20/text	2 GB	12 months

*as of September 2016

Cheap international calls

If you want to stay in touch with friends or family abroad, operators’ prices may be too high to make frequent calls. Search for providers who specifically offer cheap international phone calls from Poland instead. Their pre-paid cards can be used multiple times, until the exhaustion of resources. In Poland the most popular operators offering cheap international calls are Telegrosik, Lycamobile and Klucz Mobile.

Roaming

The roaming service enables making and receiving calls, text messages and MMS messages while you are abroad. Please remember to activate it first before you leave your home country (or Poland - if you have a Polish phone number and are going abroad).

On 15 June 2017 the European Union authorities are planning on introducing the abolishment of all roaming charges within its structures. This means that EU citizens will pay the same price for mobile calls, SMS or data transfers whether they travel away from home or stay in their home country.

Temporary residents working in Poland - see what you need

One of the reasons for being granted a temporary residence card in Poland is taking up a new job. Whether you are delegated to Poland, hold the Blue Card or simply have been offered a post here, this article will clear your doubts about the process.

In the article on Polish temporary residence permits you have learnt that there are three work-related reasons for applying for this document. Read our guide to each of them explaining what documents are needed apart from the standard set mandatory for residence card applicants (see ‘File your forms’ in this article).

Temporary residence and work permit

Applying for a unified temporary residence and work permit is probably the most common case, as getting two permits at once saves a lot of time and effort. Applicants will need to file documents mentioned in the article linked above, as well as:

Health insurance confirmation;
Documents confirming sufficient housing and means of subsistence assured in Poland;
Labour market test results;
Work or civil law contract signed by both employer and employee;
Tax settlements and tax clearances.

If the documents are filed in a proper manner, a foreigner gets a permit issued for the maximum of three years, with the possibility of renewal. The permit is granted only for the job specified in the application form. If the information provided in the application changes, including the position or the employer, foreigners are obliged to inform the authorities about that.

The Blue Card

The Blue Card is a document introduced by the European Union in 2009 as a response to the famous American Green Card. Since then, highly-skilled non-EU nationals have been able to work in most countries of the union, even if they were not its citizens. To apply for the permit on the grounds of the Blue Card, foreigners need to:

File labour market test results;
Provide work or civil law contract signed by both employer and employee for the minimum of 1 year;
Qualify to perform the tasks of a regulated profession;
Possess the required higher professional qualifications;
Have valid health insurance;
Confirm sufficient housing in Poland;
Possess the relevant legal body’s consent to perform their tasks if the consent is necessary;
Have an annual salary of no less than the minimum remuneration defined by the Polish Ministry of the Interior.

Once the temporary permit is issued, it is valid for the maximum of 3 years. As with the case presented in the previous section, here foreigners are also obliged to inform authorities about some possible changes to the data provided in their application. Amendments which are not subject to this process include: changes of the foreigner’s address, name or form of the company, as well as when the employer is transferred to work for another entity.

Delegation

When it comes to foreigners delegated to Poland, the procedure is similar. The mandatory documents include:

Valid work permit/employer’s declaration to employ a foreigner;
Health insurance confirmation;
Documents confirming sufficient housing and means of subsistence assured in Poland;
Documents confirming the period of delegation and the salary;
Tax settlements and tax clearances.

You can go back to the article on temporary residence permits to see more details about them. Have you got one because of work-related reasons? Let us know in the comment section below.

You have already learnt what types of visas there are in Poland and how to apply for them. However, there are some circumstances in which you may need to prolong this document. Let’s go step by step with each visa type and discuss the possible course of action.

Type C ‘Schengen’ visa

You can extend this visa on two grounds – obligatory or optional. In the first case, you state that acts of God or humanitarian reasons prevent you from leaving the territory of Poland or another Schengen state by or with the end of the period stated in the document. If the prolongation is granted, the whole process is free of charge.

When it comes to the optional visa extension – you have to present the authorities with compelling personal reasons that justify the extension of your stay in Poland. The fee for this procedure is EUR 30 (or its equivalent in Polish z?oty).

Type D ‘national’ visa

In order to prolong a national visa, a few conditions have to be met. We list all four of them:

Important circumstances of personal, humanitarian or professional nature prevent the visa holder from leaving Poland within due time;
The aforementioned circumstances were unforeseen by the visa holder at the moment of applying for the document;
The purpose of the stay remains the same as in the application form;
None of the circumstances which lead to the refusal of a visa have occurred:
foreigner listed in the registry of undesirable individuals; possessing insufficient funds to stay in Poland or return home; lacking health insurance of minimum EUR 30,000; threatening the security or the public interest of Poland; lacking valid documents; filed the application in an improper or illegal manner; failed to state the purpose of stay; caused doubt as to leaving Poland in due time.

All of the above conditions have to be observed in order for your visa to be prolonged. Remember that you can extend a visa only once. The cost of the process is PLN 406.

Necessary documents

Completed application form (Schengen visa, national visa);
Recent photograph (35 x 45 mm);
Valid passport;
Address of permanent residence confirmation;
Stamp duty confirmation;
Documents confirming:
the purpose of stay and the necessity of the extension; health insurance or travel medical insurance (the latter in the case of Schengen visa); will to leave Poland in due time; other circumstances listed in the form.

What’s next

The authority responsible for prolonging your visa is the relevant voivode’s office (a voivode is an official in charge of an entire region; see the list of voivodeship office addresses). You need to submit all the documents no later than on the expiration day of your legal stay in Poland. If you do not meet the deadline, your application is not valid and your further stay is deemed illegal. Once you submit the forms, the decision is reached within the minimum of 7 days and no later than one month from the day of your application (two months in rare and unusual cases). In case your request for an extension is not granted, you have 14 days to appeal to the Head of the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw.

When applying for a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU residence permit, as well as in the process of acquiring Polish citizenship, you will face the challenge of calculating your uninterrupted stay in Poland. Ready for some maths? Let’s go!

Uninterrupted stay in Poland is the period of time during which you reside predominantly in Poland. It need not be taken literally – you can leave the country but there are restrictions as to the length of the period that you can spend outside Poland. Calculating it is necessary when you want to apply for a permanent or long-term EU residence permit. In both cases, it is the five-year period that is being examined for interruptions.

Permanent residence permit

Your stay in Poland is considered uninterrupted when in the five-year period none of your stays outside Poland was longer than six months and all stays did not exceed ten months in total.

These periods can be longer if the following circumstances occurred:

You were delegated by a Polish employer to perform professional duties outside Poland;
You were a spouse or child of a foreigner mentioned above;
You were forced to stay outside Poland for longer than six months due to extraordinary circumstances;
You were sent by a Polish university to do coursework or internship abroad.

Long-term EU-residence permit

For the EU-resident permit, which allows you to stay in Poland for five years, you need to prove the same five-year-long period of uninterrupted stay as in the case of permanent residence permit. The only difference is that it may include staying in the entire EU, not only in Poland.

Your stay in Poland is considered uninterrupted when in the five-year period none of your stays outside Poland was longer than six months and all stays did not exceed ten months in total.

In the case of staying in the EU, it is considered uninterrupted if none of your stays outside the EU was longer than 12 months and all stays did not exceed 18 months in total. This is applicable to Blue Card holders who stayed in the EU for at least five years, including the minimum of two years in Poland before applying for a long-term EU residence permit on the grounds of Blue Card.

These periods can be longer if the following circumstances occurred:

You were delegated by a Polish employer to perform professional duties outside Poland;
You were a spouse or child of a foreigner mentioned above;
You were forced to stay outside Poland for longer than six months due to extraordinary circumstances;
You were sent by a Polish university to do coursework or internship abroad.

Half of uninterrupted stay period

In the following circumstances your five-year stay is counted only as half of it:

Staying on the grounds of visa for bachelors, masters or PhD students;
Staying on the grounds of visa for pursuing vocational education;
Temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing higher education;
Temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing vocational education;
Having your refugee status being processed (if this process extends 18 months, it is counted fully and not as half of it).

When your stay cannot be included in ‘uninterrupted stay’?

If your employer delegates you to provide services in Poland on the grounds of cross-border business cooperation;
If you have a Schengen visa to Poland issued on the basis of humanitarian aid or international obligations;
During your term of study e.g. extramural studies;
If you are obliged to return to your home country and the period of voluntary return has not passed yet;
If you are a diplomat;
If you are staying on the grounds of short-term residence permit issued for such purpose;
During the process of applying for refugee status (if the process ended with the refusal of granting this status or subsidiary protection);
If you crossed the border on the grounds of local border traffic.

Foreign residents CAN vote in local Polish elections

Would you like to have a say in your second home, Poland? Actually, it is possible for foreigners to cast a vote in local elections this October, 2018. Read how you can get round to this.

When?

Poland is about to hold its local elections on 21 October 2018. The second round will take place on 4 November, just at the end of the long weekend of All Saint’s celebrations. Both voting days are Sundays, which is typical for any kind of elections or referendums in Poland.

Who do we choose?

You will not be electing country-wide politicians, but local ones. Depending on where you live (a rular district or a city area), you will be able to vote for a local council as well as a mayor or president of the town/city you live in. Foreigners are not able to vote for voivodeship officials.

Which foreigners can vote?

European Union citizens (who are over 18 years of age or can vote in their home country) are able to vote in Poland, too, which actually deems them a significant category of voters in many major cities of Poland, where expats tend to live! It is also necessary for you to have a registered residence address in Poland (Polish: meldunek), which you can learn more about on our website.

How?

To get the right to vote, you need to enroll into the voting registry in your local voting area. Make sure you know which one it is (why not ask your neighbour and establish a friendly relation at the same time?). Once you know that, file your application form (this one applies to Warsaw, but you can find a similar template for other cities, too) along with a declaration to a district office, specifically to Dzia? Ewidencji Ludno?ci - Rejestr Wyborców. Make sure you do this in advance, so as to allow for some time to process the application. After that, a decision is issued withing 3 working days and very likely you are going to find yourself on a list of voters on Sunday, 21 October. Good luck with choosing the right candidates!

Tired of public transport in Poland (which, by the way, is said to be excellent)? Cars are not the most eco-friendly option, but they are definitely comfortable means of transport. If you feel that you need one in Poland, read about foreigner's guide to buying a car.

Your purchase

You may be relieved to learn that there are no restrictions for foreigners when it comes to buying cars or other vehicles. You are free to buy your dream car either from a dealer or a used one. With the latter option, you have a few paths to choose: dealership, resale centres, or individual sellers, e.g. via the Internet. In the second case, make sure you check the overall condition of the vehicle, oil, tires and engine.

Documents you get

Once the transaction is complete, you will get a set which ought to include:

vehicle history card
registration document
insurance policy (if still valid)
car keys (usually two sets)

After the purchase you have 30 days to register the new car.

Vehicle registration

To register your newly bought car, one needs to visit the communication department at a town hall (or a local council – powiat office). The new owners should also bring along:

vehicle registration application form
ID (passport is also possible) with visa or residence card
vehicle ownership proof (contract, VAT invoice or final court decision)
registration document
vehicle history card (if there is one)
licence plates
proof of temporary registered address in Poland
proxy form (if you use a proxy who e.g. helps you with Polish)

All the documents should be original and in Polish (if in other languages, certified translations should be included).

How much?

The full cost if you buy new licence plates should not exceed around PLN 180. If you have your own plates, it should be less. However, there might be some individual cases where registering a car may cost much more.

Once all this is taken care of, you will get a temporary registration document and within a month or so you should receive its proper version.

How to exchange a foreign driving licence in Poland?

Is your driving licence valid in Poland?

a driving licence issued in the EU or EFTA member state is recognised in Poland and can be used as long as it is valid. It does not need to be exchanged.

an international driving permit issued in countries that are parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic is valid for 6 months in Poland. After 185 days of residence in Poland, it has to be exchanged for a Polish driving licence. The list of countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention is available here.

a domestic driving licence issued in countries that are parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic is valid for 6 months in Poland. After 185 days of residence in Poland, it has to be exchanged for a Polish driving licence. The list of countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention is available here.

Domestic driving licences issued in countries that have not ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention (such as the United States or India) may not be recognised in Poland. Drivers who hold such licences usually have to obtain an international driving permit in order to be allowed to drive in Poland for the period of up to 6 months from the date of entry into the country. Moreover, holders of such licences are required to pass the driving theory test in order to exchange their driving licence for a Polish one.

Where to apply?

In order to exchange your driving licence for a Polish one, you need to submit your application by post or in person to the relevant office. Depending on the place of your residence, the application should be submitted at:

starost’s office (starostwo powiatowe)
city/town hall (urz?d miasta) in bigger towns and cities
district office (urz?d dzielnicy) in Warsaw

Required documents:

- completed application form (available online or at the office. It is advisable to ask for assistance at the office if you do not speak Polish)

- your recent photograph (size: 35 x 45 mm)

- passport or residence card (karta pobytu)

- a copy of your residence card, visa or any other document confirming your right to stay in Poland and your resident registration (zameldowanie)

- certified Polish translation of the driving licence along with a copy of the driving licence

How much does it cost?

PLN 100.50

The fee can be paid at the office or prepaid by bank transfer (in the latter case you will be required to provide the proof of payment at the office).

How long does it take?

The whole process can take a few weeks since it may be necessary to verify the validity of the applicant's original driving licence. Applications that do not require additional validation take up to 9 working days to process.

The Personal Income Tax (PIT) Act defines the residency certificate as a confirmation of a person’s residence address for taxation purposes. Having the certificate allows to classify and calculate tax-payer’s income properly.

If you are a resident of Poland, in the sense that you either spend here 183 days of the tax year, or consider Poland to be the centre of your personal and economic interest, then your tax residency should be based in Poland as well. In such circumstances, all your income needs to taxed according to Polish regulations, even if it was earnt outside Poland.

The certificate is necessary to obtain for tax bearers (e.g. the company you work for in Poland), but tax payers also profit from its proper obtainment. How does one get it, then? It can be issued by your appropriate tax office after filing one of the forms:

CFR-1 for legal entities (seven-day waiting period),
CFR-2 for natural persons (sixty-day waiting period).

Both certificates cost PLN 17. The certificate is valid for as long as the circumstances described in it remain unchanged.

If your tax residency remains in some other country, feel free to provide your certificate to avoid double taxation. From mid-2017 on, it is possible to present also electronic certificates. Have you ever had to get your residency certificate, either in Poland or abroad?

foreign-family-members-visiting-and-settling-in-poland.jpg

You may have settled in Poland – you have your residence card, a place of your own, a job… But when homesickness knocks on your door and you cannot fly home – why not invite your family to show them around Poland or stay with you for good? Read about different scenarios.

If you are a foreigner…

If you are a foreigner staying in Poland your family may visit you simply by getting a tourist visa. If however they want to stay here for longer, you may have a right to family reunification. This process has a narrow family member definition: it is assigned only to your spouse, so a husband or wife (and your marriage has to be recognised by Polish law) or minor children (biological, adopted ones and other children dependent on you). However, family reunification is not possible for all foreigners. In order to be allowed to initiate the process, you need to have:

permanent residence permit or a long-term EU resident permit, or;
refugee status, supplementary protection or a resident permit issued for humanitarian reasons, or;
temporary residence permit for at least 2 years (while your last residence permit was issued for a stay of no less than one year), or;
temporary residence permit issued for scientific researchers, or;
EU Blue Card.

If one of the above applies to you, you can initiate the process of family reunification and apply for a temporary residence card for your family member. You apply for it on their behalf to a Polish voivodeship office, in the same way that you did for your own residence card. Once the decision is positive, your husband, wife or child can apply for a visa in a Polish consulate in your home country.

The fee to initiate the process is PLN 340, while you pay PLN 50 upon receiving a residence card (always in person). If the decision issued by the voivodeship office was negative, you can appeal to the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw within 14 days.

If you are a Polish citizen…

Sometimes Polish citizens have foreign family members. These generally include either their spouses or their spouse's minor children from previous relationships. Such people can apply for a temporary residence card on regular grounds, filing an application to the Voivodeship Office.

There are also exceptions to these rules. Sometimes, a person staying with a Polish citizen in an informal relationship can also be considered a family member, although this requires more paperwork. The couple has to prove that they live in the same household and that the foreigner has a health insurance and a stable source of income.

Another exception is related to other family members who are not a husband, wife or a minor. These may include for instance parents or cousins who are somehow dependent on a Polish citizen, either financially or in some other way. Such individual cases may also require more paperwork and individual approach.

If you are an EU citizen…

The most complex cases are related to EU citizens living in Poland who are not Polish and their non-EU family members. Such individuals can enter Poland on the basis of a visa (if it is required) or a residence card issued by another EU member state. If however their stay is going to exceed 3 months, a family member living in Poland has to apply for a long-term EU-resident card to the relevant Voivodeship Office.

Let’s start with the numbers. According to the recently published data of Eurostat (European Statistical Office), almost 25 million people, including a considerable number of young people, do not have a job in Europe.

If we present millions of the unemployed Europeans as a percentage, the unemployment in many countries both in the European Union and outside it will be double-digit. These figures definitely can overwhelm each of us but the news from the labour market does not necessarily have to be negative. This unfavourable situation can be remedied by mobility. And what would be multicultural Europe without the common exchange of experience and knowledge?

Let’s start with numbers again. Krakow’s first position, Warsaw’s sixth place, and Wroclaw’s enormous leap by a few positions on the world’s investment map, which is drawn up yearly by Tholons, an international advisory organization, have been among the most significant differentiators of Poland against Europe in the last several years. Yet it is not only the meaningless Excel tables that support the rankings of the leading global consulting companies (Tholons’ findings have been confirmed by the reports of the Hackett Group and Jones Lang LaSalle). Nothing could be further from the truth. The employment in the modern business services sector, which, in fact, stands behind our country’s investment success, is growing systematically. According to the calculations by the Association of Business Service Leader (ABSL), a Polish organization, the number of employees working in service centres with foreign capital has grown by over 50% as compared to the beginning of 2012. What does this percentage actually mean? A radical employment growth from 83,000 to 128,000. The industry experts estimate that with such a dynamic increase, we can expect that the number of people employed in modern business services sector will exceed 150,000 next year.

What is behind this dynamic?

Poland’s economic success comes from all the employees of the modern business services sector. During the recent years, our country has undergone a deep evolution – thanks to the quality of services and innovativeness of our solutions, Poland is becoming more and more appreciated in the world, and the greatest global brands are making decisions on investments in the biggest Polish cities. For sure, you know such brands as Shell, Electrolux, HP, Nokia, Heineken, Carlsberg and Credit Suisse. The major global companies choose Poland for several reasons. First of all, our country has appeared to be an excellent business partner: it offers well educated potential employees, a very good infrastructure and broad access to modern office space. Therefore working conditions look extremely favourable and that is why in Poland, there are currently 470 service centres with foreign capital, which belong to more than 300 investors from all over the world. The most popular cities where you will have a chance to work for globally renowned institutions include the abovementioned Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw, as well as Tricity (Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot), Katowice, Lodz, Lublin and Poznan.

Why can I work here?

The above paragraph may hide a certain paradox: why does a country which has such well-educated young people open up also to foreigners? There are several reasons. The command of foreign languages is the most significant one. Although Polish universities work with business more and more closely, business centres, the number of which grows every year, have an increasing problem to acquire qualified employees who would be fluent at languages that are rarely spoken by Poles. According to an international employment agency, ManpowerGroup, as many as 75% of employers in this sector have problems with acquiring employees for positions essential to their businesses. Additionally, we are talking about an international working environment, and multiculturalism is one of the differentiators of those organizations’ corporate culture. That is why when you come to Poland, you can meet friends from your country not only at university, but also at work.

Why is it worth working here?

Modern business services sector is made up of international organizations whose brands are recognizable practically all over the world. Starting their career in business centres, each employee can count on high workplace standards. Employers, afraid of high staff turnover (it is worth mentioning that in case of this industry, there is the so called employee’s market), offer their specialists numerous benefits: from the MultiSport card to private health care to other foreign languages courses. The career path is an additional advantage. Each of the big companies has its own development programmes for its employees and HR departments work out individual paths of promotion, both a horizontal and vertical one. Employees not only participate in internal trainings, where they acquire, first of all, soft competences. More and more organizations co-fund postgraduate studies or help to gain international qualifications sought-after all over the world. Candidates who decide to work in this area take part in training programmes which prepare them to do their job, and after a few years, the employees become the first class experts in the service of selected business processes. The modern business services sector employees are young. And this is also a decisive advantage. As many as 40% of them are between 26 and 29 years old. Therefore it is not surprising that dynamics and development are symbols of this sector.

What can I do here?

Modern business services sector is considerably varied, which is proved by the abbreviations: BPO, SSC, ITO, R&D, KPO and CoE. What hides behind these terms?

BPO (business process outsourcing) is one of the more innovative segments of services for business, rendered by an external supplier to other enterprises. Outsourcing enables cheaper and more effective management of selected business processes, including accounting, HR, marketing, customer service and even knowledge management.

SSC (shared service centres) are centres created in Poland inside a capital group of an enterprise (in the form of a branch or a separate company) with the capital fully owned by the parent company. They offer the same services as the BPO external suppliers.

ITO (information technology outsourcing) – this term refers to the whole sector of IT services for business, including server management, network administration and software development. Pierre Audion Consulting estimation reveals that in 2015, the Polish market of software and IT services will be the second IT market in Central and Eastern Europe.

R&D (research and development) may deal with various processes. The key element is to achieve an innovative effect with novelty value, enabling the improvement of services. This can be exemplified by research projects developing new models of risk analysis or improving methods of rendering financial services.

KPO (knowledge process outsourcing) – centres of advanced services of analyses and expert opinions, often niche ones and equally involving employees’ knowledge and modern technologies. KPO is also the best proof that the business services sector in Poland has achieved the highest phase of development, and it is not only the simplest solutions for business that it offers. KPO includes such processes as legal processes management, financial modelling and data processing.

CoE (centre of excellence) is an organizational structure which deals with scientific activity and processes of development of state-of-the-art technologies. This unit is included in the R&D and KPO area.

And what is next?

From a junior specialist to a manager responsible for the work of several teams, from an inexperienced assistant to a team leader, the BPO/SSC sector in Poland offers to young people more than you think. Our country is, therefore, the great beginning of a fascinating professional adventure. If you are studying, the employer will appear to be flexible enough to enable you to reconcile your education with the career; if you are looking for the first experiences, the organization will provide you with trainings and it will help you to choose the right career path; if you focus on mobility, in a few years, as an expert, you can move to another country as part of organizational structures of global institutions. Everything is in your hands.

Every culture has its own celebrations before the Lent begins.

In ancient times people began celebrating winter drifting away with ample suppers and boisterous festivities. During those suppers, as a starter, they served doughnuts filled with bacon. When Christian culture gained prevalence in Europe this feast evolved into festivity demarcating the border between the carnival and the Great Lent. Since XVI century people eat sweets on this occasion. In Sweden for example everyone savors the taste of semle – a bun cut into half with sweet stuffing. In Anglo-Saxon countries people eat pancakes, while in Russia they consume blins (type of a pancake).

In Poland…

Here this festivity is called Fat Thursday literally translated from Polish T?usty Czwartek. On the last Thursday of the carnival we cultivate the tradition of eating doughnuts known here as p?czki with various fillings. We usually do not organise any parades. This feast has a rather symbolic, however very tasty character. Children and adults bring doughnuts to schools and offices and often bet who will devour more dainties. This habit results in sales on Fat Thursday reaching 100 million doughnuts!

Types of sweets

Due to the fact that the types of fillings are extremely varied, we have prepared a list of all of them, so that you knew what you might expect on the day of p?czki hype. Website smaker.pl has also made a survey investigating which of the four most popular types of fillings are the users most fond of. The graph below presents its outcomes.

What can be found in a doughnut:

rose jam
advocate
vanilla pudding
chocolate (with cherries)
strawberry jam
strawberry marmalade
dulce de leche cream
cherry jam

A doughnut should also have some kind of a topping. The most popular are caster sugar or icing. Some people tend to put coconut shreds, candied orange crust or almond flakes on the icing.

Apart from p?czki, typical sweets prepared on Fat Thursday are faworki, deep-fried pastry ribbons known in Italian as cenci. They are usually served with powdered sugar. There are two types of faworki, one made from yeast-dough and the other is made from a special dough of a very crispy and powdery texture. Their shape is very characteristic and most probably you will find them only in Poland. Although lighter than p?czki, by no means are they recommended for those on a diet.

Where to buy doughnuts?

A legendary producer of p?czki – Antoni Blikle has built his entire sweets and confectionery empire thanks to his doughnuts recipe. A. Blikle is a world-famous brand of confectioneries present on the market since 19 century. It can be found in such Polish cities as Warsaw, Cz?stochowa, Gliwice, Katowice and Kielce. Although this producer is the most famous one, there is of course plethora of other confectioneries selling delicious p?czki with various fillings, especially on this day. We recommend you to forget about counting calories and try at least one!

Here are a few addresses of confectioneries selling tasty p?czki in various Polish cities…highly recommended to visit some of them on Fat Thursday.

Kraków

Confectionery Micha?ek
6, Krupnicza Street

Pozna?

Confectionery Limaro
2, Prusa Street
(various addresses)

Wroc?aw

Pomorzanka Confectionery
Rynek (Market) 59, Old Town

Szczecin

Confectionery ASPROD
2, Niepodleg?o?ci Street

?ód?

Confectionery Ga?eccy
128, Piotrkowska Street

Gda?sk

Confectionery Raszczyk
88, Pomorska Street
(various adresses)

Warsaw

Confectionery Paw?owicz
13, Chmielna Street

Toru?

Zyska Confectionery
5, St. Catherine Street

Easter is a moveable feast and the most important one in Catholic calendar. In Poland, which is officially a Catholic country, Great Sunday and Monday the next day are public holidays. This is time devoted to family and cultivating beautiful traditions.

General symbol of Easter (all over the world) is an egg, which symbolizes new life – resurrection. Here are not only chocolate eggs or boiled eggs. In Poland we also have egg decorations called ‘pisanki’. These eggshells covered with colorful paintings and ornaments originate from a long standing tradition. Although usually children like to decorate them, there are also many artists who create those little works of art professionally – it is called writing eggs and hence the name ‘pisanka’ (from pol. pisa? – to write). Thanks to the fact that the eggs are empty, they can be saved for the next year unless they break, as shells are very delicate. In Poland pisanki are to Easter what baubles are to Christmas.

Traditions

Easter is a feast lasting more than a week. Preparations start on Palm Sunday – a week before Great Sunday. On Palm Sunday people attend churches carrying colorful palms in memory of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem on a donkey. It was the last time when he received warm greetings. Five days later – on Friday – he was unfairly judged and brutally murdered. Since Monday – the Great Week begins. Below traditions associated with specific days were described. At this time it is appropriate to resist from attending loud parties.

Great Thursday

It is also rather sad. Over 2000 years ago Jesus had The Last Supper with his Apostles and then was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his execution. Almost everyone goes to a very official mass, which is in the evening and memorizes The Last Supper and establishment of two sacraments – Priesthood and Eucharist.

Great Friday

On Friday there is no mass and everyone restrains from eating more than 3 meals a day or eating meat or sweets. It is a time of reflection, inception and focus. Generally the atmosphere is rather overwhelming although the weather outside is usually beautiful.

Great Saturday

On Saturday everyone awaits symbolic resurrection, so there is a common enthusiastic preparation for Sunday. Today there is no mass, children however take baskets made of wicker to the Church to be blessed. The baskets contain food to be eaten for breakfast on Easter Sunday. The contents of the basket have strictly symbolic meaning. Sausage symbolizes wealth, fertility and wellbeing. Salt due to its conservational properties stands for protection from deterioration and evil. Egg is a symbol of a new life, while bread embodies Jesus Christ and is a basic food guaranteeing survival and peace. Children also decorate their baskets with fresh flowers. It is a particularly fetching tradition.

In the evening (or on the Sunday morning before the dawn) there is a mass called Resurrection, which aims to preach resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important mass in the Catholic Church throughout the year, because it constitutes a symbolic line – Catholics believe that before the Christ’s ordeal, death and resurrection people have lived under the burden of their sins. Now people know that God loves them so much, that he has given his Son to protect them from the evil. Easter is celebrated every year as a commemoration of this fact. The Resurrection Mass is often combined with procession to symbolically let the world know what has just happened.

Great Sunday

Today the entire family celebrates the breakfast together. They first consume food blessed the day before. Then they savor themselves with white sausage, Hunters’ Stew or potato salad. Formerly those types of heavy dishes were eaten in the morning of Great Sunday, because everyone was starving after 40-days Lent. In this day and age people rarely keep strict consumption restrains, so dishes served at the breakfast have rather traditional than practical character. Afterwards children tend to receive presents from the Easter Bunny. Those are usually sweets. Western tradition of hiding the presents in the garden or at home and making children search for them is gaining popularity in Poland. There is also another traditional Easter play called beating eggs. Two people take one egg each and rap. The one whose egg crashes first looses the game. The atmosphere is amazing as everyone is optimistic and there is a lot of hope in the air.

Wet Monday

It has a rather informal character. The tradition is to make everyone wet on that day…and what might be found surprising – not only children run around with water guns! Simply watch out, because no one shall feel dry today. Formerly this tradition had also a romantic overtone meaning that boys were dousing with water those girls whom they especially liked.

Food that can be found on every table at breakfast:

?urek – sour rye soup cooked with sausage and eaten with boiled eggs. It has a white color.

Bigos – otherwise called Polish Hunters’ Stew. It is a cabbage cooked with onion, tomatoes and meat. Characteristic for this dish is that the older it is the better it tastes.

White sausage – it is made of pork meat and baked in the oven.

Potato salad – all men are hired by their wives to chop ingredients for this salad: cooked potatoes, carrots, sour cucumbers, celeries and apples. Those are then mixed with peas and mayonnaise. Every house prepares a different variation of this salad. Some add corn for example.

Eggs in various forms are present on the table, as egg is the symbol of Easter. One can find: eggs with mayonnaise, stuffed, with raw meat, with salmon, with vegetables or with paste as well as many other varieties.

Mazurek – crispy, fatty, flat cake covered with all types of creams (chocolate, caramel, halvah, peanut butter), dried fruits and nuts which are arranged in beautiful patterns and ornaments. Some can be really called a piece of art. Name of the cake is similar to Polish traditional dance – Mazur.

Babka – powdery cake baked in a special form which gives it the shape of a huge pudding. It is usually covered with chocolate. This is a very easily modifiable cake – some people add chocolate or cocoa powder to the inside, others add dried fruits or lemon or make it have two colors.

Pascha – it is a Russian and Ukrainian dish present often on polish tables during Easter. It is made of white cheese, milk, cream and butter with eggs, vanilla and dried fruits

Public life

Although not as pompous as before Christmas, one can find Easter decorations in shops and malls. Sweet producers offer chocolate eggs and all varieties of dedicated Easter sweets (for example marzipan in Easter wrapping). However, as mentioned earlier, Easter time equals family time. Offices, shops and companies are closed on Sunday and Monday. There is little business done then, however there are some cultural events worth paying attention to.

In Warsaw there is a yearly Ludwig van Beethoven Classical Music Festival. It is organized in Polish National Philharmonic in cooperation with foreign embassies. Some concerts also take place in the Kings’ Castle. The Festival hosts various talented and prominent artists from all over the world performing beautiful classical pieces. It lasts two weeks and is a music event of the highest quality.

For fans of more casual entertainment Kraków organizes yearly Eastern fair. Retailers and craftsmen from Europe present items connected with Easter traditions. One can purchase charming fripperies and try some regional viands as well as take part in social festivities and attractions.

Taking advantage of sunny spring weather many people do sports in breaks between sitting at the table. There are numerous walkers, bikers and joggers.

First Day of Christmas is usually spent by us with the family, many people travel on this day to visit relatives living further away. The Second Day of Christmas is usually spent at home, Polish people like inviting close friends to dinner and relax after the intense preparation and celebration period.

Traditions which you might not have known (not only to foreigners)

Although Christmas in Polish house today resembles Christmas all over the world due to the proceeding globalization, especially Americanization, those are the old, sometimes superstitious, Polish traditions that I want to describe. Regardless if you come across them or not, they are worth bringing out. I would like to take you now for a small journey into the future…

It is the evening of 24th December. The family has gathered and we are waiting for the first star to shine on the sky. It memorializes poinsettia, which led the three Magi to the newly born Jesus. After it was spotted, we can begin the celebrations. Some families pray before the supper, in other families this part is omitted. Everyone gets a wafer. We share the wafer with each other and exchange greetings. Sharing the wafer comes from the tradition of first Christians, who shared bread like Jesus during the Last Supper. After you have given everyone best wishes we sit down to the table. It is covered with white cloth that symbolizes purity. Underneath the cloth some hay is placed, what memorializes fact that Jesus was born on hay in a miserable crèche.

But wait! There are 10 of us and there are 11 chairs. It is not a mistake. It is said that on this evening no one shall be alone or hungry. Therefore there is a tradition of leaving an additional place for an unknown newcomer. It is also good manners to invite anyone of whom we know that might be lonely this Christmas.

Ok. We are quite hungry as we were fasting since the beginning of the Advent. Now we should try everything that is on the table, because according to ancient tradition the untried dish may be lacking next year. Usually people believe that there should be 12 dishes - symbolizing 12 Apostles, however back in XVIII century, when the solemn supper entered the tradition for good, people believed there should be 7(7 days of the week) or 9(9 angel chores) dishes.

After the supper we will sing carols. Although some uncles might not be the best singers, this tradition undoubtedly has its charm. I can hear the doorbell. Who might it be? Oh, these are carolers. They are singing carols for us and greet us. We invite them to eat something, but they have to go. Carolers are of course our disguised neighbors. Among the characters are: a goat, a bear and a stork. Goat is a symbol of fertility, story means life and bear embodies hostile forces of nature.

It is midnight! The Baby Jesus is born. We are getting dressed and going to the church to midnight Mass. We feel a bit like shepherds 2 thousand years ago, who were the first people to visit newborn Jesus. During the Mass children from local school often display the story of the Holy Family.

In some churches there are also galleries with models of crèches made by families. Even if those models are not always aesthetically impressive authors surely spent a lot of quality family time and effort to build them, which is what matters. Nevertheless, if someone is very keen on beautiful sculptures, each year in Cracow there is an exposition of beautiful, huge model crèches which are called Cracovian Nativity Scenes, as they resemble buildings in Cracow. It is something original that you cannot miss!

After the mass we are coming back home and… it looks like someone has been here, because there are tons of presents under the Christmas tree. This is the moment awaited not only by children. After everyone has been cheered up by the gifts from Santa we all go to bed. The time has come to finish our journey. Some of us will probably be up at night waiting if a dog or a cat speaks human voice at this extraordinary night. This belief is well known in many cultures and is reason for many fairytales. Unfortunately I have never heard my tortoise speaking.

Mniam mniam - cuisine

An important part of Christmas Eve is supper consisting of specific traditional dishes. Foreigner should be prepared for it, as this particular tastemay not lie within his liking. Polish traditional cuisine is very characteristic and generally well known. On everyday basis we of course eat much different food such as fast food or international cuisine. Nevertheless, we are very keen on the traditional dishes which are quite laborious and contain much fat.

Due to the Nativity Fast on the Christmas Eve we do not eat meat, milk or eggs during the supper (children are excused). Main offerings are thusmushrooms, fish and a lot of cabbage. On every table this evening you will find:

Christmas tree

Christmas tree is an important part of the Christmas tradition. In Poland it is usually a spruce. It is cut from the garden or bought several days before Christmas and decorated with various ornaments. It is a perfect occasion to spend some beautiful family moments. Boys go with the father to bring the Christmas tree and then everyone work together to realize the artistic vision.

Red borsch – soup made of beetroots, usually contains also ravioli filled with mushrooms.
Dumplings (pol. pierogi) – small pouches made of yeast dough, either boiled or fried with various fillings; on this evening most popular fillings are mushroom and sweet cabbage filling.
Carp – absolute must have, it is traditionally fried and served in one piece.
Herring – served in various forms, especially popular is a salad made of herrings and potatoes with creamy sauce.
Cod – it is often baked in pieces or fried and topped with boiled carrot covering.
Poppy-seed cake – some people eat cakes and sweets during the supper and some only after the mass, however this cake shall not be lacking in any house during Christmas. It is rolled yeast dough with poppy-seed filling and sometimes raisins.
Fritters – either sweet or salty-with herring.
Dried fruit compote – served to drink.

Those are the common dishes, well known all over Poland. Depending on the region you may find different variations and servings of these dishes as well as many other courses not mentioned here.

Every house has its own style of decorating. Some people like to put self-made gingerbreads or candies on the tree, the others hang little toys or put colorful chains. Inevitably there must be lights either white or colorful. They are put on the tree instead of candles, which were popular in XIX century and quite dangerous. Options are countless.

But wait…I have not mentioned baubles! Every house in Poland has at least one set of baubles. They were invented in XIX century in Germany by a man who could not afford to put nuts and fruits on his Christmas tree. Baubles became extremely popular in Poland. Now there are even shops selling exclusively baubles. If you want to make someone an original Christmas present, one of these baubles would definitely work well.

BPO/SSC sector: Poland is a magnet for investors

According to the latest report of ABSL "Business services sector in Poland 2015", foreign-capital service centers operating in Poland employ 150,000 specialists. This means, that since April 2014, another 22,000 high-quality jobs were created.

Also, 60 new foreign-capital service centres were created in Poland, since the beginning of 2014. For the first time in its history, Poland is gaining an internationally recognised specialisation – management of advanced business processes (knowledge process outsourcing, KPO) for the world's leading corporations. Thanks t foreign investors, we can observe a transfer of modern business, process and technology solutions. This results in boosting the innovativeness of the entire Polish economy and creates new workplaces. Number of employees in the sector has increased by over 1/3 in last two years. The forecasts predict, that in 2020 250,000 people will be employed in the sector. This means new high-quality jobs for students, opportunities for development and promotion to international subsidiaries in the biggest companies in the world. Among investors, who at the beginning of 2014 decided to open their centres in Poland, can be listed the most recognizable companies, like: General Motors, FedEx, Mars, Owens-Illionois, Toyota, UPS and many more.

Development of the sector happens really fast. The dynamics of this process is shown the best by statistics. In 2002 only several dozens of foreign-capital service centres were operating in Poland. In 2007 the number increased to 200 in second half of 2014 to over 500. The business services sector is not only developing in Poland, but is also one of the most successful branches. This year, one of the largest Polish cities, Kraków, holds again the title of the best outsourcing destination in the Europe, according to Tholons, a consulting think-tank. Moreover, Kraków ended 9th at the world ranking of the best location for investments in business services sector created by the same think-tank. Recently, Poland became the one of the main investment directions for largest global players. The main advantage of Poland, which makes her so enthralling for investors, is the economic and political stability in very uneasy region. Poland is perceived to be safe and attractive investment's location, allowing to win even more advanced projects. The centres in Poland are so developed, that they serve key business processes of the world's largest corporations from Fortune Global 500, such as Shell, Samsung, GE, HP, Citigroup, P&G, Sony, Google, Intel or Cisco.

The question you probably ask yourself is, where are the biggest centres of BPO in Poland? According to a recent research, Kraków one more time became the largest centre, focusing investors from the sector, and employing 35,700 people. Second place holds Warszawa with 27,000 employees, the third one belongs to Wroc?aw with 23,700. Other locations worth mentioning are: Tricity – 13,700 employees, ?ód? – 13,100, Katowice- 11 200 and Pozna?- 9 000. Currently, the major group working in the sector, form IT department specialists. These types of services are provided by 1 in 3 people employed in the industry. In the second place are financial and accounting specialists, which constitutes 22% of hired people. In the third location, finished employees operating processes related with financial industry such as banking, insurance and investment services.

However, this is not the whole story. Poland is ready to offer new services and foreign investors are particularly interested in launching global investments funds in Poland. Unfortunately, Polish law is not yet fitting to global standards and requires some formal changes in order to simplify registration of international investments funds. Regardless of this kind of obstacles, investors will not give up on Poland so easily. The main strength of Polish magnetism lies in national human resources and increasing level of integration of polish economy on the global scale. Not only strong technical background, but also soft skills and knowledge of foreign languages are the primary qualities, describing the employees of the sector. They support business processes using 40 different languages. The average entity employs specialists who use 8 languages, and the record is 31 languages. The most developing companies, which plan to offer most new workplaces, are large companies employing over 500 people. Of course, they employ people and pay them according to their abilities. Future salary depends on work experience, technical knowledge and language skills. If you happen to know Nordic or Scandinavian languages, good for you. These languages are among the most wanted on the market. Very valuable are also people that speaks Russian, Spanish or Roman languages. However, still the most desired are German and French. Nevertheless, the languages are important, expert knowledge is increasingly expected.

Companies that started operating in Poland last year are the one responsible for the highest growth, which shows that investors are satisfied with conditions of conducting business in Poland, and want to stick around. Employers from the sector guarantee not only stable workplace, but also number of benefits, for example: medical packages, more than 2/3 subsidizes language courses, and 60% postgraduate studies.

To the main cities-receivers of the investments of the sector belong: Kraków, Warszawa, Wroc?aw, Tricity, Katowice, Pozna? and ?ód?. Aside from the already developed centres, their shot get also less known places, such as Bydgoszcz and Lublin, that by now noted the employment growth by over 50%. Other cities with substantial growth are Opole, Rzeszów, Toru?, Pi?a and Olsztyn. The sector is not only a job creator, but also a factor contributing to the development of the town, by building infrastructure and stimulating economic growth of whole region. These evolving cities are the factor, that distinguish our country from competition. With this kind of foundation future can be even better, but changes are necessary. Experts claim, that crucial is, to complete projects, that aim to facilitate, both entering the market by new foreign investors, and those already conducting business here, (mainly the legal adjustments), to ensure safe development of the branch. In their opinion, it will impact the dynamics of the Polish economy. The key is cooperation of education institutions with business centres. The education system in Poland should be turn more flexible. Syllabuses ought to be verified and adjusted every year, to the rapidly changing market requirements. Collages need to also put a pressure on soft skills, like ability to adapt to changes, team work or presentation of your ideas. These are essential attributes in modern business. Remaining competitive entails constant self-improvement and quick identification of trends, because the only one constant thing is change.

ABSL report "Business services sector in Poland 2015" was published during the 6th ABSL Conference. Coverage was created in collaboration with ANTAL Internatonal, Baker & McKenzie, Everest Group, JLL.

Before taking a job in Poland it would be worth to know what forms of employment can be offered to you and with what benefits and obligations they are bound up.

You can work in Poland based on an employment contract or a civil-law contract. The first one is the most favourable form of employment, as regards both benefits you get from an employer and stability. You should be offered a civil-law contract if your employer wants you to do a specific task, and not to work permanently. Agreements of this type are not subject to the provisions of the Labour Code. However, it does not mean that taking a job based on a civil-law contract, you are not obliged to obtain a work permit. It is a prerequisite for signing each type of agreement, both an employment contract and a civil-law contract.

Employment contract

Concluding an employment contract will entail your obligation to do a specific kind of work for your employer in the place and time set by your employer. On the other hand, the employer will be committed to employing you at a specified remuneration.

Employment agreements can be concluded for a probation period, for a replacement employee, for the period required to perform a specific task, for a specified period, or for an indefinite period. While signing an employment agreement, you should check if it contains the following elements: specified parties and the agreement type, the date of concluding it, and the conditions of work and remuneration; the latter being, i.a., the kind of work and the place of doing it, working hours and the amount of remuneration.

If you are employed based on an employment contract, you know that your employer pays your contributions to the social and health insurance, as well as tax advances.

If you have an employment contract, you are entitled to 20 or 26 days of annual leave, depending on the number of years you have worked so far and the level of education.

The full-time work in Poland means 40 working hours a week, and the daily working time should not exceed 8 hours. An employer is also required to guarantee you at least 11 hours of uninterrupted rest per each 24 hours.

Civil-law contracts

Instead of an employment contract, your employer can offer you a civil-law agreement, namely, an agreement regulated by the provisions of the Civil Code. A commission contract and a specific task contract are the most widely used civil-law agreements.

The commission contract consists in commissioning you to do specific work in a specified period. The commission contract must set out the kind and scope of the activity done by you and your gross remuneration, from which public receivables will be deducted.

The specific task contract concerns accomplishing the so called “task”, which means an expressly specified activity, within a specified period at a specified price. Similarly to the commission contract, the consideration in the specific task contract is set out at its gross value.

Despite a different purpose of the civil-law contracts, many employers in Poland decide to hire employees under agreements of this type. Before you make a decision on such a form of collaboration, you should bear in mind the fundamental differences between the civil-law contracts and the employment agreement.

There is no minimum remuneration in case of the civil-law contracts. This means that the employer can offer you remuneration at any level. What is more, you have no right to the annual leave or sickness payment under a civil-law agreement.

NOTE: A person working exclusively under a specific task contract is not subject to the social insurance.

The working pattern in Poland

There are two most common working patterns in Poland: from 8 am to 4 pm, and the hours from 9 am to 5 pm, rising in popularity. Yet the global companies work according to different rules. The enterprises that contact companies and branches located on other continents on a daily basis usually work 24/7. This means that if you are in a large outsourcing centre, you can work both from 6 am to 2 pm and from 10 pm to 6 am. Because of the range of their business, those companies often work also at weekends and on holidays.

If you work 8 hours (at least 6 hours) a day, you are entitled to a 15-minute break within your working time, and you can do any activities during this break. Some employers decide to make the break longer or they do not check the time spent on a break so scrupulously. Some corporations grant their workers as much as 1 hour for the break, which you cannot give up, and which will oblige you to stay at work 1 hour longer. Yet it has its advantages. You can use this time to relax and recover your strength going out for lunch with your colleagues or working out in the gym.

In Poland, 13 holidays are celebrated during the whole calendar year. If it is a moveable feast and it falls on a non-working day, you have the right to receive a day off in exchange because you would not turn up at work on this holiday, anyway. Similarly, if you appear in the office on a day which is considered to be a non-working day in Poland, you are entitled to get a day off for this day spent at work.

Foreign languages versus remuneration

The increasing number of international companies in Poland caused a deficit of employees speaking foreign languages fluently, which is reflected in changes in the level of salaries. As the Polish Nationwide Research of Remuneration by Sedlak & Sedlak 2013 shows, if you possess a very good knowledge of a foreign language, you can count on a salary higher by PLN 900 (EUR 225) on average than the pays of employees who do not speak any foreign language other than English. You can count on particularly high remuneration if you speak fluently such languages as: Swedish, Hungarian, Dutch and Czech.

Where to place your CV?

If you consider taking up a job in Poland, you can approach potential employers by sending your CV directly to the company selected by you or via the Internet. It is possible to place your CV on www.CareersinPoland.com, and submit them to the recruitment agencies working in Poland, which on behalf of employers, constantly seek employees who speak foreign languages fluently. Such agencies include, among other companies, Goldman Recruitment and Randstad.

Flexible working hours

Many employers in Poland try to encourage young people to start their work during studies. While preparing job or traineeship offers for them, the companies often give young employees a possibility to adjust working hours to other everyday duties. You can combine your international exchange studies with gathering the first professional experiences at companies that look for native speakers.

Dress to impress? Business dress code in Poland

The rule ‘dress to impress’ does not necessarily apply to office life in Poland. Poles are a nation of simple tastes and in professional contacts they value modesty and class. What else will help you make a good first impression on your business partner?

Everyday office dress code

Not all companies enforce dress codes. Even during your application process you may find out whether or not your future employer has any restrictions towards clothing. There is a difference in fashion choices of start-up workers and big corporation employees. While the first group may even favour standing out from the crowd, the second one is usually asked to dress more conservatively.

Within the BPO sector most companies have some kind of guidelines for clothes worn at work. Typically, men are asked to wear a dark-coloured suit with a shirt and a tie. Women have it easier and more difficult at the same time. They have a wider range of fashion items to choose from (suits, skirts, elegant blouses, blazers, cardigans) but having more choice means also more risk. The general idea in Poland is not to experiment too much with colours and cuts – simplicity is highly valued and this includes neutral colours and classic shapes. Showing too much cleavage or short skirts will not be appreciated. Female employees also need to remember that many companies require them to wear tights all year long, even in the summer (thank God for the AC!)

Business meetings

For business meetings the rules are more or less the same. In Poland a general tendency shows that the higher you are in the hierarchy of your company, the more classic and simple clothes you wear. Suits are popular among men and women equally. The latter may also opt for popular knee-length business dresses. The biggest attention is paid to the quality of the clothes you are wearing. For men, their watch is often the main accessory to give their outfit an individual touch. Women can use a wide range of jewellery, but again, it has to be discreet so as not to dominate the whole look. You certainly don't want to intimidate your business partner with your sparkly dangling bracelets!

Smart casual

There is also a considerable group of those employed in mid-sized organisations, where they can dress according to the so-called smart casual or business casual style, which mixes elegant and relaxed wardrobe elements. This means no tie for men who can also wear more colourful shirts instead. They may also choose a blazer or a neat polo T-shirt to go with elegant trousers.

For women it still means classic pants, but the rule does not apply to skirts, which can be more varied (but still never above the knee!). Colours and prints are also welcome on shirts with classic cuts. Shoes do not have to be high-heeled anymore, which is a huge relief to many ladies.

Casual Friday

The special day at work towards the end of the week is a Western invention and was quickly adapted in Polish office environments. Who wouldn’t like to have a day off from dress code? Stiff corporation rules can be relaxed towards business casual fashion solutions, however if a meeting with a big potential client is scheduled for a Friday, they would probably not appreciate a business partner in a pastel-coloured male cardigan more appropriate for a family picnic.

Why bother?

Poland is a country like many others, where employers want their employees to identify with a company philosophy. The people and the ideas should simply create a coherent image and your fashion choices are part of it. If you want to be a valuable employee you may want to make your boss focus on your skills and achievements, not the way you look. Choosing neutral clothes, accessories, hairstyles and make-up is certainly a good start.

Bicycles at work – biking mania in Poland

You may notice that with the arrival of spring more and more Poles pull their bikes out of their garages. Although Poland is not as crazy about cycling as Denmark or the Netherlands, the image of a cyclist has been present in its culture for years, and now it is getting even stronger. Many companies notice that and make it easier for their employees to incorporate this healthy hobby into everyday life.

Europe is relatively small and bicycles have been favoured as a means of transport for many decades here. Some extreme cycling enthusiasts ride their bikes all year long, but the majority of Poles opens the biking season in May, when the weather conditions are more agreeable to open-air adventures. But what to do if you have just moved to Poland and do not own your very own two-wheeler?

Sharing is caring

Poland has been taking part in bike sharing systems for a few years now. If you visit Polish cities or even larger towns, you may notice stations that contain a few sets of bicycles for rent, from March 1^st to November 30^th. All you need to do is register your cycling account in the system (either online or with the use of your credit card in the bike terminal) and join the party by paying a fee of PLN 10. The first 20 minutes of your ride are always free, but longer rides generate costs. After using the bike, you will need to leave it at any station that is convenient to you. Sounds great? It does, as you can find them in countless spots in the cities. In Warsaw, for instance, bike sharing terminals are located near subway stations.

Ask your boss

If you have taken up a job in Poland, you may be surprised at the fact that many employers recognise and support their employees’ biking hobby. Cyclists have a few exciting privileges that promote healthy lifestyle among other workers. See for yourself:

In Ergo Hestia employees who ride a bike to work enjoy a free meal during the day. Gda?sk and Sopot company offices also offer discounts on a new bike that amount to 25 percent off.
In Gdynia, the city hall is organising for the fourth time a cycling competition, lasting from April to September. Last year, nearly 100 companies participated in it, not only to win money or get ‘biker’s breakfast’, but also to prove that they enjoy physical activity before getting to work.
Infosys BPO Poland is among many companies that have dedicated special cloak rooms, showers and parking lots to those employees, who using a bike to get to work. The company says that most of all they value active and energetic workers.

May is the perfect time to pull out your bike from the garage.
Read our ideas for long May weekends here.

City hall bikers

Even the public sector in Poland has promoting cycling very seriously. City halls in Warsaw, Wroc?aw, Katowice, Gda?sk and many other have something in common – they have bought bicycles that can be used by their employees to move around the cities whilst carrying out professional duties. All of the projects have been very successful – office workers fell in love with the bikes and you can see them in the cities rushing to official appointments. Those, who have not been assigned their very own bike yet, clearly and loudly voice the need to get one. Could it be that a short ride would put a smile on their often grumpy faces?

Ready, set, go

Whether you are a university student or an international company employee, you will quickly discover the benefits of using your bike on everyday basis. Its efficiency in congested streets can be invaluable. Most Polish cities have useful cycling paths near pavements or special bike lines in the roads. Remember to wear a helmet and make sure that you are visible while cycling – your safety always comes first.

Are you convinced then? Try renting a bike and maybe you will love it so much that buying your own will be just a matter of time!

Project Management in IT companies - interview with Mirek Maka

Project management in an international IT company – interview with Mirek M?ka, the Tower Country Manager of the Cross-Functional Services in Atos.

Project management is a concept which is getting more popular these days – why?

For many years project management has been popular in developed countries, i.e. the United States and Great Britain. Apparently, in Poland it is also flourishing. This is due to the fact that good project management is the key for receiving products quickly and increasing the company’s profits in parallel. Thus, it is currently a very popular branch and certainly will be in the future.

How has the role of Project Manager changed in the IT world?

IT systems, which are created for organizations, both medium-sized local and large global ones, are integrated, modified and implemented in accordance with the project philosophy. Most of the IT companies in the area of creating value for customers are also ‘project-oriented’. Recently the role of Project Manager and project management has evolved significantly. They should be considered in the context of a widely understood dynamics of change and its management. Gone are the days, when PM was treated as a person performing ‘any tasks’ and having only coordination functions. We also started our career with these roles in the Atos company. Currently, many Project/Program Managers manages projects/programs of implementation of services and infrastructure for global customers. In their teams there are high-level managers, who manage within projects. Despite looking through the prism of a silo company, there are many organizational levels above PM and often manage hundreds of people individually.

How does the increasing importance of outsourcing trends in business influence the development of project management?

According to the recent research, Poland is one of the most attractive localizations in the world in terms of providing outsourcing IT services. Project management is the integral part of delivering this type of services, especially in the area of implementation of products, changes in technology and their effective management. The IT industry itself is extensive and includes many job positions – from strictly technical, through analytical to managerial ones. In our country you could find qualified and experienced specialists in the areas that are missing in western countries. This is the reason why we observe the dynamic development of project management, in our company and Tower as well. The number of employees has increased by more than 2,000 within the last 3 years, whereas PMO/PPM sub-towers – by more than 200.

PM is a strategic position in Atos. Why?

Project management is largely independent to the interests of individual sub-towers and technical solutions. PM agrees on strategic goals on business level. In a managed project it uses available resources, competences and solutions in order to accomplish these goals. The people, who manage the company on a strategic level, are ensured that they maximize the effectiveness of a company. Furthermore, operational departments, which deal with networks, servers and cloud computing solutions, may focus on development their technical competencies by leaving project management in the hands of PM. Project management allows the most effective use of resources by relevant departments. PM’s responsibility is using the utmost potential of a team and organization, and providing a customer exactly what he expects, in a defined timeline and at specified price.

Are you already determined to join Atos?
Check out their job offers here!

You manage the xFS (Cross-Functional Services) Tower – what do you do?

xFS is the Tower which provides support in business activities. We ensure packages of services in the area of project support and project management, and managerial support i.e. reporting, data and financial analysis, solutions adjusted to every business need. Within xFS there are 4 sub-towers: Project & Program Management, Project Management Office, Business Operations Management and Solution & BiD Management. All sub-towers are mutually complementary areas of support services for business activities.

What possibilities/challenges await for PMs in xFS in Atos?

The global service delivery center in Bydgoszcz, part of which is xFS, is well evaluated. The scope and level of services delivered by us is being extended. Expectations and challenges are also growing. We are looking for specialists in many areas, especially Project Managers. We are seeking for Senior and Program Managers of international class with a level of competencies that are comparable to standards e.g. in the UK. Interesting and international projects await for PMs. Every project, team and relation with a customer is unique and bring a new, developing experience. It gives a chance and even a guarantee of a continuous development. Most of the projects, which are managed by our Project/Program Managers, are new services and infrastructure projects, which enable us to provide services to our external customers on a top level. Similarly to the non-IT world, it is like participation in projects of creating new technologies, building new factories and communication infrastructure which enable products and services delivery to final customers.

What about Training? Can employees look forward to them?

The Training program is precisely specified and, depending on a competence profile, there are dedicated sets of Training for specific career development paths. Within PPM/PMO, Training include knowledge on project management and soft skills. We emphasize courses conducted by the best training companies, alongside the possibility of certification which, in addition, motivates for acquiring knowledge and using it in practice. As an example, I can say that our teams can obtain certification in PMP®, Prince2®, Prince2Agile®, MSP®, P3O®, ITIL®. We also offer the unlimited access to e-learning Training. In case of long-term development plans for employees, we prepare individual development plans. For candidates for PMs outside our company we organize free of charge Training, which prepares them for this role - Project Managemet Academy, the newest edition of which will take place after the vacation period. More information can be found on our website pl.atos.net/kariera, in a tab ‘Atos szkoli kandydatów’.

You have mentioned development plans. What does an exemplary career development path look like in this area?

In a Project & Program Management sub-tower, Project Leader is a basic position. However, it is not a junior one. Project Leaders have proven experience and business maturity in this area but the scale of projects they have managed, branch in which they have worked and lack of established methodology have placed them within our nomenclature. Project Manager is on the next level. Project Managers have rich and longstanding professional experience; they are fully independent, mature, certified in PM methodologies and work with external customers and high-level managers in a company. Senior Project Manager is the next step. As the job title suggests, it is a senior employee in the area of PM, responsible for ‘the largest-caliber’ projects. He is a mentor and coach to less experienced colleagues. He can not only manage a project in accordance with methodologies, but also move out a project from a status ‘red’ to a status ‘green’. In the area of project management in Atos, you can start career from one of the above mentioned positions – everything depends on the level of competencies and skills, which are verified during the recruitment process. Further development is feasible within a specific job position, moving on a career ladder within a given field and other sub-towers in the company.

Our expert: Miros?aw M?ka

Experienced manager, both on a strategic and operational level, with over 20-year practical experience. He has been specializing in technical and business management, project management in the area of telecommunications and IT, in the scope of transformations, migration and introduction of new services. Currently, Miros?aw is working as Tower Country Manager in Atos Poland Global Delivery Center in Bydgoszcz, where he manages the Cross-Functional Services Tower. In the past he worked also for AT&T, Lucent Technologies and Alcatel-Lucent. Miros?aw likes innovative ideas, seeks for new challenges and opportunities of making interesting contacts and exchanging experience.

Information about the company

Atos is the international leader in the IT services market. It employs more than 100,000 employees in 72 countries. In Poland the branches of the company are in Bydgoszcz, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Torun, Lodz and Cracow. There are more than 4,000 employees. According to the ranking Great Place to Work, Atos is among the forefront of the Best Place to Work in Poland. More information: kariera.pl.atos.net

”Let’s discuss it over lunch” – you hear it more and more often from Polish business partners. What to expect? How do such meetings in Poland differ from typical business lunches around the world? Read our guide to learn how to close a deal while eating Polish schabowy and cabbage rolls.

Who invites whom

This super-important aspect of your business relation is not something you can omit. The inviting party is the one making sure their partner gets the message that the meeting is going to happen – oral invitations are less reliable and less formal than written ones. Why is it so important? The inviting party is the one who pays the bill – if you plan your business meal together, you are probably going to split the bill (remember to decide on it in advance), but otherwise prepare to cover the costs.

Choosing the spot

Business meals in Poland can take place either in a company’s office or in a restaurant chosen by the inviting party. Both options are common but entail different things. While a meeting in the office building usually means lighter food such as salads, sandwiches, cakes or fruit, a restaurant business meeting calls for more regional cuisine and your Polish partner probably wants you to have a good go at trying some specialties.

Placing an order

Typical Polish meal consists of some kind of a soup and a main dish with meat. If the restaurant has such options in the menu, go for it. It will not be a faux pas if you ask your business partner for advice about choosing something characteristic for the country or its region. In fact, you are very likely to get bonus points for taking interest in Polish culinary achievements!

Maybe you want to place your order in Polish?
Read our advice for learning it on your own here!

Getting down to business

While in some countries it is preferable to start the discussion early on during the meeting, Polish businessmen prefer to eat their food first and make small talk. They may want to know your impression of Poland and be curious about some personal experience, but they are unlikely to touch upon deep topics such as religion or politics. The real purpose of the meeting is usually revealed towards the dessert – it is then when your business partners may indicate the subject change. It is common practice to discuss your business plans after you have your coffee and cake and the table is cleared by the staff.

Closing the deal

A Polish business lunch does not always finish with the signing of a contract. Sometimes you will have discussed all its aspects in detail before scheduling another, more formal, meeting devoted solely to this activity. Therefore, closing the deal with a firm and honest handshake is often taken as a promise of cooperation to come. Giving your word is enough for Polish people to feel ensured that the goal of the meeting has been achieved and everything went smoothly.

Remember these rules and your business lunches shall be as successful as your whole career in Poland. Bon apetit – or as we say it in Poland – smacznego!

Technology – where global careers start – Citi Service Center Poland

Technology is not restricted to creating mobile apps and websites only. The IT world includes the whole technological infrastructure. We talk to Marek Dryja?ski, EMEA GCG Infrastructure Services Head at Citi, about the unlimited career opportunities in the tech field.

In recent years, new technologies have rapidly changed the face of the business world. Every interaction, both inside and outside an organisation (with customers, partners and suppliers), has to be fast and ensure short response time.

Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine a modern company without proper IT support – efficient servers and networks.

IT systems can be compared to a bloodstream – without them functioning correctly, no company would be able to make important business decisions.

It is the basis of the entire IT environment and one of the essential elements of any company. A wise choice of components and good cooperation with experts is the key to success.

Learn more about the role IT plays in a global financial institution and explore the professional possibilities offered in this field. Read the interview with Marek Dryja?ski, EMEA GCG Infrastructure Services Head at Citi, who is responsible for Global Production Operations.

Let us start with your career in Citi. What did your professional path look like?

Marek Dryja?ski: I have been with Citi for 22 years and I have held many positions. Right now, I am the Head of Production Operations, which is in charge of monitoring Citi’s global infrastructure. It is the second centre of its kind in the world. The first one is located in the USA. Because of that, we provide an uninterrupted flow of our processes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What does IT bring to the development of a company like yours? I am asking both about the bigger perspective – technology in general – but also about the infrastructure itself.

I would separate these two notions, because young people do not have a good understanding of the term technology. They tend to narrow it down to a PC, a mobile phone and applications. These are obviously very important areas, but technology is a complex and extensive field, encompassing infrastructure, which gives a lot of interesting job opportunities. Coming back to your question – I think the answer is quite obvious. We live in the era of digital mobility and can experience virtual reality, so it is difficult to find a company that does not make use of its IT support. It is a key element in every organisation and a source of innovation. Thanks to new technologies, we create products and services and distribute our offer in a fast and efficient manner.

And how should we understand the term IT infrastructure?

IT infrastructure means the area devoted to supervising and running processes shared within the entire organisation, i.e. all the computer networks. The infrastructure includes data processing centres, platform administration, operating systems (Windows, Linux, Unix) and firewall components used to secure the network from the outside. Without the proper management of this infrastructure, it would not be possible to install business applications, which support the activities of any financial institution.

It is clear then that IT infrastructure is a key element in running any company…

I would go even further, which may surprise some young graduates. Within our operational centre, we take care of so many processes that we can easily compare our unit in Citi to some of the IT giants, such as Apple or Google. Of course, each of them specialises in a different field, but with some other global IT players we constitute an important part of the technological reality. I wanted to mention it because it is very often ignored.

What kind of candidates are you looking for? Do you hire only students and graduates with technical backgrounds?

We have a lot of employees who do not have a technical college diploma and fit perfectly well into our team. Sometimes people want to join us because they are interested in IT, but they did not realise it when they were choosing their studies. Citi gives them a chance to start their career in this area thanks to training programmes and tasks undertaken by young specialists. For example, our monitoring specialists and project managers do not have to be graduates of any specific kind of university. By supporting our employees, we succeed in developing their skills, which allow them to carry out even very complex technological projects. Each of them can count on their mentor at the beginning of the road and has access to a training set.

If technical expertise is not one of the requirements, what abilities are you looking for during the recruitment process?

Soft skills are of great importance to us – this is what makes a young person successful in a big company. Interest in learning, flexibility, adaptation to new environments, accepting challenges, taking responsibility for one’s actions, cooperation – we value these skills greatly. IT is becoming less of a narrow field and more of a territory for people who can both understand technical issues and communicate with other businesses in order to get their point of view. This is why stepping out of a box, creativity and an ability to draw conclusions are so important to Citi. Of course, another thing that we have to check is the candidate’s command of English.

See the wide range of jobs offered by Citi!
Find them here.

You mentioned the position of IT Project Manager. What other jobs also need recognition?

There are many of them. In the field closest to my heart we are searching for employees who can administer networks, operational systems or platforms such as Unix, Wintel, Linux, VMware, Oracle, MS SQL. Our experts can also realise their potential in software or business application development, as well as in service delivery, which is responsible for the stability of particular services. We also offer jobs related to change management, which are in charge of controlling the process of changes.

Can you give us some examples of what responsibilities process administrators have?

In the bigger picture, this process can be divided into the infrastructure department, the production support department and the application support department. Of course, these departments can also be broken down by function, i.e. the infrastructure department is concerned with end-user support, but also with monitoring and maintaining the infrastructure. Then, there are administrators, who are in charge of more complex cases and advanced technologies. There is also a team of experts who implement new solutions related to platform development. This requires proper servers, arrays and software in order to share the infrastructure with the application support departments.

What about the monitoring?

We have at our disposal many tools that automatically report any computer failures to the central system. Further steps are taken by a dedicated team who choose their actions in accordance with the type of malfunction present in the system.

How about application development? Young people associate this term mainly with mobile banking. What are these applications really about? Do they involve internal systems that are ultimately used by end-users?

Citi uses both premade solutions purchased from external suppliers and business applications we created ourselves. The spectrum of these technological instruments is too vast to describe here. We use so many tools that anyone interested in developing or supporting only a particular application will probably find it in our organisation.

I suppose that you also have a testing team responsible for checking the functionality of your purchases?

This is a task for the application support department. They have to understand business expectations and check the utility of particular business applications. Thanks to them, our end-users have access to these applications day or night.

Citi offers a wide range of jobs on the career path. Can your employees migrate between the jobs you have described earlier?

We try to provide them with such opportunities, but it is the employee who makes the final decision. People in our company either prefer to progress in one field in order to become an expert, or they like to switch their areas of interest from time to time. We value mobility because it enhances the flow of knowledge within our organisation. Therefore, before looking for experts on the job market, we consider promoting our employees first.

I gather that young people joining your team can count on guidance from their co-workers?

They would not be able to manage without that. The support from a supervisor and fellow colleagues is crucial. This is why we promote the idea of helping one another. We have created an entire induction programme designed to introduce every new employee to the profile of our organisation, their possible career path and the processes that we implement. This helps them understand their role better and broadens their perspective.

How else does Citi enhance the development of its employees?

Citi is based on knowledge, so the transfer of information and competence is a priority. We do it in three ways. First of all, we organise training sessions to enhance our soft skills. Secondly, we support learning from one another. The third aspect involves gaining new knowledge in practice, which is, in my view, the most effective form of learning. We want to keep our employees open to new challenges and encourage them to actively search for situations in which they are complete newcomers. The manager and the subordinate are obliged to work out a development strategy that will adjust these three learning areas to the expectations of our experts.

I suppose that IT is a male-dominated territory?

Indeed, it is usually chosen by men, which is a shame, because at Citi we value diversity and would like to see more women among us. Females are very good at dealing with infrastructure. I could give you a lot of examples proving they are better than men.

The quality of the workplace and its friendly atmosphere are increasingly important to young people. What can they expect in this respect when joining IT structures?

The atmosphere in Citi Service Center Poland is undoubtedly one of its assets, and young people value it highly once they start to work here. It is really worth having a career in Citi and I am a good example of that. The moment you join Citi you are presented not only with new challenges, but also with the kindness of your fellow co-workers.

You managed to build a global competency centre thanks to your potential and investments in people. Does Citi support creativity?

Of course it does. Without creativity and being open to multiple cultures and experiences, we would not be able to become an innovative company. We are the strength of Citi. It is the people who make any success possible, not the building, location or new technologies. We are the organisation’s capital and it would be a mistake to waste this potential, brought to us every day by our employees.

Translated by Ewelina Nurczyk

Behave yourself – etiquette in Polish offices

Every country has their own social standards towards general conduct in official contacts at work. Poland is no different, and although you may know similar rules from your work environment, it is worth remembering, that forewarned is forearmed. Take a look at the basics of savoir-vivre at work.

Hello/Goodbye

Although the general rule is that a person of a lower status greets that on a higher professional level, it may change according to different circumstances. For instance, if you are walking into a room full of other people, you have to greet them first, regardless of their position. Even if your Polish is not your forte, try to learn how to pronounce Dzie? dobry – without a doubt you will make a good impression on everyone.

Handshakes

Polish handshakes are not as firm as in some other Western countries, but they definitely serve the same purpose – show your respect and trust towards your colleague, boss or business partner. The rules of handshakes are quite simple – it is a person of a higher position who initiates the gesture. Therefore, a boss puts a hand forward to an employee, a host to a guest etc. Remember not to omit women while shaking hands – awkwardness arises when a man greets all of his male colleagues with this gesture, formerly associated with men only. When women are among them, they are simply left out. If you avoid making them feel this way, they will definitely appreciate that.

Knock, knock

If you hesitate whether you should knock or not – simply knock. While many offices in Poland use the open space, there are still rooms with hard wooden door that seem a bit sacred to fresh employees, like those in an unexplored part of a building or a door leading to your boss’ office. People in Poland are not obsessed with privacy, but they definitely value it a great deal, and work environment is no different. However, when it comes to approaching e.g. glass doors leading to a room full of people, there is probably no need to knock.

After you

Letting somebody pass in a doorway has been a staple in Polish culture for many years, if not centuries. While Western countries were systematically getting rid of this habit, it is still very much alive in day-to-day situations in Poland. How about norms at work? Here we have acquired some of the universal etiquette, which tells a subordinate person to let their supervisor go first, regardless of gender. Therefore, if you are a male manager, you have the right to go first in front of a group of your female workers. In practice however, many men prefer to let their female colleagues go through a door first if they are not in a hurry. It seems that foreigners will have to see for themselves how to apply the ladies first rule in their work environment and check what works through trial and error.

Do you want to know about forms of address and first impressions in Poland?
Read our tips here!

Small talk and taboo

Small talk will be a big part of your days at work in Poland. How was your weekend? Did you manage to catch that bus yesterday? Are you flying home for Christmas? – these are some of the safest options you may het. However, if you are a foreigner, you may be shocked by the topics your colleagues will want to discuss with your over coffee breaks at work. Polish openness may sometimes be viewed as negativity, when in fact it is often pure realism. After a few days at work, your co-workers will want to engage you in a heated political debate while you just want to eat your schabowy in silence. Talks of untrustworthy politicians, high prices and other upsetting aspects of the world surrounding you may also surface. Even religion is not always a taboo, unlike many other countries. How can you get by? As a foreigner, you may get some preferential treatment and be spared from chatting about controversial issues (not knowing enough Polish is a good excuse). You can also go with the flow – Polish people agree to disagree all the time, so whatever results from your animated debates in a cafeteria, it will probably not influence your personal relations.

Food for thought?

While conversations may be called food for thought, standard food can also be an issue at your new workplace. You should always remember to eat your meals in a space designed for that – a cafeteria, canteen or kitchenette of some sort. Eating at your desk will be frowned upon, as it is unprofessional and simply rude. Just think about your colleague who has been sitting in front of the computer all day, finishing an important report! Therefore, it is viewed as something friendly, when you share some small treats with your closest co-workers from time to time. Maybe a regional specialty of your country?

If you already work in Poland, feel free to share your experience with others. Are workplace manners really that different from those in your homeland?

Atos Poland: Career paths in IT are waiting for you

Are you going to develop in such areas as networks, safety, administration of operating systems, database and application management, virtualization and “cloud” solutions? Find out what Poland may offer you thanks to companies like Atos Poland.

Your organization has branches in various cities in Poland. Does each branch deal with different business processes?

In our Polish branches we provide services as part of three service lines: Managed Services (MS), System Integration (SI), as well as Big Data and Security (BDS). As far as the greatest Global Delivery centres in Atos Poland are concerned, we provide MS and BDS services in Bydgoszcz, while in Wroclaw we provide SI services. We understand our customers’ business challenges perfectly well and we can provide tailor-made solutions based on more than 30 years of experience.

What career opportunities do you offer to IT graduates?

IT graduates can start their careers in line with their specialization. We offer development opportunities as part of the newest IT specializations. Career paths can be developed in the area of networks, safety, administration of operating systems, database and application management, virtualization and “cloud” solutions.

What are your recruitment plans for 2015? Which (selected) positions are you going to recruit?

We are looking for people from various competence areas. We employ both technical employees and people who do not have such knowledge or experience. Candidates who have an IT profile are offered a wide range of jobs. For example, we are looking for network operators, safety, software engineers, administrators of Windows and Linux/Unix systems, Oracle and MS SQL data bases, as well as Middleware, SAP specialists, Java and Oracle developers, testers and programmers who know the Microsoft technology.

For people who do not have IT experience, it is important to know a foreign language, like English, German and French. There are the so called non-technical jobs, e.g. in the department of the first line support for customers. This is the first point of contact for customers in case of difficulties with the service or technical problems. Processes and projects are another development path that the employees without IT experience can follow. Working at the positions of coordinators the employees support project managers and process managers.

Atos has the highest positions in employers’ rankings. What makes Atos a friendly working environment?

The development of both business and people is one of the most important characteristics of our organization. Every day Atos employees act in an international environment, work on interesting projects with unusual people from all over the world. Development opportunities are additionally wider because of technical, language, and soft skills trainings. We provide our employees with benefits package, including remote working, additional insurance, healthcare, co-financing commuting to work, relocation package or co-financing sports and recreation. In Atos, we emphasize the work-life balance and that is why we support individual activities of our employees who take part, e.g., in sports competitions, meetings of various sports disciplines lovers, like sailing – Atos Sailing Team, and many other. We are happy that Atos employees are involved in all kinds of social and charity events – in this case, we also guarantee our support to them. All these factors make Atos a friendly workplace.

Do you also employ foreigners in your Polish centres? How do you support them in our country?

We hire about 200 foreigners from almost all over the world. We offer support regarding obtaining work permit and gathering information about living in Poland. All the employees who relocate to our branches also get additional benefits in the form of the relocation or hotel packages, which are to assist them in the process of moving house.

Do you apply flexible forms of employment to enable students to combine work and education?

In our company we employ people based on the employment contract. Yet there are departments where it is possible to combine work and education. I mean the departments, which provide their services 24/7. This gives the opportunity of flexible working hours and allows employees to combine work and classes even at full-time studies.

What makes you unique among the other international employers? What is your corporate culture?

The people and the atmosphere that they create are our main characteristics. It is thanks to the outstanding specialists and interesting personalities that we provide the IT services of the highest quality. That is why we invest in our employees’ development; we provide them with a friendly working environment and financial stability. Our company culture has been built on a healthy balance between work and life. The possibility to combine work with passion and living in a healthy balance between those two areas is our company’s characteristic.

Do you think it is worth coming to Poland and staying here for longer in order to pursue a career here?

Of course. Polish labour market, particularly the market of modern business services, is developing and that is why people coming to our country can still count on interesting job offers. Atos is also open to foreign candidates. We have observed that our country hosts not only people who were forced to come here because of the economic crisis, but also qualified specialists who are great at working in the international environment.

Do you employ only graduates of specializations related to IT? Does Atos also recruit specialists in arts and humanities?

We employ graduates of both IT studies and other specializations. We look, first of all, at competencies which a candidate possesses and which match the job. Jobs which do not require IT knowledge are dedicated to the specialists in arts and humanities. Here it is important to know a foreign language, like English, German, and French. Graduates of the so called non-technical specializations can develop in the area of processes and projects and also in the department of the first line support for a customer at such positions as project coordinator, process coordinator or customer service advisor with German/French.

How do you take care of competencies and knowledge of your employees?

Each employee undergoes a job appraisal twice a year. Then the employees’ competencies are verified, goals for the next year are set and development plans are discussed. The company supports the widely understood development of employees. Employees have access to various technical and soft skills trainings. What is more, qualified teachers conduct classes in as many as six foreign languages. All the employees also have unlimited access to e-learning trainings. Atos offers over ten thousand online trainings, which can be used by the employees without limits. This allows unlimited development in any selected area and the trainings can be done at the most convenient time. We focus on the flexibility of our training offer, so that the employees can adjust the training to their individual preferences.

Joanna Starostecka

I represent HR Recruitment Team in Atos. My specialization is recruitment of network and security engineers. Before I started my adventure with IT company I used to work as a psychologist with people suffering from social and vocational exclusion. I graduate psychology and find strong interest in working with people, especially in supporting their personal development. Apart from psychology my great passion is music. I practice playing piano which helps me to keep appropriate level of work life balance.

Meet the world of investment brought to you by Citi Service Center Poland

Maciej Pisarkiewicz, Head of Investor Services & Custody Operations at Citi Service Center Poland, talks to us about the challenges in the increasingly specialised BPO sector and shares his thoughts on working with the capital markets.

In the last few years in Poland, we have witnessed the rapid development of the BPO sector, facilitated by some of the world’s largest investment banks. Their financial offices, located in the main academic centres, provide complex and advanced services to their clients. Thanks to these projects, Poland has become a breeding ground for talents, offering a wide range of perspectives for both young graduates and experienced professionals.

Citi Service Center Poland is one of the leaders in this field. It offers complex operational and account support for investors.

If you are interested in entering the world of investors and capital markets, would like to work in an international environment in one of the most rapidly growing branches of the financial sector, enjoy teamwork, contacting other people and approaching your tasks with conscientiousness, then investor services will surely meet your expectations.

Learn more and read the interview with the Citi Service Center Poland expert.

**What is the role of investor services at the Citi Service Center Poland?**

Maciej Pisarkiewicz: Investor services are offered to big institutional investors, namely investment and pension funds, as well as insurance companies, which entrust their portfolio with us. Additionally, the bank takes care of the accounts and all the middle office services, which involve processing securities transactions. Our office provides a range of services to many partners all over Europe. To sum up, our teams of specialists are responsible for the account books, portfolio valuation and per unit value calculation.

Then, summing up, your job is to properly administer the funds?

That is correct. The area of investor services deals with administering investment funds.

Who are your customers, the recipients of your efforts?

Within our organisation, we transfer our calculations to fund managers, whose task is to make decisions about investments and to publish the value of the unit or share, either directly or in an indirect way, through our bank.

How long has Citi been providing this kind of service?

Our Warsaw centre is celebrating an anniversary at the end of this year. We have been present in Poland for ten years, during which time we have gained a lot of experience in providing services for the capital market.

Could you name a few positions that can make it easier for young people to enter the world of investor services?

The first step is to start as a Fund Accounting Specialist or a Securities Processing Specialist. A good command of English is essential, while a knowledge of accounting and the capital markets is a big asset. However, our well-developed training system allows even those who have not been educated in this field, to receive proper preparation for this job.

What is it like for young people to use the terminology of investment funds? It is a very specific type of vocabulary.

Obviously we do not expect them to know it during the recruitment process. Our employees acquire their knowledge in practice. Knowing English is the basis. Once they possess this skill, we observe how they acquire the jargon within two or three months.

What skills, apart from knowing English, are verified during the recruitment process?

We try to assess how long a candidate is likely to need to acquire new information, and to use that information later. We test their logical thinking, perceptiveness, analytical skills and the ability to link facts.

How is the position of a Fund Accounting Specialist different from doing standard accounting?

Fund accounting is a field directly related to the capital market and is mostly concerned with the valuation of financial instruments. We are subject to different regulations than in standard accounting, i.e. the taxation is different – we apply taxes when the units are valued, which means that we do not cooperate with the revenue service.

Personally, I think that the link with the capital market makes fund accounting more interesting. During my studies at the Warsaw School of Economics, I was majoring in two fields – finances and capital markets. After my graduation, I considered becoming a CFO or taking broking exams in order to get involved with capital markets. My work at Citi enabled me to combine these two areas. What is more important, fund accounting allows young people to work in an international environment, as all of our clients are based abroad.

How are new employees introduced to the job?

The initial meetings are devoted to presenting the way investment and pension funds work, as well as their role in financial markets. We believe that this broad context enables new employees to really grasp their task. Then follows a three-month-long training cycle, which describes in detail the various types of financial instruments. Recently, Citi began to cooperate with a training unit from the Institute of Banking in Dublin, which will develop the skills and knowledge of our experts during a year-long training programme. Seventy-four of our employees have qualified for the programme, which will teach them about the legal aspects of investment funds, issues related to securities custody and the role of the transfer agent. After passing three exams (one for each module), students are granted a certificate of professional competence, which is recognised on the EU labour market.

What does a day in the life of a Fund Accountant look like?

I assume they start off with a coffee, like most of us. When it comes to the essence of their job, it consists of a few automated business processes. The first involves entering all of our clients’ transactions into the accounting system, which is supervised by the control team. The second process is reconciliation, which is also highly automated. Our specialists contact stakeholders in order to clarify any discrepancies between the account data and bank transactions. The third field is controlling the accounting of dividends, stock splits and interest payments. At the fourth stage, the experts check the overall valuation. This process is supported by many IT mechanisms, but the accountant’s task is to verify the balances, payments and valuations, and to update the costs or revenues as necessary. Once these tasks are completed, the data is handed over to the fund manager.

What are the prospects for a Fund Accountant?

There are three paths to choose from. The first one can be called the expert path, where employees can broaden their knowledge about different accounting processes by changing between teams. This is mainly connected with horizontal promotion. The second one is related to leadership skills. Our employees train to become future managers and learn how to work with people engaged in the process. The third profile, the technical one, means that an expert can develop their programming skills in designing models. This is a task for the parametrisation team, which consists mainly of developers and Project Managers, responsible for implementing changes requested by clients.

Would you like to follow one of these paths?
Check out the job offers at Citi here!

How are your experts trained to become managers?

Every manager and their subordinate sets a development strategy at the very beginning of their cooperation. After some time together, the manager is able to tell the employee’s weak and strong points, which enables them to discover whether they have what it takes to become a manager. At Citi, we have a transparent career path. Every vacancy is announced through our system, which allows our employees to apply for another position within the structure of our company. In the end, with the manager’s support, it is the employee who makes the final decision.

To what extent do you take care of individual talents?

We value every employee, and this is why we create development strategies based on the dialogue between the manager and the expert. We assess our employers twice a year and use the data to create a talent list. The most important factors in creating this list are good results and initiative. Once we have the list, we engage our talents in some extra projects.

How would you describe the atmosphere in your workplace?

It is dynamic, international and vibrant, for sure. We work with numbers and have a lot of deadlines to meet, so maintaining a positive atmosphere in the office is a priority. Our employees do that every day by motivating one another to accept new challenges. This is what our clients appreciate most. When you join Citi, you can be sure that you will work in a diverse environment. In our business department over 10 per cent of employees are foreigners.

Why is fund accounting an important part of financial markets?

There are a lot of reasons for that. First and foremost, the fund members get to know its value. Secondly, we serve as a personal guarantor of independence and objectivity in the field of fund valuation. Finally, the data we hand over to fund managers informs them about the value of the assets and allows them to make good business decisions.

What are your plans for the future within investor services?

They are intense. Right now we are in the process of recruiting new employees in securities custody. We need one hundred new people who are able to process dividends and interest for our clients in London. Apart from that, we are expanding the fund accounting processes. We have entered the second stage of transferring the whole business line to Poland (the process is almost complete), where we are creating more specialised posts.

What does the future hold for investor services in Poland?

The large demand for new employees shows that the future holds a lot of promise. We are offering more and more advanced processes in fund accounting, which makes this field interesting for professionals, but also for people without much experience. We are acquiring new clients all the time, and this means new vacancies in our company. Our employees may also continue their careers abroad. We value a good atmosphere in the workplace and engage in charitable work (we support The Kronenberg Foundation). All of this shows that we are an attractive employer for people who wish to work in an international environment full of challenges and possibilities.

Translated by Ewelina Nurczyk

Our expert: Maciej Pisarkiewicz

Head of Investor Services & Custody Operations, Citibank Europe plc Poland Branch, Senior Vice President

Maciej joined Citi in 1998. He had many managerial roles both in Funds and Securities area. During his career in Citi Maciej was involved in many projects like bank merger, centralizations, new system implementations, process-reengineering and migrations. In 2005 he was one of the founding members of Center of Excellence, transferring the first processes to Warsaw. From September 2014 acting a Site Head for Investor Services & Custody Operations business. He is a member of CSC Poland Management Committee. He has graduated from the Warsaw School of Economics with Finances & Banking Master's Degree.

Changes to fixed-term job contracts in Poland

Polish labour law has just undergone one of the biggest changes in recent years. The amendments concern fixed-term job contracts – read on to find out if the new regulations apply to your situation on the job market.

February changes

February 22^nd,2016, was the implementation date for the changes. Up to this point, Polish law was arbitrary and confusing for employers, who used to breach it by offering their employees consecutive fixed-term employment contracts. As there was no specific restriction to this practice, new provisions are there to revise the law. With their introduction, Polish employers will still choose between only three types of employment contracts: indefinite-term, probationary and fixed-term contracts. Replacement contracts and employment contracts for a specified task will no longer be in use.

Maximum length of fixed-term contracts

The biggest change is related to the fixed-term contracts and is known under the name of restriction 33/3. The numbers refer to two aspects of a job contract. First, the overall period of continuous employment under one or more fixed-term employment contracts between the same employer and employee cannot exceed 33 months. The second part in the name of the regulation, 3, refers to the maximum number of fixed-term employment contracts.

If the two parties (the employer and employee) exceed the number of 33 months or sign the fourth fixed-term employment contract, their contract will automatically become a contract of indefinite duration. However, there may be some exceptions to the rule, provided the employer points out their objective reasons for doing so and notifies the local Social Labour Inspector.

On probation

Probationary employment has been designed for employers to find out whether the employee possesses necessary qualifications and skills to perform tasks dedicated to them. The period cannot exceed 3 months and is not included in the limit of 33 months (see point above).

Under certain circumstances, it is possible for the same parties to enter into another probationary contract, e.g. if the work differs significantly from previous tasks or if more than 3 years have passed since the end of the earlier contract.

Notice periods

The biggest change in this field is that notice periods no longer depend on the contract’s duration, but rather on the length of the employment period. Therefore, probationary, fixed-term and indefinite job contracts, will have the following notice periods:

2 weeks if employment lasts for less than 6 months;
1 month if employment lasts for more than 6 months;
3 months if employment lasts for more than 3 years.

Ongoing contracts

The new law also affects fixed-term contracts which are already in force on February 22^nd, 2016, for instance these, which last for more than 6 months but give a notice period of 2 weeks only. As far as the 33/3 rule is concerned, the period calculation starts on February 22^nd and, depending on that, the ongoing job contract may be regarded as the first or the second one.

What we offer clients derives from creativity and innovation - Citi Service Center Poland

We spoke with Adriana Piotrowska-Milczarek, Citi Learning Cluster Head in the EMEA region at Citi Service Center Poland, about the role of diversity and information flow in global companies, applying coaching methods to facilitate employee development, and using speed dating to inspire mentor-mentee talks.

Many employers say that people are the most important asset in their company. How does Citi understand these words?

Adriana Piotrowska-Milczarek: The financial sector, including banks, is a specific environment that relies heavily on people and their interactions with clients. It is the team that is crucial – not tangible assets such as property or machines. This is because our product is not goods, but services, which come from people, their knowledge and skills. Therefore, investing in human resources is one of the key elements in our company’s development strategy. What we offer to our clients derives from the creativity and innovation of our employees. It is logical that constant development of human capital is of great importance to us. We have to bear in mind that nowadays competitiveness is not measured by price, but by value added to a product or service, and their quality is shaped by the experience of our experts.

How do you invest then in the development of your employees?

Citi offers a range of perspectives for personal growth, but what makes us stand out from the crowd is the fact that we focus on individual careers by providing guidance from a manager and putting it in a global context. We take the line that there are three important parts to any employee’s development: the employee, their manager and the organisation. Managers at Citi are career sponsors – we teach them to perceive their employees not as tools in achieving their goals, but as people, whose value is gradually increasing in the long run. Supervisors enable their employees to see their role in the organisation, their abilities, knowledge and contribution in an objective manner. The third part of this process, Citi, provides them with proper tools and strives to give them new growth opportunities.

It is enough to look at our website and the tab devoted to global jobs at Citi. Each and every one of our employees can participate in the recruitment process. For instance, if a financist from our Warsaw office wants to relocate to the USA, we will not discourage them, on the contrary, we are always supportive of such decisions. Then comes the manager, whose task is to help the employee realise their potential, improve their skills and, eventually, make the right career decisions. What is more important, Citi always makes use of internal recruitment when looking for new employees in various offices around the world. An impressive 80 per cent of vacancies are filled in this way. Only if there are no suitable candidates among our employees do we direct our offer to a wider audience.

The most effective way of enhancing an employee’s growth is to let them gain experience, preferably through allowing them to approach tasks, during which they learn from other co-workers. Citi creates a working environment that encourages knowledge-sharing. Thanks to its global structure, our employees are able to participate in interesting international projects, which allows them to improve not only their knowledge of the task at hand, but also helps them develop cultural sensitivity and accept diversity.

The last thing I would like to touch upon is the formal ways of gaining knowledge. Citi gives access to learning platforms (in the MOOC system) which contain courses offered by renowned universities from around the world – Harvard, MIT and Stanford. We have also designed a dedicated mobile app called Development Insights/s4k with many articles and training programmes on developing soft skills, as well as hard skills related to finances. Apart from that, Citi invests in the development of management teams, offering them a lot of training on leadership skills. These include: Managing at Citi, Leading at Citi, Coaching for Results, Working Virtually at Citi, and Change Leader.

So you create a knowledge-based organisation that gives its members development opportunities and leaves it to them to decide whether and how they take them. Since knowledge transfer is so important at Citi, does this mean the company develops coaching and mentoring skills in its managers?

This is one point in our leadership training. We try hard to enrich the culture of cooperation and the ability to build relations based on trust and empathy in our management. Coaching is a part of all such training – it is offered to those who are about to be promoted to a managing position, managers at lower levels and finally executive officers, i.e. those at the very top of the hierarchy. Giving effective feedback and applying coaching are one of the many skills that we want to develop in our managers, regardless of whether they belong to sales, productive or operational departments.

Is Citi supportive of mobility within the organisation? What conditions are there? How do you assist such processes?

Employee mobility within the framework of our company can be divided into two major areas. First of all, employees can decide for themselves whether they want to participate in internal recruitments for a chosen post abroad. On the other hand, there are also many situations in which our employees need to be delegated to another country. In this case, we provide full assistance in handling formalities, both legal (for instance, obtaining a visa) and organisational (finding and paying for accommodation – a hotel when it comes to shorter trips, and a company apartment with regards to longer stays).

If an employee decides to pursue a career abroad, and they have successfully passed recruitment processes, they would receive support in terms of organisational aspects and guidelines for the relocation, but in terms of housing we do not provide such assistance, unless the recipient country has a different stance on that.

Interested in careers at Citi?
Check out the offers here!

How does mobility support personal and professional growth of your employees?

First and foremost, it enhances knowledge transfer within our organisation – each participant of a given project learns from one another. Knowledge of the subject matter is crucial, learning and sharing new practices is vital, but the added value, which is invaluable in today’s world, is enriching one’s horizons by seeing new points of view.

One of our employees, who is currently working in the USA, was once delegated to Russia for four months. I caught up with her after her return and she stressed how enriched she was, even on a deeper personal level. Not only did she develop soft skills, but also learnt to interact with people who, despite being our close neighbours, follow different cultural patterns. Such cultural mosaics enable us to get out of our comfort zone and see many challenges from new perspectives, very often through details.

I would like to ask you one final question about the Bring Your Challenge programme. How does it work?

First, let me stress the originality behind the programme’s genesis. The idea of Bring Your Challenge was not born within our HR structures, but actually was initiated by the business departments. Its authors are Terri Gerosa, head of Citi Service Center Poland, and her closest associates, Anna Zaw?ocka and Pawe? Grzegorczuk.

The key to the programme’s success is its simplicity – we got the idea from speed dating, which is also known in Poland. During short meetings, each participant, a Citi employee, has an opportunity to talk to three random mentors who each possess a great deal of experience. Thanks to these conversations, about 10-15 minutes long, each Bring Your Challenge participant leaves the meeting with three, often varying, perspectives on a topic. Let me stress that mentees are not obliged to implement the advice provided during the meeting – realising that there are different points of view, and using this perspective in our workplace, is what matters here. Mentors also see the benefits of taking part in this programme. They get to learn about their employees’ problems and share their experience. Through that, practical knowledge circulates in our organisation and accelerates the growth of human capital.

Bring Your Challenge definitely fits into our company’s development strategy, which focuses on enabling our employees to learn from one another. It was so well-received among them that we decided to launch an online version. We used dedicated software, which is able to imitate a traditional training environment, but with the use of video chat and breakout rooms. Because of these technologies, we can be more flexible and use the experience shared within the global Citi network without the need to have the mentor and mentee present in the same room. As a result, this year we have been able to invite several CCOs (Country Chief Officer) from the Citigroup to share their experience and advice with talented people from the EMEA region. We hope to get Mike Corbat, Citi’s CEO, to participate in this project one day.

Translated by Ewelina Nurczyk

Our expert: Adriana Piotrowska-Milczarek

PL&CEE Citi Learning Cluster Head

With over 20 years of professional experience at Citi, she has been responsible for various projects within the business, product and HR departments, where she was in charge of development, talent management, recruitment and business partnering. Currently she is head of Citi Learning in Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. A graduate of the Warsaw School of Economics.

BPO/SSC sector in Poland - a good place to start your professional career

Interview with Robert Godziszewski, Infosys BPO Poland

Why do employers look for candidates who speak foreign languages?

Robert Godziszewski: In the first decade of 2000, it was clearly visible that knowledge of the English language is a must in order to find a job in a corporation, especially in the BPO/SSC sector. Currently, we can observe market trends which pushed this requirement for foreign languages even further, and fluency only in English may be not enough. Production corporations have become more and more aggressive in their outsourcing strategy in order to reach for higher reduction of their fixed costs. This has resulted in the situation that transactional activities which require only knowledge of English are moved towards India and activities which require advanced knowledge and expertise or proficiency in specific languages are being handed over to Polish organizations where the cost of employment is still lower. Due to Poland's close proximity to other European countries, it is feasible to find employees who speak other languages than English in the Polish labour market. Thanks to this, the BPO/SSC sector in Poland can maintain the proper level of employment (despite shifting the jobs to India) or even increase it. Thanks to this, clients of outsourcing organizations can accomplish their targets related to cost reduction, which enables them to increase the focus on driving their business.

How does the BPO/SSC sector help young people to become professionals? How could they use their new skills in the future?

The BPO/SSC sector enables young people to freely improve their skills in the area in which they feel comfortable. Many organizations give you a wide variety of opportunities where you can find the most suitable set of roles and responsibilities. However, it doesn’t stop at finding the one and only role. Gaining work experience is an advantage of each kind of job which you will find in any kind of company. Corporations from the BPO/SSC sector not only provide their employees with opportunities to increase the hard skills from day-to-day work, but also invest in their hard skills gained during advanced post graduate studies like ACCA, CIMA, MBA, etc. Such organizations like ACCA or CIMA also try to align their offers with the BPO/SSC sector. Thanks to such initiatives, you may become a very knowledgeable and experienced professional who will be highly valued in the labour market.

What is the brief history of Infosys BPO in Poland? Why did Infosys BPO choose Lodz to invest in Poland?

Infosys BPO decided to enter the Polish market via acquisition of a Shared Service Centre which was developed by Philips Electronics, starting from 2003. At the time of take-over in 2007 the headcount was on an approximate level of 700 employees. During last 7 years the employment grew towards more than 2,300 employees. Such growth possibilities were recognized by Infosys BPO due to various aspects. One of them is the location of Lodz. When you take a look at a map of the world and zoom it on Europe, you will notice that in the middle of Europe (which “starts” from the Cape of St. Vincent in Portugal and “finishes” on the Ural Mountains in Russia), you can find Poland. When you zoom into Poland, you will notice that Lodz is located in the middle of the country. This drives to a simple conclusion that Lodz is in the middle of Europe. However, in the BPO environment, it is the employees that are, in fact, the key factor of growth. As Lodz is an academic city, there is a significant resource pool of fresh graduates who are eager to start their careers. Infosys knew that investing in Lodz will bring business growth, which resulted in the fact that Infosys BPO Poland in Lodz is the biggest Infosys centre outside of India.

Is Infosys BPO Poland a good place to work for young people who take their first steps in a job market?

In fact, Infosys BPO Poland is an excellent place for young people who would like to start their career in the areas of Finance and Accounting, IT, Sourcing and Procurement and many other. During their first days, each new employee has an opportunity to join quite a unique set of trainings which will help him or her get acquainted with outsourcing processes, different IT landscapes and systems, Infosys House Rules and the way of working. Later on, each employee will also go through quite a big variety of trainings related to client specific processes and soft skills. During day-to-day work, everyone gains expertise in their particular area of responsibility, but this can be extended to other areas by taking part in improvement projects, short and long-term assignments in client’s locations or horizontal/vertical progressions and promotions. By taking yourself outside your “comfort zone”, you can significantly increase your various experiences and your value in the labour market. However, working in Infosys is not only about your career. You can also take advantage of the wide social package, which is granted by the company, or involve yourself in various initiatives led by the employees, which will bring you lots of fun and relaxation.

Robert Godziszewski

Finance & Accounting Delivery Manager in the Finance Center of Excellence in Infosys BPO Poland. He has 7 years of work experience in the area of financial servicing in the Business Process Outsourcing Area. He is skilled in the areas of people and process management. He has spent more than 1 year in the area of Fiscal and Statutory Accounting processes as a Team Lead, and has experience in the process transition of Finance and Accounting processes from various European locations to Infosys BPO. Robert is currently responsible for consultancy in the area of Transformation Programmes in the F&A domain, definition and implementation of operational targets and business goals.

Document of Work Permit in Poland type A – explain with sample

A work permit is a document that authorizes a foreigner to work legally in Poland.

Carries out work in the Republic of Poland under an employment contact or a civil law contract with an employer whose residence is on the territory of the Republic of Poland – in this case the foreigner is issued a type A work permit.

Remember to check if company that apply for work permit in behalf of you is registered in Poland. If you wondering what legal work permit type A for Poland must contain, read our article.

Work permit type A for Poland must contain:

identifier in the central system; document number and code,
date of issue,
name of the unit that issued the work permit,
case number,
type of permit,
legal basis of Decision,
surname and forename/ name of company, address/headquarters of the company, telephone / fax / e mail,

Information about foreigner who will be performing the work:

name and surname,
nationality,
date of the birth,
job position, type of work performed, job function,
type of employment contract,
working time/weekly hours of work,
gross monthly salary –in polish currency,
the period of time by which the work permit is valid,

Down on the left corner of the page should be Official stamp and on the right side stamp and signature of the competent authority issuing the permit.

Instruction:

Work permit type A entitles to work only on the condition that the foreigner has a residence permit referred to in art. 87 par. 1 point 12 of the Act of 20 April 2004. In the event of refusal to issue the visa indicated in the above provision, a temporary residence permit or other document authorizing to reside in the territory of the Republic of Poland, this work permit does not authorize to enter, stay or perform work in that territory,
the entity entrusting the work to a foreigner is obliged to hand over one copy of the permit to the foreigner and take into account in the written agreement with the foreigner the conditions, including the amount of remuneration, not less than in this permit (Article 88h paragraph 1 of the Act),
88i. The entity entrusting the foreigner with performing work within 7 days shall notify the voivode who issued the work permit in writing about the following circumstances:
the foreigner has started work of a different nature or in a different position than specified in the work permit, on the terms referred to in art. 88f par. 1b;
there has been a change of the registered office or place of residence, name or legal form of the entity entrusting the foreigner with performing work or taking over the workplace or its part by another employer;
the work place or part of it has been transferred to another employer;
the person representing the employer referred to in art. 88c para. 6 point 3 has changed,
the foreigner did not take up employment within 3 months from the initial date of validity of the work permit;
the foreigner has stopped working for a period exceeding 3 months;
the foreigner finished work earlier than 3 months before the expiry of the work permit.

Failure to comply with the above obligations is punishable by a fine not lower than 100 PLN (Article 120 par.6 of the Act).

In accordance with art. 88d of the Act, obtaining a work permit does not exempt from the requirements specified in separate regulations, from the fulfilment of which the performance of regulated professions or activities is provided.

An entity entrusting work to a foreigner may submit an application for the extension of a work permit not earlier than within 90 days and no later than within 30 days before expiry of the validity period (Article 88a paragraph 1a of the Act).

Do not be fooled by our poker faces in the streets - Polish people love to celebrate! Whether it’s a birthday or another, less meaningful occasion, they will make sure it is not a missed opportunity. What is more, a lot of these joyful moments are shared with their co-workers. Read on for more examples of that.

Birthdays

For a long time birthdays have not been the main object of celebration neither at work, nor in personal life. The mass inflow of Western culture after the fall of communism has however emphasised this type of social gatherings and made them the most popular ones in every workplace. If you work for a big international company, do not be surprised that even on your very first day there may be a short break for tasting some homemade cake or other sweets brought by one of the colleagues. In turn, when your birthday arrives, similar actions will be expected of you – do share with your colleagues some treats that you prepare yourself or bring from your homeland. They will love it.

Name days

Before birthdays became so widespread in terms of celebrating, it was your name day that you spent in a fun way with family and friends. They have origins in Christian traditions and are usually tied to saints bearing certain names, but with time this religious meaning was overshadowed by pure entertainment. Most names have a few days to celebrate, depending on their popularity. If you buy a standard tear-off daily calendar, name days will be put there along with sunsets, sunrises and moon phases! This way you will not miss any name days of your colleagues but… do they still celebrate it? Nowadays, name days are becoming a bit old-school and not everyone bothers with throwing a special party, usually favouring birthdays, but on the other hand – every reason to party is a good reason! If your name is foreign-sounding, you will probably be spared from preparing extra treats for your colleagues at work, but… you never know with the Polish.

And what are the most popular Polish names of all time?
Find out here!

Religious holidays

As you probably realise, Poland is predominantly Catholic in its traditions and rituals. Therefore, in the majority of workplaces, people get together around Christmas time and Easter. Many big companies organise a special afterhours event to share op?atek (a thin wafer) and good wishes, while eating some traditional dishes. The same goes for spring holidays. If you are not comfortable with celebrating a religious-based occasion, it will be fine with your co-workers, but at the same time such gatherings are not that religious as you might expect – you can simply join in and be merry with the rest of the people!

Women’s Day

March 8^th marks a special day when ladies can expect their male colleagues to be extra nice to them. It is the international Women’s Day and many employers go as far as to buy their female colleagues flowers or some sweet treats. If you work in a small company and women constitute the majority of staff – try to remember this date.

Having babies

Not all foreigners celebrate it at their workplaces – even not all Poles do! However, it is possible that a fresh dad or mum who sits next to you will announce this wonderful news to the rest of the team and brings some treats to share. The usual response from you as their colleagues is to chip in and buy something for the baby – a big teddy, cosy blanket or some other practical gifts will do perfectly.

Leaving job

The last case when you get a short break at work may be a sad occasion. In Poland it is very common for an employee to bring some treats for the rest of the team and have a little chat before going away for good. It is seen as sign that working with this team has been a good stage in the person’s life and that the separation is being conducted on friendly terms. What else says that better than cake?

If you like what you have just read, remember – you have to fit in with the traditions that are prevalent at your workplace. If all such gatherings take place after hours – your birthday should as well. If it is done over lunch break – go ahead and do it in the same way. The general rule is to have fun but obey the rules at the same time, since probably none of us wants to get in trouble with our boss while having a good time.

In the era of ground-breaking IT technologies, Human Resources may seem to be following its own trusted footsteps, or at least that’s what outsiders think. Those who are more immersed in HR might have noticed however that the digital revolution has not overlooked HR processes. Have you ever heard of SMAC solutions? Thanks to them digitalisation in HR is happening right here, right now.

HR services constitute a large part of the Polish Business Services Sector and while other BSS companies go in line with the trends, HR departments and companies, by some considered outdated in this respect, do not want to stay behind any longer. One of the recent trends is following SMAC guidelines – technology solutions that are easier to understand once you decipher the acronym: Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud. The approach is applicable in various industries, but HR departments may be its biggest beneficiary. According to a survey by Deloitte, the trend of digital HR was considered important or very important by 74 percent of companies in Poland. This shows that if you want to work as a HR specialist in Poland, you should get acquainted with SMAC. Start with following the four letters…

S is for Social

Social media are now possibly the main object of focus in HR services, both globally and in Poland. For many companies willing to implement SMAC solutions, it is a good starting point and makes a lot of sense, since people spend in social media most of their Internet time. How many of you have been approached by a head hunter via LinkedIn? Have you ever clicked a job offer advertised on a Facebook sidebar? Do you follow any companies on Twitter or read their blogs? Even if not, you may have heard of one of these scenarios from a friend or colleague. Social media can be beneficial to employers and employees and HR departments are responsible for facilitating this processes for both parties. Considering a career in HR, you need to be a social media expert and quickly adapt to using new online tools constantly appearing on the market. In Poland, you will additionally need to research Polish social media used for business contacts, e.g. GoldenLine.

M is for Mobile

Social media are however not enough if one thinks of the broad spectrum of mobile solutions offered by some HR leaders. Mobility is one of the few words that accurately describes the digital world we live in, therefore mobile solutions are a must in every self-respecting HR department or company. How and where can they be implemented? First and foremost, experts point to various apps. Because of them HR experts are able to cooperate in real-time and this screams productivity. Payroll slips on your mobile device, time-off managers, expense reports and finally – recruitment and talent acquisition apps – are there on the market to make your HR team’s life easier. Can this be taken even further? Some companies organise video learning activities or instant messaging. What is important, all those apps and solutions are integrated into one system – a process often referred to as appification. System users move seamlessly from one task to another, get immediate responses and recommend one another content they find worth spreading with the tools they have.

If you still find it revolutionary and cannot imagine conducting HR activities without your desktop, think about the workforce that is about to enter the job market. If you want to manage mobile generations of people born already in the 21st century, you need to think like them. There is a whole army of mobile addicts out there, who prefer smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology, over PCs. HR does not have to fight them – it is better to befriend these young mobile ninjas.

A is for Analytics

The abundance of operations proves that modern HR entails great amounts of data: numbers of employees rolling in and out with their attendance, holidays, travel and work expenses, benefits and payroll. This part is dangerously nearing accounting processes and inflowing figures call for solutions enabling analysing them. In comes HR analytics, intertwined with Big Data analysis. Some departments may feel overwhelmed by this rapid change, but future experts must feel that it is inevitable and definitely more novel than simply incorporating new social media or apps in their day-to-day tasks.

Many HR companies hire business analytics to help them manage the influx of information. For newcomers it may be a good idea to take a closer look at this side of the business. Forget about vanity statistics, which look good on paper, but provide little informative value. Focus on quality predictive analysis, making its way into HR. Which employee deserves promotion? What targets should be set? How to calculate proper values of benefits? This all can be established with the use of modern analysis tools that up to very recently have been used in banking or investment, not in talent management. Those who have what it takes to extract meaningful information from numbers and figures, should combine it with their love for HR and develop in this direction.

C is for Cloud

Last but not least come the clouds. Cloud storage serves as a direct response to the already mentioned huge amounts of data. If big HR companies were to store all their files in physical copies, they would have drowned in papers a couple of years ago. On the other hand, moving all HR data to a cloud service can be as revolutionary as abandoning your PC for a mobile device. Nevertheless, it is happening. What can be done to make this transition smooth and painless?

HR departments switching to cloud storage carefully examine vendors delivering hosting services to them. Experts bear in mind that they are dealing with sensitive data that needs protection, so they choose wisely, considering different options and paying attention to legal regulations. Going for a cloud provider based in Brazil or Russia may entail different legal consequences. It is tough work, but once the wisest choice is made, HR department may be relieved to be assured of good maintenance service and further fruitful cooperation with storage provider.

Cloud storages are a go-to solution as they are perfectly in line with the three previous SMAC components. It takes a load off of HR minds struggling with IT systems, because usually vendors will be there to assure smooth storage, while HR experts worry about talent retaining. Clouds finalise the process of digitalising HR and in the times of employee market they allow for more mobile, employee-friendly experience. Working from home, video conferences, flexibility – all of these are already possible thanks to cloud storages.

Introducing SMAC into HR management can be assisted by one more trend – convergence of different areas. Going digital clearly covers IT & technology, while more and more often HR experts are required to know a bit about programming or software development. This versatility of HR experts is not restricted only to IT, but also marketing and PR strategies. HR becomes multifaceted, fluid and ever-changing, so be ready.

SMAC philosophy in HR

S - SOCIAL: Seek social media presence and become thoroughly familiar with all social media platforms. In Poland they are used by 97% of recruiters.*

M - MOBILE: Open your HR department to smartphones, tablets and wearables. Think about younger generations who find these solutions simply natural.

A - ANALYTICS: Crunch the data you work with. Make it meaningful and draw relevant conclusions. Differ between what’s important and what’s not.

C - CLOUD: Discard all your fears towards cloud storage. This is the future, so get acquainted with different IT solutions and find the
best one for your HR activity.

* LEE HECHT HARRISON DBM POLSKA REPORT (2015)

Robotics in financial services? To many the very idea seems controversial, if not a real nightmare, and sets alarm bells ringing. Does it mean that humans have to accept defeat and give in to machine superiority. Or on the contrary – is it a process we need to embrace? One aspect of the big question, robotic process automation (RPA), serves as a good preview of everything entailed in the marriage of finance and robotics.

After years of literary and cinematic images presenting artificial intelligence threatening the mankind, humans have certainly become a bit suspicious towards technology showing any signs of autonomy. Even worse if said technology aims to replace human effort, skills and abilities. Shall we become redundant altogether and do we face human-AI wars in the nearest decades? Before such questions are asked, it is worth considering whether refraining from automation in all fields of life is the best option. In financial services, risk management, accounting and other related areas, implementing RPA is a trend gaining momentum. What makes it so wildly successful?

RPA at work

In one British company, robotic process automation led to inviting a robot to a Christmas party. This does not have to be the case in every enterprise deciding to introduce RPA in their offices. RPA refers first and foremost to software, not mechanical anthropoid beings or even physically existing machines that take up office space. These computer programs are dedicated to expediting various financial processes in day-to-day operations performed in every financial organisation. More and more often they perform mundane tasks of copying and pasting, which are usually done by an intern or a fresher undergoing job induction. Data processing, error correction, documentation ordering – these are the tasks that robots can tackle quickly and effectively after a short period of training. The training process is a key takeaway for those only learning about RPA – in financial services automated robots are able to do exactly what they have been taught to do. No part of them is programmed to learn in the way humans do and they are essentially unable to develop any kind of self-improvement. Sometimes employees involved in the robot design are asked to choose a set of commands that have been most useful to them in their common tasks. In this way, a real person transfers some of their knowledge and problem-solving skills into the robotic software that later is able to perform actions in, let’s say, 300 scenarios learnt beforehand. What is the big deal then and why does the idea still fuel controversy?

RPA’s knockout on BSS?

The biggest concern related to RPA is that it will threaten areas which are now a solid part of modern business landscape. The shadow of a silent revolution is especially visible in outsourcing processes, which might be introduced to robots. Efficiency is a big factor in contributing to RPA’s popularity, but nonetheless there is more to it. Well-trained robots are less likely to make mistakes typical for humans, can perform multiple tasks at the same time, and finally, are able to work 24/7. These characteristics seem overwhelmingly beneficial. Experts agree that change in this context is inevitable and big players are already working on implementing solutions to introduce RPA in their functions.

If some of them are still not convinced about implementing RPA, the last major benefit triggering changes is cost-cutting. According to 2016 EY’s report on the subject, Robotic process automation in the Finance function of the future, a global company using Finance RPA Virtual Handling can reduce costs by 50-70 per cent when it comes to frequently repeated tasks. Another report, Deloitte’s 2015 "The robots are coming", similarly stresses the benefits of implementing RPA in financial functions. Their research shows that while a full-time employee offshore costs 35 per cent of what a similar employee would cost onshore, the value of a robot is estimated to only 10 per cent. The figures seem to be so convincing that sooner or later all major companies will be tempted by them. What should be done by employees to improve their position in a labour market on the verge of such a considerable change?

Do you want to read the reports in full?
See Deloitte's The robots are coming and EY's Robotic process automation in the Finance function of the future.

Human workforce vs. RPA

The human factor in managing RPA processes is going to stay significant. Robots need to be trained and maintained and such processes rely solely on people. As Robotic Process Automation would not exist without IT activities, this kind of skillset is going to be sought after in financial departments all over the world, Poland included. From the perspective of a person employed in finance, developing these skills is crucial, as technologically savvy experts are more likely to stay in business and not be replaced by computer programs. IT experts per se can also feel secure, as the demand for their services is on the rise and RPA is only likely to increase it even further. In many aspects then automation will generate new workplaces, but not necessarily within the business itself – sometimes outside it, for instance at universities or in innovative think-tanks.

When it comes to workforce employed in financial outsourcing or shared services centres, the general employee profile will experience a further change of focus. EY’s report on the subject stresses that financial experts will no longer need to possess skills that can be easily automatized. Instead, new challenges are going to be set forth for them: advanced analysis, information interpretation and decision making. Work done by robots needs final verification performed by competent human experts.

Areas of interest

Automation does not mean eliminating easily-automated jobs completely, but rather influencing to smaller degree certain functions within numerous occupations. What is interesting, according to McKinsey Quarterly from July 2016, these tasks will be removed not only from entry-level positions, but also higher management and senior officials within financial companies. One positive result is that employees from all levels can benefit from excluding repetitive, rule-based tasks.

There are a few functions where financial world is very likely to be influenced by RPA-related changes. In its report Deloitte stresses that roles such as financial and accounting technicians, financial administrators, credit controllers, finance managers, financial account managers and payroll administrators constitute a group with a high risk of wide scale automation. These areas are known for extensive workforce, but now, with RPA solutions being approached by company managements, a reorganisation may be a possibility wherever it is feasible in further future.

Question of when

When automation is going to enter global companies as well as enterprises in Poland? The topic has been discussed extensively, but still most examples of successful RPA implementation projects come from unique cases. Poland has recently faced a lot of debate concerning the issue and seems to be on a track when it comes to such innovative projects. Automation was one of the main points discussed during the 8th European Economic Congress held in Katowice, Poland, where government officials and top managers from various companies reached one conclusion: it is the future of economy and ought to be facilitated, not hindered, Deloitte experts claim that there is still a lot of time to adjust to changes and experts working in finance need to be ready for the next big thing – RPA – and embrace it, instead of approaching it with scepticism and distrust.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? German is favoured in workplaces all over Poland

Poland seems to be the promised land for those who speak German and are looking for new career opportunities. According to the Goethe-Insitut in Poland, there are 2,3 million Polish people learning the language, which attracts many projects requiring this particular skill.

Taking a closer look at the statistics reveals that the majority of this number comprises of students and only 5 percent of Poles declare good proficiency in German (data by Randstad). This is accompanied by the growing number of German-language projects flowing into the country and creates market demand for those who have mastered it. In 2015, bilateral trade contracts between Poland and its Western neighbour have reached EUR 88,5 billion, which makes learning German a great investment for your future. After all, the median of their monthly income reaches PLN 5,400.

Having in mind the rapid development of business service centres in Poland, it is natural that 212,000 people employed in them need to speak foreign languages. Currently, they use over 40 of them, and according to the ABSL report, the German language is the third most common language after Polish and English – proof that speaking it opens many professional possibilities.

Employees proficient in German can have higher salaries and some other benefits, such as language bonuses (about PLN 800-1000), trainings or international project participation. According to the Sedlak & Sedlak survey on remuneration in Poland, the median of their monthly income reaches PLN 5,400 gross and one quarter of them earns over PLN 9,000 every month. These figures can only get bigger – consider the simple fact that Poland was ranked the 7^th business partner for Germany in terms of trade relations in 2015.

Do you speak German? Check out these German jobs in Poland.

This constitutes a perfect opportunity for people with academic background in linguistics, German in particular. Experts claim that being fluent in a given language is more important than your vast knowledge of financial or HR topics, which can be gained later. The demand for people speaking German is sometimes so high that companies decide to recruit people with little to no experience in particular areas, while their language skills become their number one asset. Only after that can they learn more about finance, accounting, marketing, logistics or HR – areas where German speakers are highly sought after in Polish business centres.

Even if you do not speak the language on the highest level, you can rest assured that Polish companies will do everything to facilitate developing your skills. In Shell Business Operations in Kraków employees have access to more than 35,000 online courses and trainings related to their area of activity. Another company, Infosys Poland, performs operations in 29 languages. In order to provide development opportunities for their employees, they organise campuses, where they equip potential employees with knowledge about specific business areas, whereas Capgemini Poland has a special programme dedicated to those who want to master German.

Foreigners speaking German should clearly consider a career in Poland - as you can see it is full of possibilities and it can be a great starting point.

6 resume tips to help you land a job in Poland

If you've just spotted a fantastic job opening in Poland and you're about to click the “Apply” button – stop! You don't want to miss out on that opportunity just because your resume doesn't fit local standards, do you?

Researching the Polish job market should be your first move. That's how you can learn what kind of resumes local recruiters expect to receive, and how to use these insights to your advantage. Needless to say, there are at least a couple of things that you'll find surprising about Polish resume standards.

In the meantime, here’s a crash course on how to make a resume just in case you need to refresh your memory.

No One Adds a Headshot, But in Poland, It Works So Well

Putting your photo on a resume in the US is a big no-no because logic suggests that not adding a professional headshot prevents discrimination. In Poland, not including a professional headshot on a resume is a serious mistake. Polish recruiters rarely receive resumes without photographs. If yours doesn’t have one, then it will stand out in a negative way. Unless the job offer gives different instructions, you need to add a professional headshot.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Personal With Your Data

Polish resumes usually include plenty of personal data. It might come as a surprise, but in Poland, it's still common to share information about one's place of birth or marital status. This type of data isn't formally required, but most recruiters expect to see it on a resume.

So, what kind of personal data should land on your resume?

Your name, surname, and contact information (phone number, email address, social media handles) are still a must. If you don’t have a Polish phone number yet, either add your international phone number, add your Skype handle, or add both. If you’re already living in Poland, you can easily buy a phone number and minutes without having to sign a long-term contract with a provider. You don’t have to add an address in the beginning. Employers will assume that you are going to live in the vicinity of your new job. Even if it seems like a misstep that might lead the employer to discriminate against you, you can include your date of birth as well. How much personal data you add is entirely up to you, but you can be sure that you’re not going to get into any trouble for it.

Remember to Include a Personal Data Protection Clause

Polish law requires candidates to add a personal data protection clause to their resumes. Without this section, your resume will be useless because recruiters won't be able to process your personal data for recruitment purposes. Unless you are instructed to do otherwise, you can simply copy and paste the Polish clause and add it to the bottom of your resume.

Here is a copy of the clause for you convenience:

Wyra?am zgod? na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych dla potrzeb niezb?dnych do realizacji procesu rekrutacji (zgodnie z Ustaw? z dnia 29.08.1997 roku o Ochronie Danych Osobowych; (tekst jednolity: Dz.U. z 2015r., poz. 2135).

If you are sending an English resume, it is usually more than okay to copy and paste the phrase in Polish unless you’re specifically asked to translate the phrase into English.

In that case, here is the English version:

I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process under the Personal Data Protection Act as of 29 August 1997, consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2015, item 2135 as amended.

At times, the employer may offer a specific phrase for you to use. Make sure you include the correct phrase provided by an employer. In all other cases, the above clause is more than acceptable. Just make sure you follow instructions because if you fail to meet all formal requirements stated in a job post, your resume might never reach the right person.

Adding a Summary Can Make Your Resume Stand Out

Just because you’re applying for a job in a foreign market, doesn’t mean that you have to reshape your resume. While resumes containing a professional summary are still a rarity on the Polish job market, adding one can give you a definite leg up over other candidates. Use the opportunity to include something different and unique to show how your professional motivation and goals align with the company. Just remember that a typical resume summary is 3-4 lines of short, snappy text. Tell recruiters who you are, what you'd like to do, and how you’re going to add value to their company. Include one or two of your most significant accomplishments – be specific and add numbers to back up your claims if possible.

Key Points to Remember if You're Writing a Resume in Polish

For some applications, you might need to translate your resume into Polish. In that case, simply have someone translate your English resume into Polish. In other cases, you will need an English resume. For those of you turning in an English resume, here are some key elements that deserve your attention:

Use local date formats – it's common to use Roman Numerals in Poland. Instead of writing May 2010 or 05/2010, go for V 2010 and you're bound to impress recruiters.
Don't translate addresses – don’t write “Marsza?kowska Street,” write “ulica Marsza?kowska.”
Explain who your previous employers were – even if these companies are well-known in their local markets, Polish recruiters might have absolutely no idea who they are, so briefly explain what these companies are known for and to which sectors they belong.
Unless recognized translations of a company’s name exist, don’t try translating them into Polish or vice versa.
When describing your responsibilities and accomplishments, use verbs in first person singular, not infinitive – for example: “For this project, I executed 120% of set objectives.”

Feel Free to Write More Than You're Used To

Polish recruiters, on average, receive longer resumes than their foreign counterparts. Tap into the potential of this insight by extending the sections of your resume which are most relevant to the advertised job.

What are the central responsibilities of the position to which you're applying?

Improve your chances of landing the job by adding experiences and skills that demonstrate to recruiters that you're the right match.

Key Takeaway

Every job market is slightly different, and Poland is no exception. Landing a job on the Polish job market is next to impossible if you fail to adjust and localize your resume so that it matches the formal requirements and expectations of recruiters.

Use these six tips to create a resume that will seriously boost your chances of landing that fantastic opportunity you just found in Poland.

Our expert:

Natalie Severt is a writer at Zety - Your Resume Builder. She writes about how to create successful resumes so that you can land your dream job. When she isn't writing, she eats tacos and reads complicated novels.

If you know Polish, visit InterviewMe, where you will find a lot of useful advice on how to write a resume and a cover letter.

Up to now customer service activities have been wrongly associated with tasks which did not require much knowledge, creativity or experience. The new approach to this field within the business services sector has turned it upside down. Companies are more and more aware of the advantages coming not solely from the high quality of their product, but also from putting their customer in the very centre of attention – from the moment they ask for product details, through learning about deal conditions, up to after-sales activities.

Customer-centricity is the term to describe one of the most important trends in modern customer service. It is aided by technology, including mobile solutions, social media or even web message boards, which have already changed a lot in companies’ approach to customers. Every self-respecting organisation is good at meeting its target group’s expectations, while at the same time invites customers to co-create products and services. We are no longer in the era of centrally planned options. Customer-oriented activities facilitate flexible dialogue, through which customers feel that their opinions are valued and shape the service they get.

Modern customer service follows one rule – it focuses on what customers feel, not what they think. Research shows that in the USA in 2013 65 per cent of surveyed people admitted experiencing a faster heart rate whenever they were informed about getting the highest quality of service. The most surprising part of the survey is however that more than half of those over-excited customers experienced the same heart rates which are generally associated with being in love (American Express Service Study, 2013).

What is also interesting about customer service activities is that it is one of the few areas where more technology equals more importance of humans. Customer service obviously does not stray from technological gimmicks – starting with ERP system solutions, through innovative sales tools and finishing off with big data customer experience analysis. Nevertheless, data and figures deduced thanks to technology are just half the challenge, since customer loyalty is shaped not only by company’s offer, website or app. Experts, who are familiar with the product and able to answer customer queries, are the most important players in this process. Customers are fed up with virtual advisors who make them wait to get to the helpline for hours on end. They expect a real-life conversation with a person who is going to direct them to the simplest solution. Organisations such as mBank, Amazon, Asos, Fiat or Bank of America have decided to bet on applications which allow their customer service teams to work through video chats, which have been dynamically developing since 2013.

The picture above would not be complete without two other factors which are key to modern business. The first one is multichannelling, while the second one revolves around Millennials. Having a large number of channels is crucial for every company’s customer service activities, since customers like having a choice. They expect both native mobile apps as well as support from a kind person on the other end of the helpline accessible 24/7. This continuity of contact is particularly requested by customers born in the 1980s and 1990s, who give the same importance to product quality and price, maybe with more advantage for the former. Price wars are not an issue anymore in the global economy. Generations Y or Z have a wide access to similar products that cost almost the same, so what makes them drawn to a particular company? Positive feelings that are to be associated with it during and after the purchase. This is not however the end of the story, since such pleasant experience means also real income for a given company investing in A to Z customer service based on modern technologies and expert training for consultants. Researchers describe the collision of customer experience with the actual offer as net promoter score. In practice, the term denotes the ratio of customer loyalty revolving around one key question: would you recommend this company to your friend or family member? Welcome to the world where customer experience has the highest possible value. Brand ambassadors are therefore the most efficient tool to promote a product or service. In a nutshell – never before has trust been so important in business. After all, if customer service has been on a constant high level, customers are more willing to turn a blind eye on their favourite company’s mistake – at least that is what is proven by a survey by Temkin Group done in 2015, which examined thousands of customers using services provided by 293 companies in 20 different fields.

Have CS jobs caught your attention?
Check out vacancies in customer service here...

The aforementioned access to multiple channels (sometimes also called omnichannelling) involves the merge between three key elements of customer contact – the electronic factor (including mobile solutions), telephones (remote contact) and stationary contact (e.g. visiting a company). The number of companies relying solely on digital retail is growing and therefore a new phenomenon of contact centres has appeared on the business horizon. These dynamically developing units serve as a great starting place for those looking for a new career. The tasks range and are focused not only on answering phone calls. They may include replying to queries, claim support, training or quality assurance. Each of these fields requires knowledge and development. Is experience necessary? Not at all. In Poland, contact centres develop rapidly thanks to foreign investments and the main obligatory condition to start your career there is foreign language proficiency. Foreigners joining us in Poland for university studies can combine pursuing higher education with gaining professional experience with the use of their mother tongue. Business centres in Poland provide service in 37 languages and on average each centre uses 8 of them, which makes those equipped with this precious knowledge invaluable for the ongoing development. A candidate’s further career is entirely in their hands. Poland is currently a perfect example of a candidate’s market, which guarantees full support for young employees provided by their employers. Work schedules can be adjusted to university timetables and career paths can be planned together instead of being imposed by higher-level management. Apart from that, induction trainings and promotions are available for all interested workers. The most common position in this branch is Customer Service Specialist/ Representative/Consultant, and basic requirements include communication skills, proficiency in English and openness to working in an environment with new technology.

The word ”consultant” appearing in customer service job advertisements is by no means coincidental. Contact centre employees are supposed to advise customers while realising that professionalism is their company’s showcase. Organisations are increasingly aware that job rotation in customer service areas brings them no good and as a result of that want to invest in employee development. The jobs therefore need no longer to be associated with unambitious tasks.

Customer service areas are going to gain even more relevance in the future. Young people discarding them ought to think twice. After all modern contact centres in Poland are perfect for gaining independence and experience.

Are you an ideal IT employee? ING Services Polska expert insight

The IT sector changes very quickly. It may sound like a slogan, but not for those who intend to work within IT. It is not easy to meet employer requirements, so why not ask them directly? Luckily, ING Services Polska expert shares with us what it takes to be a part of the most dynamic business of our times.

Have you ever thought of the features the ideal IT employee should possess? The knowledge of technologies is crucial, nevertheless first of all you should be open-minded and eager to engage yourself in group-work. The times when a developer was doing his job home alone with hardly any contact with the rest of the team are now long gone and it does not look like they are going to make a comeback anytime soon. Nowadays, working in teams, particularly DevOps teams, is typical for IT, so communication skills are in high demand.

The employers especially value the engagement in work. It is said that in IT there is no impossibilities, it is all about time and money… and engagement. The ideal employee should take the responsibility for their work. Whenever you receive a project to carry out, you deliver it from the beginning to the very end at a specific time. If there are any obstacles, they should be reported in advance. In such cases, communication skills can be a huge advantage – addressing your problems is one of the superpowers crucial for becoming successful.

Find your own world

There are two quite independent worlds in IT. One of them is the “Java-Linux” world, whereas the other one is the “.Net-Microsoft” one. It is not possible to be an expert in both of them, so you must choose your main area of focus. The most important thing, however, is to stay open-minded, have the ability to learn quickly and retain your adaptability. For instance, the launch of Docker containers and microservices caused revolution in the technology world and as a result it is no longer much relevant what operating system users operate on. Flexible IT experts can accept the change, or even embrace it, and adjust their work to new circumstances in a blink of an eye.

Realising employer needs is also important. They are not necessarily interested in people who simply install operating systems, as nowadays there are big cloud services providers, such as Google, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft. In order to be able to compete with them, you need to know much more about system administration, which should be accompanied by strong development skills on every level. The ability to write a code, function or script and to automate your work – these are the basics in modern IT and this is what will draw your employer’s attention to you.

The changes in IT come extremely quickly. Every day brings new snippets of information about updates and brand new tools we have not heard of before. How to keep up with the cutting edge technologies? Actually, at first sight it may seem scary, but there is a way. It is worth finding one single area you would like to be engrossed in and then becoming an expert in that area. If you are a developer, you must make an effort to keep up with new frameworks, solutions or libraries. The same goes for IT administrators or security specialists. Finding your own niche in the IT world is even easier in a perfect situation – when your hobby is combined with what you do professionally. When you do what you love, you may not feel that you are at work!

Challenges & opportunities

Being aware that every day may bring something new to learn new makes this job really fascinating. There are no two similar days. To meet clients’ expectations, you have to keep up with new challenges and opportunities. You never get bored when working in IT.

Due to globalisation, many of the IT projects are international and multicultural, which makes for another interesting aspect of this sector. Projects characterised in this way are usually more difficult, but it is worth to commit yourself. The cultural differences make you more empathic and patient, while you may also broaden your horizons and learn new approaches.

Development is the key

There is a simple key takeaway for those who are entering the IT world – it is a good investment that will bring profits throughout the years to come. Nevertheless, taking this path requires continuous self-learning and development. If your current job is boring and monotonous, you may need to make an effort and spend some extra time on educating yourself. Otherwise, you can fall out of the business. Development is the best way to boost your chances of success.

Do you find a bit of yourself in the characteristics described above? Are you ready to take up some new challenges and spend your precious time on self-development? Is technology your passion? Answering these questions will hopefully help you decide whether the IT sector is where you should start your career.

Our expert:

Dominik Sowa, Chief Architect at ING Services Polska

Chief Architect in Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Security as a Service (SecaaS). Responsible for innovations as well as development of infrastructure services and IT security within ING Group. Enthusiast of cutting edge technologies and open source in big corporations. Privately, a fan of evangelism.

Are you an IT expert tired of the tech industry? Looking to put your skills to good use outside the industry? Many business areas are searching for IT experts. Help them run their innovative projects in Poland

A degree in Computer Science is a prelude to an exciting career, which may develop surprisingly far from your major field of interest. Most IT professionals realise they have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, but stepping out of their comfort zone remains a distant possibility they prefer not to consider. Nonetheless, thousands of opportunities await them outside the IT world. Do you need examples?

Banking

Financial and IT services are the drivewheels of modern economies and attract the most highly-qualified experts. Although the cooperation between them has always been profound, individuals working for them hold a view of complete and utter separateness of the spheres. However, if one can join Google with a degree in literature, why can’t a programmer be employed in a bank? “Nothing stands in the way” is obviously the right answer. In many Polish banks the outsourcing model is not operating anymore and institutions establish their own IT departments within their structures, which guarantees close cooperation. Anything else? Software houses are relatively fresh on the Polish IT market, but the popularity of Scrum technology has also made them quite common. Banks may use software house services to create dedicated programs with the use of modern business analysis tools.

Consulting

Giving advice does is not restricted to business only. While consultants work on finding the best solutions for their clients, IT experts are there to help them create and implement them. Technology can successfully get any company through transition, merger or acquisition. Such jobs can be challenging and refreshing for those slightly bored with their original industry, as they allow for switching from one functional area to another, e.g. operations or marketing.

Accounting

Working in accounting may not be the first thing that springs to a fresh IT graduate’s mind, but it is definitely becoming a trend now. Many jobs in the field require Computer Science degrees instead of Business or Accounting university programmes. Some colleges have even introduced new courses called Accounting and Information Systems. As the days of paper and pencil are now buried in the past, all sorts of calculations are to be done with the use of information technology, and it is high time accountants got familiar with it.

Investment

While investment funds are developing, they rely heavily on technology. Facilitating trading and monitoring activities is crucial for constant improvement, which makes IT experts in-demand. Investment banks tend to either recruit them into specific roles, or assign them rotational jobs within company structures, so that IT graduates may be able to give this new area a try. Even if you are a technologist with little or no background in investment funds, you may easily gain knowledge, which may be beneficial in the future.

Marketing

Technology is key to every modern marketing strategy. Marketing experts are able to understand customers, but it is IT’s invaluable role to add its steady approach to the combination. Security regulations and practices may be one of the most useful things for marketers dealing with personal data chunks, while generally establishing proper infrastructure for marketing processes is also crucial. Marketing is in need of tools and applications that can be delivered thanks to technology.

Our expert

Micha? Ca?ka

Infrastructure Tech Analyst at Citi Service Center Poland

The main difference between IT activities in a bank and other fields is the high responsibility for our customer’s finances. As our infrastructure and services are used by millions of users per day, the quality of provided service needs to be at a highest level. This allows us to ensure that our customer’s data becomes integral and secure.

Polish Silicon Valley - startups in Poland

Startups are the mythical creatures of our times. Modern, fastpaced, innovative and relaxed at the same time – how is that even possible? Poland seems to follow their victorious path particularly successfully, but it does not stop Poles from building their own startup models as well.

Finding the perfect definition of a startup is not an easy task. Since their arrival in the 1990s, they have been rocking the business stages around the world ever since. Modern giants such as Apple or Google could all be considered as startups a few decades back. Poland is no different - it embraces the unique presence of startups in its entrepreneurial landscape.

Startup market in Poland

This relatively new branch of business is not easy to assess in terms of numbers. According to the 2015 Startup Poland report, there were almost 2,500 startups in 2015, but the number is growing. Polish startups have a few places of high activity scattered around Poland. Warszawa, Kraków and Pozna? are the top three cities that attract young masterminds with an entrepreneurial inclination. Other popular startup destinations are Wroc?aw and Tricity (Gda?sk, Gdynia and Sopot). All these cities are university hubs that often support companies growing under their auspices.

Do you want to read the full report on Polish startups? You can download it here.

The areas of activity are wide and its products differ from one startup to another, but they all rely heavily on IT solutions. The biggest number of them provide B2B (business to business) services, deliver software or SaaS (software as a service) licensing. Other significant fields of interest include: mobile and e-commerce activities, big data solutions, games or education. More than half of these startups exports outside Poland, while one fourth of them works closely with scientists. Is this area bound to succeed? We shall see soon enough.

Money, money, money

Financial gain can be an efficient way of measuring your success. Beginnings are often difficult – Polish startups either invest their owners’ money or get EU subventions. Some young businesses finance their ideas through VC (venture capital) investments or thanks to business angels – wealthy individuals ready to put their money at risk in exchange for some shares in the company.

Nevertheless, the risk seems to be worth taking against the odds. One third of Polish startups has increased their income by 50 percent during the first year of their presence on the market, whereas one in five has doubled it. A quarter of them predicts that in two years’ time their company will be worth 10 times more than at the beginning.

Go global

One of the most surprising facts about Polish startups is that, according to the 2015 research, more than half of them exports outside Poland. When compared with figures of traditional business ventures (only 7 percent of them sells their services abroad), startup statistics are very impressive. Three main targets of their activity are: the USA, the UK and Germany, all of which are known to be demanding markets that value good product quality and are very competitive. What is more, one out of five Polish startups has their very own branch abroad. Going global seems like a good motto for them, doesn’t it?

Where to now?

Polish startups aim for success. Whether it is global or, for the time being, stays on the local market, it depends on their business models. Young entrepreneurs from Poland want to improve their ideas. This is why one fourth of them works closely with scientists and the number is bound to grow. They are also focused on RDI (research and development innovation), which allows for the half of them to say that their products are breakthrough innovations (over 50 percent).

Another trend in the Polish startup environment is going towards bigger diversity. Almost one third of the companies has been founded by women. Their business models are as efficient and successful as those founded by men.

The youthful drive behind this fairly new business power in Poland is truly amazing. Recently, the startup sector has been receiving more and more recognition for its innovation and opening more possibilities for the future. Foreigners are naturally welcome in their friendly and open-minded environment, which is being watched closely by all of us – you never know what changes one smart idea may bring to the world.

Beacons - the future of Polish startups

While many Polish startups are gaining worldwide recognition, those related to the beacon technology (small Bluetooth or Internet devices carrying data to nearby smartphones or tablets) are really having the time of their lives. Which Polish companies should you watch closely?

Estimote – Kraków-based startup now with offices in NYC and San Francisco. Among others, they produce stickers turning any object into a smart device.
Kontakt.io – similarly, Kraków-based, now with offices all over the world and a partner office in Tokyo.
Infinity – Warsaw-based company producing battery-free beacons which help tourists and vision-impaired people move around the Polish capital city.

Is working in IT unattainable for people with non-tech background? What can you do in an IT company if you do not have a degree in Computer Studies? Read our list of entry-level positions and decide!

The IT industry is very much present behind most of our everyday activities and this realisation has to dawn on many young people entering the job market. A huge branch of business remains undiscovered, but IT companies are not hiding from us on purpose. In fact, the sector is opening up to all sorts of experts, who are willing to build a more efficient information society. The problem of joining the IT lies in ourselves – many graduates and young professionals tend to think that IT is simply out of their league since they have not obtained a university degree in this field. Nothing could be further from the truth. A quick glance at recruitment in some global giants of the 21st century shows changes in the process of acquiring new employees. See a few of our proposals for people outside the IT who may have never considered giving it a shot.

Niche experts

If you take into consideration some of the biggest IT players of our times, their areas of activity are too vast to describe. Consider projects which involve such things as online maps, language translators or newsfeeds with information from all over the world, among many other original ventures. In order to keep accessing such areas out of IT's comfort zone, the companies need experts with a fresh yet professional perspective. This is why cartographers, linguists and media freaks may find employment within the structures of computer-focused companies. In fact, nowadays no degree excludes you from swelling the ranks of global IT giants.

Examples? Infrastructure Analyst with Languages at Capgemini - a job on the verge of testing activities, requiring careful verification of system alerts and its day-to-day maintenance. No previous expertise needed, but it is an asset in many positions.

Customer service

IT companies have a lot of interest in fluent foreign language speakers. This is due to the development of Customer Service roles within their structures. Every reputable company wants to establish a bond with their customers, which is achieved mainly through good service. CS roles require a lot of charisma, high proficiency in English and other languages in-demand: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian or Nordic languages. Detailed IT knowledge is not a must, but once you have it, you can move up within the structures of a company, e.g. from a consultant to a role in tech support. If you see yourself in this position, this branch of business will definitely welcome you.

Examples? Customer Service Advisor at Atos - a job requiring foreign language proficiency as many business centres in Poland handle global user problems. While a consultant answers their queries, knowledge about IT processes and systems can be gained (as it is required in customer service positions).

Check out more Customer Service jobs here.

Sales

Out of the jobs mentioned in our section devoted to non-IT experts, this may actually require more substantial knowledge in this field. It is necessary for sales teams to be able to demonstrate their products to customers, and this means feeling comfortable in this particular area of business. Knowing technical and software specifications as well as understanding customer’s IT-related needs is essential here. Engaging in the job pays off – Google is increasingly focusing on sales & account managers selling cloud contracts. Important salesman features include providing marketing and sales plans, interpersonal skills, and most importantly – genuine interest in the product that is being advertised and sold.

Examples? Sales & Fulfillment program for students at Infosys Poland - a training opportunity for those interested in non-tech job in the tech field. Many companies in Poland provide initial classes to make out of their candidates experts in their field.

Has any of these areas interested you? Make sure to come back to our website and check vacancies regularly.

We talk to women working on top positions in Polish IT departments about diversity, challenges and opportunities that females face in the technology sector.

Women bring unique perspective to IT companies

Karolina Milbrandt
Talent Acquisition Manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Joined IT in: 2012

Are there more women joining IT these days?

Yes, during last year we were happy to hire more women in the IT departments. This is the result of more female graduates at technical universities and promotion of the sector among women. There are areas where women have high representations, such as Project Management, SAP, Testing and Business Intelligence, since soft skills are highly valued in those fields. We are always open to hire gifted female specialists, as we believe that diverse teams deliver better solutions to our Clients.

Do women have specific assets that make them particularly valuable to IT?

Women are multitaskers and notice connections between various aspects of tasks and projects. They are also very well-organised and bring structure to the teams. They definitely bring unique perspective, sometimes very much different from their male colleagues. They are also very effective in managing tasks and team, and we are happy to have many teams managed by female managers.

Are there female managers within your IT structures?

Yes, there are, and they have built very successful careers in Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Thanks to their people skills, excellent organisation and multitasking abilities they are fast and effective leaders. And they have great views for our further development as currently our CEO is Meg Whitman.

Our goal – more Women in Technology

Joanna Zdulska
Information Security Prof. Group Manager at Citi Service Center Poland
Joined IT in: 1996

Do you believe that companies hiring more women are more successful?

Diversity is a great added value for an entire organisation. We are doing our best to support that value, starting from gender, through internationality, employees’ interests and way of thinking. Regarding women advantage, in many surveys women are seen as more engaged, trustworthy and creative. It can have a very positive impact on mentality and organisational culture in IT departments.

What makes women stand out in IT?

The world is changing and therefore leadership style has to change too - moving towards team-work, collaboration and listening to the others. Women naturally make people feel they are being heard. Female workers highly value team-work and cooperation is more important to them than to men.

Is equality valued by your organisation?

Yes, equality is very important and supported on all levels at Citi. In Poland we have a dedicated program called Women in Technology that focuses on this area. We are continuously working to empower women in our organisation, giving them chances to grow and develop. What we are really proud of is that 27 percent of our employees on managerial positions in CSC Poland are women. The aim of Women in Technology program is to maximise this figure also in the Technology area.

Women’s part in business-related IT processes

Katarzyna Stromecka
Business Processes & Quality Director at Sii Poland
Joined IT in: 2008

Have you noticed an increase in the number of women applying for IT-related positions?

Yes, but in my opinion, this is due to several factors. First of all, the area of IT is not just about programming and system administration any more. In the past, statistically, significantly less women studied strictly technical subjects – they preferred the field of humanities. Now, when IT stays in close cooperation with business, there are many positions which do not require as much specialist technical knowledge, e.g. business analyst, functional tester, documentation specialist and many others. On the other hand, education towards IT is not only mathematics and physics any more, but also a whole range of other areas.

Are women a prominent part of IT experts within your company?

At Sii both women and men work on positions in the area of IT and engineering. The sex of a person is not a factor considered during the recruitment and team building processes. However, it is true, that diversity on the team is always valuable, because we can learn from each other. This rule applies not only to sex but also nationality, culture and age.

Female or male – you can fit in IT

Alesia Muravitskaya
Process Coordinator SMC at Atos
Joined IT in: 2014

Do you need to have a degree in Computer Studies to work in IT?

To work in IT a degree in Computer Studies is not the most decisive factor. The desire to be a fast learner and to be interested in the cutting-edge technology is able to boost your IT career. There is no universal formula to become a part of the IT world but if one has the eagerness to learn and openness to the challenges, he or she can for sure fit in and develop themselves within IT.

Have you learnt something at Atos that you weren’t taught during your studies?

Yes, Atos allowed me to develop such soft skills as multitasking, team-working and analytical approach to problem solving. When it comes to technical skills, I expanded the knowledge in the areas of IT processes, big data, applications and other tools, thanks to the Academies organized by Atos (free training organised during the weekends for both external and internal employees) and internal technical courses.

Working as a Network Engineer for Atos - interview with Przemys?aw Szatkowski

What is it like to work as a Network Engineer for Atos Polska in Bydgoszcz? Przemys?aw Szatkowski shares his experience, career path and prospects for the future in IT in Poland.

How did your career at Atos IT Services start?

When I finished my studies, it soon became apparent that there was no work for a network engineer without experience at the Zielona Góra work market. That's why I started looking for a job on a wider scale and then I got interested in a job offer as a Network Operator in a Bydgoszcz department of Atos IT Services. The company did not require from me considerable experience but only basic knowledge of IT network areas. I read in the job offer about a relocation package which would support me financially and facilitate moving to a city placed up to a distance of 300 km from Zielona Góra. With such convenience, moving to another city was no longer a big problem. It quickly turned out that the company is interested in me, therefore, to my satisfaction, I quickly became an employee of an international company, Atos group in Poland. This is my first employer, with which for nearly two years I have been developing my competencies and directing my career

What does your development in Atos looks like?

Currently, I am a Network Engineer in a Network Data Center & Communication Services (NDCS) section and I can still see for myself a lot of possibilities in this company. In Atos I am able to see the needs of customers. I'm not talking here about the needs of end-users, but the business needs of other companies. Looking at the work of managers, who are a big support for us every day, I also have the opportunity to explore business processes which occur in the corporation. Gaining experience as a Network Operator was for me a kind of preparation for a position of a Network Engineer at Atos. The scope of duties and practical knowledge acquired in the first year allowed me to explore the basic issues of the network and after less than two years assume the position of an engineer, whose scope of responsibility is much bigger. It was a big challenge for me, which I always gladly take up.

What do you value most in your work?

I like the dynamics of this work. Changes on a living and operational customer network are sometimes very risky. What is needed then is a really great knowledge and experience to anticipate all the possible consequences of changes and prevent these unwanted. Therefore, we work in a group in a so-called “open-space” where Network Operators and Engineers sit together. This arrangement facilitates work, allows for sharing experiences and participating in extremely valuable discussions between people with very different experiences and competencies.

What motivates you?
The biggest motivation for everyday getting out of bed and coming to work is the desire to learn new things. Every day on my way to the Kraszewskiego 1 Street, by bike or bus, I wonder – what will happen today and what I will be able to learn. It is very motivating for me because I like to soak up new knowledge and gain new experiences. I can learn most by handling network incidents, which are current connection problems from clients.

Can you develop in Atos and undertake trainings?

Yes, it is definitely an additional advantage of working for Atos. The company offers technical trainings with the option of certification, as well as soft trainings. An opportunity to improve language skills is also a huge asset. Not everyone has a chance to listen to a live language spoken by natives from other countries. In my team I have the opportunity to talk to people from all over the world in English and German. There are also teams that communicate for example in French. At the beginning it is a really big challenge to understand what you hear in the headphones. Despite 11 years of learning German, for the first three months I was not able to understand one hundred percent of the conversation. I stuttered and, being stressed out, forgot the most basic words. Currently, I have no problems with communication even during interferences or noises at both sides of the "handset".

Who can find a job in Atos?

If somebody has a desire and enthusiasm to learn and acquire new knowledge but lacks technical or linguistic skills - Atos will be interested in such a person anyway. With the whole set of courses and trainings anyone can improve their skills, both linguistic and technical, without any obstacles. Currently, such personality traits give an advantage and extra points during the recruitment process.
I sincerely encourage all those who count on personal development and, above all, think about their career and future, to acquaint themselves with job offers at Atos. Atos Academies, which are free weekend trainings in various technical areas, are organized very often. Recently, the following took place: Network Academy, Juniper Enterprise Academy, Juniper Security Academy and many others which everyone can apply for. These Academies end with an exam and the best participants receive a job offer at Atos.

Our expert:

Przemys?aw Szatkowski works as Network Engineer, Network Data Centre and Communication Services for Atos Polska.

Marta Gruszczy?ska from Network Engineer, Network Data Centre and Communication Services at Atos Polska developed the text.

Our knowledge used to be passed on in oral tales, later – carved in stone or written in mysterious symbols on paper. The ways of transferring what we learn were limited only by our own human thought. Now, in the digital era, we are more than ever preoccupied with preserving, storing and processing information, which is very often the most valuable asset in any company. This is what makes IT and all processes connected to knowledge transfer practically inseparable.

Know-how versus know-why

Of course IT is not the only way of transferring knowledge. In fact, there are two types of knowledge and they need the application of separate methods in order to transfer information effectively. In this division, IT solutions actually work for only one kind. The first one, the so-called know-how is explicit knowledge that can be found in manuals, handbooks and databases. This hard information is more tangible and can be accessed or transmitted in rather direct ways – and IT works perfectly for that. The other type, the know-why, on the contrary, is the tacit knowledge. It focuses on irrational ways of acting in business: clues or insights coming from employees’ very own experience, their trusted instincts and creativity. This intellectual potential is of course not easy to be transferred by IT tools, therefore what is applicable here is the social transfer.

Tacit knowledge, which is often represented as a flow, is rather shared than transferred, and it usually takes place in informal conditions. In its natural habitat it occurs through employee networks, discussions and other social interactions. Although these aspects of sharing are not as codified as in the case of explicit knowledge, in the modern world they can be facilitated by providing the most basic IT solutions such as e-mails, corporate chats, and other socialising tools.

In-company knowledge transfer

The chain of processing knowledge (especially of the explicit kind) within a company does not simply consist of the miraculous appearance of a piece of information followed by its immediate implementation in business. It is a more complex series of events, when very often knowledge needs to be preceded by scientific research or expert analysis, and only then succeeded by technology, applications and finally ready products. At all these stages, IT can be a crucial factor in facilitating a successful move to the next stage in the chain.

One example of a technology tool that can be of help in uncovering knowledge are artificial neural networks used in data mining and knowledge discovery. Before knowledge gets processed and handed down further within a company, it has to be arrived at and this is where pattern-finding IT solutions will prove themselves most effective. They can be used for forecasting, novelty finding, classification and other sorts of data processing. Once the conclusions are drawn, they need to be stored and transferred in the further stages of knowledge management.

In the simplest and most narrow definitions, focusing on the in-company point of view, knowledge transfer can be referred to as interaction between employees aiming to exchange important company information. These transfers are facilitated by the already mentioned most basic IT solutions (e-mails, corporate chats, wikis, other sorts of groupware). Their maintenance is critical for day-to-day flow of information, but there are also deeper ends to IT’s part in business knowledge transfer.

Cloud technologies may come in handy as they are one of the most powerful knowledge management tools nowadays. Employees without advanced IT skills can access solutions that enable them to publish and share information, as well as connect with others. Companies offering such cloud services are almost tailor-made for different businesses. Whether you need to administer shared documents, manage sales reports or pass on critical knowledge, it all can be stored in or transferred through clouds that are easy to use, especially if they are SaaS-based (Software as a Service) and can be accessed via the Internet.

Knowledge transfer can also take place in mobile environments, although the concept is still in its infancy. In Poland more and more employees leave their desks and perform tasks remotely or in the field, and even in these situations knowledge can be transferred on the spot. Laptops, smartphones and increasingly more often wearables are there to serve the purpose, provided the company has engaged in some sort of knowledge platform or application. Having centralised knowledge database and individual mobile devices that can access and contribute to it can be a huge facilitation.

See some IT jobs where you can gain invaluable knowledge.

Cross-organisational knowledge sharing

This tricky aspect of knowledge transfer is always approached with wariness. After all, corporate secrets are sacred, but what if we do not want to reinvent the wheel and simply need to check with others whether we are headed in the right direction? Companies are not fortified castles anymore; in fact, cooperation between big international players has always been a real thing – have you heard about General Motors and Toyota forming New United Motor Manufacturing back in the 1980s? The primary reason for that was for General Motors to learn all about lean manufacturing, so… knowledge transfer!

IT’s role in supporting mutual efforts is crucial. Not only does it assist the flow of necessary knowledge, it also secures what needs to be secured, e.g. know-how that is not necessary to be shared within a specific project. Here, again, cloud solutions are perfect for establishing such collaborations, as they allow to build automated workflows in safe but also easily accessible environments. Multiple providers are there to ensure it is done properly, but Polish companies can also design custom-made systems for this kind of transfer.

IT as knowledge

A recent study by Stack Overflow for infoShare indicates that Poland is the biggest IT hub in this part of Europe. Every fourth software developer coming from Central and Eastern Europe lives and works in Poland, which speaks volumes of the country’s significance on the technology market (Central & Eastern Europe Developer Landscape, 2017). There are over 250,000 programmers here, a huge talent pool with fresh graduates of computer science studies powering it every year even further, not to mention foreigners attracted by the possibilities offered in Polish IT. No wonder that companies from abroad also decide to transfer some of their IT processes to Poland – and with them, knowledge spreads all over the country.

Some could say that moving activities to Poland under the outsourcing banner is not always associated with knowledge sharing, but in the case of IT – it definitely should and, luckily, it is! Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) is all about confiding critical knowledge in the hands of a new facility. This does not only include operational knowledge that needs to be transferred immediately and technology tools are the primary means for that; it is also about key knowledge transfer which allows for outsourcing core processes – a model perfect for the higher level in the outsourcing cooperation process (Perechuda & Sobi?ska, 2013), which without a shadow of a doubt Poland has entered.

Financial Planning & Analysis at Aon: career for life

Charlie Love is the leader of Aon’s Centre of Excellence for Finance based in Kraków, Poland. We talk to him about his experiences at Aon, Kraków.

Can you tell us briefly about your experience at Aon and what makes Aon a good place to work?

Charlie: I’ve been with Aon for seven years now. When I joined Aon I started off as a Finance Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, in London. Since joining I’ve been lucky enough to get the opportunity to change my role every two or three years and the amount of opportunities for personal development is one of the things that has kept me at Aon and kept me excited. In my experience, Aon provides opportunities to people who want not only to develop themselves professionally but are prepared to take on new challenges.

In Kraków, 70 per cent of the managers we work with have joined us through internal promotions and I’m really proud of that. Externally, we are also trying to attract talent to develop and grow within Aon’s culture.

Looking at Aon globally, what makes the Polish Centre of Excellence special in comparison to all the other international entities?

Charlie: Poland in itself is special, that is why our major Centre of Excellence is here and this is where we shape the future of finance. Aon believes we have a perfect environment here in Kraków with a highly educated and motivated workforce that are capable of really taking on more and working in partnership with our onshore businesses. That onshore/offshore business model is very important to us and we find it a perfect fit with the highly skilled and motivated workforce available to us in Poland, specifically Kraków.

Do you offer any strategic processes in Kraków CoE?

Charlie: We started off the finance centre five years ago as we recently celebrated our fifth anniversary. In the beginning we focused on very transactional processes, such as PtP (Procure to Pay) or RtR (Record to Report), but after that we’ve gone very much up the value chain to more knowledge based activities, including things like FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), where we provide our business partners and sales leaders with timely and accurate financial information, as they require it. To achieve this, we need to be near shore business partners interacting on a daily basis with overseas teams, not only understanding the financials, but also the commercial drivers that underpin our business.

What is the job of an FP&A analyst like? How many people are there within FP&A in Kraków?

Charlie: Obviously, within an FP&A job there is a certain amount of reporting on what has happened in the previous months or a quarter, but there is also forecasting and strategic planning which are far more forward-looking activities. Outside from that, an FP&A job is really about helping the onshore finance teams and business leader perform better by making better, more informed decisions around their business. Where we are going as an FP&A team is trying to provide insightful timely information. Obviously there is a lot of interpreting data and trends, and what is exciting about FP&A, is that as your knowledge of the business grows, you really use financial techniques to influence and drive change. Whether it is about your relationship with the business leader and the business or your understanding of commercial elements of Aon’s operations.

As for the numbers, currently we have 49 people in FP&A, however in the coming months I see the team doubling as we move to support new geographies and processes.

Are there any specific challenges to this position?

Charlie: The main challenge is in building relationships with your overseas customers when you first join being based in Poland, with the teams we support based in countries around Europe or in the US, so there is an issue of building trust in this business relationship. To combat this, we tend to send our people to all those countries to spend time with those teams and get to know them and get embedded in the way they think. So that is one challenge, and another one is the fact that we are challenged by our own success. The firm has really started to rely on the teams in Kraków; more and more often when they do not understand something in the data, they turn to us. As for the biggest day-to-day challenge, it is managing the workflow to deliver effectively to our customers. As we have been so successful in adding value, the entire firm wants to come to Kraków, whether it is sending new jobs or getting access to our reporting capabilities, all the roads within Aon point to Kraków at the moment.

In relation to global cooperation, can your team in Kraków be described as international?

Charlie: Out of 200 people in our finance centre we have twelve from Poland who are overseas at the moment on international assignments, in geographies ranging from Chicago to Singapore, London and other European capitals. These are local Polish finance employees that have seized the opportunities to develop their skill sets and grow career within the Aon family overseas.

In terms of teams in Krakow, in FP&A team we have two individuals, one from the US and myself, who are from overseas. In our controllership teams we have a real mix of nationalities generally speaking, about three to five per cent of our team in Kraków are actually non-Polish. However, for the most part I am committed to developing talents from the local market into future technical expert & leadership roles. For me, the next generation of leaders in Kraków should actually be elected by tapping into local human resources.

When you look at FP&A and other areas such as controlling or accounting – what makes them similar or different?

Charlie: Controlling generally is reporting on what has happened and has a focus on improving controls as well as mitigating risk, with FP&A the focus is reporting on what is happening and what is going to happen. It gives insight and is forward-looking, so personally I find FP&A to be more and more exciting place to work, because you’re solving real-time problems of business leaders and helping them decide where to invest, why to divest and how to set strategic targets. Controlling is a very important part of our business, but there you are generally working in balance sheets, reporting on what has happened in the previous quarter, or year comparing with accounting. FP&A is more about what’s happening in the profit & loss statement, what is going to happen if you take certain actions or how to avoid certain things from happening.

Having said that, do you think it’s easier for a person with a background in controlling to move to FP&A or do you prefer to hire fresh graduates whom you can shape specifically into the roles typical for FP&A?

Charlie: I am a huge proponent of giving people internal opportunities. I would much rather grow people’s careers internally, rather than looking outside for the talent. Obviously with the growth we are looking towards at the moment it’s natural we will have to bring new people into our firm and culture, but to my mind we should keep a balance. With Aon’s training and development programs there is nothing stopping somebody working in controlling today moving across to FP&A and vice versa. Our internal last year accounted for 47 per cent of open roles and I am very proud of that figure as we really try to advocate internal moves and opportunities.

Regarding your new employees, who are you looking for? What’s the profile of a person who will feel good at FP&A?

Charlie: People who perform well in FP&A have a numerical brain, they are mathematically inclined, are very good at dealing with large sets of data and boiling that data down to very simple directional advice. You look at huge amounts of data and ask: what is the right target for this business? What is our margin target? What should we be doing to drive the right results to the firm? It’s all about using the data and your commercial knowledge with very simple outcomes, and doing it very quickly. So, we are particularly interested in people with an MBA, those with an economics degree or people who are studying ACCA or CIMA, however, we are interested in all relevant finance experience and a willingness to develop and grow.

What do you use to deal with these big amounts of data? Have you developed any specific tools or programmes to help you out with that?

Charlie: Yes, we have. We have a number of different tools, depending on which team or where you work and what the problem is that you are trying to solve. We use QlikView and Tableau to deal with large sets of data as well as TM1, which is a reporting tool. We are also in the process of rolling out a new Business Intelligence tool and we are doing some testing at the moment. And last but not least, the good old Excel.

What about the future of FP&A? How do you see your department, as well as and the whole business in a few years?

Charlie: I think that with all the new technologies coming in, FP&A is going to become a much more exciting and relevant place to work. Technologies such as RPA (Robotic Process Automation) will eliminate the need of heavy lifting and allow our analysts to focus on what I call the ‘foresight’. So, in FP&A the biggest growth area is represented by forward-looking analytics. With the basic reporting and close activities involved with FP&A being automated through the use of new technologies. We will take that resource and deploy it on foresight-based analytics, which is really a value added to the business, allowing them to make better and more informed business decisions, and drive better results to the firm. FP&A is at a cross roads where we are going to automate a lot of standard reporting that we have now and spend much more time on looking ahead and on our relationship with and understanding of the business.

Would you say that you perceive RPA as an opportunity, not a threat to your business?

Charlie: Yes, absolutely. I see it as an enabler to providing much better service to the businesses which we support, allowing us to and grow what we are able to provide to the business. Actually, thanks to that, FP&A will provide greater influence across the firm.

We already have some robots that are in sandbox environments and are currently being tested. I hope that by the turn of the year we will have them live and delivering value to us.

Can you give some final advice for the people who may want to join FP&A in the future?

Charlie: FP&A is an incredibly exciting and varied career. If you are looking not only for a challenge professionally, but also something that is going to develop and grow with you, FP&A is a perfect space to consider entering at this time. It really does provide a career for life as it will grow and develop as your knowledge grows and develops.

Our expert:

Charlie Love

Charlie Love is an accomplished finance leader with more than a decade of experience gained in UK and EMEA insurance, reinsurance and broking roles. Joined Aon in early 2011 as the finance director for Europe Middle East and Africa. He brought with him a blend of Group Financial Planning and Analysis, and Regional leadership roles as a commercial partner and control function leader. Since February 2016 he has been leading Aon’s centre of Excellence in Kraków.

To break the mould, smooth the path and lay the first stone in a particular business or organisation – that is the dream of almost every workplace, not only in Poland. Leading the way on a global scale was unthinkable a few decades ago, but now it really is bread and butter to many Poland-based companies that prove their innovation on a daily basis. Innovative ideas either originate or are developed in business centres in the very heart of Central Europe and spread to other units all over the world.

Companies see Poland as a testing ground for ideas that are yet to be adapted by other European countries, and that is a good thing. Thanks to the open-mindedness visible in Poles and their attitudes to ground-breaking solutions, they have been able to introduce cutting-edge technologies and solutions globally. Have you ever been to a Polish supermarket? You can notice there that every other customer uses contactless payment options, either through their card or mobile phone. This would make an unusual sight in Western Europe, where such progressive implementations are still met with only a tepid response.

Of course we are not talking about shopping only, as it is just one example of that; most importantly, innovation is doing more than fine in the Polish business landscape. Thanks to this broad-minded attitude of Polish employees, companies are eager to test new devices, models and programs, or even adapt the ideas put forward by Poles. Here are a few examples to follow, from such different areas as: banking, finance, procurement or supply chain.

Robotics in banks

Poland is still earning its status as the European Sillicon Valley. While this happens numerous institutions are already gaining recognition in their own specific sectors, frequently with the use of technologically advanced tools. Take the banking sector as a perfect example of this. Polish units of BNP Paribas Securities Services were the first to introduce robotics in their processes and they embrace this step in business development.

It is safe to say that for our bank robotics started in Warsaw, says Jaros?aw Kokoszka, Head of Fund Administration from BNP Paribas Securities Services in Poland. Our project was sponsored and put into practice globally, but the original idea came from the Warsaw office. It is true that AI and robotics are a hot topic in our line of business, sometimes controversially. However, we see it as a means of advancement. Thanks to being the pioneers of robotics, we are able to increase our value, and be the first ones to start working on process automation. As such, the project was initiated over two years ago and this June we were very excited and proud to use robots for the first time in our Warsaw office.

Inventing a novel project is one thing, successfully running it is another. However for Polish business units the latter does not seem problematic at all. We learn that the robot set up by BNP Paribas Securities Services in Poland passed all the tests which are obligatory to meet security standards. Such verification is necessary for all financial institutions to ensure that ground-breaking technologies are safe to use. Now their product is successfully being used globally.

Continuous improvement culture from Poland

Robotics is only one of the many aspects that Polish business units can teach their foreign partners about. As organisations expand and grow, they need to create efficient ways of working, by developing and engaging all employees in creating a continuous improvement and performance oriented culture – all of this in order to increase stakeholder satisfaction.

This is what happens in Arla Global Shared Services (GSS) in Gda?sk, Poland. The centre’s main objective is to drive value by creating and delivering scalable and efficient solutions to Arla globally. For them, the strong foundation of Lean and Continuous Improvement framework is one of the key enablers of that. Such structured methodologies such as bottom-up improvement approach or Kazien are now quite wide-spread, but Arla GSS in Gda?sk seems to have become specifically expert about them, with Lean Management leading the way.

To optimise their internal processes as a key element towards raising efficiency inside organisation, they have created a roadmap of Value Stream Map initiatives across all departments which are placed inside GSS Gda?sk. Value Stream Map is a Lean management technique where you visualise the current state of the process by analysing information and material flow from supplier to customer and design the future state by eliminating waste and simplifying the process. Important point during this journey is to always define value from customer’s perspective and eliminate steps which do not add value to customer.

While preparing structured analysis of internal processes inside GSS Gda?sk, Arla experts soon realised that their processes stretch outside local boundaries and require extensive collaboration with their stakeholders and customers from other countries. The success of their future will depend so much on input received from other departments and local business units.

This deep understanding of customer involvement pushed the Gda?sk unit to engage stronger with external stakeholders and bring all of them on the common journey. They extended the scope of Value Stream Mapping outside Gda?sk. As a pilot in 2017, Poles did three workshops in Denmark and Germany, where they collaborated with their stakeholders to create one common method of Costing in Arla Foods. Their next external workshop in November 2017 will be in a German dairy site – where they will partner with customers from Supply Chain & Procurement to create an efficient Purchase to Pay process.

New kids in town

These two authentic cases of global innovation being born in Poland’s corporate business centres can still be completed by other, not less exciting examples. If you are a fan of novelties, you can expect to hear much more about Polish achievements in the years to come, but instead of watching it with a big bucket of popcorn, come and join the country’s start-up frenzy.

There are a lot of forecasts of its success, but also a lot of foundation for thinking about it in a hopeful way. As many consider the USA to be the most significant player on the world’s startup map, it is in Poland where startups thrive, even despite often more limited funding and a less developed business development – as for now. However, different kinds of incentives and subsidies make it easier for innovative youngsters to work on their ideas and achieve impact – and by that we mean impact on a global scale.

When Poland hosted an official state visit of British royals in June 2017, Prince William and his wife started out at official venues and historical sites, but eventually they went on to take a look at The Heart, an international hub for businesses to connect with startups. An interesting aspect of this project is that it is referred to as European, which goes to show that the hottest spot for startups and innovation is right now, in the heart of Warszawa, the capital city of a European country, in the middle of the continent.

With Brexit approaching, Polish startups may gain even more chances to spike. Those who keep an eye on the Polish labour market may have noticed the exodus of global giants into Poland. The country’s market and economy seem stable and attractive for investors, who may feel like testing the waters in their new location. Even the infrastructure favours this cooperation, as hubs like The Heart are located in the most modern business districts of Polish cities, allowing to mingle creative young entrepreneurs with more experienced business people – a desirable marriage of valuable talents.

With the number of startups in Poland nearing 3,000 (Polish Startups Report 2016), and the majority of them producing software or other high-tech products, it is not a surprise that 48 per cent of them export the results of their hard work (Polish Startups Report 2017), which makes for another example of innovative solutions stemming from Poland. Judging by the number of developments, both in corporate bodies and creative hubs, the future of Polish innovation has never looked so bright and felt so exciting.

Are Polish employers supportive of foreigners?

Foreign employees make up to 9 percent of staff in Polish shared services centres (SSCs). They are attracted by competitive opportunities in the labor market that is far from being filled and a vast number of vacancies for fluent language speakers. So taking their much-needed presence into account, do Polish employers provide them with benefits that make them want to relocate to Poland?

Benefits for ex-pats

For many foreigners, Poland is a benchmark employee market – a situation in which it is the worker who has the final say due to shortages of the workforce, especially this equipped with rare language skills. The majority of employers in Poland seem to understand it and to fight these deficits, mainly through offering benefits to newcomers deciding to relocate to Poland. Here are the most popular ones, according to the research by Monster Talent Sourcing Services:

Language courses

These are by far the most widespread form of helping foreigners feel at home in a new company (41 percent) – expats are encouraged to learn Polish because even though one can easily conduct all business activity in English, outside the office or even during the coffee break it is far more convenient to speak in Polish. It makes your life easier, but also it is a new skill you can gain – if you ever wish to move out, you will always have this quite unique ability to communicate in Polish!

Team-building activities

These include all sorts of outings, office celebrations as well as trips that help integrate all the employees together. Such activities are quite popular – in the survey, they are present in 35 percent of Polish companies. Of course, if your company is not fond of organizing such events, you can always initiate them yourself and suggest grabbing a beer after hours.

Administrative support

Do you get a headache thinking about getting a residence or work permit? Did you think that a visa is enough to start a new life in Poland? Some employers do realize that bureaucracy can be a nightmare, so they offer support in administrative matters, but they constitute only 31 percent of all companies.

Accommodation support

Another thing is having a roof over your head. 14 percent of Polish employers know how vital it is and they provide help finding a flat or even let you use company apartments. The figure could be higher, however, as now such options are most frequently available to top managers and executives in general.

Relocation package

Even less, since only 11 percent of Polish employers provide their new employers with money to start afresh in Poland. You can always ask beforehand if such practice is in use in the company. Usually, it is a month's or more allowance to take some burden off your ex-pat shoulders.

Family packages

The same amount of companies (11 percent) provides their new foreign employees with family support packages, which may include various things, for instance finding a suitable school for ex-pat children, co-funding sports activities, nursery, etc.

Are all employers supportive?

Sadly, but no, 27 percent of the foreigners taking part in the survey for Monster revealed that they did not receive any special support whatsoever. Hopefully, the figure will improve, but as for now, you can always look for employers that do value their employees, both local and foreign ones and adjust to their specific needs to make the business run smoothly.

Source: Monster, Skuteczne sposoby na rekrutacje j?zykowe, September 2017.

BPO to KPO: Knowledge Process Outsourcing flourishes in Poland

Our times call for adding value to services, and in this respect KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) has already surpassed BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), making Poland one of the most desirable destinations for transferring knowledge-based processes to. What keeps the ball rolling?

Although the Latin phrase Scientia potential est has been no secret for ages, it is only recently that the business world has realised its real
value for global cooperation. Poland, which was often chosen as an offshoring destination, has quickly proved itself so capable of handling far more serious processes, that the business landscape of the European and global markets simply had to change – slowly,
but surely. In the past Warszawa, Kraków and Gda?sk used to host business centres dealing with customer service, invoice processing
or service level reporting. Although these facilities have not disappeared from Poland’s business map, they frequently underwent
a technological transformation, experienced significant growth or even expanded into brand new separate structures (see other articles from the newest issue of Careers in Poland).

BPO history in Poland

This transition is a remarkable achievement for Poland and its economy, especially taking into consideration the business landscape of the country before the 00s. Only with the accession to the European Union in 2004 did Poland’s business centres start to thrive beyond the initial simple processes mentioned before. Poland did not have a stable business structure yet, as it was only slightly over a decade after the fall of communism and its entrance to the truly capitalist world. A few years could not have been enough to get ready for a big change, but Poland did exceptionally well in the transition period and managed to start with an almost clean slate. Both the help of foreign investors as well as Polish people’s capital and entrepreneurship built one of the most exciting economies in Europe and, in many aspects, in the world.

The main reason behind this evolution was the realisation which dawned upon onshore locations – knowledge stored in them needed to be shared with more remote business centres so that it could bring mutual profit. As a result of that, innovative foreign companies no longer protected their know-how in original locations – they spread it all over their centres which hold the promise of putting this knowledge to good use. Now transferring more advanced business processes is not always about cost-cutting, especially since Poland has quickly jumped from the status of an easy on the pocket location to a more pricey, but also more quality-oriented one. This was earned with a lot of effort and after numerous challenges that were tackled in a successful way.

Knowledge as utmost value

KPO, sometimes considered to be an evolved, enhancement-oriented form of BPO is now more often perceived as the next step for any BPO centre or solution. Regardless of its far too many definitions, KPO is always conceptualised in terms of greater intellectual value for a company carrying out such processes. KPO centres or departments combine analytical thinking with expert knowledge supplied by their well-educated employees. In short: they are BPO centres taken to the next level and help create a new business landscape in former BPO locations, such as Poland.

This knowledge-based sector has been making its way through Poland with real grace. The processes included under the name of KPO are in most cases complex and sophisticated, therefore requiring a high level of specialised expertise and competence. While BPO represents largescale projects widely accessible to a big number of professionals of various backgrounds, KPO pays more attention to specialists with a narrow focus on one field. KPO centres turn their back on repetitive and rule-based processes, in order to embrace creative tasks requiring more independent thinking, thus making them role-based and analytical. This shift makes Poland not only an attractive workplace for Poles, but also for representatives of other nations, not even necessarily European ones.

Are you interested in the recent developments in BPO?
Check out these 8 BPO trends in 2018!

KPO business

Over the last decade, the areas that Poland has been specialising in could differ, but they usually fall into a few categories of areas that can be described as knowledge-based. They are constantly in need of new professionals, including foreigners, willing to spread their wings in Polish locations of international companies. Take a look at those which are the most common in Polish KPO centres or departments and make the most of your precious knowledge.

• Financial institutions

Banks and accounting departments based in Poland deal now with the most advanced processes that are used internationally, e.g. for foreign stock exchanges. Apart from that, your expert knowledge will be invaluable in the preparation of market analyses and investment plans. You can put it to good use by designing and engineering financial tools, which are later used by other global units. As technology improves businesses on daily basis, your Polish experience will be connected to cutting-edge solutions of global impact.

• ITO

Not much is left of technical support services in Poland – or rather there are a lot of new additions to this business. We are looking for engineers, software developers and people willing to work on various projects in diverse areas. If your IT skills and knowledge are your strong point, read more about the marriage of knowledge and IT in the article IT solutions and knowledge transfer.

• Analysis

This includes planning, mapping or data management, and it concerns various types of business. Processes that are being outsourced to Poland require specialists who know how to handle data and extract value from it. It may deal not only with finance, but your knowledge may be needed in FMCG companies or other industries, for instance in the supply chain, procurement and sales departments.

Do we have 'good jobs' in Poland? Gallup report

Who doesn’t want to have a job that puts a smile on their face, brings satisfaction, and provides constant development? When all of these happen, does that mean that you have a good job? And can this be said about careers in Poland?

Gallup is a research and consulting company that provides insight into employee satisfaction all over the world. Their Global Great Jobs Report from 2016 defines the phenomenon of good jobs (also referred to as real jobs) – 30+ hours per week of consistent work with a paycheck from an employer – and great jobs – namely good jobs in which employees are engaged and involved in their tasks.

Gallup found out that while there are 1.3 billion adult people in the world who have good jobs, only 14 percent out of this figure are constantly engaged at work and therefore have great jobs. The remaining adults work part-time, are unemployed or self-employed, and as such do not fall into the categories defined by Gallup.

How are jobs in Poland evaluated according to these criteria? The average of good jobs among adult Europeans is 30 percent, and there is only 4 percent of great jobs on average on the continent. Poland ranks better than that; the number of good, but not great jobs reaches 33 percent, while great jobs in itself constitute 6 percent. The result could have been better, reaching the level of Sweden, with 42 and 7 percent respectively, but Poland’s position still managed to keep in the top ten European countries with the best results.

Why is it important to maintain high indexes of good or great jobs, as defined by Gallup? The survey confirms that those employed in such jobs are more likely to rate their lives positively. In other words, engagement and emotional connection to your job make you not only a better team player but also a happier individual. This simple truth should be addressed by every employer, as it is in the interest of both society and the economy.

Have you worked in a Polish company – if so, do you fall into the category of employees with good or even great jobs?

Source: Gallup 2016 Global Great Jobs Report

Big Data & Security at Atos Poland GDC – a place where passion is connected with your career

In their annual reports, worldwide cybersecurity leaders attempt to predict the upcoming threats to the cyberworld. The most significant risk identified by the whole industry is the shortage of specialists who are able to oppose the growing number of cybercrimes, vandalism, and spyware.

Educating a specialist with excellent skills and broad knowledge makes a great challenge. The best of them exceed in every field of the modern IT industry. Broad knowledge should be supported by experience and traits like curiosity, inquisitiveness, passion, and eagerness for self-improvement.

Cybersecurity is recognized as the most dynamically developing branch of the IT industry worldwide. Thanks to this growth, it has become an attractive career opportunity. Dominik Dom?alski - the Security Analyst at Big Data & Security Atos Poland GDC, has told us more about working in cybersecurity.

As an IT specialist, why have you chosen cybersecurity as your career path?

It all started with an Academy organized by Atos. I must admit that I took part in it by coincidence. I obviously had had some general knowledge in IT, but I had never been interested in cybersecurity. It was during those weekend meetings that I was seriously confronted with this subject matter. I took part in classes run by excellent specialists and enthusiasts, who interested me and encouraged me to acquire more and more knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. That is why my career path started and became my passion.

It is very convenient to work and develop one’s passion at once. Why are you interested in cybersecurity?

It is a field that has emerged quite recently. Hence, there is a lot to do and discover. I love that everyone, if determined enough, can contribute to it. In addition to that, working in cybersecurity entails developing a comprehensive knowledge of IT. This stimulates self-improvement and motivates me to become more qualified. The work itself is very dynamic so there is no chance to be bored.

Is it dynamic because it's a fairly new IT department?

Certainly yes, but not only. Nearly every week, new vulnerabilities are detected, which are the hole through which a hacker can get into the system. They should be investigated, observed, and prevented by such incidents. You constantly have to keep up with all the information and try to be one step ahead of your potential opponent - a bit like playing chess.

It also sounds like cyber-security experts are some kind of guardians of the future.

(Laughter) You can also use such a comparison. For 24 hours a day, we protect our customers from hackers who want to obtain information illegally and use it for their own benefit. Money, politics, unfair competition, technological theft are different temptations.

Will you be able to keep a work-life balance as a cyber guardian of the future?
In Atos Poland GDC? For sure! Read more about employee benefits at Atos Poland GDC.

Have you had the opportunity to prevent a cyber attacker during your work experience?

I remember a situation where a large number of the same viruses appeared in one of the clients’ locations in different countries. The software installed protected the system. However, when we analyzed that event, it turned out that all the previously infected stations were trying to establish a remote connection at an unusual port, which aroused our curiosity. The purpose of that communication was IP addresses with a very dubious story. Fortunately, another layer of the security system installed by us prevented those attempts. The whole event was so dangerous that to prevent further attempts to encroach, it was necessary to completely replace the disks that were involved. If the company was not protected in any way, the information on those disks could have been stolen and misused.

Do cybersecurity concern only governments and powerful corporations?

Definitely not. Of course, governments and corporations need special protection because of the value of information that is in their systems. But these days, where so many people are online, cyber threats are all about us. By using various mobile applications and devices, you should first and foremost use common sense and take seriously the already common information that you should not use the same email password, bank account, and social networking profile.

We said that this is a new department that, in addition, is very dynamically developing. How can we effectively become cyber experts? What would you advise all people that are related to cybersecurity?

Unfortunately, the education system is still not following it. Students can’t really know much about cybersecurity during the course of education. In this situation, it is very important that you want to acquire knowledge yourself. It is also worth using such an academy in which I had the opportunity to participate. This gives you the opportunity to gain not only knowledge but also a job, as it was in my case. This is obviously the beginning. Having worked in this profession, you still need to learn and keep being updated. You can’t let yourself let it go for a while. It is also valuable to use the knowledge and skills of your colleagues, as well as the experience gained from work.

Our expert:

Dominik Dom?alski

Security Analyst

Big Data & Security Atos Poland GDC

Work-life balance at Atos Poland Global Delivery Center

There is a big competition in the employer’s market. Enterprises compete fiercely to find and hire qualified employees. Apart from a regular remuneration, there is a growing importance of additional benefits offered to workers – training schemes, extra benefits, and flexible working time. Employers should be also open to expectations set by Generations Y and Z, like remote work and work-life balance, and they also ought to implement these into life effectively. Companies from the IT branch, where there has been a fight for a candidate for a long time, are fully aware of these expectations.

Atos Poland Global Delivery Center is one of the greatest business centers in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. It is the biggest Polish branch of the Atos company providing infrastructure management services, servers services, applications services, projects and processes, cloud services, and the first line support to customers. The fulfillment of development plans of the company in Poland enabled it to employ more than 700 specialists in 2016. The company is still evolving and investing in areas that are the future of the worldwide IT industry. It allows employees to develop their skills in the organization. What else can candidates thinking about joining Atos expect?

Remote work as a recipe for success

Anna Data – Hendler, Recruitment Manager, Atos Poland Global Delivery Center

Wellbeing@Work is a global program that is implemented in Atos. Its aim is to create a good and friendly place to work. It is applicable to all employees in the world regardless of a job position or level in the company hierarchy. The company puts importance on trust, responsibility, and innovation. Atos appreciates new ideas and cutting-edge solutions. It creates an environment where everybody can develop their own potential and achieve goals.

Remote work is one of the solutions that were implemented within the Wellbeing@Work Program. It has become very popular. According to in-company surveys, telework is much appreciated and liked by employees.

Ewelina Leszczy?ska, Project Leader, Atos Poland Global Delivery Center

I joined Atos in 2012. A lot has changed since then, but there is one, unchangeable element – I have always wanted to have a job that would not be boring. I am responsible for project management. Every day, every customer and every contract are different. It happens that I talk to people from three different continents during one meeting.

When I started working in Bydgoszcz, I was in the office every day. Atos was growing rapidly and there were new possibilities for employees – ie remote work. Initially, I took advantage of it only in urgent situations, however, it was something strange for almost all my colleagues. I fulfilled my duties in the same way and I did not have to stay in a traffic jam. These days, I live in Wroclaw but I still work in Atos.

Remote work became a standard, therefore I did not have to resign from the activity that I like due to my relocation. It is good enough to open my laptop and to have the office in Atos with me. My work became mobile, like me. A lot of my colleagues also work in other cities and they do not have to commute, face obstacles on roads, and unfavorable weather conditions every day. I have never appreciated teleworking as much as I am doing now. If my life writes another scenario and I have to relocate again, I will have one dilemma less. If I move, I will not have to change my job.

Flexible training offer

Atos supports broadly understood development. Despite the job position, employees have access to technical training, language courses, and soft skills training. All workers have unlimited access to e-learning. These enable staff for enhancement in every direction and can take place in the most convenient time. The company focuses on the flexibility of a training offer, to let workers adjust the training mode to their individual preferences.

Jakub Polaszek, Portfolio Manager, Atos Poland Global Delivery Center

In Atos, I was surprised in a very positive way by the individual approach toward every employee and creating the Individual Development Plan for every worker, for which I could be the example. In 2014, as a Project Manager, I joined the Project and Program Management (PPM) team in the Cross-Functional Services (CFS) Tower. I moved to the program which included projects from the security area. I was also holding the coordinator role of one out of two program paths. In 2015, to be able to develop in the project management area, I took part in the internal recruitment for the Program Manager within the Big Data and Security (BDS) Tower. That way, I fulfilled my dream to manage programs. I created the BDS Program by organizing PMO, program documentation, procedures and processes, templates, and instructions for Project Managers that were necessary to monitor a big number of projects, which were completed in this team. In February 2017, I decided to take another step in my professional development. I returned to the PPM team, in a Project Manager’s position. I also took the role of the Portfolio Manager for a key, Scandinavian Atos customer. New challenges, new experiences, and another possibility of development.

Thanks to diversified roles, apart from the upgrade of skills related to project and program management, I could visit a vast part of the world during business trips.

Meetings with people from different countries, the atmosphere at work, openness, and willingness to cooperate made Atos stand out on the market. These are very important aspects of the work of every Project and Program Manager, as communication plays a vital role.

Work as you wish

Atos adjusts its offer to potential candidates’ needs. The company employs people for a part-time job, those who seek additional work, windfall, and those who would like to develop and get professional experience. Atos invites ie foreign languages teachers, translators, students from higher education institutions, students from high schools (senior year), and mothers who want to reconcile work and bringing up children.

Ewa Wilczy?ska, Program Manager, Atos Poland Global Delivery Center

I have been working in Atos since 2014, whereas two years remotely. I come to Bydgoszcz approximately once a month for a week to work in the office. Thanks to that I can live in my family town in Lower Silesia, study in Warsaw and what is very important, work on really interesting projects. Project management is definitely my passion and Atos gives me the possibility of constant development in this area.

Initially, I worked for typically infrastructural projects which were implemented by using Waterfall methodologies, mainly PRINCE2. For six months I have been working on projects related to the creation of new applications, by extension, I have been getting into Agile methods. These days, I spend half time at work for Atos. The rest of the time, I devote myself to Ph.D. studies. Per my request, the company agreed that I could work part-time and reconcile work with (demanding enough) studies.

Such support, real trust, the possibility of interesting work, and constant development are the main reasons why I value Atos. Before I joined Atos, I had worked in several, multinational companies, therefore such benefits like additional healthcare and Multisport card are known to me and I appreciate them a lot. Nevertheless, Atos ‘has what it takes’ and despite the boom in the IT job market, currently I am not looking for another employer.

It is the people that count

Atos helps in the creation of companies in the future. In the company, there is a belief that combining people, technologies, and business is the best way for enhancement. Atos’ offer is the result of a modern view on IT. Its motto is the combination of local knowledge and global experience. The company shapes IT trends, at the same time it helps customers to implement the trends in response to a dynamic change in the market.

One of the most important features in the company is development – both business and people. Every day, Atos’ employees work in a multinational environment, for interesting projects and with outstanding people from all over the world. Possibilities of enhancement are extended by offered training. Atos guarantees all employees the social benefits package, remote work, additional insurance, healthcare, commute allowance, relocation package, and subsidies for sport and recreation. In the company, we stress the importance of work-life balance, therefore the company supports employees’ individual actions ie sports competitions.

However, it is the people and atmosphere that make Atos outstanding. Thanks to great specialists and interesting personalities, we deliver high-grade IT services – says Anna Data-Hendler. The culture of the company is built on a healthy balance between a professional and personal life. The possibility of combining work, passion, and functioning in a good balance between these areas are the main features of our firm – she adds.

Less complex processes call for more innovation

Somewhere 20 years ago, Poland started out as a hub for rule-based processes and owes much of its present success to those early days, but the introduction of innovation was inevitable in every BPO or SSC center. Standing in a dead spot while other businesses caught up with their onshore locations was out of the question. The much-needed improvement often came from within and set the trends that are sometimes followed to this day. What were these and how did they influence the landscape of Polish BPO units?

RPA to the rescue

Sometimes the simplest solutions are not the best ones. Instead of transferring the most basic processes to other locations that could resemble Poland’s competitive prices and workforce from a few decades back, many investors decided to take a more risky path leading to innovation. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) was an integral part of this strategy. While it did not necessarily mean ushering robots to Polish office spaces, it was indeed a quiet revolution, marked by installing computer programs (the so-called robots) wherever they could prove themselves more useful than employees tired of typing in the same formulas or verifying rudimental rows of data. Given a short period of training and the watchful guidance of a human supervisor, the robots were soon able to successfully tackle repetitive and mundane tasks.

This did not mean that BSS centers in Poland got rid of their human employees altogether, which is quite a common fear. On the contrary, as one of the recent studies shows, in 2017 there were over 1,000 outsourcing facilities in over 40 Polish cities (Walter Herz, Polish BPO/SSC market in 2016), many of them already highly automated or undergoing such transformations. This did not, however, increase the chances of letting thousands of BSS employees go, as the training and maintenance of the robots rely solely on them. And if you are still not convinced about the inevitability of automation and suspicious about the very process, you can choose Poland as a country with one of the lowest share of people at high risk of automatability, amounting to only 7 percent (OECD, The Risk of Automation for Jobs in OECD Countries: A Comparative Analysis, 2016). Still, it does not imply that the BPO sector in Poland will not make the best out of it. So what is there to draw upon?

Case 1: Customer Service

CRM (customer relationship management) used to be outsourcing’s domain, but it has come a long way from what can be imagined as a stereotypical call center. Automation in these units is often perceived in terms of robots answering customer calls, but such technological improvements usually do not work in favor of the business, rendering it less human and lowering customer satisfaction levels. After all, the majority of us prefer interacting with a real person, not a trouble-shooting machine. Automation, however, can be present in customer service centers in the form of automating the contact process, not the relationship itself.

This is what happens in contact centers based in Poland, which now cover larger aspects of customer relations than just phone answering or reaching out to new potential customers. While these activities remain focal, they are surrounded by a set of tools and processes that make the contact easier. For instance, the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is used widely to ensure quick one-click responses from contact center employees by using cloud-based CRM applications. The market of CPaaS is anticipated to grow to $8.1 billion in 2019 (Avaya, Technology Trends to Watch, 2017) and it is no surprise, as it prevents consultants from working on desktops crammed with urgent calls. Another new aspect in contact centers is its increasing need for quality analytics, preferably conducted in real-time mode. This allows for customer segmentation and delivering a more relevant customer experience. In this respect, customer relations become analysis-oriented, and thus, more resembling of KPO solutions.

Case 2: Data Management

Data management, including such areas as data entry, conversion, or processing, is a vast subset of BPO, too. This comes as no surprise – large companies have never enjoyed dealing with information governance and gladly outsourced this task to other locations. Handling the growing amount of data in the modern world is a challenge that necessitates new solutions, since it concerns all areas of any sort of activity, from medical data to media, finance, or human resources. Data-related processes, which are time-consuming and rule-based, first offshored to foreign locations, had to undergo some changes as they may have become too straightforward in new locations as well.

Innovation in data management has been introduced in numerous ways and automating simple processes was again one of them. IT resources were of much help in this respect, as creating new tools to deal with the ever-growing amounts of data became a priority. Starting with software that made human input practically dispensable, the BPO market did not vanish but shifted its main focus to such areas as big data analysis. After all, once the data is input and processed, it still remains an object to be analyzed. This frees employee potential and makes room for … knowledge-based processes that are becoming more and more of a Polish thing.

Case 3: Finance & Accounting

Financial services in all the vastness of Polish BPO/SSC include both simple as well as advanced processes, so naturally, the first group is now undergoing significant changes due to various automation trends. These fewer complex processes, e.g. financial close, AP, AR, or documents processing are gradually entrusted to robots, although the scale of automation is yet to be grand. Figures show that in the UK around 30 percent of such jobs could be facing automation within the next 15 years (PwC, UK Economic Outlook, 2017), so similar predictions can be made for Poland. This significant number however seems less alarming when confronted with the fact that automation in finance will also create many new jobs and expand our professional horizons, redirecting human focus to new areas of interest. It is now universally acknowledged that bots in business may not be so bad after all.

Processes we cannot automate

Automation is imminent, but not in all business areas. While rule-based processes can be delegated to machines, overlooking human wits could be disastrous for some industries. Experts agree that accounting compliance is one of the fields where automation is not feasible. Various business services located in Poland constantly need to stay up-to-date with ever-changing regulations, so although bookkeepers have always been named as the first target of automation, regulation following is a different side of their story. This brings us to LPO, standing for legal process outsourcing. These services, along with many others requiring human expertise, are not very likely to fall into the automatable category.

The threat of noshoring?

As Poland’s BPO/SSC landscape evolves and tends to resemble onshore locations in terms of costs and manpower (demographic crisis will sooner or later catch up with the Polish population), will there be any point in outsourcing less complex processes at all? The threat of noshoring is looming over many offshore destinations, Poland included, as the practice relies upon doing business processes automatically in native locations. Why outsource if you can use robotics in a facility which is closer to home? This is a question that Polish BPO facilities need to carefully ponder about, but in terms of organizational culture, human resources, and even geographical proximity, Poland is almost at home for many global organizations, so for now scrapping the country still seems out of the question.

There are one million programmers in Central and Eastern Europe and every fourth of them lives in Poland, go the main finding of the research conducted by Stack Overflow for infoShare. The survey shows that Poland is the biggest IT market in CEE at the moment.

250,000 coders from Poland

While in the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe there are one million programmers, one-quarter of them lives and works in Poland, which makes the country the biggest IT player in the region. The rest of the programmers from CEE live respectively in Ukraine (166,000), Romania (118,000), and Czech Republic (100,000). In other CEE countries, the number of programmers was lower than 100,000.

Capitals take IT all

In Poland the biggest concentration of IT experts is in Warsaw (74,000), the capital city, followed by Kraków and Wroc?aw. The situation is however nowhere close to that in Latvia, where 93 percent of all software developers live in Riga, the country’s capital city. In Poland, the decentralization is a fact, with similar big numbers of them in smaller cities, such as Katowice, Pozna?, Tricity, and ?ód? – all of which have a population of coders bigger than 10,000 professionals.

?l?sk (Silesia) has become particularly popular with software developers.
Read about Katowice & IT jobs rise.

Unsatisfied appetite

The position of a leader does not mean that Poland should sit back and relax, as the appetite for more IT experts is far from being satisfied in this part of Europe. There is still a shortage of 50,000 IT jobs in Poland. The need to fill these positions is likely to push forward IT studies at Polish universities and other constant education projects.

Source: Stack Overflow report

After having a successful career, everyone expects a well-deserved period of rest. Retirement is something we look forward to later on in our lives and there are foreigners or people of Polish descent who are seriously considering moving to Poland in order to enjoy their golden years. Is this a good decision?

Whether you are a Pole who has spent your entire life working and living abroad, a person of Polish descent driven by nostalgia, a foreigner willing to move closer to your children working here, or a tourist who fell in love with the country and now wants to retire in Poland - before making the move, there are a few issues that need serious deliberation. Let’s go through them to make this decision easier for you and your families.

Polish pension system

Although Polish pensioners follow a three-pillar pension scheme (obligatory public contributions, obligatory individual accounts, and voluntary occupational accounts) the hustle surrounding changes to retirement age and pension plans in Poland should not be a concern to ex-pats moving here. Since your money will be coming from a foreign pension system, you can rest assured that your pension will not be affected by any changes implemented by the Polish government.

Residency status

If you are self-sufficient in terms of finance (and as a pensioner you are) and can provide an address of residence in Poland (either rented or your own property), you can be granted a residence permit. Initially, it is always temporary, meaning that it is valid for up to three years. After a few years of legal stay in Poland, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or even citizenship if you feel like it.

Do you know how to apply for a residence permit in Poland?
See how to get a temporary residence card step by step.

Taxation

This aspect needs to be carefully examined before relocation to Poland. In some cases, you can be considered a tax resident in both your home country and Poland, but in such circumstances, you should rely on bilateral contracts. The countries ensure that their residents do not fall under double taxation rules, so eventually, you are going to pay income taxes in one country only. However, do consult it all in advance with an expert, paying extra attention to Personal Income Tax (PIT) in Poland, so as to avoid any problems after the relocation.

Standard of living

Poland can be a quiet and wallet-friendly destination for many Western retirees, but it does not mean that you will be fine with all aspects of living here. While property prices can be significantly lower, making it possible for you to buy your very own place in the city centre, the language barrier can be too much to bear. Please remember that elderly people in Poland may find it difficult to communicate in foreign languages, so if you are not willing to brush up your Polish or learn it from scratch, friendly chit-chats with neighbours may disappear from your everyday schedules altogether! On the other hand, there are more and more foreign professionals working in Polish business centres, so if your children happen to live and work here, being close to them may compensate for any inconvenience. Not to mention the peaceful Polish nature and proximity to both the sea and the mountains - if you are willing to spend your golden years in an active way, we cannot think of a better place for you.

Healthcare

As we get older, we tend to pay more attention to healthcare services and how medicine can affect our everyday lives. If you are an EU citizen you can use Polish healthcare system in emergency circumstances, but for regular visits, ex-pats should consider paying subscriptions to the National Health Fund (Polish: Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, NFZ) or use private medical packages. To see if you are happy with the quality of service in the private sector, you can try a short trip to Poland for treatment or visit a health resort to see if you are satisfied with the quality of this kind of services.

What do you think then? Are there more pros or cons in moving to Poland for retirement? Let us know!

Going international is a pretty strong trend among startups all over the world. Central Europe, with Poland as its biggest market, has been in the spotlight for some time now. See what makes its business conditions so favorable for entrepreneurship.

Poland has been drawing the attention of many young enterprises. With Brexit on the doorstep, international companies and global-thinking startups have been looking to secure their position in the European Union, without the necessity of relying on the UK. While the trend is especially visible among big worldwide players, smaller ones are also investigating whether Central Europe should be the place to be right now. Poland is, naturally, one of the countries to watch whenever the thought of going international crosses your mind.

In 2016, Poland had the highest share of non-EU startup founders. Additionally, the percentage share of Polish startups earning more than EUR 50,000/12 months has risen from 26% to 46.1% in the last 12 months. 7.7% of them earn more than EUR 500,000. What makes investors so attracted to Poland and the promises it holds for startups?

See some examples of successful Polish startups.

First of all, Poland offers tax incentives for foreign investors, including startup owners. There are cases of total tax exemptions, but usually, it is just a partial tax break, which comes in handy especially for those startups conducting some R&D activities within the first two years of their operations.

Another thing is the existence of special economic zones, where entrepreneurs are guaranteed to receive numerous incentives. In order to affiliate with a particular economic zone, startup owners need to apply for a special government permit. As of May 2017, there are 14 special economic zones, and their main goal is to facilitate the economic growth of particular Polish regions, as well as create new job opportunities. These objectives make it easier to get a government permit than you would expect.

Special economic zones are often accompanied by some additional institutions, such as incubators or accelerators. A good example could be the ?ód? Special Economic Zone where Startup Spark operates as an accelerator, aiming to bring together big companies and young enterprises.

Startups in Poland are still being characterized by their innovation and drive for brand new, non-present on the market solutions. If you feel you match these criteria and are looking for a new outlet for your business creativity, Poland should be your go-to place to check out and act!

Source: StartingThingsUp

Do you have these skills needed in Poland?

Polish employers are unhappy with the lack of skills exhibited by some Polish employees. What does it take to become successful in Polish companies nowadays? A report by Gumtree and Warsaw University reveals what managers and business owners in Poland look for in their workers.

The 2017 report Aktywni+ (Eng. Active+) indicated a few key competencies that are especially sought after in Polish enterprises at the moment and in the near future. They are not necessarily Polish people’s fortes, so if you feel that you possess these skills, give your Polish career a shot.

1. Data management skills: analysis, credibility assessment, researching and logical thinking

While Polish companies provide their employees with the smartest new tools that enable accessing information in no time, all this data still needs to be processed and analysed. Younger Polish generations are more likely to have such skills, but a lot of current employees do not know how to deal with big chunks of data properly. This is where foreign employees, who have mastered this, are more than useful.

2. Technology literacy

In the age of robotics, automation and Artificial Intelligence, cooperation with these new elements of business is necessary. Not all Polish companies have included such advanced techniques in their activities, so if you have experience with that, you are ahead of many Polish candidates. Good thing if you are also good at thinking out of the box, strategy making and finding exceptions to the rules, whenever technology happens to be flawed.

3. Social intelligence

Having the capacity to navigate interpersonal relationships is a huge advantage in any workplace. Positions in Poland, similarly to the rest of the world, evolve in the direction of project and teamwork. Poles, who are quite individual, are still adapting to this change, but if you have already acquired necessary skills and find it easy to cooperate with as well as manage other people, you have a big plus!

4. Flexibility

It is indeed a popular word, but it really is something Polish people may lack. Due to our rocky history and national character, we tend to favour stability over change. In the world where no job is constant, people share the workload and experiment with being employed in more positions at once, you can forget about old-fashioned security. The Polish labour market is opening up to these changes, too, so all those in favour are kindly invited to join this revolution.

Still, thinking you may be just who we are looking for? The report, similarly to the American labour market research conducted by Glassdoor in 2017, points to three jobs that are true professions of tomorrow: Data Scientist, DevOps Engineer and Data Engineer. Combined with the skills mentioned above, it constitutes the recipe for a perfect employee and a true leader of the future.

Source

Which nations do Polish people like the most?

Some countries just seem to get along better than others - often because of shared borders, a common language or history. What other nations do Polish people feel especially connected to? Or to put it simply - what other nations do they like the most?

For almost thirty years, the Polish Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) has surveyed Polish attitudes towards other nations. This year, the respondents were asked to rate twenty three nations on a 7-point scale, ranging from -3 (“dislike”) to +3 (“like very much”), with 0 meaning “neutral”. Are you curious who had the highest score?

The survey results show that more than half of the respondents express positive feelings towards Poland’s neighbours to the south: citizens of Czechia (53%) and Slovakia (52%). Italians follow close behind, taking third place in the ranking (51%), ahead of Americans (50%), the English (49%) and Hungarians (48%). Around 40% of survey respondents hold positive views of Greek (43%), Swedish (41%), Austrian (40%) and Japanese nationals (40%). The above nations are rarely seen in a negative light by Poles. CBOS survey findings indicate that overall, Polish people tend to display fondness, rather than antipathy, for other countries - on average, the respondents expressed their liking for eight different nationalities. Statistically, the most positive attitudes towards other nations are held by people with higher education, living in big cities, in a good financial standing and more often women than men.

According to the researchers, people’s perceptions of other nations are a product of many factors, such as national stereotypes, historical conditioning, own experiences, current events and political relations between said countries. It has also been observed that Polish people generally tend to show a more positive attitude towards nations with a high standard of living, meaning the ones that serve as a positive reference group for them.

**Poland's favourite nations**
	Nation	Positive attitudes*
1	Czech Republic	53%
2	Slovakia	52%
3	Italy	51%
4	USA	50%
5	England	49%
6	Hungary	48%
7	Greece	43%
8	Sweden	41%
9	Austria	40%
10	Japan	40%

*Note that the respondents used a rating scale, meaning they could also choose a neutral option.

donald-trump-polish-kate-william-july-2017-visit-poland.jpg

This July Poland saw two high-profile visits from very prominent public figures. If you are coming to Poland as a tourist and are looking for some tips on what to see, why don’t you take heed? After all, the American President and British royals must have chosen interesting spots to go to! Feel free to be inspired by their picks.

Donald Trump & places he visited

Donald Trump arrived in Poland on 5 July 2017 to attend the Three Seas Initiative summit in Warsaw the following day. He was accompanied by his wife, Melania, and daughter Ivanka, who helped him share the official duties and visited different spots around Warsaw.

Royal Castle

One of the symbols of the city, located in its historic heart, the Royal Castle still serves important functions as one of the official venues for state visits, political gatherings etc. Although completely levelled to the ground during WW2, the reconstructed castle that once hosted Polish kings became a perfect spot to a discussion between the Polish president and his American counterpart, as well as to the Three Seas Initiative panel. For tourists, it makes a wonderful place to visit in all kinds of weather, and is one of the most popular gathering spots in Warsaw.

Copernicus Science Centre

Paying tribute to the great Polish mind, Nicolaus Copernicus, the centre is the largest facility of this kind in Poland. On 6 July 2017 it was toured by Melania Trump accompanied by the Polish First Lady. The American First Lady seemed to be impressed by the centre’s mission to inspire critical and creative thinking. The centre is located in the beautiful district of Powi?le near the Vistula river and is a must-see for those visiting with kids.

POLIN Museum & Ghetto Uprising monument

The impressive POLIN Museum, awarded the Museum of the Year Award in 2016, documents over a thousand years of the history of the Jewish diaspora in Poland. The museum, along with the nearby Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, was visited by Ivanka Trump, who is Jewish herself. Both places are one of the most often visited ones in the Polish capital.

Krasi?ski Square

The last spot selected by Donald Trump to deliver his public speech in Warsaw was the Krasi?ski Square in downtown part of the city. This very historic lot was one of the bloodiest battlegrounds during the Warsaw Rising in 1944, which was stressed in the President’s words. Now it is a picturesque square mixing what was preserved of the Krasi?ski Palace and new buildings, as the monumental Supreme Court, making it a perfect bridge between the past and the presence.

Royal choice by Kate & William

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, arrived in Warsaw on 17 July 2017 for a two-day official state visit before heading to Germany.

Presidential Palace & Krakowskie Przedmie?cie

The first part of the programme was the official greeting in Warsaw by the Polish President and First Lady. It took place in the Presidential Palace, located in the always-busy Krakowskie Przedmie?cie Street, known to every tourist who has ever visited Warsaw. The promenade starting with the Nowy ?wiat Street leads from the city centre straight into the Old Town and the Royal Castle.

Warsaw Rising Museum

Next to the POLIN Museum, the Warsaw Rising Museum is another must-see for those interested in the history of Poland and its capital city in particular. The facility commemorates the desperate efforts of 50,000 Polish underground Home Army soldiers to free Warsaw from German occupation and over 600,000 Varsovians exiled from the city before it was bombarded and torn down as a tragic result of the failed rebellion.

Warsaw Spire

The office building is the place where the royal couple met Polish innovators and startup creators. The Warsaw Spire is not necessarily a tourist attraction, but it won the 2017 MIPIM Award, the Oscar of the property market. Poland aspires to be the Central European hub for all brilliant young minds in the region, and the Heart, a corporate-startup collaboration centre, is based right in the Warsaw Spire, making it one of the hottest business destinations in this part of the world.

Many commented that Prince William and Catherine visited Poland to mitigate Brexit results.
See how Brexit can affect Poland & business in Poland.

Orangery in ?azienki Park

The royal park in Warsaw with its Orangery served as the spot for a Birthday Party for Elizabeth II hosted by the British Ambassador in Poland. ?azienki is a public park open to everyone and a popular place for all Varsovians. In the summer, it is famous for Chopin live music concerts – obligatory for all classical music lovers!

Stutthof

On the second day of their tour, on their way to Gda?sk the Duke and the Dutchess visited the former Nazi German Concentration Camp. It is one of the many remaining former Nazi camps located in Poland that are open to visitors willing to witness the horrors of WW2.

Long Market & Artus Court

In the city of Gda?sk, in a more relaxed atmosphere, the royal visitors strolled down the Long Market down to the Artus Court named after the British medieval King Arthur. It is a popular tourist spot in Gda?sk, a city famous for its merchant roots and amber. This is why the couple was gifted amber accessories – a necklace for Catherine and cufflinks for William. You can buy this stuff all over the Polish coast as well!

Gda?sk Shakespeare Theatre

Prince Charles, Prince William’s father, is the patron of this modern theatre with an Elizabethan twist. It is a must-see for theatre lovers in Gda?sk and all fans of British culture abroad and obviously had to be visited by the British royals.

European Solidarity Centre

The last stop on William and Kate’s tour of Poland was the European Solidarity Centre in Gda?sk, a museum and library dedicated to the social movement that inspired the abolishment of communism in Poland, and eventually in other communist countries. Although you may not be as lucky as the royal couple who met Lech Wa??sa there, it is a place worth visiting if you are in Gda?sk, along with the impressive Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970.

Solidarity symbol on another monument in Gda?sk

Polish cities ranked among safest destinations for travel in 2020

Poland’s two major cities, Gda?sk and Warsaw, have been listed among “Coronavirus-safest destinations to visit in Europe”, a ranking of places least affected by Covid-19 according to European Best Destinations (EBD). The travel website cooperates with Europe’s tourist offices and the EDEN Network (European Destinations of Excellence) to promote sustainable tourism on the continent.

The ranking compiled by EBD takes into account factors such as the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country (up to 600 times fewer than in other European destinations) and health and safety measures implemented by accommodation providers, restaurants or shops - for example, face masks and social distancing requirements. As highlighted in the report, the listed destinations also benefit from proximity to hospitals and a higher number of hospital beds per inhabitant than the majority of European countries.

According to the authors of the ranking, “Poland is one of the most fashionable European countries and Gda?sk is one of its tourist pearls.” Warsaw, on the other hand, “is very rich and human, as are many Polish cities; its people show great respect for traditions but also for the youth”. Most importantly however, Poland has been less affected by the pandemic than a lot of popular summer destinations in Europe: “There is up to 20 times less contamination there than in the most affected countries of Western Europe. No hospital has ever been overloaded and Poland has more hospital beds per inhabitant than the Netherlands or Switzerland”.

Among other “safe” places listed by European Best Destinations are The Azores, Corfu Tbilisi, Vienna, Vilnius, Zagreb and Wild Taiga in Finland.

If you are planning a trip to Poland this year, remember to check the latest updates on travel restrictions in Europe. For more information on currect border restrictions in Poland, read our article: Poland reopens borders to EU travellers.

Listen up! The best podcasts about Poland (in English)

The Debrief

Dive into some of the most intriguing news stories from Poland with the Debrief, an insightful podcast produced by the Thefirstnews.com and presented by John Beauchamp. Every week, the podcast host and his guests take a closer look behind some interesting events from Poland’s past and present. Would you like to find out more about Chopin’s wandering heart, Ba?ka the Bear or a Silesian Princess Diana? Visit The Debrief’s page on Thefirstnews.com.

POLcast

Launched in Canada in 2016, the award-winning podcast is “the first ever English-language podcast about Poland and Poles around the world”. The idea behind POLcast was to create a Poland-themed audio magazine accessible to English-speaking listeners, including the second and third generation of Polish emigrants. According to POLcast, there are 20 million people of Polish descent in the world, but only 6 per cent of them have a communicative command of Polish. What kind of content can you expect from this podcast? Anything Poland-related really: language discussions, stories from the past, conversations about music, literature, cuisine and more.

The KrakCast

The KrakCast is made up of three English-speaking men who have lived in Kraków for “a combined 40+ years” and sometimes meet up to chat about their everyday life in the city or to discuss whatever is making the headlines in Poland - the presidential election, COVID-19 or the Sunday shopping ban. If you are planning a move or a trip to Kraków - give The KrakCast a listen.

The History of Poland

Would you like to broaden your knowledge of Polish history? If you are not one for digging through heavy history books, you may listen to an episode of The History of Poland podcast on your next commute to work. The series host, Trevor Gilbert, will take you on an exciting journey through Poland’s rich and tumultuous past.

Stories from the Eastern West

As the title suggests, this series of podcasts from Culture.pl features a selection of little-known but fascinating stories from Central and Eastern Europe. Visit the podcast’s website to find out how a Polish monk created the first bulletproof vest, what happened when the Rolling Stones visited Warsaw in 1967 or how Ludwik Zamenhof came up with the idea to create an international language - Esperanto.

Notes from Poland

Notes from Poland is an independent, English-language news outlet, providing in-depth analyses of current events and offering a valuable insight into Poland’s political, business or cultural life. If you are looking for balanced news reports, independent political commentary, or would simply like to learn some history of Poland - click here to find all the episodes of the mini-series.

If you are planning on starting or developing your professional career in Poland, you should try looking for a job before moving. Securing a job position will help you obtain a visa or a residence permit as it provides a compelling reason for your stay in Poland. Learn more about different types of contract you can receive from your future employer.

TYPES OF CONTRACT

1. Contract of employment (umowa o prac?)

For the majority of Polish employees, a contract of employment (umowa o prac?) is the preferred type of job contract. It denotes an employment relationship in which the employee receives remuneration from their employer in return for performing work in a set time and place. Contracts of employment are regulated by the Labour Code and should be both drawn up and terminated according to its provisions.

There are a few types of employment contracts, the most common of which are:

• indefinite employment contract

• fixed-term employment contract

• probation period contract

Regardless of its type, a contract of employment should always be concluded in writing. Most employees favour this form of employment as it provides for a number of benefits. Under a contract of employment, you are covered by the social security scheme and entitled to sick leave and paid annual leave (20 or 26 days a year). Most importantly, an indefinite employment contract cannot be terminated without notice, except in limited circumstances such as gross misconduct on the part of the employee.

2. Contract of mandate (umowa zlecenie)

A contract of mandate (umowa zlecenie) is a civil law agreement in which the contractor (or an employee) undertakes to perform specific work or tasks commissioned by the ordering party (the employer). This type of agreement is not regulated by the Labour Code and allows for more flexibility when it comes to working time or the manner in which the work is performed. However, it also means that the employer is not required to grant paid time off or sick leave (sick pay can be covered by the employer at the employee’s request). A contract of mandate can be delegated to a subcontractor and terminated with immediate effect. In 2019, the minimum hourly wage under a contract of mandate amounts to PLN 14.70 (gross).

3. Specific-task contract (umowa o dzie?o)

A specific-task contract (umowa o dzie?o) is a different type of a civil law agreement, regulated by the Civil Code. This kind of contract is often used for commissioning freelance workers, as it focuses on the end result of a given task – be it a newly designed website, a translation or a book. The contractor receives remuneration upon completion of the task, but there is no minimum wage requirement – your pay depends greatly on the type of work you are doing. This kind of work can also be delegated if necessary. Remember that working under a specific-task contract does not entitle you to social security benefits.

PERMISSION TO WORK IN POLAND

Once you have been offered a job position in Poland, you can finally start preparing for the big move. First, it is important that you determine whether you will need a work permit to take up employment in Poland. Naturally, not all foreigners are required to obtain the permit – for example, if you are a citizen of the European Union or an EFTA member state (Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Switzerland), you can skip this part of our guide. If, however, you do need to obtain a work permit, note that there are six different types of the document:

• Type A – applies to foreigners who are employed on the basis of an employment contract or a civil law contract by an entity with a registered office in Poland

• Type B – foreigners who perform a board member function and reside in Poland for a total period exceeding 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months

• Type C – foreigners delegated to Poland for a period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year to perform work for a foreign employer’s branch or subsidiary

• Type D – foreigners delegated to Poland to engage in export services (temporarily) for a foreign employer that does not have a branch or a business activity in Poland

• Type E – foreigners who perform work that does not fall into any of the above categories

• Type S – foreigners who perform seasonal work in Poland (for a period not exceeding 9 months in a calendar year)

Work permits are issued by the relevant voivodeship office or starost office (type “S” permits) and applied for by the employer. Sometimes the application process may require a labour market test – a procedure which proves that there are no suitable candidates for the position on the Polish or the EU market.

DECLARATION OF INTENT TO EMPLOY A FOREIGNER

In some cases it is possible to employ a third-country national without a work permit. Citizens from Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Moldova do not need to possess the document to take up work in Poland for a period not exceeding 6 months within 12 subsequent months. Such workers can be employed on the basis of their employer’s declaration of intent to employ a foreigner. However, the work cannot be performed in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture or tourism as it falls into the seasonal work category.

Every relocation process comes with a certain amount of paperwork, no matter where you are moving. First things first, you need to register your stay in the foreign country. If you have chosen to start your new life in Poland, we are here to help you find your way through the process.

TRAVEL TO POLAND

Depending on where you come from, you may need to obtain a visa in order to cross the Polish border. Travellers from the European Union or the European Economic Area are of course exempt from this obligation, as are citizens of other countries listed on the website of the Polish Office for Foreigners. If your country does not appear on the said list, you will be required to apply for a visa. First, decide on which type of document you need, as there are three types of visa you can apply for:

• Type A – transit visa for third-country nationals

• Type C – short-term visa, allows you to stay in Poland or other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period

• Type D – national visa for stays exceeding 90 days, it is valid for a period of up to one year and allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period

Next, you need to contact the Polish diplomatic or consular post in your area. Most foreigners are asked to visit the e-Consulate website first (www.e-konsulat. gov.pl) and complete their application online before booking an appointment and submitting the required documents in person. Each type of visa requires a slightly different set of documents (depending on the purpose of your stay: tourism, work etc.) but in most cases you will need to prepare: the application form, valid travel document, biometric photo, health insurance and visa fee as well as documents confirming the purpose of your visit, your accommodation in Poland and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your entry, stay and departure.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

If your visa is due to expire soon or if you travel to Poland visa-free but wish to stay for over 90 days, you should apply for a temporary residence permit. This document allows you to remain in Poland for up to three years providing that you have a compelling and well-documented reason for your stay, such as continuing your work, studies or conducting a business. In order to obtain a residence card, you need to make an appointment at your Voivodeship Office (Urz?d Wojewódzki) and submit all the required documents in person. Apart from the application form, a valid travel document and your current photographs, you will need to prepare the documents that validate your reason for stay – it can be a job contract, university ID or any document that may facilitate the process, such as Pole’s Card or EU Blue Card.

It is worth remembering that due to an increasing number of foreigners willing to stay in Poland, the understaffed offices may require more time to process all the applications. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to wait even half a year for a decision on your residence status. However, once you submit your application, you should get a special stamp in your travel document. It allows you to stay in Poland, even if your visa or former residence card has expired.

SETTLE DOWN IN POLAND

Foreigners who have resided in Poland for at least five years (without any major interruptions) can apply for a long-term EU residence permit if they meet a few conditions. This means you are required to have:

• Stable source of income

• Health insurance

• Proven knowledge of the Polish language

However, bear in mind that the required residence time does not include all types of stay. The document cannot be issued on the grounds of studying in Poland or completing your studies here. This kind of residence permit allows you to work only on the territory of Poland (if it was issued here), but you can travel freely to other Schengen countries for up to three months every 180 days. The permit is granted for an indefinite period of time, but the card itself needs to be exchanged after five years.

After a few years of a legal and uninterrupted stay in Poland you may be also eligible for a permanent residence permit. This time however, the required length of residence varies depending on your situation, e.g. if you are married to a Polish citizen, you can apply for the document after three years of marriage, providing that you have lived in Poland for at least two years prior to your application.

The permanent residence permit gives you the right to stay in Poland for an indefinite period of time and to work here without obtaining a work permit. You are also allowed to travel freely to other Schengen countries for up to three months every 180 days. The permanent residence card needs to be exchanged after ten years.

BECOME A POLISH CITIZEN

If you have made Poland your home, why not apply for Polish citizenship? It is by no means required to stay here, but you may want to enjoy all the rights and privileges of a Polish citizen. You can be recognised as one, if you have lived on the territory of Poland for at least three years (the amount of time varies depending on your residency status) and you have passed a Polish language proficiency test (at B1 level or above). The language test may seem a bit of a challenge, but it is the only exam you will have to take during the application process. Unlike some other countries, Poland has no mandatory citizenship exam. Another way to become a Polish citizen, is to direct your request to the President of the Republic of Poland, who has the power to grant citizenship to any foreigner, regardless of their residency status or language proficiency. However, as can be expected, this kind of application needs to be well-justified.

**APPLICATION FEES (AS OF 2019):**
Visa	EUR 0-70
Temporary residence permit	PLN 340
Work permit	PLN 50-200
Permanent residence permit	PLN 640
Long-term EU residence permit	PLN 640
Citizenship	PLN 219

Everyone feels a little under the weather from time to time but the prospect of getting ill seems especially worrying when you are far away from home. Usually, there is really nothing to worry about – you just need to learn a few facts about healthcare in your host country. So, how do you take care of your health in Poland?

PUBLIC HEALTHCARE

All individuals (including foreign citizens) who are legally employed in Poland are registered with the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) and entitled to healthcare benefits. If you are employed under a contract of employment or a contract of mandate, your contributions to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) are deducted from your salary every month. Self-employed individuals are also obliged to register their business with ZUS and to pay their contributions on time.

If you do not fall into any of the above categories (or if you happen to be a non-EU student in Poland) you can register with the National Health Fund on a voluntary basis. In order to do so, you need to submit an application to your local NFZ branch (the addresses can be found at www.nfz.gov. pl) and present a few necessary documents: your passport, a work visa or a residence permit and a confirmation of your student status (if applicable).

Students who have joined the health insurance scheme pay a monthly contribution of around PLN 50. Other individuals are required to pay the full contribution, which amounts to about PLN 450 a month. The following persons are entitled to public health services in Poland:

• lawfully employed workers;

• family members of the insured individual (children, spouse or parents and grandparents – if they live in the same household as the insured);

• individuals insured in other EU countries or EFTA member states.

Citizens of the EU/EFTA countries who are planning a temporary stay in Poland (e.g. students or workers on short-term assignments) may apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in their home countries. The card gives you access to free public health services in the 28 EU countries (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), under the same conditions as all insured citizens of your host country. While the EHIC cannot replace medical travel insurance (it does not cover private or pre-planned medical treatment), it allows you to receive necessary state-funded treatment, if you find yourself in need of one.

THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS

In order to be granted a visa, foreigners from non-EU or EFTA member states are obliged to provide proof of travel medical insurance (coverage of at least EUR 30,000), valid throughout their stay in Poland. Regardless of the type of visa they have applied for, the insurance should be valid across all member states of the Schengen area. If you are a third-country national and you happen to fall ill in Poland, your medical expenses will be reimbursed by your insurance company.

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

During your stay in Poland, you are likely to discover that a lot of Polish residents benefit from both public and private healthcare services. Most of the time, their choice is motivated by practical reasons: on the one hand, private healthcare comes with a number of advantages: reduced waiting times for specialist appointments, faster treatment, modern and more comfortable facilities. On the other hand, it is hardly possible to rely exclusively on private medical insurance as it never covers all health conditions – some more serious illnesses can only be treated in state hospitals and facilities. Apart from that, private health coverage may become very costly in the long run: a single consultation with a general practitioner costs between PLN 80 and PLN 160, depending on your region and healthcare provider. In practice, around half of Polish patients decide to use both options (CBOS, Use of medical services, 2018). Most Poles pay for private dental services and a number of residents opt for private consultations with specialists. Nowadays, it is common for Polish employers to include private healthcare plans in their benefit packages. The option is highly popular with employees and all the more attractive if they can add their family members to the insurance plan.

PRESCRIPTIONS

Some types of medicine can only be sold against a doctor’s prescription. In Poland, prescription drugs are reimbursed by NFZ at different rates. Depending on the type of medication and the reimbursement limit set by NFZ, the medicine may be dispensed free of charge, sold at a flat rate (which means you pay a flat fee of PLN 3.20) or reduced in price by 50% or 30%. Foreigners who are not eligible for healthcare benefits in Poland have to cover the entire cost of the medication. However, they can be reimbursed by their insurance provider back home.

SICK LEAVE IN POLAND

Note that Polish employees cannot “self-certify” their sick leave – it means you are always obliged to provide medical evidence of your illness in order to receive sick pay. Sick pay is covered by your employer for a period not exceeding 33 days in a calendar year and financed in the amount of:

• 80% of your salary or

• 100% of your salary if the absence results from a work-related accident (at work or on the way to/from work), an illness during pregnancy or an examination or operation related to being an organ, cell or tissue donor.

Remember that you need to present the doctor’s certificate to your employer no later than 7 days after the date of issue – otherwise your allowance will be reduced by 25%. If the period of illness extends beyond the above-mentioned limits, you are entitled to receive a sickness allowance (zasi?ek chorobowy) financed by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

Women in Work Index - how's Poland doing?

Looking for a country that supports gender equality and resents wage gaps? Poland should be on your radar. According to PwC’s Women in Work Index, the country is following suit the Nordic states, which have been occupying top positions in such ranking for years.

We are used to thinking of Iceland, Sweden on Norway leading in all rankings on gender equality, but how about adding Poland to this equation? PwC’s fifth update to the Women in Work Index provides the assessment of female empowerment across 33 OECD countries and according to it Polish women have experienced quite an improvement in this matter.

In the ranking, Poland stands out for achieving the largest annual improvement among European countries. The country rose from 12^th to 9^th position due to a fall in female unemployment and an increase in the full-time employment rate. The place right after Finland does seem to translate into quite a success, and reportedly, it is only going to get better.

Poland is said to converge gender pay gaps within the next 20 years, presumably by 2021. Since the Polish gap is already quite low (only 6.7 percent), it may possibly take even less time to close than in other countries.

If you are a woman interested in pursuing a career in Poland, please remember that there is still someplace for improvement. The biggest challenge is increasing the number of women on company boards – right now female boardroom representation amounts to only 19 percent in Polish organizations and could definitely use some improvement.

The benefits of the evening the opportunities for men and women are innumerable; one of the reasons for fighting in favor of even more rapid changes in female empowerment is the boost of the economy of a given country in general. Judging by the results delivered this year by PwC, women working in Poland can rest assured that their work contribution is appreciated and valued. The next survey will hopefully bring even more success on Poland's part.

Top Employers 2017 – who to work for in Poland?

You are educated, talented, and want to give Poland a try… The only matter is choosing the right employer then! Why not take a look at some of the most esteemed workplaces that can provide you with interesting prospects for the future. See the results of the Top Employer 2017 survey.

The Top Employers Polska program aims to provide labor market participants with a list of employers that take extra care of their employees. The best ones are awarded a certificate which is valid for one year only – after this time, they need to prove their excellence from the scratch. The whole process renders the survey reliable and up-to-date for those following its results. On top of that, top employers are motivated to enter the survey and raise the bar year by year.

See what it's like to work for someone from the Top Employers Polska list!
Read more about work in Citi Service Center Poland.

Top Employers Institute has been certifying workplace conditions for over 25 years, operating worldwide in 116 countries. This year, the gala event was accompanied by a discussion on business transparency and was topped with presenting 43 organizations that deserve recognition in Poland. It included some employers active on CareersinPoland.com (the list on the right). You can see the full list of Top Employers Polska 2017 in alphabetical order below.

AbbVie Polska, Accenture Polska, Avon Cosmetics Polska, Bank BG? BNP Paribas S.A., Bank Pekao S.A., Bank Zachodni WBK, Boehringer-Ingelheim, British American Tobacco Polska, BSH Sprz?t Gospodarstwa Domowego Sp. z o.o. , Capgemini Polska Sp. z o.o., Carrefour Polska, Chiesi Poland, Citi Service Center Poland, DHL Express (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Dimension Data Polska Sp. z o.o., Dow, Elica Group Polska , Grupa Goodyear Polska, Grupa Saint-Gobain w Polsce, Imperial Tobacco w Polsce, ING Bank ?l?ski S.A., ista Shared Services Polska, JTI Polska Sp. z o.o., Kaufland Polska Markety Sp. z o.o. Sp. k., Lidl Polska, mBank , McDonald’s Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercer (Polska) Sp. z o.o., Merck Sp. z o.o., MTU Aero Engines Polska, Nationale-Nederlanden, Orange Polska S.A., PageGroup, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., Philip Morris International w Polsce, Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN S.A., Provident Polska S.A., Raiffeisen POLBANK, Roche Polska, T-Mobile Polska S.A., Turek Sp. z o.o., Valeo Polska, Volvo Polska.

Relocating to Poland has its advantages, but to get the full picture, thoroughly examine what else is offered by your new employer. After all, salary is important, but it is worth knowing if there will be some extra perks involved, too.

Private health plan

This benefit is the most common one as well as the most desirable one in Polish companies. Poland’s health system is based on general insurance, but foreigners are not automatically covered by that. This is why most employers provide a private health package for their staff – not only for their foreign employees but also for Poles who prefer more accessible medical services. Each employer usually has a preferred private health company and along with them prepares an offer for their employees. You can choose from different plans co-financed by your company, ranging from the most basic ones to those covering specialist health services, and usually, you can ensure your spouse and children as well. Some of the most popular private medical companies include Polmed, LUX MED, or Medicover.

How does the Polish health system work?
Learn more about health insurance in Poland.

Life insurance

It is quite a popular benefit which, if provided by your employer, guarantees a life insurance plan for a specified period of time. In choosing it, please remember to check the period it covers. It may happen to be longer than your employment in the company and after that, you may be obliged to pay full contributions yourself.

Cafeteria plan

Broad cafeteria plans are pretty popular in companies in Poland. They enable employees to use up money from their flexible spending account on different types of benefits, ranging from pre-paid gift cards and gym memberships to theatre tickets or even dental care. The offer is once again customized by your company and the biggest advantage of the cafeteria plan is that it is the employee who decides what to spend their money on.

Lunch coupons

This specific kind of benefit may operate in various ways. If your company or office building has its own cafeteria, they may finance or co-finance your everyday meals. Sometimes, however, employers offer even a broader type of benefit – food coupons, which can be used in standard shops to buy everyday food products.

Language courses

Depending on the company, language courses can be fully financed or co-financed by your employer. The lessons usually take place before or after your typical working hours in small groups. Higher-level company officials may have individual lessons with a tutor hired by the corporate. Occasionally, if a company employs large numbers of foreigners, there are less formal forms of language studying, e.g. language tandems or other grassroots movements, which are later facilitated by the employer.

Postgraduate studies/professional courses

A lot of companies requiring high-level skills decide to co-finance your professional courses or MBA studies. In Poland, it is standard practice that they want something in return – in this case, your loyalty. Make sure you are satisfied with your employer before taking this opportunity offered by them.

Discounts on company products

Not all companies in Poland can offer such benefits, but if their product is commonly used, it can help you save a lot. Be it a loan from your bank or a discount on a new car – it is an advantage worth considering if you are a fan of the brand you work for.

Do you think that benefits like these can persuade a foreigner to relocate to Poland? Would you prefer to have a lower salary with many additional perks or earn more and have no benefits at all?

Talent Shortage - who are Polish employers looking for? ManpowerGroup Survey 2016

Employers across the globe are facing the most acute talent shortage since the recession, according to the latest Talent Shortage Survey, released by ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN). Of the more than 42,000 employers surveyed, 40% are experiencing difficulties filling roles; the highest level since 2007. In Poland, this amounts to 45%!

ManpowerGroup has released the results both from the global perspective as well as focusing on the Polish job market. In Poland, the hardest jobs to fill remain skilled trade workers, topping the list for a few consecutive years now. The group contains such professionals as electricians, carpenters, welders, bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers, masons, and more. Drivers (truck, lorry, heavy goods, delivery, heavy equipment, and construction drivers) are the second most sought-after professional group, while engineers close the TOP3 in the survey. The full list is presented below:

Skilled trade workers
Drivers
Engineers
Production/Machine Operations
Unskilled workers
Technicians
Hospitality jobs
IT staff
Doctors and medical staff
Sales executives

Troubles encountered by Polish companies are typical for the entire region. Employers in EMEA are facing talent shortages at the highest levels since 2006, with 36% of employers reporting difficulty filling vacancies, a rise from 32% in 2015. Employers in Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece face the most acute difficulties. Those reporting the least difficulty include Norway, the Netherlands, UK, and Ireland, so Poland can be placed somewhere in between the two groups. As in every year since 2007, employers in the EMEA region report skilled trades roles as the most difficult positions to fill followed by drivers, engineers, and sales representatives.

The report can give you insight into what positions are really in demand at the moment in Poland, so if you are planning to relocate here, take a closer look at these results. This year there are no finance & accounting jobs in TOP10, but that does not mean that there is no such job offers on our website - be sure to check our ads in finance, accounting, and BPO here!

The business services sector in Poland, the potential of Rzeszów, career opportunities in Audit Delivery Center (ADC) and Finance departments in Deloitte Central Europe Business Services Center (DCE BSC) are the topics we will discuss with Pavel Frnoch, DCE BSC Leader, and Tomasz Ustrobi?ski, ADC Operating Manager in DCE BSC, a native of Rzeszów.

Deloitte CE Business Services Center office is based in Rzeszów, Poland. Why is this country an attractive destination for international investors?

PAVEL: The Polish shared services market is the one to report the highest growth in Central Europe. When looking at the map of Poland one can easily spot regions where BSCs smaller than those of Bangalore (India) are set up, but from the point of view of Germany or the United Kingdom, Poland is easier to reach and provides more advantageous conditions to do business and supervise such centers.

What makes living in Rzeszów interesting? Is it a foreigner-friendly city?

PAVEL: It is a young electrifying city. Rzeszów has the highest percentage of students (per 1,000 citizens) in the entire European Union. The size of the city is its enormous advantage, as one can get to any place in Rzeszów within 15 minutes. Moreover, the capital of the Podkarpacie region offers comfortable and modern transportation facilities and infrastructures, such as the airport and the motorway, as well as efficient public transport. I highly value these aspects as a foreigner myself.

What makes Deloitte Central Europe Business Services Center stand out as an employer?

PAVEL: For many candidates, work in the BSCs is attractive, because it provides the opportunity to learn new competencies and best practices that had been developed in the global network for many years. With a satisfactory work-life balance, it is a great opportunity for the Millennials. We are located in SkyRes Building at Warszawska Street in Rzeszów. Our office is the first modern A Class building in Rzeszów. It has been designed in accordance with the latest standards and its office space arrangement ensures optimal work conditions, comparable to other Deloitte offices in Poland.

Deloitte is a major international company. Which processes and for which regions are delivered in your Rzeszów BSC?

PAVEL: Deloitte Central Europe Business Services Center in Rzeszów provides finance and accounting, IT, and Quality & Risk management services for Deloitte firms in 18 countries. Further, it supports Deloitte audit teams that provide audit services to clients across the CE region. The main purpose of DCE BSC in Rzeszów is to streamline and standardize business functions. In the future, DCE BSC wants to expand the scope of provided services to include other areas and clients operating in both Europe and elsewhere. Not only is it a significant element of the growth strategy followed by Deloitte CE and Deloitte Poland, but also a key driver of foreign investment in Rzeszów and in the Podkarpacie region.

What is the main focus of your department?

TOMEK: The Audit Delivery Center team supports Deloitte audit teams across Central Europe providing high-quality services from a central location. The ADC team helps Deloitte’s auditors performing selected audit tasks which include data analysis, statistical sampling for audit, audit confirmations, and many other aspects pertaining to audits of financial statements. Our innovative approach to audit brings additional benefits to Deloitte clients in the form of leading practices and insights collected over a large population of engagements, standardized audit delivery, and application of innovative analytical tools, which results in top service quality.

PAVEL: The Finance team is composed of finance professionals, both Juniors and Seniors. Our ambition is to have both the transactional part of the finance and the Center of Excellence in Rzeszów in near future. We are currently supporting our largest practices in the CE region (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania), preparing for the next expansion wave to cover all Deloitte CE. From the transactional process point of view, we are focusing on activities such as Account Payables, Account Receivables, Cash Collection, Expense Report processing, and General Ledger operations. Speaking about the Center of Excellence, I would mention treasury activities, reporting, tax compliance, and Management Accounting where we are building-specific expertise. In many cases, we do not just lift and shift existing processes, but we are able to deliver high-quality service to our customer's thanks to technology improvements.

Is innovation a permanent aspect of your day-to-day activities at Deloitte?

PAVEL: Automation and standardization of business centers help improve efficiency and quality. A complex organization, diversified in terms of culture, language, and other local characteristics, operating under one global brand in line with common standards of behavior and service, needs appropriate instruments and tools. Although complex and multi-faceted, the Business Services Center is an efficient business tool.

In finance and audit, do you use solutions related to other areas, such as IT-based solutions?

PAVEL: Of course – technology supports real-time communication and enables people all over the world to participate in complex processes. Additionally, it streamlines, simplifies, and standardizes the performance of a number of tasks.

Does Deloitte offer entry-level positions for young graduates? What skills must a candidate possess in order to become part of Deloitte?

TOMEK: We are looking for ambitious people, who want to advance their careers in an international working environment. If you are a graduate of a university of economics, specialized in technology or humanities if you speak fluent English, have working knowledge of a Central European language plus analytical and teamwork skills - join us! Foreign language proficiency is a big asset in the labor market.

Which languages are particularly attractive for Deloitte?

TOMEK: English is our regular communication language. Good knowledge of Czech, Slovak, Romanian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, or even Croatian would be an additional advantage. Also, if you are thinking about an ADC career and can speak German, we are looking for an employee like you!

How does your sector help young people become professionals? How can they utilize their new skills in the future?

PAVEL: Deloitte gives you access to our global network resources. Our professionals are at the leading edge of global trends in international business and government organizations. Professional experience of diverse talents accumulates, while cultural and language differences prove less challenging than inconsistent process standards. Moreover, process standardization helps mitigate risks and drive sustainable growth.

Working in a multicultural environment is at the same time encouraging and very challenging. ?How does Deloitte create a workplace where employees can express their individuality?

PAVEL: Our brand is our people. New employees join Deloitte for many reasons, also because they want to become Deloitte people. We recognize that a culture that celebrates individuality and leverages differences represents an enormous competitive advantage. Simply put, a workplace where people feel valued and included is a place where people thrive.

What are your recruitment plans for 2016/2017?

PAVEL: The capital of Podkarpacie has already seen over 150 new jobs created by Deloitte Central Europe Business Services Center in a short time and by 2021, the headcount is expected to increase to over 300 people.

What kind of career prospects does Deloitte offer to its employees?

TOMEK: When you join Deloitte, you join a powerful global network of talented professionals. We provide opportunities to build lifelong connections with colleagues and clients all around the world because we perform better when we connect the dots between our people and their strengths. Whether you are taking the first steps or looking to move to the next level, working at Deloitte empowers you to build a career that is best for you. The reason why we are one of the most sought-after employers in the country is that we offer meaningful development opportunities.

Pavel French

ACCA, MBA, Deloitte CE Business Services Center Leader. Joined Deloitte in 2002; Financial
services professional with more than 13 years of experience in Finance, including CFO and COO
positions in Deloitte Balkan. Over the last 2 years responsible for the transformation of Finance
Departments in Deloitte CE and development of the DCE Business Services in Rzeszów.

Tomasz Ustrobi?ski

A chartered certified accountant (ACCA) and a certified internal auditor (CIA); a proficient financial services professional with ten years of experience in finance departments, including 5 years in internal audit, being
responsible for financial and operational compliance as well as risk management. Joined Deloitte in September 2016 taking the role of ADC Operating Manager at BSC in Rzeszów.

From Network Operator to Programme Manager

How to get from Network Operator to Programme Manager? We interview ?ukasz Nie?cierowicz who boosted his IT career at Atos in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

How did your career at Atos begin?

My career started in Network Security & Communications Services team (currently NDCS), where I was responsible for operating the internal network of the company and other various Dutch clients. I have been working there for one year and a half and during that time I have learned a lot of very useful skills, e.g. I realized how important in critical situations the teamwork is. I also got familiar with various tools that are used in our company and I had a chance to understand what operational teams actually do.

You came here to work as a technician and now you are managing projects – how did this happen?

I have been interested in project management for quite a long time. And that is why, after about one year of working in Atos, when I heard that PPM is planning to conduct Atos Academy, I decided to apply for it with no hesitation.

What exactly is Atos Academy?

Atos Academy offers free weekend training sessions for Atos current and future/prospect employees. All of the training is about a specific area of work and they are prepared by Atos specialists. After completing the course, the best attendees can count on a job offer from their chosen department. This is how I was offered a post in PPM team.

And this is how your journey with project management started…

Indeed. At first, I was working as a Project Coordinator and from the very beginning, I was involved in one of our very important external projects. The main objective was to create service documentation in accordance with a newly developing platform for around 15 services which with their offer fully cover two of the departments in our company. I was responsible for preparing documentation for 3 of such services and the knowledge that I gained in my previous role in NDCS helped a lot. The project scope also included creation, validation and obtaining approval for about 40 different technical documents created by Atos architects.

Quite a complicated project to start from…

That’s right. The biggest challenge here was the cooperation with IT architects who are extremely busy all the time. The second challenge was the fact that all of the documents had to be prepared in line with the new environment that we were creating, which was supposed to cover all ITIL processes in our company. At that time we were using a number of different tools in different countries which were not always compatible with each other. The new platform was supposed to be a holistic solution – it was meant to be a system for monitoring many aspects from, for example, monitoring our clients’ tools to a portal, where our clients could see all the SLA reports, problems and change statuses. Because of the fact that this system was in the conceptual stage, we often had to deal with different changes. Together with our IT architects, we were trying to understand how the whole system is going to look like and how the changes are going to influence the services.

And how did your career progress after that?

After 6 months, I was promoted to a Project Leader’s position. I was still working on the same project but my responsibilities expanded. I was now responsible for not only three but all of the services. But of course, it all happened gradually, month by month the number of my tasks was increasing. After the project closure, the solutions that we developed were handed over to the operational departments and I was tasked to lead three new projects.

And what were your responsibilities then?

I was responsible for the preparation of new services for our clients. This time, my team also had to prepare the service, which involves building the technical solution, testing, organizing the support team and preparing all the documentation. And while I was working on these tasks, I received an offer to take over the even bigger project for one of Atos’s most valuable clients. Obviously, I agreed as this was a huge challenge for me – I became responsible for offshoring, which meant the effective knowledge transfer from Western Europe countries to Poland.

You are currently working as a Programme Manager – how did this happen?

After two years of working on a project related to the change of equipment, I was promoted to a Senior Project Manager position and I continued to lead on this project for one more year until I received another very interesting proposition – managing innovative programme for the same key client. I accepted this offer right away. I handed over my foregoing responsibilities to one of my colleagues and I became a Programme Manager. Currently, I’ve got two Project Managers and one Project Leader in my team, and together we manage to implement IPsoft solution in Atos environment. We are one of the first companies who are implementing such an idea.

What does think is the most important in your job?

This job requires you to stay focused all the time and you should definitely trust people who work with you. I am really glad that I have a team of very good specialists form the US, Romania and Poland. This mixture of cultures gives us an opportunity to exchange different points of view and also teaches us how to deal with issues or problems that result from cultural differences. I do believe that effective communication is the key to this job. In order to identify problems on time and react promptly to any changes, we have daily meetings with our team as well as with our external supplier.

What do you appreciate the most in your job?

I think that we have a very good atmosphere in our Bydgoszcz office. Sometimes I even regret that I cannot be there every day. But on the other hand, I really appreciate the possibility to work remotely, I work from home for 3 weeks in a month, which means that I have more time for my family and I can also live outside of Bydgoszcz.

And what motivates you the most?

I am always motivated by new challenges. Working as a Network Operator was very interesting at the beginning, however, after one year my tasks became quite predictable. As a Project Manager, or now a Programme Manager, I constantly face interesting challenges, which is very stimulating and this is my main motivator.

What was your most difficult project?

The Programme that I am managing now is definitely the most difficult one. This is mainly because of the fact that it is dependent on other programmes. I also need to cooperate with an external supplier, manage a group of PMs, solve everyday problems, obtain agreements and report to people who are managing a huge part of a company with almost 100k employees.

Do you think that the role of Programme Manager is a prospective one?

I believe that such a role is essential in every bigger company or organization. There should always be someone who takes care of and monitors the company’s business targets and who knows how to use the resources effectively or how to adapt to market changes.

Our expert:

?ukasz Nie?cierowicz who works as Senior Project Manager at Atos

Certified Project and Programme Manager with broad networking knowledge, specialising in infrastructure projects as well as IT tools supporting ITIL processes. Experienced in offshoring projects, service implementation, migration and transformation. Currently, a Senior Project Manager, with Programme Manager role in Bydgoszcz office, managing an innovative programme of IT services automation for one Atos’s key clients.

The IT sector is not only about the secret knowledge possessed by programmers. Common misconceptions do not do justice to the variety of IT jobs. Thanks to recent market trends, Polish IT's offer is expanding and verging on non-traditional areas.

Poland sees the IT sector as one of the most robust industries within its economy, with IT services being its largest component, constituting the share of up to 29 percent of the entire IT market value and employing about 140,000 people. Despite declines on international IT markets (Gartner 2016), Poland's IT is supposed to grow 6 percent per year according to the Future Market Insights forecast for 2020. It is facilitated by the inflow of foreign investment, advanced technology, mergers and acquisitions, which introduce diverse IT companies to the market. Over 55,000 large IT employers offer services ranging from technology & telecom (the biggest group) and BPO services, to banking, insurance and other financial areas. Seeing the vastness of IT in Poland, a popular yet thoroughly wrong idea that all these organisations comprise solely of programmers needs revision. Programming is indeed a core element, but apart from Java or C# experts, modern Polish companies seek a broader spectrum of candidates. There are a few job positions we need to keep an eye on and the ABSL IT Services Market in Poland report (2015) confirms that employers in Poland are highly interested in narrow specialisations. Thanks to the professional profiles below, foreigners can see which direction to take in order for their Polish career to thrive.

Project management

This field of IT activities is on the rise and over 90 percent of Polish companies focus on training efficient project managers, as agile methodologies are to stay for good in Poland. PMs, as they are often called, are born organisers – they ensure that all activities are finished on time and within the specified budget, launch new products and software, delineate responsibility and are the first ones to embrace change. This position is obviously not restricted to the IT sector, but its popularity in this field is growing. The requirements are pretty high and consist of a mixture of soft skills, leadership abilities and expert technical knowledge related to the type of business a company is focused on.

Project manager’s common tasks:

planning, scoping and organising resources, budget and schedule;
reporting to the management about project status and mapping project risks;
mentoring team members;
distributing tasks and managing people;
troubleshooting.

In Polish companies PM positions are often acting as Scrum Masters.

Business System Analysis

43 percent of IT companies operating in Poland provide services related to the field of business analysis. Analysts of business systems are often members of Quality Assurance teams within their organisations. In this position it is desired for them to have previous knowledge of computer science (preferably a degree), but also strong interpersonal skills and a business-oriented mind. Their task is to improve processes after having deduced what fails to work properly. This requires interaction with managers and system users, determining business system goals, and finally implementing changes with the use of integration technologies.

Business system analyst’s common tasks:

communication with co-users of the system and providing guidance for them;
designing and formatting system frame;
ensuring cost-effective and efficient solutions;
designing flowcharts for programmers to follow;
troubleshooting.

Know-it-all - if that is how you can be described, this job is for you.

Data administration

Data is the new business currency and figures prove it: 44 percent of Polish IT companies provide data-related services. Those who enjoy mixing IT knowledge with new technologies may find this area of IT activities particularly close to their interests and become for instance DBAs, short for database administrators. DBAs take care of databases within a company they are part of, making extra sure that they run smoothly and are properly secured. This position requires knowledge of database systems, so getting familiar with SQL, Unix and DBMS is a focal point for candidates. The responsibilities may obviously vary – from simply maintaining of a database, to developing it in order to adjust it to users’ needs.

Database administrator’s common tasks:

establishing user needs;
monitoring security and access solutions;
making and reviewing technical design plans;
implementing and testing new versions of databases;;
recovering lost data and troubleshooting;
upgrading and patching if necessary.

Which is faster? Inserting 1 million rows of data or updating them? – you can expect such a question!

Cloud services

Data storage is one of the most burning questions in modern organizations. Although there are data administration services, a specific subgroup of them has been emerging in Polish IT companies – cloud services. One of the most common positions is that of a cloud architect, who helps build cloud computing systems. Thanks to the companies can be actually based in their entirety on clouds, which in turn allows easy access to all sorts of data for all members of a given organization. The job requires, apart from certain technical skills usually related to network engineering and security management, innovation, and thirst for more visionary improvements. Choose this position if you truly enjoy looking up… to the clouds.

Cloud architect’s common tasks:

designing solution implementation;
maintaining system architecture;
supporting current clients’ needs;
providing backup;
constant system monitoring.

Will we need hard discs in the future if all our data is going to be stored in cloud systems?

Testing

The necessity of avoiding pitfalls makes testers invaluable to every kind of business. Testing takes place in software development, applications, and even computer games, and the ABSL report mentions it as one of the narrow specializations that employers are really interested in. Thanks to the process, a certain product is proven to meet technical and business requirements that have been set forth. Testers are not necessarily programmers, but they do need to have some specific knowledge of coding in order to spot where their product is likely to crash. They can join a certain project from the start or be introduced towards the end of works in order to review it in a critical moment right before implementation. The job of a tester sometimes requires working in a larger team, so soft skills may be broadly applicable as well.

Tester’s common tasks:

reviewing software requirements;
analysing and designing test cases;
preparing test scripts;
project planning;
reporting and documenting test results.

September 9th is the international Tester’s Day.

Network infrastructure

Most companies have dedicated networks, which need constant attention and supervision. Corporate networks can be really complex and may require special certifications from their potential admins, often called engineers. There is a lot of networks to work with, the most common ones starting with LANs (those limited to an office or a building), WANs (covering national or even international areas), WLANs (wireless local area networks) or VoIPs (the Internet telephony – voice over IP). Moreover, network engineers should be communicative and possess problem-solving skills – they often work as IT support for their colleagues. Their duties vary depending on the type of network they serve and the company.

Network engineer’s common tasks:

setting up corporate networks;
constant improvement of current solutions;
integrating LAN, WAN, Internet, and intranet components;
reporting network statuses;
cooperating with PMs, DBAs and other IT workers support and troubleshooting.

The number of jobs will grow steadily up to 8 percent through 2024 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The list of a few narrow specializations favored by Polish employers in the IT sector is the beginning of arising more sought-after positions in the years to come. In 2020, the IT market in Poland is projected to reach the value of USD 6,245.8 million and the country is one of the places to look out for among other key IT players. Young graduates and older experts can all choose from the spectrum of jobs related to databases, networks, software, and computer systems… The major advantage? New fields emerge so rapidly that a new niche is created for qualified experts almost every day. Staying out of Poland means missing out on some major opportunities from the IT sector.

Our experts:

Adrien Martignoles

Systems Engineer at Infosys Poland
In Poland since October 2014
Joined IT in 2013

Working in IT is like being a student all your life: there are always new things to discover. Although I am a Software Engineer, I have
a very active part in all the steps of the software life cycle and can watch it being used by a large number of people all around the
world. This is where I see the importance of IT for the business.

Nils Proksch

HPIT Global Delivery Information Management EMEA at Hewlett Packard Enterprise
In Poland since 2017
Joined IT in 2006

In most modern companies, business and IT departments are converging, while IT resources become more and more business-focused. Our role as an IT department is to increase the business value by providing the right technologies. Therefore, you need to engage with the business counterparts and understand the processes and requirements. That gives you a unique insight into multiple areas.

Is a financial institution a place just for economists? Can an artistic soul enjoy a highly organized space and routine? Take a look at the story of a sensitive girl who always sees the world in bright colors, despite wearing black all the time.

I was sitting on the rocky bank of a fjord, completing the last pieces of my master’s project and looking into the distance. I was thinking about the time that had passed, things I had done and people I had met. I was about to get a degree in architecture and decide what I should dedicate my life to but I was still uncertain about that.

I used to teach in a drawing school and worked with great architects on international competitions. That was challenging but what I liked about architecture was its connection with visual arts – the process of project design and presentation. I used to present my thoughts at academic conferences which was rewarding and appreciated thanks to my outstanding ideas and presentation skills. During the studies I also participated in a leadership program. In the meantime I took up a sales assistant and a waitress job. I wanted to challenge myself as a team-worker. Additionally, I found a passion for wine culture thanks to trainings I received in an Italian restaurant. In the end, I declined a PhD contract in order to chase new opportunities in Norway. With this wide array of interests I have always been an artist taking on different roles, eager to explore the world. In every discipline I was looking for a chance to use my manual skills and to express my individuality. Nevertheless, I did not want to make art for a living as I prefer not to be bounded by any frames. I was floating between imagination and reality.

In Bergen, where I lived for two years, I finally found peace and life balance. I developed the ability to look at the bright side and accept the reality the way it is. I learned to like rain, following the example of Bergen natives who say that there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothes. However, I stopped enjoying living far away from my family and friends, no matter how wonderful and hospitable the country was.

I left Norway and as a Nordic language speaker and an enthusiast of the city, I hoped to work for Nordea in ?ód?. I wished for a job that would enable me to develop my Norwegian and to live an organized life. Now that I am back, I can see the advantages of working in a Scandinavian culture. Spending your day in a stressful environment is harmful, that is why I appreciate the peaceful and learning-centred atmosphere in Nordea, its soft ambience and a workspace full of plants.

The company puts a lot of resources into training, to ensure high quality of task performance. Nordea is focused on work-life balance. I do not take work home so I can devote my free time to hobbies, cooking and sport. Moreover, the company offers numerous development opportunities. One choses a desired path based on individual preferences and skills. Nordea also supports sport and cultural initiatives. Have you heard about some other company where employees play the instruments in an open-space office after work?

In addition, I should mention that the city is unique and its extraordinary beauty invites me to explore it every day. In ?ód? you will not find a typical market square with a statue in the middle. However, every corner of the city is marked by the history of textile industry and manufacturing. The combination of brick buildings, traditional and modern tenements with municipal parks full of unique tree species is stunning. It is strange, but it makes everything better. It is the contrasts that I like here most. Some districts look like time stopped there years ago. It is sentimental to see small private shops in the era of global chains. The local folklore of the Ba?uty housing estates may be shocking but it is intriguing as well. I ride my self-renovated bicycle everyday and admire this city more and more. The city offers as many cultural, social and sport activities as other big European cities. I feel very welcomed here.

Ewelina Sypek

Junior Process Officer in Norwegian Processing Team 5

Master of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and a perfect housewife in her personal life. A painter and an amateur illustrator focused on arts, cultural life and self-development. Speaks Polish, English, Norwegian and Spanish.

Would you like to meet Ewelina at Nordea? Browse job offers of Nordea ?ód?.

everything-you-need-to-know-about-reporting-and-analysis-department-of-shell-business-operations

The Reporting and Analysis department of Shell Business Operations Kraków is the financial heart of the company, covering the EMEA region - Europe, Africa and parts of Central Asia. We have talked with Shell's Reporting and Accounting Managers, Anna K?sek and Agnieszka Noworyta, about the skills necessary to take up a job in the department and opportunities that await future R&A employees.

Finance Analyst/Senior Finance Analyst, Accountant/Senior Accountant
Reporting & Accounting Manager, Financial Controller
Group Reporting Advisor/Senior Group Reporting Advisor
Business Analyst/Senior Business Analyst

We have talked with Anna K?sek, Financial Accounting and Reporting Lead – Europe, and Agnieszka Noworyta, R&A Manager, about work and possible development opportunities in the R&A department.

R&A roles

1. How are the job positions in R&A different and what do they have in common?

All of these roles share one common denominator – subject-matter knowledge.

Roles in group reporting teams will be more attractive to professionals with good knowledge of international accounting standards, ACCA/CIMA certifications. These roles are often taken by people with audit experience.
Jobs in planning and appraisal will be better suited to employees who feel comfortable working on large datasets and can cooperate with a bigger number of people involved in the budgeting process.
For those interested in accounting in a broader sense, R&A processing teams will be a better choice - these teams take care of general ledger accounting, balance sheet reconciliation, fixed assets accounting and financial statement submissions.

Employees who would like to take leadership roles are of course required to have experience in team management.

Aptitude for working in the R&A department

2. What skills are necessary to work in the R&A department?

The required entry-level competencies are fundamental finance and accounting understanding and the ability to draw conclusions from data analysis.

Most of our employees have a relevant university degree in finance, accounting or economics. When it comes to highly specialized positions, ACCA, CIMA or audit certifications as well as our Polish ones such as chief accountant (g?ówny ksi?gowy) or chartered accountant (bieg?y ksi?gowy) are an additional asset. For employees who wish to enhance their skills in finance, Shell provides supplementary funding to help cover the costs of international study courses and qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or a chartered accountant qualification.

Career development in R&A

3. What development opportunities can you offer to your employees in R&A?

Vertical and horizontal development in R&A

4. What kind of career prospects can you expect in the R&A department?

In the same way, the role of business analyst differs from the senior business analyst in task complexity and the position of the task recipient in the organisation hierarchy.

Shell Business Operations as a good workplace

5. What makes Shell Business Operations a good place to work?

Our experts:

Anna K?sek

Financial Accounting and Reporting Lead – Europe

She graduated from Cracow University of Economics followed by ACCA postgraduate studies. Having gained several years of experience in finance, she joined Shell in 2008 as Junior General Ledger Team Manager, initially to oversee the migration process of financial reporting preparation and then to manage general ledger, fixed assets and reporting teams. For two years she led a global project transferring the roles of financial controllers from their original locations to five SBO centres in Kraków, Glasgow, Chennai, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. Currently she is a manager of a sizeable team in Kraków, which is responsible for preparation, analysis and reporting of financial reports for Shell's European companies in the Downstream business.

Agnieszka Noworyta

R&A Manager

She has worked for Shell for 12 years, starting as Operations Manager, when she was made resposible for migration of operations from Shell entities to the centre in Kraków. She spent a few years in Credit Department, managing credit assessment and collections teams, before she was appointed Process Manager in Cash Management managing teams across centres. Currently she is a manager of a team in Kraków, which is responsible for preparation, analysis and reporting of financial reports for Shell's companies in the Upstream business. She holds ACCA and MBA qualifications.

3+4: Shell's R&A department from the managers' point of view

We have posed seven questions to two experienced managers at the Reporting & Analysis department of Shell. Read our interview below to learn what development opportunities await professionals working at the very centre of Shell’s global businesses.

Find your own world

Challenges & opportunities

Development is the key

Our expert:

Dominik Sowa, Chief Architect at ING Services Polska

The one thing you should never leave off your Polish CV

You seem like a perfect fit for the job and still not getting any calls back. What could be the reason? Check if you have included this information in your resume!

When applying for a job abroad, it is worth remembering that certain rules of CV writing may vary from country to country. For example, putting a photo on your CV is still considered a must by many Polish recruiters, whereas in the UK it is a no-no. If you are sending an application to a Polish company, always make sure that it includes your written consent to the processing of your personal data. Otherwise, the recruiters will not be legally permitted to process your application!

Fortunately, most companies include the relevant statement in their job postings and your task is to simply copy-paste it to the bottom of your CV. If you are not provided with any specific phrase, it is best to use a general one, such as:

Wyra?am zgod? na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych przez (company name) w celu prowadzenia rekrutacji na aplikowane przeze mnie stanowisko.

The above sentence means:

I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application to be processed by (company name) for the purposes of the recruitment process.

A lot of candidates from Poland choose to use a longer statement, which invokes the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, Polish: RODO):

Wyra?am zgod? na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych w celu rekrutacji zgodnie z art. 6 ust. 1 lit. a Rozporz?dzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2016/679 z dnia 27 kwietnia 2016 r. w sprawie ochrony osób fizycznych w zwi?zku z przetwarzaniem danych osobowych i w sprawie swobodnego przep?ywu takich danych oraz uchylenia dyrektywy 95/46/WE (ogólne rozporz?dzenie o ochronie danych).

The latter can be translated as:

I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process in accordance with Art. 6 paragraph 1 letter a of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).

Note that if you would like to be considered for any other position within the company, you should consent to the processing of your personal data in future recruitment processes:

Wyra?am zgod? na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych przez (company name) równie? na potrzeby przysz?ych rekrutacji.
I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application to be processed by (company name) for the purposes of future recruitment processes.

If you are in need of an English-language statement, the following is probably the most common one:

I hereby consent to my personal data being processed by (company name) for the purpose of considering my application for the vacancy advertised under reference number (...)

For more advice on CV writing, take a look at these 6 resume tips to help you land a job in Poland!

Poland ranks high on Women in Work Index 2019

According to this year's Women in Work Index by PwC, Poland has made huge progress towards gender equality in the workplace over the last few years. The country scored even higher in the ranking than Canada, Switzerland or the United States.

PwC’s annual Women in Work Index presents female participation and empowerment in the labour market across 33 OECD countries, taking into consideration such indicators as: gender pay and employment gap, female full-time employment and unemployment rate as well as labour force participation rate.

This year, Poland was once again ranked in the top 10 of countries that are considered best for female employees. The first two positions on the Index were invariably occupied by Nordic countries - Iceland and Sweden, known leaders on gender equality. The third place in this year’s ranking was taken by New Zealand, while Poland moved up from 9th to 8th position compared to 2018. With a gender pay gap of only 5 per cent and a low unemployment rate, the Polish labour market seems attractive for female workers. As can be read in the report, “since 2000, Luxembourg and Poland have made the largest improvements on the Index”. Luxembourg rose by 17 and Poland by 11 positions in the ranking over the last two decades.

However, as noted in the PwC's report, while gender equality in the workplace has definitely improved, it is far too early for complacency: "women in the OECD still face significant challenges and inequalities in the workplace". Poland, for example, has one of the lowest rates of female labour force participation in the OECD - only 63 per cent, compared to Iceland's 87 per cent. Therefore, PwC has once again stressed the importance of women's economic empowerment:

Everyone has a stake in ensuring women have equal opportunities in the world of work. The evidence is clear. Our Women in Work Index shows that improving female participation in work across the OECD could boost OECD GDP by US$6 trillion, while closing the gender pay gap could boost GDP by US$2 trillion.

What can we do to improve women's role in the world economy?

Read about the Women's Entrepreneurship Day initiative.

Source: Women in Work Index 2019

Chilly at work? Employers, do not let your workers freeze

Sub-zero temperatures in winter surprise no one in Poland but what if the cold weather affects your productivity and keeps you from getting your job done? First things first, get yourself a cup of tea, put your scarf on and make sure that your workplace complies with all health and safety regulations.

Occupational Health and Safety

Pa?stwowa Inspekcja Pracy (The National Labour Inspectorate) is an authority responsible for the regulation and enforcement of Polish labour law and occupational health and safety policies (called BHP - Bezpiecze?stwo i Higiena Pracy). The regulations impose requirements on employers regarding safe and healthy workplace environment. It is the employer's duty to maintain comfortable working conditions, including a proper room temperature.

Working indoors

Employers should ensure that the temperature provided in the workplace is suitable for the type of work being carried out. According to the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 26 September 1997, the minimum temperature in an office should not be lower than 18 degrees Celsius. What is the ideal temperature for desk workers then? Although the optimal conditions are not specified by health and safety regulations, most experts agree that a room temperature of around 20-22 degrees is most comfortable in winter.

If the performed work requires more physical effort (for example in production halls), the temperature should be at least 14 degrees Celsius, unless it is not feasible for technical reasons (for instance, due to being carried out in a cold room).

Working outdoors

Extra precautions should be taken from November till the end of March to protect outdoor workers from cold weather. If the temperature outside drops below 10 degrees Celsius, employees should be provided with protective clothing, warm beverages and energy-boosting meals (when energy expenditure exceeds 1500 calories by men and 1000 calories by women). Also, outdoor workers need to have access to a room where they can change or warm up during the day. Its temperature should not be lower than 16 degrees Celsius.

What if it is too cold?

If your workplace is indeed freezing, you should first report the problem to your supervisor or manager, since they might not even be aware of the issue. As stated by the Chief Labour Inspectorate, the body has the authority to conduct a workplace inspection following an employee's complaint. The Inspectorate notes that in most cases, a single inspection suffices to solve the problem. Employers who do not comply with the above-mentioned regulations may face a fine from 1000 PLN to up to 5000 PLN.

How to survive winter in Poland?

Salaries in Polish BPO/SSC - Antal Report 2019

Once you start looking for a job in Poland, it will quickly come to your attention that Polish job postings rarely contain salary details. For those with little or no experience in the Polish job market, guessing the possible remuneration may pose a bit of a challenge. Take a look at the new Antal report to see what salary you can expect in the BPO/SSC sector in Poland.

?When it comes to the BPO/SSC sector, the demand for professionals with foreign languages continues to be high. While a good command of English, a global business language, is now considered a prerequisite by most international companies, fluency in an additional language such as German or French is a strong asset. Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese or any of the Nordic languages are increasingly sought after by employers as well, making the skills of foreign or bilingual professionals all the more invaluable. According to the report, foreigners now constitute around 10 per cent of employees in the sector and that share is bound to grow as the number of language positions continues to rise.

Take a look at the chart to get an idea of salary ranges across various job positions and levels. More details and industries are to be found in the Antal report.

Area	Monthly salary (gross PLN)
Banking Compliance Analyst with Languages Fund Accountant with Languages Research Analyst with Languages KYC/AML Analyst with Languages Compliance Senior Analyst with Languages Fund Senior Accountant with Languages Product Controller Business Analyst with Languages KYC/AML Senior Analyst with Languages Team Leader KYC/AML Manager KYC/AML Reporting Manager	4,000 - 5,500 4,000 - 6,000 4,000 - 8,000 4,500 - 6,000 5,000 - 6,500 6,000 - 8,000 6,000 - 8,000 6,000 - 8,500 6,000 - 9,000 7,500 - 10,000 10,000 - 14,000 10,000 - 14,000
HR Staffing Specialist Development Specialist Compensation and Benefits Specialist Payroll Administrator Specialist HR Administrator Team Leader HR Services Manager	5,000 - 7,000 5,000 - 7,500 5,000 - 7,500 6,000 - 7,500 7,000 - 10,000 10,000 - 15,000
Procurement and Logistics Logistic Specialist with Languages Procurement Specialist with Languages Buyer with Languages Senior Buyer with Languages Procurement Team Leader Procurement Manager	4,500 - 7,500 5,000 - 7,500 7,000 - 12,000 8,000 - 15,000 10,000 - 15,000 16,000 - 25,000
Customer Service and ITO Customer Service Specialist with English Customer Service Specialist with Languages Customer Service Team Leader Customer Service Manager	4,000 - 6,000 5,000 - 8,000 6,000 - 11,000 8,000 - 13,000
Finance and Accounting Accounts Payable/ Accounts Receivable Accountant with English AP/AR Accountant with languages AP/AR Senior Accountant with English AP/AR Senior Accountant with languages AP/AR Team Leader with English AP/AR Team Leader with Languages AP/AR Manager with English AP/AR Manager with Languages	5,000 - 6,500 5,000 - 7,500 6,000 - 7,500 6,500 - 8,500 8,000 - 12,000 9,000 - 13,000 12,000 - 20,000 14,000 - 20,000
General Ledger RtR Accountant with English RtR Accountant with languages RtR Senior Accountant with English RtR Senior Accountant with languages RtR Team Leader with English RtR Team Leader with languages RtR Manager with English RtR Manager with Languages	6,000 - 9,000 7,000 - 12,000 7,500 - 11,000 8,000 - 13,000 10,000 - 15,000 11,000 - 16,000 17,000 - 25,000 18,000 - 26,000

Area

Monthly salary (gross PLN)

Banking

Compliance Analyst with Languages
Fund Accountant with Languages
Research Analyst with Languages
KYC/AML Analyst with Languages
Compliance Senior Analyst with Languages
Fund Senior Accountant with Languages
Product Controller
Business Analyst with Languages
KYC/AML Senior Analyst with Languages
Team Leader KYC/AML
Manager KYC/AML
Reporting Manager

4,000 - 5,500
4,000 - 6,000
4,000 - 8,000
4,500 - 6,000
5,000 - 6,500
6,000 - 8,000
6,000 - 8,000
6,000 - 8,500
6,000 - 9,000
7,500 - 10,000
10,000 - 14,000
10,000 - 14,000

Staffing Specialist
Development Specialist
Compensation and Benefits Specialist
Payroll Administrator Specialist
HR Administrator Team Leader
HR Services Manager

5,000 - 7,000
5,000 - 7,500
5,000 - 7,500
6,000 - 7,500
7,000 - 10,000
10,000 - 15,000

Procurement and Logistics

Logistic Specialist with Languages
Procurement Specialist with Languages
Buyer with Languages
Senior Buyer with Languages
Procurement Team Leader
Procurement Manager

4,500 - 7,500
5,000 - 7,500
7,000 - 12,000
8,000 - 15,000
10,000 - 15,000
16,000 - 25,000

Customer Service and ITO

Customer Service Specialist with English
Customer Service Specialist with Languages
Customer Service Team Leader
Customer Service Manager

4,000 - 6,000
5,000 - 8,000
6,000 - 11,000
8,000 - 13,000

Finance and Accounting

Accounts Payable/ Accounts Receivable Accountant with English
AP/AR Accountant with languages
AP/AR Senior Accountant with English
AP/AR Senior Accountant with languages
AP/AR Team Leader with English
AP/AR Team Leader with Languages
AP/AR Manager with English
AP/AR Manager with Languages

5,000 - 6,500
5,000 - 7,500
6,000 - 7,500
6,500 - 8,500
8,000 - 12,000
9,000 - 13,000
12,000 - 20,000
14,000 - 20,000

General Ledger

RtR Accountant with English
RtR Accountant with languages
RtR Senior Accountant with English
RtR Senior Accountant with languages
RtR Team Leader with English
RtR Team Leader with languages
RtR Manager with English
RtR Manager with Languages

6,000 - 9,000
7,000 - 12,000
7,500 - 11,000
8,000 - 13,000
10,000 - 15,000
11,000 - 16,000
17,000 - 25,000
18,000 - 26,000

Source: Antal Salary Report 2019

Polish Technology 2030 - what can we expect?

As technology has the real potential to reshape the world as we know it, we look into the way it can help develop Poland in the next decade. To find out if the country is on its way to a digital revolution and whether disruptive technologies can have a go in Poland, we turned to two experts from Digital Economy Lab of Warsaw University, Katarzyna ?ledziewska and Joanna Mazur.

Suspicion towards disruptive technologies is less and less frequent, especially in Poland, a country where mobile payments are one of the most rapidly growing businesses and e-commerce is flourishing. There is however no doubt as to the fact that still a lot needs to be done to let Poland catch up with other more technology savvy nations, especially the West of Europe. The Digital Economy and Society Index (2018) ranked Poland as 24th out of the 28 EU member states, which did not reflect well on the country’s performance, but still showed slight improvements in the technological sphere. Does that mean that ten years might not be enough to achieve more impressive results?

DIGITAL PARADOX

Poland is a contradicting puzzle when it comes to embracing technology; while the country can boast one of the best populations of talented software developers in Europe, if not globally, many ordinary citizens still lack basic computer literacy skills. “We need responsible policy regarding citizen education, so that more people can participate in digital economy,” believes Katarzyna ?ledziewska from DELab UW.

The laboratory experts claim that it is a top priority to grasp the potential in designing new solutions that are adequate to the needs of the society of the future. What should they be like? Inclusion and long-term planning are critical, according to DELab UW. Poland is in the good position that allows for rebalancing any discrepancies between society members, which, luckily, are not that prominent in the country, but they remain visible e.g. in terms of connectivity, especially in rural areas. Low-density populations are still stripped off the access to fixed broadband Internet coverage, which is not an issue for urban ones. 2030 also looks optimistic with the view of the rapidly improving mobile Internet speeds in Poland.

E-GOVERNMENT FOR E-CITIZENS?

While digital public services are one of the top goals of Polish policy makers, as stated in the Digital Poland Programme 2014-2020, it is hard to predict whether 2030 will see many electronic offices in Poland. Some foreigners relocating to Poland feel overwhelmed by the number of bureaucratic procedures that have the potential of becoming digital. What stands in the way then? “Poland aims high,” says Joanna Mazur from DELab UW and mentions the Ministry of Digitalisation’s plans to build countrywide information architecture or some aspects of government’s “Strategy for Responsible Development”.

The main risk, however, lies in foreseeing the future of technological changes and selecting the right aspects to work on at the moment. With the current pace of changes, it is often impossible to predict if a given solution will respond to society’s needs in ten years. At the same time, some plans may raise doubts, such as those regarding the “Polish Industry Platform 4.0”.

The upcoming decade should be critical for betting on research & development programmes, as well as education in general. Of course it requires sufficient funding and if anything may pose a significant challenge, it could be this aspect. There are however countries, not necessarily to the west of Poland, that shine as a great example of providing their citizens with all sorts of digital rights, for instance Estonia. The small Northern nation has managed to successfully transfer its administration into the digital sphere and proves that anything is possible in this respect.

Poland is also on its way to implementing electronic IDs – the project is supposed to be finalised in 2019 and by 2028 all traditional ID cards are to be replaced with e-documents with authentication features, such as e-signature. They will also be compatible with administrations of other EU countries, thus significantly improving citizens’ lives. There are also other, non-government but significant projects, that embrace disruptive technologies in the everyday life of Poles, e.g. using blockchain to store and protect the Polish Credit Office customer data. These small steps undertaken here and there may be a sign of an upcoming revolution.

INNOVATION DRIVE

When it comes to technology, the ball is not solely in government’s court. A lot depends on Poles themselves and this perspective looks rather promising. DELab UW experts notice that although information and communication technologies (ICT) sector makes up for only 3 per cent of the Polish GDP (2.8 per cent of this includes services & telecommunications), it is one of the fastest-growing components of economy in the country. As noticed by Katarzyna ?ledziewska, ICT enterprises belong to the most active groups amongst other businesses. A significant number of them increases their employment by over 10 per cent in a three-year period, which makes them stand out from other companies.

Another noticeable good sign is the fact one of the most flourishing branches of business in Poland is e-commerce. Online shopping is thriving and it propels new technological solutions. There are also some forecasts predicting e-commerce growth due to the Sunday trading ban introduced in 2018, which may cause customers to switch from metal shopping carts to virtual ones. Internet shopping, however, cannot be solely responsible for carrying the weight of technology improvement in Poland. Although while choosing a career in a corporate environment in Poland you may easily work with big data or cloud services, that may not be the case in smaller enterprises across the country, which still need to adapt more modern tools. 2030 seems far away in this respect…

STARTUP STARS

If there is a bright point in the nearest technological future of Poland, it sure is the startup business. “We stand a chance of becoming the regional leader in fintech,” believes Joanna Mazur. She lists startups dealing with online and mobile payments, financial platforms, as well as analytical and blockchain companies as some of Poland’s strongest assets. This is also proven through research conducted by Deloitte and presented during the Polish Tech Day in London in 2017. The global consulting company confirmed that Poland is the largest FinTech market in Central and Eastern Europe. This is visible at first glance, by looking at numerous innovation clusters in major Polish cities (Warszawa, Wroc?aw and Kraków leading the way).

The biggest challenge for Polish startups in 2030 is increasing the level of international cooperation among them. Katarzyna ?ledziewska particularly stresses the importance of participation in the Digital Single Market offered by the European Union. It has been designed to offer access to e-commerce across the EU, as well as to promote digitalisation as a source of economic drive. Embracing the programme within the next decade could really work wonders for Poland in these aspects. 2030 probably will not see Poland as a flagship e-country with offices and public institutions operating in the cloud and scanning citizens’ retinas; it may however be on its way to establishing more mobile and resident-friendly solutions with the use of some cutting-edge technologies. If all goes well, Poland is also bound to be one of the most significant innovation hubs in Europe that will cooperate with other global companies.

Our experts:

Katarzyna ?ledziewska

DELAB UW

DIGITAL ECONOMY LAB

Joanna Mazur

DELAB UW

Salaries in Polish BPO/SSC/IT/R&D in 2018

How much do you earn in one of Poland's BPO centres? What about a Shared Service Centre (SSC), IT or R&D company? We present the salaries given in the new 2018 ABSL report based on Randstad Polska research, focusing on top three cities: Kraków, Warsaw and Wroc?aw.

The table below presents the salaries in Poland 2018 given in gross PLN (Polish z?oty) for business centres' employees fluent in English. The data provided here comes from three major business cities. More cities can be found in the full report (link below the table).

Business area	Kraków minimum-maximum	Warsaw minimum-maximum	Wroc?aw minimum-maximum
F&A (General Ledger) Junior Accountant Accountant Senior Accountant Team Leader Manager	4,300-5,800 5,500-7,000 7,000-9,000 9,200-14,000 14,000-20,000	5,000-6,200 6,500-8,500 8,000-9,500 10,000-15,000 15,000-23,000	4,800-5,500 5,300-7,000 7,000-9,000 10,000-14,500 16,500-24,000
F&A (AP/AR) Junior Accountant Accountant Senior Accountant Team Leader Manager	4,200-5,300 4,700-6,700 6,500-8,500 9,000-13,000 13,000-20,000	4,500-5,800 5,800-7,000 6,600-8,500 8,500-12,000 14,000-20,000	4,300-5,500 5,000-7,000 6,100-7,500 9,500-12,500 14,000-20,000
Banking Junior Fund Accountant Fund Accountant Senior Fund Accountant AML/KYC Junior Analyst AML/KYC Analyst AML/KYC Senior Analyst Junior Analyst* Analyst* Senior Analyst* Team Leader Manager * Product Control, Reporting, Business Analysis	3,800-5,000 4,800-6,500 6,200-8,500 4,000-5,000 5,500-7,000 6,500-8,500 4,000-5,500 5,500-8,000 7,500-12,000 9,500-12,500 14,000-20,000	4,500-6,000 5,500-8,000 7,000-9,500 4,100-5,100 5,400-7,500 7,000-9,500 5,300-6,500 6,000-8,500 8,000-11,000 10,000-15,500 15,000-25,000	4,300-5,500 5,000-7,000 6,500-9,000 4,200-5,200 5,000-6,500 6,200-8,000 5,000-6,000 5,700-8,000 7,700-10,500 11,000-14,000 14,000-23,000
Customer Service Junior Specialist Specialist Team Leader Manager	3,500-4,500 3,800-5,000 7,000-10,000 10,000-17,000	3,700-5,000 4,300-6,000 7,000-10,000 9,000-16,000	4,000-4,500 4,500-6,000 7,500-9,000 11,000-17,000
Procurement / Order Management Junior Specialist Specialist Senior Specialist Team Leader Manager	4,000-5,200 5,200-7,000 7,000-9,500 10,000-14,000 14,000-22,000	4,800-6,200 6,200-8,000 8,500-11,000 12,000-17,000 16,000-25,000	4,500-5,500 5,500-7,300 7,500-8,500 10,000-15,000 15,000-20,000
IT 1st Line Support 2nd Line Support 3rd Line Support IT Administration Network / Security Business / System Analyst Developer Tester Team Leader Project Manager	4,200-6,200 5,000-8,200 8,000-14,000 7,500-14,000 9,000-15,000 8,000-14,000 9,000-17,000 7,500-12,500 11,000-18,000 12,000-22,000	4,500-7,000 6,000-8,000 8,500-13,000 8,000-14,000 11,000-16,000 10,000-16,000 11,500-16,000 7,500-14,000 10,000-18,500 13,500-22,000	4,000-5,800 6,000-8,500 8,500-13,000 6,500-11,000 8,500-15,500 8,700-13,000 8,000-18,000 7,000-13,000 11,000-18,000 12,000-22,000
R&D Laboratory Specialist Technologist Design Engineer Senior Design Engineer Product Development / NPI Engineer Quality Engineer Senior Quality Engineer R&D Manager	4,500-6,300 4,500-7,700 4,700-8,300 7,000-9,500 5,000-8,500 7,500-11,000 4,500-8,500 7,500-9,500 15,000-20,000	4,700-6,200 5,500-9,500 6,500-8,500 7,500-11,500 7,500-9,500 9,500-14,500 5,700-8,200 7,500-9,500 14,000-21,000	4,800-6,000 5,500-7,500 5,000-7,500 7,500-10,000 6,000-8,000 8,000-10,000 5,500-7,500 7,500-10,000 15,000-20,000

Business area

Kraków

minimum-maximum

Warsaw

minimum-maximum

Wroc?aw

minimum-maximum

F&A (General Ledger)

Junior Accountant
Accountant
Senior Accountant
Team Leader
Manager

4,300-5,800
5,500-7,000
7,000-9,000
9,200-14,000
14,000-20,000

5,000-6,200
6,500-8,500
8,000-9,500
10,000-15,000
15,000-23,000

4,800-5,500
5,300-7,000
7,000-9,000
10,000-14,500
16,500-24,000

F&A (AP/AR)

Junior Accountant
Accountant
Senior Accountant
Team Leader
Manager

4,200-5,300
4,700-6,700
6,500-8,500
9,000-13,000
13,000-20,000

4,500-5,800
5,800-7,000
6,600-8,500
8,500-12,000
14,000-20,000

4,300-5,500
5,000-7,000
6,100-7,500
9,500-12,500
14,000-20,000

Banking

Junior Fund Accountant
Fund Accountant
Senior Fund Accountant
AML/KYC Junior Analyst
AML/KYC Analyst
AML/KYC Senior Analyst
Junior Analyst*
Analyst*
Senior Analyst*
Team Leader
Manager

* Product Control, Reporting, Business Analysis

3,800-5,000
4,800-6,500
6,200-8,500
4,000-5,000
5,500-7,000
6,500-8,500
4,000-5,500
5,500-8,000
7,500-12,000
9,500-12,500
14,000-20,000

4,500-6,000
5,500-8,000
7,000-9,500
4,100-5,100
5,400-7,500
7,000-9,500
5,300-6,500
6,000-8,500
8,000-11,000
10,000-15,500
15,000-25,000

4,300-5,500
5,000-7,000
6,500-9,000
4,200-5,200
5,000-6,500
6,200-8,000
5,000-6,000
5,700-8,000
7,700-10,500
11,000-14,000
14,000-23,000

Customer Service

Junior Specialist
Specialist
Team Leader
Manager

3,500-4,500
3,800-5,000
7,000-10,000
10,000-17,000

3,700-5,000
4,300-6,000
7,000-10,000
9,000-16,000

4,000-4,500
4,500-6,000
7,500-9,000
11,000-17,000

Procurement / Order Management

Junior Specialist
Specialist
Senior Specialist
Team Leader
Manager

4,000-5,200
5,200-7,000
7,000-9,500
10,000-14,000
14,000-22,000

4,800-6,200
6,200-8,000
8,500-11,000
12,000-17,000
16,000-25,000

4,500-5,500
5,500-7,300
7,500-8,500
10,000-15,000
15,000-20,000

IT

1st Line Support
2nd Line Support
3rd Line Support
IT Administration
Network / Security
Business / System Analyst
Developer
Tester
Team Leader
Project Manager

4,200-6,200
5,000-8,200
8,000-14,000
7,500-14,000
9,000-15,000
8,000-14,000
9,000-17,000
7,500-12,500
11,000-18,000
12,000-22,000

4,500-7,000
6,000-8,000
8,500-13,000
8,000-14,000
11,000-16,000
10,000-16,000
11,500-16,000
7,500-14,000
10,000-18,500
13,500-22,000

4,000-5,800
6,000-8,500
8,500-13,000
6,500-11,000
8,500-15,500
8,700-13,000
8,000-18,000
7,000-13,000
11,000-18,000
12,000-22,000

R&D

Laboratory Specialist
Technologist
Design Engineer
Senior Design Engineer
Product Development / NPI Engineer
Quality Engineer
Senior Quality Engineer
R&D Manager

4,500-6,300
4,500-7,700
4,700-8,300
7,000-9,500
5,000-8,500
7,500-11,000
4,500-8,500
7,500-9,500
15,000-20,000

4,700-6,200
5,500-9,500
6,500-8,500
7,500-11,500
7,500-9,500
9,500-14,500
5,700-8,200
7,500-9,500
14,000-21,000

4,800-6,000
5,500-7,500
5,000-7,500
7,500-10,000
6,000-8,000
8,000-10,000
5,500-7,500
7,500-10,000
15,000-20,000

Source: ABSL report 2018

We all hate the process of moving but sometimes it is worth taking the risk. If you already are in Poland, relocation is more and more often offered to employees as a boost to further their professional development. What makes an offer attractive enough for an employee to even consider relocation in Poland?

Labour shortages

The current job market in Poland suffers from labour shortages, confirms the data from the Polish Central Statistical Office. A recruitment agency Antal comments that although relocation is not always the most desirable solution for a company, it is nevertheless an increasingly common choice, and already one out of seven candidates is being relocated. What is stressed is that not only companies engage themselves in the process – it is often cities that focus on attracting employees to work.

Relocation and financial compensation

Money is the most convincing factor for employees of Poland-based companies. One-off bonuses as well as continued support in the months following the relocation are both appreciated. The first benefit is offered by 34 per cent of Polish employers, according to Antal, while 17 per cent go for the latter option.

By the way, what is the minimum wage in Poland?
And what are salaries in Polish business centres like?

Specialists may expect bonuses between PLN 2,500 and 10,000 gross, with the average of PLN 4,400 gross. For managers it is higher – the relocation package usually amounts to PLN 5,700-16,000, with the average of PLN 6,450 gross.

According to Antal analysts, businesses that can offer the highest relocation benefits are IT, manufacturing and BPO/SSC.

Support in practice

Apart from money, there are basic daily bits that need to be sorted out before or right after the move: renting a new flat, moving or arranging a new school for children. 22 per cent of employers in Poland finance their employee a new apartment, while 11 per cent pay for a hotel before they find something permanent. It is also possible that your new boss will help you with the move and transportation to a new city or finding kindergarten/school for your kid, but definitely less common. If you happen to work in IT, it is very likely you will be allowed to work remotely or have your company sponsor a ticket home once a month, according to Antal's research.

Have you ever been offered any of such benefits while working in Poland?

Source: Antal Polska press release

Business Center of Excellence 2030 - ArcelorMittal BCoE

ArcelorMittal Business Center of Excellence in D?browa Górnicza is an outstanding example of the transformation ongoing in Polish share service centres. Juan Marin, Head of ArcelorMittal Business Centre of Excellence Europe, tells us about the shift in this business area and how it is going to impact the future.

Please tell us more about your Business Center of Excellence. How is it different from a typical shared service centre?

Juan Marin: In the mindset of everyone in this business today, shared service centres are very much focused on the back-office and activities that are purely transactional. All these things that you know today that influence changes in the industry, mainly technology, suggested that we need to move to a much more strategic organisation model. For companies like ours, ArcelorMittal, everything started in a shared service centre and the main rationale was to put processes in a low-cost location, namely the administrative and back-office staff. Now the focus is rather on how to use the people that we have to contribute to the business and to create added value. To my mind, the key takeaway is added value.
What is something absolutely important is that before the business centre of excellence stage we were talking about clients, very complex SLAs, legal documents, etc. and this is now changing a lot to a partnership approach. We are now partners to the business, we ought to be closer to the business and we will be able to provide not just simple KPIs, but release some added value and proposals of how the business may change.

You have mentioned the evolution from SSC to BCoE. What technology have you used to foster these changes?

Technology is now everywhere. Look how many times you visit a bank nowadays – you go there once or twice in a lifetime because there is no need to go there more often! This is the part technology plays in our lives and everything is becoming automated and standardised, ran by IT systems. I recently read an article about some jobs of the future and it struck me that all these jobs are somehow related to what we do now in our centre. We implement robots and automation,
we introduce data analytics, so that our people can focus on bringing added value, but at the same time they are not replaced one on one. We are also exploring how to expand these activities and how to make our people more of thinkers rather than doers.

Please tell us about the future of your BCoE, with 2030 in mind.

In the past we used to be focused on financial matters and transactions, now however there are a lot of opportunities in other areas. We are knowledgeable people with good skills and therefore we can develop activities in HR, Procurement and IT. So not only Finance, but also other expert fields. We consider that all activities done all over the world can be centralised in one single location, one single team and performed in a much more standardised manner. And in the long run we want to play the role of the integrator.

What is the career path in ArcelorMittal BCoE?

We normally recruit a bulk of our employees straight from university or some lower-level positions, but we are also looking for experienced experts, because as soon as we move up the value chain, we need people with a much higher level of expertise, not only juniors.

Can you tell us about the ways you support your employees after hiring them?

We have a program called Global Employee Development Program, which is basically a 6-month training program for talent management. We want to measure the potential, development and careers of our people. Through it, they can also acquire the needed competences for future positions and growth and we manage the challenge of our people. We are also very closely linked with our business. This gives people the opportunities to grow not only in BCoE, but also in various areas of ArcelorMittal structures in the global context. They can move to internal audit, they can move to other different departments, which is also important as it is much wider from the location perspective. We facilitate moving abroad and for sure we strive to match the expectations of our people to the expectations of our company.
We give a lot of trainings, local ones, but also within the ArcelorMittal university. It provides corporate leadership development programmes to nurture our future leaders. And we also facilitate local group initiatives, through which people satisfy their training needs.

How many employees do you have in your ArcelorMittal Business Center of Excellence?

I do not want to highlight specifically people in Poland, because BCoE is much wider than that! It has one major hub in Poland but we do have some satellite locations abroad as well. Overall there are 750 people that are employed purely internally. However, there are nearly 900 if we count our external employees, hired through outsourcing.

What is the skillset that you are looking for now and in the long run, for 2030?

We are an international company and we are looking for people with an international mindset. Our people need to speak English fluently because this is our main language, as we work with companies situated in different countries around the world. That means that we also need some language expertise in Spanish, French or German as well.

Regarding the hard skills, we are primarily looking for people with a university degree, usually Master’s, but Bachelor’s is absolutely sufficient for junior and entry-level positions. We also want to help our people grow with us, so we support their getting additional degrees, because in the end it is good for the business, too. The last thing regarding the hard skills is an IT-oriented mindset. As I have mentioned, we are moving more and more towards technology, so we need people
who embrace IT tools, applications and mobile solutions. This is necessary not only for IT experts, but also people working in Finance and other departments.
As for the soft skills, we need individuals who can work in a very changeable environment. We constantly change processes, structures, even the organisation name! For us change is the only constant thing in our work. The second thing would be decision making, so we are after people who are sure how to implement solutions and who can offer additional initiatives. On a final note, there is also a lot of need for strategic thinking, team work and effective communication.

How many of your employees are foreigners?

It is quite complicated because we have a hub in Poland and satellite businesses in Europe. In Poland itself the figure is not very high and we would like to introduce more foreign colleagues and internationalise our company here. I am an international myself. I am Spanish and living in Luxembourg, while I work both in Luxembourg and Poland. My teams are located all across Spain, France, Germany, and I visit them on a regular basis. This kind of career is possible in ArcelorMittal, but you have to bear in mind the specifics of working with people in different countries. A certain level of sensitivity to this diversity is crucial.

Could you share a final piece of advice for a young person joining ArcelorMittal BCoE?

People who want to join us will find plenty of opportunities, especially because we are so linked to our business. They need to stay open-minded, but humble and patient at the same time. This last part is applicable especially to Millennials – we value their potential, but they need to wait a while for the added value, because it will come to them eventually. Receiving positive feedback requires just a little bit of patience, but it is worth the wait.

Our expert:

Juan Marin

Head of ArcelorMittal Business Center of Excellence Europe

VIsit: www.bcoe.arcelormittal.com
Contact: bcoe.career@arcelormittal.com

What career paths await foreigners relocating to Poland? Two ex-pats take us on a journey through their real-life experience, the challenges, and the opportunities they have encountered on the way. Meet the first one working at IKEA Business Service Center in Pozna?, Poland.

Bart Mooren is Dutch, but now he works in Pozna? at IKEA Business Service Center as a Personnel Administration/Payroll Specialist
within its Netherlands Team.

How did he start his career there?

His IKEA journey started in November 2015 in Bart’s home country of the Netherlands, when he found an application for a position within
IKEA SSC Pozna?. He applied immediately; he could not pass up the opportunity to work in IKEA HR, as this was exactly what he was looking for!

What was this job like?

The position, HR Administrator for the Belgian team, seemed perfect for Bart. After a telephone conversation, he was invited to come to Pozna? for a face-to-face conversation. He was elated when he got the news that he was selected for the position.

The relocation went really smoothly.

Bart emigrated a month later, and since then he couldn’t have been happier with his job. He got the position in HR he has always wanted and he adores his colleagues. Since he became an ‘IKEA family member’ he has made many friends and great memories. Moreover, he gets to use both English and his native language on a daily basis (even a little bit of French from time to time). Currently, he is learning how to speak Polish as well!

The job’s challenges and opportunities.

Thanks to the position, Bart is now familiar with many different HR processes and adept with a number of important software commonly
used in HR departments around the world. He has also gladly taken on many extra responsibilities like leading briefings, learning about Belgian legislation, and presenting during meetings. It is safe to say he learned a lot during his time in Pozna? and helped many people. He feels he has grown both personally and professionally, and he couldn’t be happier with his life as it is right now!

The most inspiring aspect of Bart’s job is...

... the knowledge that his efforts are important, and being a valuable asset to his team and country. His input ensures that the necessary HR processes for Belgium are professionally executed and maintained. Bart is a contact person for all Belgian IKEA employees, and helping them and supporting his team simply brings him satisfaction.

Favorite aspect of working for IKEA BSC:

Bart’s personal favorite aspect of IKEA culture is the opportunities to grow within the company, both personally and professionally. Within IKEA, this is stimulated and expected, without the rat-race pressure that other big companies unfortunately often have. You will be stimulated to attend training and workshops, and you will surpass even your own expectations.

Bart’s advice for those thinking about this job:

Take a good look at the personal values you live by. Are you willing to change if you find a better way to do something? Do you prefer a simple and efficient solution to a convoluted, conservative one? Are you enthusiastic and do you want to be a valued part of a larger group? Do you want to develop both as a person and professionally? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then you will have a great time working at IKEA.

Salaries in Polish BPO/SSC – Hays 2018 report

AtoZSerwisPlus.pl. is not only an invaluable source of information about daily life and the job market in Poland but also a great platform with job ads for those seeking employment in the BPO/SSC sector. Many of you ask about the remuneration in such jobs and Hays is here to report about average salaries that you may expect in 2018.

Poland has not lost its position as one of the global BPO/SSC leaders in 2017. Although the country did not see as many new business centers as in the previous years, those that already operate here increased its workforce and introduced new processes as well as functions. The demand for new employees has been growing steadily as well, and foreigners are obviously welcome to start a career here.

As we have written before, Polish employers do not always include information about wages in their job ads. For many ex-pats looking for a position in Poland, this may be a factor that holds them back from relocating. Fortunately, in order to give you an idea about salaries in Poland, Hays has prepared their annual salary survey focusing on particular sectors, including modern business services.

Hays Salary Guide 2018 presents six most popular BPO areas and five job levels within each of them, indicating minimum, optimal, and maximum salary for each position. Take a look at the chart below, which indicates a gross salary per month in PLN (Polish zloty).

Area

Minimum

Optimum

Maximum

General Ledger (GL)

Junior Accountant
Accountant
Senior Accountant
Team Leader
Process Manager

3,800
5,000
6,600
9,200
13,800

4,400
6,200
7,400
10,800
16,400

4,800
6,800
8,600
12,400
20,800

Accounts Payable/Receivable (AP/AR)

Junior Accountant
Accountant
Senior Accountant
Team Leader
Process Manager

3,400
4,600
5,600
8,200
12,200

4,000
5,400
6,400
9,400
14,600

4,400
6,200
7,200
10,800
17,800

Customer Service

Junior Specialist
Specialist
Senior Specialist
Team Leader
Process Manager

3,000
3,800
4,600
6,800
10,000

3,400
4,200
5,400
8,000
12,000

4,000
4,800
6,200
9,200
15,400

Order Management

Junior Specialist
Specialist
Senior Specialist
Team Leader
Process Manager

3,200
3,800
5,000
7,000
11,400

3,800
4,600
5,600
8,200
13,400

4,200
5,200
6,200
9,600
16,600

Supply Chain (Procurement Admin, Logistics, Planning)

Junior Specialist
Specialist
Senior Specialist
Team Leader
Process Manager

3,300
4,000
5,600
7,600
12,200

3,800
5,200
7,000
9,000
16,200

4,200
5,600
8,400
10,600
19,800

HR Administration Processes

Junior Specialist
Specialist
Senior Specialist
Team Leader
Process Manager

3,200
4,200
5,200
7,800
12,000

3,600
5,000
6,200
9,200
14,800

4,200
5,800
7,000
11,000
18,800

These are the basics, but what does the situation look like for foreigners relocating to Poland? We asked Hays experts about their perspective on ex-pats in Polish BPO companies. Agata Pi?tek, Business Services National Practice Head at Hays Poland, explains:

Professionals fluent in foreign languages are the most sought after group in the modern business services sector. This correlates with the change that has occurred in modern business services centres in Poland. A few years ago they focused on simple processes which did not require complex competences; now they are in need of qualified specialists in order to provide strategic services to different business all over the world.

Companies based in Poland are more and more often looking for foreign employees. Recruiters are concerned with positions that require fluent knowledge of foreign languages. While English is the official language in nearly all corporate environments in Poland, last year saw German as the most in-demand language within the sector. Close to 75 per cent employers investing in Poland have an offer directed at German-speaking candidates. French and Italian specialists and managers are also desirable and they may count on extra bonuses, similarly to Dutch speakers as well as those fluent in one of the Scandinavian languages.

Foreign employees relocating to Poland have slightly higher financial expectations than native Polish workers. What employers value the most, however, are competences, not nationality, so getting a satisfying job depends on skills, especially linguistic ones, and candidate’s overall fit for the position.

Source: Hays

The land of Nicolaus Copernicus and Maria Sk?odowska-Curie, Poland has had its share in producing world-famous researchers who contributed to science in the greatest manner possible. In the modern world, however, science has become intertwined with business, giving way to various R&D activities. How does Poland participate in the race for research and development?

R&D explained

Research & Development (R&D, in Polish often referred to as B+R, Badania + Rozwój) has emerged as a separate sector of business in the recent decades. While autonomous work of stereotypically mad scientists has often been disregarded, overlooked or exploited, businessmen of the past could not reach their full potential for their lack of access to scientific thought. R&D helps connect those two
worlds by working to increase the amount of knowledge and new solutions, which result in innovative products: processes or technologies that advance the economic growth of Poland.

More and more often, R&D is accompanied by yet another letter in this acronym, constituting together R&D&I, with the last I standing for innovation. Polish authorities saw the necessity to incorporate innovative solutions into all aspects of public life, so that it affects education, science and eventually, economy. Although Poland is still on its way to realising these ambitions (according to the European Innovation Scoreboard it was considered a moderate innovator in 2017), it is striving to realise its full potential. There is a lot of place for improvement, but the main ambition is to lead the way in as many areas as possible.

A huge part of these activities was propelled by the EU and pre-established common goals for member states. Its initiative called 2014-2020 A New Perspective For Innovation In Europe is already far along. By the end of the programme Poland is supposed to have spent 1.7 per cent of its GDP on R&D&I. How is it working towards this goal?

R&D&I components

Saying that innovation is ensured by merging science and business is not enough to give the full picture of this sector in Poland. The landscape would not be complete without the more academic side of it, which is represented by scientific institutions, such as the Polish Academy of Sciences, tertiary education facilities conducting R&D activities or units providing services to them, namely libraries, archives, laboratories. All of these ventures need to be supported by the government – in Poland through systematically growing subventions for such projects – and thus serve as innovation hubs.

To balance the equation, however, there needs to be entrepreneurial cooperation between the aforementioned institutions and business. The government may try to woo investors holding innovative ideas with tax reliefs for companies conducting R&D projects. There are also special economic zones designed to encourage all sorts of investment, but usually it is R&D companies that constitute a significant
part of such ventures. Nevertheless, Polish innovation would be non-existent were it not for human resources that make it grow and expand day by day.

Innovation in enterprises in Poland

In order for the whole country to thrive and indulge in the newest solutions, it is important for single organisations to take interest in them as well. In 2016 Deloitte published their report reviewing the advancement of R&D mindset in enterprises located in Poland and further out in the region. It proved that although more and more companies decide to spend over 10 per cent of their budget on researching new solutions, there is still a tough road ahead for innovation in Poland-based enterprises. Almost one in three companies declared spending zero to very little money on R&D&I, assuming (usually wrongly) that activities of this kind do not fall into their business profile. Another potential discouragement for companies to engage in innovative projects is lack of precise rules for government subsidies and tax reliefs as well as bureaucracy. Investing in R&D seems risky as the state did not appoint any specific institutions to guide entrepreneurs in dealing with business incentives and thus potential benefactors are not sure if tax reliefs will apply in their specific case. These two problems discovered by the report show that such simple solutions as providing proper information and promoting R&D&I could possibly improve the state of Polish innovation.

On the positive note, there is a constant drop in the number of companies based in Poland that do not intend to engage in any sort of R&D activities whatsoever (only 2 per cent). What is more, over 80 per cent of them declare maintaining the same amount of expenditure or even increasing the amount of money spent on R&D&I – with this more conscious attitude Poland is on the right path to achieving its 2020 goal and seizing the opportunities arising on its horizon.

Investors breed innovation

Poland’s progress in the field of innovation can be stimulated not only by state aid or European funds, but also by private foreign investors locating their R&D centres in the country. Next to BPO, SSC or IT facilities, it is R&D that constitutes one of the most
major components of the Polish business landscape. According to the Crido Taxand report on R&D Market in Poland, only in 2015, there were 532 Research & Development centres (RDC) with foreign capital, along with several dozens of such centres established by Polish companies.

The trend among big corporations to open their research facilities in Poland is understandable. Poland provides a favourable business environment and qualified staff comprising of scientists, engineers and analysts willing to take part in innovative projects. This is why a variety of companies has decided to give Poland a shot, since it allows for cooperation with startups, complementary companies and Polish educational facilities. Their scope of activities focuses mostly on development and commercial release of new products, patent protection for inventions, and intrapreneurship, meaning the development of employee initiatives (Crido Taxand 2015 R&D Market in Poland).

Every December, Polish offices get busy with Christmas preparations and upcoming office parties that gather all employees in the spirit of upcoming holidays. What do they look like in Poland? Find out and tell us if they are different in your home country.

You don't have to be religious

To clear all doubts, we have to put this disclaimer first – you do not need to be religious, especially Christian, to celebrate Christmas with your colleagues, which is frankly a standard in the majority of Polish companies. Whether it is a Secret Santa drawing or a party, many Polish people attending such events may also be non-religious or even of a different faith. You should never feel obliged to take part in them if you feel uncomfortable with such proceedings, but do attend if you feel curious about it – it is bound to be a fun gathering and a great opportunity to catch up or make new friends!

Office get-togethers

One of the most popular ways of celebrating with co-workers around Christmas is organizing an in-company event, usually within late working hours, often referred to as Wigilia (the same term used to describe the solemn supper held by Poles on 24^th December). Of course, this kind of job events are more relaxed and often include singing some carols, sharing the op?atek wafer, and eating some Christmas-inspired food ordered by the company (or prepared by colleagues, if the group is smaller and more tight-knit).

Formal outings

More and more often employers organize bigger events, sometimes for an entire corporate organization or a smaller company division. This may be a club outing or a dinner in a restaurant, depending on the relations within your company. These gatherings are rather informal in nature but do remember that going overboard with alcohol may reflect upon your professional image once all the festivities are over!

Fun for kids

If you are employed by a rather large company, you can expect special parties for employee children earlier in December. Usually, there is a small budget for gifts from Santa to choose from and extra activities, such as games, dances, pictures with Father Christmas, and competitions. If you have kids, do bring them along!

Centres of Excellence – dedication to a narrow field

Poland has become an expert in knowledge management and centers of excellence (CoE) play a significant part in the process. CoEs, which can be either a group of individuals possessing expertise in a subject matter or a dedicated facility within a company focusing on a specific aspect of the activity, is now part of the Polish business landscape. How do they operate and what do they excel at? Here are a few examples, straight from Poland.

Excellence is what we all strive for in our professional activities. Putting this fancy word in the name of your offshore business unit certainly adds up to its importance. Is this extra weight necessary as the actual representation of what goes on in a company’s subsidiary, an additional burden for its employees to stress over the fact their performance is not always excellent, or a tool to make them feel more influential than their colleagues in other units?

Possibly none of the above. To have a clearer picture, one needs to establish once and for all what a center of excellence is. In most cases, it is a cross-organizational business unit that has been purposefully designed to create value for the entire company with the use of the knowledge and expertise of CoE’s employees. The knowledge is crucial and needs to be profound in the aspect the center deals with. In this sense, the company’s CEO are the extension of shared service activities that were initially placed in Poland. As soon as the back office functions had been developed to a satisfactory level, many foreign companies recognized Poland’s potential for more specialized projects in order to manage complex business tasks in the most efficient way.

Andrzej Wypych, HR Head, Arcelor Mittal BCOE

Globally, there is a trend to move to support
functions to Business Centers of Excellence.
It usually starts with the most automated
processes, namely financial ones, which bond
other mechanisms together. In ArcelorMittal
Business Center of Excellence we have set
forth to consolidate four areas: Finance,
Procurement, IT, and HR. Our experts work
with the business to upgrade processes and in
this way gain added value.

This is how CoEs’ organizational structures came to life in Poland. Instead of the back office, they started to support middle office functions and excelled at fostering business growth, as well as improving effectiveness. Cost-cutting, which used to be an important factor in SSC, remained crucial, but it had to be accompanied by innovation in value making. There is a reason why centers of excellence are sometimes called competence or capability centers. In fact, these two names could suit them better than the most wide-spread, a bit snobbish term.

What is worth reminding is that centers of excellence, although utterly modern and future-oriented, are not a new invention. Before they became business-driven, initially they were deeply rooted in academic, medical, or even government establishments, which brought together cross-disciplinary functions to ensure thorough research of a given problem. Nowadays, these different areas may still cooperate with corporate business in creating truly versatile solutions (for more on this topic, see the next pages of Careers in Poland).

Another important characteristic of each center of excellence that has not changed over the course of time is that it consists of engaged individuals. No matter whether a CoE is an entirely separate facility or a smaller unit within some greater establishment, it is a team staffed with part- or full-time members whose driving force is innovation. The drive is usually orientated in one direction: each CoE relies on the type of business the enterprise is involved with and therefore is often dedicated to a narrow field. Nevertheless, the range of services provided by different CoEs can be broad, varying from internal bank services and risk management to external reporting and procurement. How does that work in practice?

In financial institutions with international capital located in Poland, CoEs can be devoted to developing one particular process only. As the industry constantly evolves, CoEs’ team members need to monitor the changes and react or adapt to them in order to ensure the creation of strategic business solutions. Depending on the profile of the organization, there can be many CoEs within one company or even location, which deal with a specific issue on a global scale. A good example of this kind of competence activity could be State Street Bank’s divisions dealing with Security Valuation, Derivatives, or Anti-Money Laundering – each of them constituting a separate department within the company.

CoEs can be also related to other core business functions necessary for the global operation of the organization, e.g. accounting. By placing this business domain in Poland, team members can ensure dealing with the close process, as in the case of the European Accounting Centre of Excellence in Groupon, an international e-commerce company. Their major activities in Poland focus on global customer service and content creation, but thanks to the CoE, Groupon’s international accounting activities from all EMEA legal entities are conducted in Warszawa.

Apart from accounting and financial services, the market in Poland delivers many solutions related to the IT and tech industry. These two businesses have become the Polish specialty and CoEs or, more often in this case, competence centers worked out the way of connecting diverse knowledge sources within organizations.

As in all CoEs, creating value is a top priority, but another and very often more important by-product could be cutting-edge technology or IT tool delivered in the course of events. The CoEs in these two fields constitute a very prominent part of the business in Poland, with such big players as Volvo placing its IT Center of Excellence in Wroc?aw, Intel’s Compiler Center of Excellence in Gda?sk, or Atos’ IT units across the country.

Kinga Skorupka, Head of EACOE Poland
for Groupon EMEA

The European Accounting Centre of Excellence (EACOE) for Groupon EMEA is based in Warsaw, Poland. The EACOE provides broad accounting expertise and develops the highest standards for particular services. Key activities of the EACOE at Groupon include coordinating the regional close process across the different main regional hubs across Europe. It is also specialized in financial processes for other subsidiaries around EMEA countries, such as analysis, reporting, internal control, and business process support. Further activities include managing the accounting processes of specific general ledger accounts across all EMEA legal entities. The EACOE is responsible for all USGAAP and Statutory Financials of approximately 15 legal entities. The EACOA consolidates business processes in one place, to build the best knowledge and experience.

CoEs are not restricted to well-established market players only. It is in the interest of both big companies and startups to research constant development opportunities and competence centers seem to be made for that. The latter often choose Poland as a place full of not only fluent foreign-language speakers, but also potential operational managers and process improvement experts. This could be illustrated by the case of Uber’s Center of Excellence in Krakow, which focuses on both groups of employees.

A common occurrence is when centers of excellence are not established from scratch but evolve from other business units instead. Some facilities in Poland started to perform tasks related to finance & accounting or IT processes but later showed their initiative and leadership in more advanced areas, which led to the creation of CoEs, as in the case of Avon’s activity in Poland. Their operational center matured into a Global Centre of Excellence, which now delivers business modeling as well as project and change management solutions in all of the company’s units across the world.

When applying for a job in Poland, you may find yourself facing a choice between various workplaces. If one of the options is a center of excellence, you may rest assured of the guaranteed challenges and already start looking forward to international projects and colleague networks. While CoE may seem like a more demanding choice, it is simply bound to bring you more satisfaction in your professional life.

One of the most frequent questions we get is: how much can one earn in Poland per month? The answer is that it depends on many conditions, but the simplest way to get some idea of that is through learning about minimum wage in Poland. How much does it amount to?

What is the minimum wage?

The minimum wage is the lowest wage employers are obliged to pay their contracted employees. Poland determines its minimum wage annually, with the latest rise in 2017 and an expected rise will be introduced on 1^st January 2018. It is regulated by the Council of Ministers, a central government body in Poland.

How much is the minimum wage?

As of 1^st January 2018, the minimum wage in Poland was raised to PLN 2,100 gross, which amounts to PLN 1,530 net. The gross monthly salary amounts to ~EUR 490.

Does it mean I will earn this much?

No, it is the smallest possible amount that can be paid according to your job contract, but of course, your remuneration may be much higher than that. The regulation is also not applicable if you do not have a job contract, but a civil contract or a specific-task contract.

What about people without job contracts?

From 1^st January 2018, employers are obliged to pay their employees with civil contracts or specific-task contracts a minimum gross hourly rate. It amounts to PLN 13.70 gross per hour and it is also applicable to those who perform business-to-business services while being self-employed. Polish employers favor such contracts over standard job contracts especially in the case of students.

Should minimum wage be higher than that?

There are people who are against increasing the minimum amount of money paid to employees. Of course, it guarantees stability, but too high wages may cause some employers to let go of their staff in order to be able to satisfy the necessary wage requirements. It may lead to economic decline and eventually... unemployment.

Other countries

Compared to other countries, Poland cannot boast a high minimum wage. According to Eurostat data, Poland ranks as the country with the highest minimum wage within the group of EU states with the lowest ones. Polish employers are nowhere close to those in the Benelux countries, but please bear in mind that living costs in Poland are also relatively easier to bear.

In the field of marketing, the answer is always numbers. An entire organization’s performance, all its interactions both internal and external (company – environment), sooner or later will end up as numbers; and widely understood marketing activities do not differentiate from this schema.

Starting with simple (are you sure it’s simple?) ROI calculations, through community building, daily communication with customers or prospects, ending up with proving to your boss your activities make sense – all of these are going to be just a number in one, big, all-encompassing tabular file.

Numbers are the knowledge…

… and to have knowledge means to have control – thank you, Captain Obvious – would be hard to find more evident statement. OK – data has been collected, processed, and at the end of the day (after achieving marketing KPIs) all Excell cells are green – but what is the conclusion? The right question at this point would be: “Does it really have an impact on our business?”

For the purpose of answering this question, let’s discuss a particular example:

Context:
A Bus operator, one of many in the country. Financials aren’t bad, despite the growing competition from both other operators and trains, as well as air transport (so-called “low-cost airlines”). The Board got the feeling the company is losing contact with its customers. They have struggled with customer identification; they cannot differentiate between loyal and one-time customers. It’s getting problematic to recognize the customer journey – and as a consequence, to identify crucial touchpoints?

Why gather information?

Information can be transformed into knowledge – which can be translated into solutions to improve overall performance. Briefly: Business intelligence.

Let’s assume our company, basing on experience, plans to generate 100,000 marketing leads. Proper usage of data we gather about the customers – who they are, what they’re interested in, what websites they visit, what places they saw, and what are their holiday plans – can significantly increase the number of leads: up to 20%[1], which brings us 120,000 marketing leads. Contact details to people potentially interested in giving us their money!

Go further. Let’s say, our company operates in the UK. Using current models and methods, from assumed 100K leads, the conversion rate (equal to 4.59%[2] in the field of transportation e-commerce) would result in more less 4,6K customers. However, by proper usage of knowledge about those people, our company could increase the conversion rate by 51.5% - and as a result, generate nearly 7 thousand new leads.

More leads, higher conversion rate – but at what cost? See the statistics – the average cost of generating 1 lead (from those assumed 100K) equals $22[3] (transportation e-commerce). Proper usage of data about the customers can possibly decrease the cost of the lead by 13%[4] - which results in a $19.14 CPL (cost per lead).

Taking the above into consideration, let’s do some math:

In the current model, by spending $2.2mil the company would generate 4,590 customers, which ends with $479.3 per customer.

In the model based on knowledge and usage of it, a company by spending circa $2.3mil can generate 8,340 customers (more leads, higher conversion rate), which results in 275.39$ per customer (lower CPL).

Implementation of the solutions based on collection and usage of data about customers can significantly decrease the cost of one customer – by 42.54%!

How to achieve it?

The main question of course is – what precisely do we understand by the usage of the data about customers, especially in the context of the discussion about personal data security and methods of gathering and processing it by companies around the world.

Our hypothetical company doesn’t operate in vain. There are plenty of areas where the interactions between a company and potential customers take place. Website, social media, email, landing pages, SEO, SEM, e-commerce platforms – to mention the most recognizable. Those identified touchpoints generate an enormous amount of data, and not only those obvious like first name, last name, or personal data required to make a purchase. There is also additional information – what is the source of the traffic on our website, time spent on the website, visited subpages, does the visitor read the company’s blog, is the customer active on social media, what are interesting destinations for particular potential customers, does the customer prefer low-budget transportation… And this is only the tip of the iceberg of information we can gather through the above-mentioned touchpoints. Why? To help our customers – even without identifying them – and give them a tailored offer.

To visualize the process, let’s take an example:

Our customer, John Doe, receives an initial mailing. For the purpose of this example, it’s enough to say we have his consent to receive information and to process his data – and the company doesn’t violate any legal regulations. If John Doe receives another ordinary mail, there is a huge chance he won’t even open it - just like 80% of other recipients[5]

However, if the mail is personalized, based on gathered data about John (e.g. his searches of hotels in a particular city), and we title the mail suggesting a suitable transport to this place – the chance he will not only open the mail but will most likely go further in the customer journey.

But, there is no point in redirecting John to our website if we can’t instantly present him the content that meets his needs in the first place! We must know what John is looking for (what concrete mail redirected him to the website) so we could display the proper content.

The company is well known, but obviously, not everyone has to recognize the name and scope of services – and definitely, not everyone has to know our standards and our pride of them. If John Doe is a person who does not possess that information, in all likelihood he will look for opinions about our company – and what is a better way to do it if not asking friends and peers?[6]

Being conscious of the above, we can – by predicting the intentions of our potential customer – redirect him to the right space – no matter if it’s either opinions displayed on our website, profiles in social media, or comments in search engines.

John Doe, having a certain destination, having the offer that meets his expectations AND needs, has read opinions about our company and has returned to our website. He has no intention to search for the details of a particular trip once more, so we need to make sure he will receive his information instantly.

Is this the end?

Obviously not! We can get even more from those interactions. Firstly, if for any reason John resigns at any point of the customer journey, we would have this information – and we can try to identify the reason.

Secondly – and this is the path we want to implement as a standard, just like any other transportation company – John Doe might convert into a loyal customer, who will consider our company in his future travel plans.

Some factors cannot be influenced. For example, as a marketing department, we cannot create his experience from the trip itself. Possibly he won’t like something during the trip – but of course, we should do our best to collect additional data to utilize, e.g. for addressing the issues and working on improving the overall performance of the company.

How to put this all together?

Marketing automation – this might be the answer.

A system that enables the company to not only aggregate data from various touchpoints but also uses them for actual activities. CRM integration, social media management, mailing system, CMS for websites, and landing pages – and limitless areas and dimensions for data analysis. And – these are just examples of capabilities of Marketing Automation solutions.

That’s why, when it comes to strategic decision making, creative ideas are appreciated, but decisions are made (or at least should be) based on actual numbers.

[1] DemandGen, Calculating the Real ROI from Lead Nurturing, 2013

[2] Monate E-commerce Quarterly Report [Q4 2015, Q1-Q3 2016]

[3] State of Inbound Marketing Report, 2013

[4] State of Inbound Marketing Report, 2013

[5] mailchimp.com/resources/research/email-marketing-benchmarks

[6] PwC, "They say they want a revolution: Total Retail 2016”

Our expert:

Andrzej Okrasa

Senior Digital Transformation Consultant at Atos Global Delivery Center Poland

Open-minded digital marketing consultant with a strong technical background.

I have 6+ years of experience gathered in various branches, helping organizations on different levels of their Digital Journey. My professional interests cover Marketing Automation (Hubspot Certificates: E-mail marketing, Content Marketing, Inbound Sales), and analytics (Google Analytics Individual Certification). My academic background - Sociology: social communication - helps me to see things from a different angle, better understand customer's journey, define challenges and translate them into recommendations for future activities - and, in the end, execute.

I like to spend my free time with my fiance and our two dogs - silly but adorable English cocker spaniels. And books - I couldn't live without at least one new book per week.

Various nationalities – different dream employers

Stereotypes are not always a bad idea – in relation to the labor market, sometimes they are able to help us identify the needs of employees, especially those that might be a little bit more difficult to understand – foreigners. What do particular nationalities expect from their Polish bosses?

What is considered by some to be a risky statement, may actually have a grain of truth in it: every nation has more or less prominent qualities, values, and sympathies, that are shared within this particular group. This applies to working styles as well; and what is expected from an employer may be no different from that. People coming from different business backgrounds may look for something else in their dream job. A survey by Monster Polska asked which employer qualities are attractive to different national groups. The list is below...

Nordic ex-pats do value good remuneration. There is nothing surprising in that, as the Scandinavian states or countries like Finland offer very good pay and increasing your wages is one of the most common reasons for moving abroad. You would not jump out of the frying pan into the fire!
German employees are all about having clear instructions and straightforward procedures. They want to be informed about their rights and duties straight away and prefer not to leave such important aspects of their work-life aside.
Czech people employed in Poland pay a lot of attention to the brand they work for; it is important for them to be employed by a recognizable company with a solid foundation.
Italians are eager to work for big corporate companies. In Italy, the majority of enterprises are small to medium-size companies, so having an opportunity to work in a big international office is really tempting for some of them and makes up for a new professional as well as a social experience.
The Spanish and the Portuguese, along with the Italians, may have a preference for those employers who let them combine work with getting a university education. The labor markets in these countries have been stricken by the recent economic crisis and young people from the south of Europe are particularly interested in looking for a career abroad, even in more remote locations, such as Poland.

All of the data has been collected by HR managers working in Poland on a daily basis.

At the end of the day, however, it is not the general tendency of your national group that matters; ex-pats in Poland point to respect to their culture that is valued the most. Luckily, they feel that 8.4/10 coworkers and 7.9/10 employers have this respect for them, but of course, the figures could and should be much higher.

Do you agree with the statements or are they too much of a generalization?

Source

BPO/SSC industry to boost Polish economy (ABSL survey)

What will be the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the BPO/SSC industry in Poland? The Association of Business Service Leaders shares the results of its latest survey.

The business services sector may provide a major boost to Poland’s crisis-hit economy, the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL) has announced. According to ABSL’s latest research, the industry, which employs nearly 310,000 people in business process outsourcing (BPO), shared services centers (SSC/GBS), IT and research and development (R&D) centers across the country, has quickly adapted to new ways of operating. Around one-third (35%) of the surveyed companies shifted to remote work in the first half of March, one day after Poland closed its schools, and about 85% of the companies followed suit within a few days.

The great majority of the business services centres were adequately prepared to deal with the crisis and to implement relevant action plans. Thanks to our international presence, we could learn from the experiences of other markets, where the virus hit earlier, said Marcin Nowak, Head of the ABSL Management Board.

As reported by ABSL, around 10% of the surveyed companies expect to handle more business processes in the near future, which may give additional stimulus to the second largest employment sector of the Polish economy.

The industry’s activities have not been suspended and despite facing global challenges, Poland has been offered a further development opportunity, thanks to its excellent infrastructure, human resources and location, said Pawe? Panczyj, Strategy & Business Development Director.

ABSL’s research notes that the current crisis has prompted an unprecedented - but very successful - an experiment in remote work. According to the survey, around two-thirds (66%) of the industry’s employees used to perform their jobs from home before the pandemic outbreak. Nowadays, the surveyed companies declare they are ready to transition 35% of all employees to fully or partially remote work.

Source: ABSL

How to best prepare for an online job interview? Follow these 5 steps

In the age of social distancing, a lot of companies in Poland are starting to rethink their recruitment strategies. Remote job interviews, once a novelty, are now becoming the new norm. But how do you prepare for an interview from home?

Don’t wing it

As Thomas Edison once said, “good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.” Do not let your dream job slip through your fingers simply because you experienced technical difficulties or your cat spontaneously decided to participate in the recruitment process. Prepare for your video interview as you would for an in-person interview - and treat it just as seriously. Do not forget to research the company you are applying to, try to anticipate the questions you might get, and write down the ones you want to ask the recruiter. If you have asked for a morning interview, remember to set the alarm clock the night before. You do not want to show up late to an online interview!

Look the part

Dress appropriately from head to toe, not just from the waist up. While it may be tempting to stay in your pajama trousers and slippers, getting fully dressed will help you switch to “work mode” and feel better prepared for the interview. Also, pay attention to your body language - sit up straight, do not slouch, try to smile, and maintain eye contact with the recruiter by looking directly into the camera.

Find the right spot

Take a good look at your surroundings and find a neutral background (preferably a blank wall or a neat bookshelf) to avoid distracting your interviewer during the conversation. Make sure that the space behind you looks tidy and presentable and that your face is evenly lit. Natural light is obviously the best but avoid sitting in front of a window - you will be backlit and covered in shadow.

Are you applying to a Polish company? Don't forget to include this information in your CV!

Reduce the noise

Eliminate distracting background sounds - let your family (or flatmates) know about your interview just to be sure your voice will not be drowned out by television or a vacuum cleaner. Remember to put your phone on mute and close all unnecessary tabs and windows on your computer. If you have pets - try to keep them out of your room for the duration of the interview. They may look cute on camera but you do not want your dog to start barking in the middle of the meeting.

Check your technology

Finally, test your equipment to ensure everything is working properly. Download the necessary software and take some time to become familiar with its features. Check your internet connection, your microphone, and the camera angle - ideally, your camera should be at eye level and about an arm’s length from your face. If possible, use earbuds to improve sound quality. Once you have set up all the devices, ask one of your friends to do a mock interview with you. It will help you make sure everything is up to scratch.

Good luck with the interview!

Are you looking for a job in Poland? Browse our current vacancies to take part in a remote recruitment process.

Everything you should know about Poland's business services landscape

The last decade has seen a rapid development of the Polish business services landscape, which has attracted an ever-growing number of foreign investors and skilled professionals to Poland. What does the Polish BPO/SSC industry look like in 2020? The Association of Business Service Leaders has published its new report.

300,000 and counting

ABSL’s recent report “EMEA’s Business Services Landscape” provides a detailed insight into business services sectors in 18 selected EMEA countries, including Poland. The report, co-authored by Deloitte, JJL, and Randstad, notes that Poland’s thriving BPO/SSC industry has been one of the key growth drivers for the country’s economy in the last years. Nowadays, the sector employs more than 300,000 professionals in over 1,400 BPO (business process outsourcing), IT, SSC/GBS (shared services centers), and R&D (research and development) centers across the country.

The major business services hubs in Poland are located in Warsaw, Kraków, Wroc?aw, and Tricity, but even the smaller cities - Bia?ystok, Kielce, or Radom - are becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors. As highlighted by ABSL, the country has now become a regional leader in the overall number of centers and the total employment within the industry. It is estimated that over 400,000 people will be working in the Polish business services sector by 2022 - so far, the future recruitment plans seem unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major Business Services Destinations in Poland
City	Number of centers
Warsaw	270
Kraków	225
Wroc?aw	175
Tricity	152
Katowice	105
Pozna?	105

Most in-demand skills

Over the years, Poland’s business services industry has evolved from delivering mostly rule-based processes to performing complex business tasks: “As the market is mature, Polish centers are becoming increasingly involved in entire processes from end to end” (ABSL).

Today, the country provides an extensive range of services in finance and accounting, HR, software development, IT or logistics, and procurement. When it comes to career opportunities, the most in-demand roles in the industry include HR specialists, FP&A (financial planning and analysis) specialists, and data science engineers. German-speaking professionals are much sought after, but proficiency in French, Italian, Spanish, or any of the Nordic languages is also highly valued by employers. The top four languages spoken in Polish business services centers are Polish, Russian, Spanish, and French.

Bonus for language skills in Polish BPO/SSC
Language	Bonus
German	10-20%
French	10-20%
Italian	10-20%
Spanish	10-20%
Nordic languages	25-40%

What will be the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the BPO/SSC industry in Poland?

The driving force of the economy - Business Services Sector in Poland 2020

Will the BPO/SSC sector help revive Poland's economy post COVID-19 crisis? The findings of ABSL's report "Business Services Sector in Poland 2020" seem to inspire optimism.

Business services still on the rise

The business services sector will become one of the most important elements of the Polish economy, predicts a new report from The Association of Business Service Leaders in Poland (ABSL). Since 2016, the total number of jobs in the sector has increased by 58% - as of June 2020, the industry employs 338,000 skilled professionals in 1,513 business services centres (including BPO, SSC/GBS, IT and R&D companies) in Poland.

Although the employment growth rate is expected to slow down as the industry moves into a more mature stage of development, the great majority (77%) of companies in the sector have announced plans to further increase employment in the coming months. It is projected that in 2021, employment in the Polish BPO/SSC will grow by another 3%-7% (a decline from the average of 12% per year recorded between 2016-2020).

Multinational organisations

According to ABSL, 970 business services centres operating in Poland belong to international corporations and generate over 80% of all jobs in the sector. Foreign investors value Poland’s physical proximity to their clients (the same time zone) and the country’s well-educated professionals with good command of foreign languages. Apart from native-born employees, over 90% of business services centres employ native foreign-language speakers:

One of the sector’s distinguishing features is its multinational character – centers in Poland employ people from 65 different states, and 12% of those working in the sector are foreigners. The sector provides services in 38 different languages.

The importance of upskilling

The ABSL report notes that an increasing number of processes delivered by business services centres in Poland (especially R&D and IT centres) are becoming more complex and knowledge-intensive, which seems to suggest that the demand for high-skilled professionals in the industry will continue to grow:

In addition to this quantitative growth, the business services sector is changing considerably in terms of quality. There is a definite trend towards more comprehensive processes (a shift from back-office to middle-office services), which generates more added value.

At the same time, soft skills which cannot be replaced by automation - such as empathy, communication or problem-solving abilities - are expected to play an increasingly important role in AI-driven organizations:

An IT specialist with soft skills will become a true leader, able to translate client problems into the most effective solutions and write these up as code.

A new challenge

ABSL experts describe the BPO/SSC sector is highly resistant and adaptable to changes - it seems that the industry has responded well to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. ABSL findings show that measures such as business continuity plans or work from home arrangements were implemented by BPO/SSC companies within days of introducing a state of emergency in Poland.

While the long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis are difficult to predict at the moment, the current challenges may be seen as another opportunity for growth. According to ABSL, Poland’s BPO/SSC industry may even benefit from the crisis seeing that a lot companies will likely shift to nearshoring - transferring business processes to locations closer to home:

Western Europe will favour locations in Central and Eastern Europe, while entities from the USA will choose locations in Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Source: ABSL

Digital Poland Report: Polish views on technology amid COVID-19

What do Polish people think about new technologies? Have their views changed during the world's biggest work-from-home experiment? Find out in the new report from Digital Poland Foundation.

More tech skeptics in 2020

Foundation Digital Poland is a non-profit organization aiming to make Poland one of the leading global digital innovation hubs in the world. The foundation's latest report, “Technology at the service of society. Will Poles become a society 5.0?”, features the results of a survey measuring Polish attitudes to new technologies in 2020. Interestingly, the number of technology enthusiasts in Poland has dropped significantly since the previous report in 2019 - from 40 per cent to just 26 percent. At the same time, the number of technology sceptics has increased from 38 percent to 54 per cent over the last twelve months. The rest of the survey respondents were classified as either selective technology users (6 percent) or those rejecting technology (14 per cent). As indicated by the report, the majority of tech enthusiasts in Poland are young (under 44 years old), usually well-off, have a higher education degree, and live in bigger cities (of more than 100,000 inhabitants).

Technology not without drawbacks

Polish people generally believe that technology is necessary (97 percent of the respondents agreed with that statement), essential for economic growth (94 percent of responses), and makes everyday life easier (87 percent of responses). However, the majority of Poles admit that advancements in technology may have some negative effects on society: most respondents believe that nowadays people interact less with each other (80 percent of responses) and that customers have lost control of how their personal data are collected and used by online companies (70 percent of responses). Over half of the respondents are also worried that workplace automation and artificial intelligence may displace some jobs.

COVID-19 and tech overload

The report’s findings seem to suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the way Polish people view technology because they need to rely on digital tools more often than ever in order to carry out their daily tasks. It has been noted that Poland’s sudden lockdown in March meant a number of companies and public institutions had to move their services online without adequate preparation. While a lot of organizations seem to have handled the situation better than expected and around 70 per cent of Polish citizens state they would like to carry on with their work from home, the rapid transition to online learning in schools has been met with a concern or even criticism. As shown in the report, only around 40 percent of Poles view online education positively. Only time will tell if Polish views on the use of technology in other areas of life will be further affected by the pandemic.

The future of Polish BPO/SSC: interview with Scott Newman

What does the future hold for BPO/SSC industry in Poland? We talk with Scott Newman, Branch Manager and Board Member of State Street Bank GmbH in Poland.

How has the coronavirus pandemic already affected your organization and the BPO/SSC industry?

Like many companies in the industry, we conduct regular scenario testing as part of our ongoing business continuity planning and as such, most of our employees working in Poland already had the ability to work remotely. This helped prepare us for these unprecedented times and to deploy our global operating model. This, in turn, enabled certain activities to be transitioned to different locations such as Poland to ensure continuity in service for our global clients.

How has the way of working of people employed in such organizations changed? Has the industry easily adapted to the new conditions?

Through a combination of planning and preparedness, including tested business continuity procedures and operational resiliency actions, our day-to-day servicing commitments have been largely uninterrupted despite unprecedented market volumes.

As we continue to navigate COVID-19, we are all adjusting to new ways of working. As such, companies will likely adopt more agile processes, better leveraging of technology, and more innovation and global collaboration.

What effects can the coronavirus pandemic have on this industry? What could be the future of this type of organization?

The pandemic has forced many organizations to adopt a new way of working and fast. The way that we’ve performed and talked with our clients to overcome problems provides a roadmap to how we need to do this differently in the future. We all have disaster recovery plans, but there will be a greater interdependency of those plans going forward. In addition, it has fundamentally changed the way we view work from home from a productivity and capability perspective, and it will accelerate initiatives for digital transformation.

Many foreigners in Poland are employed in shared services centers. What significance can the current situation have for them?

There is no textbook that tells you how to navigate through a rapidly changing public health, economic, and financial market crisis like COVID-19. However, the priority for all organizations when presented with this unique challenge is the health and safety of all employees. Communication is a vital tool to utilize in a time they can feel overwhelming. At State Street, we’re maintaining a heightened level of communication with teams and peers to ensure there is constant support for one another and to help prevent feelings of isolation.

What are the perspectives of employing foreigners in Poland? What are your predictions?

There will always be opportunities for ex-pat workers in Poland due to the language skills and expertise they bring to an organization.

Our expert:

Scott Newman, Executive Vice President, Poland Branch Manager

Scott Newman is executive vice president, branch manager, and board member of State Street Bank International GmbH Poland branch. In this role, Scott is responsible for leading the local management team, business development, and governance. The State Street International GmbH Poland branch was established in November 2007 and has since grown exponentially, providing fund accounting, derivatives, securities valuation, hedge fund administration and performance & analytics.

Prior to transferring to State Street in Krakow, Scott was based in Munich where he led the research and setup of the new office in Krakow as well as relationship and project management roles. Scott joined State Street in 2003 through the acquisition of Deutsche Bank’s global custody business at which time he was based in Frankfurt, Germany, and worked extensively on the aforementioned acquisition and integration.

At Deutsche Bank, Scott held roles in custody client service, product development, and PMO.

He holds a bachelor of arts in business administration and is fluent in German.

Back to work during COVID-19: new health and safety guidelines for employers in Poland

As lockdown restrictions have eased, a lot of businesses in Poland have decided to resume their normal operations. However, the pandemic is not over yet and many employees express genuine concerns about going back to the office. What should companies do to make their workplaces as safe as possible? The National Labour Inspectorate publishes new health and safety guidelines for employers in Poland.

According to Polish law, employers are responsible for providing their employees with a safe working environment. Therefore, it is the company's duty to implement new workplace policies in order to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission among employees. The following are the most important health and safety guidelines prepared for Polish companies by the Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute (Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy – Pa?stwowy Instytut Badawczy) and the Chief Labour Inspectorate (G?ówny Inspektorat Privacy):

Limit the number of employees present at the same time:

In the workplace: by implementing flexible work schedules.
Insanitary facilities, break rooms, changing rooms: e.g. by scheduling rest breaks at different times.

Employers are strongly encouraged to allow work-from-home arrangements when possible.

Maintain a safe distance between employees:

Rearrange your workspace, introduce changes to employees’ schedules (e.g. implement rotating work schedules or remote work options) to maintain a distance of at least one and a half meters between employees’ desks.

If direct contact with other employees or clients cannot be avoided:

Limit the number of employees (to two or three) who come into direct contact with each other by creating fixed teams.
Install protective screens to separate employees from clients or customers.
Reduce time spent on face-to-face interactions with customers to no more than 15 minutes.
Ensure that employees use personal protective equipment (masks, face coverings, gloves, etc.) at work.
Provide your employees with hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants.

Employers are also advised to switch to digital means of communication and reduce the number of business trips or face-to-face meetings with people from outside the company.

In order to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the workplace, it is necessary to implement and comply with the following safety measures:

To regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door handles, soap dispensers, washbasins, toilets, desks, keyboards etc.
To provide employees with hand-washing facilities (soap and running water) and clear information on how to wash and sanitize hands properly.
To ensure that the workspaces (including floors, tables, chairs, cupboards) are cleaned daily using detergents.
To ensure that kitchen utensils are disinfected by employees after use and that the tableware is not shared.
To remove newspapers, magazines, and information brochures from break rooms, waiting rooms, lobbies, or reception areas.
To ensure that company vehicles are regularly cleaned and disinfected as well as equipped with hand sanitizers, paper towels, and garbage bags.

It is also recommended that employers install disinfectant mats at entrances and ensure proper ventilation in all workplaces.

Employees are to be encouraged to use their own modes of transport and to be provided with free parking options or secure bicycle storage spaces.

Companies are advised to establish safety procedures for if an employee develops COVID-19 symptoms. These should include specific guidelines on how to protect the rest of the staff, how to determine which members of staff may have come into direct contact with the employee, and how to report a potential case of COVID-19 to the relevant sanitary and epidemiological station.

The document can be found on the website of Poland's National Labour Inspectorate (Pa?stwowa Inspekcja Privacy).

A look inside Alcon Global Services. Keep an eye on these job opportunities

The global eye care leader, which has been helping people to see brilliantly for over 70 years, has opened a competence center in Warsaw, supporting accounting, IT and HR business processes. The new center will create over 100 new jobs by the end of the year.

Alcon is a global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades. The company makes a broad portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. These include contact lenses used by millions of people around the world as well as intraocular lenses for the treatment of cataracts and ophthalmic surgical equipment. One of Alcon’s strategic goals is to establish four competence centers (Alcon Global Services) providing services to the organization worldwide: a global one in Bangalore and three regional ones: in Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur, and Warsaw.

“We picked Warsaw, a city with a highly developed infrastructure and readily accessible talent pool of qualified employees with foreign language skills and specialized degrees. We wanted to be close to the business, that is why the center is co-located with our commercial unit in Warsaw” – says Micha? Kasprzyk, Head of Alcon Global Services Regional Hub.

Creating a new business services center from the ground up is no mean feat but there is a huge opportunity for growth and shaping the company and its processes. Although Alcon Global Services operates within a large and stable organization employing over 20,000 people worldwide, the office has a start-up like culture and a strategic goal – the company’s transformation.

It is a diverse and dynamic work environment, best suited for people with a continuous improvement mindset, searching for an opportunity to make an impact, take initiative, and wanting to cooperate in an international environment.

Alcon Global Services is a functionally-led organization – its teams in Warsaw constitute an integral part of respective global business functions, such as HR, IT or finance. They not only deliver business processes but are actively engaged in shaping them.

Alcon’s Transition & Transformation Team (T&T) ensures the successful launch of the new shared services center and smooth transition of services from the parent company and external providers to AGS. T&T hires professionals with experience in business process transformation or project management.

“The work is very exciting, mostly because we are responsible for strategic initiatives which are of key importance for the organization. To put it simply – our job is to successfully guide the company through the transformation process, including planning, implementation, monitoring and risk elimination. The projects are carried out with teams from various countries and cultures, working in different time zones. There is no room for boredom. We are constantly facing new challenges, looking for creative solutions to unusual problems. In order to make it in this field, you need to have a good understanding of business processes, you should be confident and able to communicate with people working in different fields and at all organizational levels, you need to be responsible and flexible” – says Adam Borucki, AGS Senior Manager Transition & Transformation.

Key Areas of Employment

Warsaw’s AGS is successively taking over more business processes and increasing its recruitment needs. The company plans to hire over 100 employees by the end of 2020. And it is only the beginning – Alcon’s development is expected to continue in the years to come.

IT jobs

The IT competence center in Warsaw supports different business teams and collaborates with internal and external IT teams around the world. The company works on an ecosystem-based on IT solutions developed by leading global producers such as IBM, SAP, Microsoft, StreamServe and creates its own innovative tools, for example, in the big data area.

IT teams that are hiring now:

Commercial IT – develops CRM systems such as Salesforce, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), and RPA solutions, e.g. Automation Anywhere or an original AWS-based analytical platform that helps make business decisions worldwide.
IT ERP – responsible for maintaining SAP and related interfaces, monitoring daily operations, and system performance. Members of this team take part in innovative projects and enhancement initiatives – they identify and implement improvements, optimize existing solutions, and develop SAP applications.
Technical Infrastructure Services/End User Experience – provides hardware and software maintenance and development services (LAN/WAN, Backup & Storage, Databases, Access & Identity Management, Mobile Device Management) and processes and tools supporting IT services management (Tools & Reporting).

The company is searching for Salesforce programmers, solution architects, business analysts, project managers, infrastructure engineers, system administrators, Big Data engineers, ITSM specialists, or ERP implementation experts.

“Being part of the global Alcon IT Team is more than working on the latest Technology project. It’s about working on the latest business project that will help Alcon reach more clients, improve services, and streamline processes that help people see better. Alcon’s IT strategy is centered around leading, digital technology platforms including Salesforce, SAP, Workday, Veeva, Microsoft 365, Service Now, AWS and Cisco.. Our employees are offered an opportunity to develop – vertically and horizontally – and get promoted within the organization. What is very important for us is to make sure that IT associates working in our center in Warsaw feel like being part of the global Alcon IT Team – working very closely with the stakeholders from all around the world"– says CJ Lombardo, OCIO & Corp Functions IT Head at Alcon Global Services.

Finance jobs

In Alcon, the Finance function's mission is to build a world-class ONE Finance team that drives business success with integrity and simplicity in a standardized environment across all the processes and countries. Building strong Finance capabilities in our center in Warsaw is one way of bringing this mission to life. We are aiming to build strong financial expertise, bringing together various roles across the Finance domains focused primarily on supporting European and Middle East countries.

The finance team at Alcon is called Financial Reporting and Accounting (FRA). It is responsible for delivering high-quality services in the area of financial reporting, accounting, controlling, and compliance.

Financial services are currently provided by the following AGS teams:

Invoice to Cash (I2C) – takes care of payment collection and credit management (including settling disputes, sending payment requests, and managing blocked orders due to credit line). The Accounts Receivable team is at the center of the I2C process, handling accounts receivable for the company’s clients, taking care of cash collection, maintaining the clients’ credit limits, balance sheet accounts reconciliation, settling client’s complaints with the sales administration teams.

“Since we work closely with clients, soft skills are of vital importance in this role. You need to be able to communicate with a demanding client or negotiate with them when collecting overdue payments. We cooperate mostly with international companies, that is why we can use English or other foreign languages are spoken in a given country on a daily basis. No two days are alike at I2C” – says Emilia Zajer, Team Lead, Accounts Receivable at Alcon Global Services.

The business Planning & Analysis (BPA) team supports management in decision making, allowing the company to reach set optimal goals using its own resources.

The team’s work rests on the following pillars:

Goal-setting based on budget processes and mid-year forecasts;
Financial reporting and in-depth variance analysis;
KPI tracking, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies;
Business Partnering – close cooperation with all Alcon departments through a financial analysis of new business ideas and optimization of the existing activities.

A job in the BPA team gives you a unique opportunity to cooperate with all company departments and allows you to look at the big picture, not just one component.

“Working in BPA is like being a ship navigator, making analyses and plotting the best route from port A to port B, avoiding all storms, shoals, or other obstacles. We closely cooperate with all commercial and support departments in European markets, provide them with information and recommendations, indicate risks and opportunities on the basis of conducted analyses” – says Piotr Brzozowski, BPA Manager at Alcon Global Services.

Travel & Expenses (T&E) – the team ensures that business expenses of Alcon employees are incurred in accordance with the company policy and regional guidelines. The team’s activities are very comprehensive. Apart from cost control, their main focus is on the preparation and implementation of guideline changes and new tools that enhance delivered processes. The team conducts training sessions for employees to introduce new improvements and ensure the efficient use of tools for business expense management.

"One of the greatest benefits of working in T&E is the ability to maintain a balance between repetitive tasks and additional projects and having the opportunity to cooperate with employees from different countries and cultures" – says Micha? Delvaux, Travel & Expenses Specialist at Alcon Global Services.

HR Jobs

The HR department can be divided into two areas, which differ from each other in terms of required competencies:

HR Help Center – a department responsible for providing HR and payroll support to Alcon employees worldwide, in cooperation with other teams, including the payroll and design departments as well as regional partners. At the moment, the department fully supports certain geographic regions and it is set to become the primary point of contact for the EMEA region in a few months. HR Help Center takes part in the transition of processes as part of the software implementation project (e.g. Workday) and taking over of services. Their activities are centered around knowledge transfer, system testing, process planning, and implementation of technological improvements in response to the company’s needs. The department’s back-office team is made up of experts responsible for the implementation of improvements within the field.

“Our company is currently undergoing a transformation process on a global scale. We need to spring into action, take a closer look at the processes, and improve them so that they make sense to our employees in the first place. It is a big but interesting challenge since we need to take into account our technological resources, local laws, and cultural needs”– says Sara Pereira-Chwali?ska, Alcon HR Service Center Lead.

Payroll – a department responsible for paying remuneration to Alcon employees in different European countries. Payroll specialists maintain contact with payroll partners and local offices in regard to taxes, social and health insurance, or employee pension plans. The department provides employees with information on their pay. In order to perform the job duties, it is necessary to have a general knowledge of labor laws and keep up to date with relevant legislative changes. Candidates for this job are also required to have a good working knowledge of English. Other European languages, even the less popular ones, like Danish or Flemish, are also sought-after. The payroll department is looking mostly for experienced professionals.

“Language skills are indispensable in our job and allow us to deliver the best quality of products – namely, properly calculated remuneration, duly transferred to the accounts of our employees in all parts of Europe. At the moment, we are involved in a few bigger projects, e.g. the transition of payment processes from regional teams to the AGS center in Warsaw and implementation of Workday and Kronos systems“ – says Justyna Sikoci?ska, Alcon Regional Payroll Lead.

Alcon Global Services – practical information

Last but not least, here are a few pieces of information for job seekers:

Alcon Global Services is located in the New City building at ul. Marynarska 15, within walking distance of Galeria Mokotów. The new office space combines modern design and technology with traditional elements. It has one extra advantage, too – a spacious terrace on the 7^th floor, accessible to Alcon employees only.
The company offers contracts of employment and a competitive benefits package including private medical care for employees and their family members, a lunch card, transportation allowance, or Alcon contact lenses.
Thanks to the company’s dynamic development, Alcon employees are given a lot of opportunities to learn new skills. They can take part in interesting projects, transitions, and implementations and are given access to training courses, including language classes, modern work tools, and – in the case of IT jobs – a technology stack.
More information on current vacancies are to be found at pl.alcon.com

2020 Hays Salary Guide for Poland - salaries in Finance/HR/IT

Our readers often ask us how much they can earn in different business sectors in Poland. Take a look at the latest salary guide from Hays to find out what salary you can expect in your job as finance, HR, or IT professional.

According to Hays, salaries in the financial sector will continue to rise steadily as the demand for accountants, auditors, or controllers remains strong in the market. It is estimated that around 86% of companies in the industry plan to hire new employees in 2020, therefore competition from other employers will pose a key challenge in the future.

The HR Sector will face challenges related to talent acquisition and retention as well as diverse management and fast-changing labor laws and regulations. In 2020, recruitment specialists with in-demand skills (such as fluency in foreign languages) are expected to earn on average 5-10% more than last year.

As might be expected, IT remains one of the highest-paid industries. The biggest salary increase is expected in the field of security (even up to 20%) and process automation (around 10%). Software development professionals are likely to see a pay raise as well.

The table below presents Hays monthly salary estimates for finance, HR, and IT professionals in 2020. More job positions are to be found in Hays Poland Salary Guide 2020.

Area	Minimum	Optimum	Maximum
Accountancy & Finance	(gross PLN)	(gross PLN)	(gross PLN)
Chief Accountant	12,000	17,000	25,000
Senior Accountant	7,000	9,000	12,000
Accountant	6,000	7,000	7,500
Junior Accountant	4,000	5,000	5,500
Credit Controller	8,000	10,000	12,000
Head of Controlling	15,000	18,000	22,000
Financial Controller (with the team)	12,000	15,000	18,000
Financial Controller (independent position)	10,000	13,000	15,000
Business Analyst	10,000	12,000	14,000
Analyst/Senior Business Analyst/Controlling Specialist	7,000	10,000	14,000
Reporting and Analysis Specialist	7,000	9,000	11,000
Junior Analyst	5,500	6,000	6,500
Human Resources
HR Consultant	7,000	9,000	10,000
HR Specialist	6,000	7,500	9,000
Compensation and Benefits Specialist	7,000	10,000	12,000
Learning and Development Specialist	6,500	7,500	8,500
HR and Payroll Specialist	6,000	7,000	9,000
Recruitment Expert	6,000	9,000	12,000
Recruitment Specialist	5,000	7,000	8,000
Junior HR Specialist	4,000	4,500	5,000
HR Assistant	3,500	3,800	4,000
IT
Java Developer	11,000	15,000	19,000
.NET /C# Developer	10,000	13,000	16,000
C/ C++ Developer	8,000	10,000	12,000
Front-End Developer	9,000	11,000	13,000
Mobile Developer	11,000	14,000	17,000
Automation Tester	9,000	12,000	15,000
Business/ System Analyst	13,000	16,000	19,000
IT Project Manager	12,000	17,000	20,000
Network Administrator	11,000	13,000	16,000
Infrastructure Manager	15,000	17,000	20,000
2nd Line Support	8,000	9,000	10,000
3rd Line Support	10,000	13,000	16,000
Infrastructure Security Specialist	14,000	16,000	18,000
Applications Security Specialist	14,000	16,000	18,000
Security Consultant	13,000	17,000	23,000
Security Manager	20,000	26,000	35,000

Source: Hays

Are you planning a move to Poland and wondering if there is a demand for your skills and experience? Let's find out which professionals are most sought-after in the Polish job market.

The annual Occupational Barometer survey, commissioned by the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy provides short-term labor market forecasts for Poland. According to the latest report, a lot of industries in Poland will face increasing talent shortages in 2020, due to a variety of social, economic, and environmental factors including low unemployment rates, undesirable working conditions (e.g. low pay, working weekends), or young people's reluctance to take up certain careers. Experts predict the following jobs will be the hardest to fill in 2020:

MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS IN POLAND

Construction: construction workers, steel fixers and concrete placers, sheet metal workers, roofers, pavers, carpenters, masons and plasterers, HVAC/Gasfitters, heavy equipment operators, finishing process engineers;

Manufacturing: machine tool operators, woodworkers, and carpenters, welders, machinists, electricians, electromechanical engineers, apparel workers;

Transport: bus drivers, LGV drivers, tractor unit drivers;

Catering: cooks, bakers;

Healthcare: doctors, nurses, and midwives, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and carers;

Services: hairdressers;

Finance: bookkeepers and accountants, especially professionals with foreign language skills.

As regards low-demand jobs, the survey has found that economists are the only "surplus occupation" in Poland, meaning there are more potential employees than currently available positions in the market.

Location wise, Warsaw’s job market has been singled out as the most diverse in the country, with a growing number of foreign employees taking up a wide range of jobs across different industries - from low-skilled professions to IT-related roles such as analysts, testers, graphic designers, database administrators, and programmers.

Source: Occupational Barometer 2020

What is the Polish attitude towards foreigners? How do Polish people approach cultural diversity in the workplace? Read about the latest findings of the Randstad Workmonitor survey.

According to a recent Randstad Workmonitor survey, a great majority of Poles (74%) enjoy working with foreigners. Positive attitudes towards cultural diversity in the workplace are expressed by 77% of women and 71% of men in Poland and tend to be most common among employees aged between 35 and 44 (78%). Perhaps surprisingly, the youngest employees (between 18-24 years old) are the least enthusiastic of all age groups, with 71% of favourable opinions on foreign workers. When it comes to industries, those working in the service sector (80%) and trade and distribution (75%) seem most welcoming of other nationalities in the Polish job market.

The survey also found out that Poland ranks among the top three European nations (along with Portugal and the UK) which are most supportive of companies that employ foreign workers - 68% of Polish respondents said it is good that organisations attract people from abroad to cover labour shortages. Citizens between 55 and 65 years old were found to be the most approving of the solution, with 75% agreeing that it is the right approach to staffing issues.

As noted by Marzena Milinkiewicz, Operations Director at Randstad, the last two decades have seen a change in the way Polish citizens perceive foreign employees:

The country’s accession to the EU, followed by large-scale emigration of skilled Polish workers and, in consequence, labour shortages in many industries, have drawn people’s attention to the benefits of foreign immigration.

Source: Randstad

Are you looking for your first job in Poland? Check what to do to get a work permit.

2020 Hays Salary Guide for Poland - salaries in Sales/Procurement and Logistics

What salary can you expect in your chosen career in Poland? Read on to see salary estimates for Procurement, FMCG, and Logistics professionals.

The average salaries in the Procurement, Supply Chain, and Logistics sectors have remained unchanged since last year, according to the Hays 2020 salary guide. However, as observed in the report, the industry has seen a growing demand for soft skills (strategic thinking, leadership qualities) and fluency in foreign languages, which may increase the starting salary for sales and procurement professionals. The logistics sector, on the other hand, continues its technological advancement and seeks professionals with relevant technical experience in order to meet the demands of the fast-paced industry. A shortage of suitable candidates, however, is likely to become the number one challenge faced by most employers.

The table below presents Hays monthly salary estimates for Procurement, FMCG Sales, and Logistics professionals in 2020. More job positions are to be found in Hays Poland Salary Guide 2020.

2020 Hays Salary Guide for Poland

Area	Minimum	Optimum	Maximum
Procurement and Category Management	(gross PLN)	(gross PLN)	(gross PLN)
Director of Procurement (production plant)	20,000	23,000	26,000
Procurement Manager (production plant)	15,000	17,000	20,000
Category Manager (production plant)	14,000	15,500	19,000
Strategic Buyer	10,500	13,000	15,000
Procurement Manager (Indirect)	15,000	20,000	23,000
Category Manager (Indirect)	13,000	16,000	23,000
Buyer (Indirect/Direct)	7,500	10,000	14,000
Procurement Consultant (consulting)	14,000	16,000	18,000
Procurement Analyst (consulting)	8,000	9,000	10,000
FMCG - Sales
General Manager	35,000	40,000	50,000
Sales Director	20,000	32,000	40,000
Export Director	15,000	25,000	40,000
Regional Sales Director	12,000	16,000	20,000
Group Key Account Manager	15,000	17,000	20,000
Export Manager	8,000	13,000	16,000
Key Account Manager	10,000	12,000	15,000
Regional Sales Manager	8,000	10,000	12,000
Logistics
Supply Chain Director (production plant)	20,000	28,000	35,000
Logistics Manager	12,000	15,000	18,000
Demand Planning Manager	12,000	15,000	17,000
Distribution Centre Manager	12,000	15,000	18,000
Warehouse Manager	9,000	11,500	13,000
Demand Planner	7,000	10,000	14,000
Inventory Planner	6,500	8,000	10,000
Logistics Specialist	7,000	8,000	10,000
Order Handling Specialist (with English)	4,500	6,500	8,000
Order Handling Specialist (with English + second foreign language)	5,500	8,000	10,000
Business Development Manager (TFL)	15,000	18,000	20,000
Transport Manager	9,000	11,000	14,000
Freight Manager	8,000	10,000	12,000
International Freight Forwarder	6,000	7,000	9,000

Source: Hays

Employee recruitment during the pandemic: MicroStrategy Poland

The COVID-19 outbreak has had an unprecedented impact on businesses around the globe. How do companies recruit new employees during the crisis? How do Polish recruiters communicate with candidates from abroad? We are talking with Karolina Grzelachowska, Talent Acquisition Director at MicroStrategy Poland.

Has the current situation affected your recruitment processes in any way?

We continue the processes that were already underway. In order to protect the safety of our candidates and managers, all job interviews are conducted using available technologies (Skype, Webex). These solutions are not new to us because we use them in normal circumstances too, so everything is running smoothly. We are aware that a face-to-face meeting is important to our candidates, so we want to provide them with that opportunity as soon as the situation allows it.

Do you employ a lot of foreigners? Are you looking to hire more foreign professionals in the coming months?

MicroStrategy is an international organization, all the teams in our Warsaw office employ foreigners. At the moment, closed borders pose the biggest obstacle for us because we are unable to set a start date for new employees and we might have to extend the process of recruiting our candidates from abroad. No one can be certain how long this situation will last and what effect it will have on the job market. It is predicted that economies around the world will experience a temporary slowdown, which will certainly affect the number of recruiting processes. However, our long-term plans are to increase employment in our office in Warsaw.

How do you recruit candidates from abroad during the pandemic? Is it a huge organizational challenge?

As I have said, shutting the borders surely does not help us with international relocations. That is why greater flexibility is required from us and our candidates. If I were to find one positive side of this unusual situation, it would be the availability of candidates, who can schedule an interview more easily if they do not need to leave their homes. Due to current government regulations and market conditions, a lot of candidates are searching for a job or working from home, where they feel more at ease, so we are able to do more interviews in less time. Our tools or the way we conduct job interviews have changed - the recruitment stages that would normally take place at our office have moved online - but generally, the current situation has not affected our effectiveness or the recruitment schedule in any negative way.

What job positions are you recruiting for at the moment? Did you have to alter your recruitment plans?

At the moment we are focusing on the roles that are crucial for running the business and for successfully supporting our clients in their business activities. Therefore we are mainly looking for technical support professionals with foreign language skills.

Has your company - like many others in Poland - joined the "stay at home" campaign and allowed the employees to work remotely?

Of course – our employees are not only offered the choice but even encouraged to work from home. The safety of our employees is a top priority for our company and the available technical solutions allow us to work effectively, no matter where we are. The office remains open of course, so if anyone prefers to work there, it is possible. Our employees have been provided with essential sanitizing supplies and the office is cleaned on a regular basis.

Our expert:

Karolina Grzelachowska, Talent Acquisition Director at MicroStrategy Poland. High-skilled recruiter with almost 15 years-long experience in delivering and executing recruitment strategies and team management.

There is a popular Czech proverb that says, “You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once.” How do you live your life to the fullest and make the most of your stay in Poland? By taking Polish lessons of course!

TO LEARN OR NOT TO LEARN

Is it really worth learning Polish if you can get by just fine with English? Definitely. Being able to speak the language of your host country helps you adapt to the new surroundings and makes your relocation experience all the more enriching. If that does not seem convincing enough, there are several other reasons for mastering the Polish language.

Getting around the country might be a little tricky if you rely only on English. The language barrier is rarely an issue in bigger cities or major tourist destinations, but if you decide to drive out of town, some knowledge of Polish might come in handy.

Connecting with the local people becomes much easier and more enjoyable. Even if your Polish friends speak perfect English, it is fair to say that certain nuances of language are always lost in translation.

You gain access to countless works of culture: Polish literature, film, music or theatre. Are you a poetry enthusiast? Then you will take delight in reading the original works of Wis?awa Szymborska or Czes?aw Mi?osz, Polish Nobel Prize winning poets.

The language increases your competitiveness in the job market. Polish may not be the most in-demand language to learn but if you want to break into a new career path, an additional foreign language will certainly open up quite a few opportunities.

It gives you a new perspective. Did you know that the Sami have hundreds of words for snow? Or that some cultures lack words for numbers? It is known that our languages shape the way we perceive the world – and learning one means opening your mind to new worldviews. If you want to understand Poland better, learn a little bit of Polish!

It turns you into a hero in the eyes of native speakers. Polish people are very proud of their language and tend to emphasise how difficult it is. Whether you agree with that statement or not, it is guaranteed you will be praised every time you produce a comprehensible sentence. Also, what better way to impress your friends back home than by learning some Polish tongue-twisters?

POLISH YOUR POLISH

What is the most effective way of mastering the Polish language? It all depends on your location, time resources and preferred method of learning. As you may imagine, there is no substitute for a traditional language course and real-life interactions with native speakers, but if you have not moved to Poland yet, there are a few other ways to immerse yourself in the Polish language and culture.

Mobile applications represent the most modern, “on-the-go” approach to language learning. They are often free of charge, entertaining and time-effective – you can brush up on your Polish vocabulary while queueing in a shop or commuting to work.

Online classes allow you to connect with native speakers from anywhere in the world. This conversation practice will help you enhance your speaking and listening skills as well as your overall confidence and language fluency.

Pieces of media such as news websites, videos, television and radio shows are an invaluable source of real-life language examples. By watching foreign language films, you can learn vocabulary in context, pick up the correct pronunciation and become familiar with the country’s culture.

Textbooks may seem a tad bit boring and old-fashioned at first but they can provide you with a variety of language exercises, designed for learners at different levels of proficiency. They can teach you grammar rules, reading comprehension and useful writing techniques.

Paulina Gospodarek, Accenture Operations; Recruitment Lead with experience in multilingual recruitment processes:

?d?b?o, ?ó??, Szczebrzeszyn – Polish is one of the most difficult European languages. Fortunately, at Accenture Operations, our common language is English, and we do not expect the employees to be speaking Polish. From Poland, we are servicing our clients in nearly 30 different languages, for instance French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Dutch, Serbian, Czech, Mandarin, Arabic, Turkish and many more. However, for those who dare to take a challenge and learn why there are 17 different ways to say two in Polish we offer Polish classes!

Home sweet home… Is it easy to make oneself at home in a foreign country? Certainly not. But the more you know about your options, the higher the chance you will find a place that meets all your requirements. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the rental market in Poland.

SHORT STAY

If you are planning a short business trip or a holiday stay in Poland, you have plenty of lodging options to choose from. The country offers a wide range of accommodation facilities to suit all budgets and needs – from international luxury hotels to B&Bs, inns, private guest-houses and low-cost hostels for backpackers or students. With such a variety of affordable and high-quality travel accommodation, coupled with the famous Polish hospitality, Poland has genuinely become a tourist-friendly destination.

Nowadays, the majority of tourist establishments are to be found online and can be rented through their own websites or popular booking services. Naturally, the bigger the city or the more touristy the area, the better chance of browsing through a large selection of accommodation options. The price range depends not so much on the size of the resort, as on its popularity. Generally, prices for an en-suite double room start from as little as PLN 40 per person per night.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Those who decide to embark on an academic path in Poland, often choose to stay in a student dormitory, at least at the beginning of their academic journey. A room in university halls of residence offers a number of advantages, especially for young people who are just entering adulthood – first and foremost it provides a secure, stable accommodation at low cost, suited for a student’s budget. The monthly rent includes all bills and amenities such as internet access, launderettes or on-site gyms. Apart from that, this type of accommodation is usually located in close proximity to the university campus and, last but not least, allows students to socialise with people from different backgrounds, make valuable connections or even build long-lasting friendships. There are, however, two sides to every coin – one often has to share their room with one or more students and while the accommodation standards have significantly improved over the last few years, not all dormitories may live up to your expectations. Dorm prices vary depending on the city, university, number of beds in the room or its standard. In Warsaw, rent prices can range from PLN 400 to PLN 800 per month for a single room.

RENTING AN APARTMENT

The process of flat-hunting is one of the most challenging but necessary aspects of every relocation. Fortunately, nowadays you can browse through various ads online and begin your accommodation search even before landing in the country of your destination. In Poland, foreigners often choose to look for accommodation options on Facebook groups for expats or advertising websites dedicated to English-speaking people. It is also possible to use a real estate agency but this option obviously means some additional fees. If you choose it, remember that you should not be charged for anything (for example, a flat viewing) before signing a rental agreement.

Once you find a place to your liking, whether a room or a flat, make sure that you get a written contract which includes the following:

• Personal data of both the tenant and the landlord as well as the address of the property

• Contract duration (from… to…)

• Conditions for contract termination (the period of notice)

• Monthly costs (whether the rent includes utilities – electricity, water, heating etc.)

• Security deposit amount

When searching for accommodation, be careful of scams. Watch out for any surprise charges or hidden costs written in small print – remember to always double check your rental contract before signing. If you do not speak any Polish, do not hesitate to ask a Polish friend for help or to request an English version of the contract. As a rule, rent prices in Warsaw are slightly higher than in other Polish cities – on average, a single room with good access to the city costs around PLN 1,000 per month, bills included.

BUYING A PROPERTY

Every year, more and more foreigners in Poland decide to buy a property of their own. Some of them are motivated by the prospect of owning their own four walls, others treat it as a buy-to-let investment. From a legal standpoint, buying an apartment in Poland is relatively easy. In order to become a flat owner, you are not required to obtain any additional documents or even to be a permanent resident of Poland – a visa or a residence permit is sufficient to comply with the formalities. Buying a house, on the other hand, involves more paperwork. In order to acquire a stand-alone building, you need to obtain a special permit from the Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule – for example, the document will not be required if you are an EU national or if you have been a permanent resident of Poland for at least five years.

**ACCOMMODATION IN WARSAW* (AS OF 2019)**
Double or twin en-suite room in a hostel (city centre)	PLN 130 per night
Classic double room in a 5-star hotel	PLN 700 per night
Private room in university halls of residence	PLN 600 per month
Private room in a shared apartment	PLN 1,000 per month
Studio flat close to the city centre	PLN 2,000 per month

*average prices

Women are getting ahead of men. Their drive, thirst for success and willingness to improve professional status change the world every day. Successful campaigns, carried out throughout the entire past century, have really made a difference. IT has been late to catch up with feminine power, but now is the time to make amends. What is it like for a woman to work in IT in Poland these days?

The IT sector is globally perceived as male-dominated. For a long time this view has been more than correct – women’s presence in the business was close to zero, with the exception of administrative positions. However, it was the technological boom of recent decades that gave way to breaking male supremacy in IT. More education and access to information equalled more opportunities in Information Technology. As of today, there is a proven shortage of about 50,000 IT experts in Poland. No wonder that women grabbed their chance with both hands. But what has this bold move brought them?

Men only?

A recent report Kobiety w IT (Eng. Women in IT) by Hays Poland, Geek Girls Carrots and Biuro Podró?y Reklamy, sheds light on Polish women within the IT sector. It shows that indeed the field is dominated by male workers, which is not uncommon around the world, despite the constant rise of women joining the business. Even such giants as Google struggle with introducing more gender diversity into their organisations (Google.com/Diversity, January 2016), a fact which foresees a long way to go before worldwide disparities are reduced within the sector. In Polish IT companies, almost one third of female employees admits working with men only on everyday basis. This issue will undergo a graduate change, but at the moment the lack of proportions is still very much evident, both in Poland and globally.

Forever young

While IT companies as a rule are one of the most youthful work environments, if you are a girl considering joining the business in Poland, you will most likely be surrounded by very young female co-workers. Half of them are between the ages of 25 and 30, while women over 40 constitute only a tiny percentage centage! Such demographics should not be shocking, considering the fact that the Millennials were the first generation to have easy access to computers in their daily lives. Everyday familiarity with their very own PCs in the 1990s has had an effect in the generation flooding the IT sector, without excepting women. In years to come, the young will also choose IT, therefore the dynamics of company demographics will see even further changes.

Degrees are passé

Female IT experts in Poland do not necessarily need higher education diplomas to get a job. Around one third of them has a degree related to Computer Science, while the rest is either in the process of obtaining it or has followed a completely different course of education. This proves that IT organisations in Poland do not feel the pressure to hire people with a documented theoretical background. What do they value then if CS diplomas are not their object of interest? The answer is consensual: experience and practical know-how of the trade. Women, for various reasons, have not always majored in IT at university, however it does not prevent them from taking up jobs in the field. As long as they can prove their competence and attest that their personal knowledge can be useful to the company, they are in.

Business branches

In Poland, companies interested in hiring women as IT experts are usually related to IT and telecommunications activities, but there is no limit to possibilities that the profession generates. Over one out of ten Polish women specialising in IT works in marketing, and other branches of business popular among them include banking and investments services, as well as accounting, which confirms the interlink between the worlds of technology and finance. What jobs do they hold in these companies? The majority of them works as either Software Developers or Software Testers, but other positions popular among them are Project Managers and Business Analysts. Yet another proof that women have what it takes to settle in this once-adverse environment.

Book a ticket to…

When it comes to choosing a place to work and live, Polish female IT experts tend to focus on major cities. This is where they can find big international organisations, as well as the growing number of small and medium-sized companies. The winner in both cases is the Masovian district, home to the country’s capital, Warsaw – it is chosen by 25 percent of young female professionals. Other popular destinations include Pozna?, Kraków and Wroc?aw – big cities with great potential, not only in IT. Additionally, urban areas are able to guarantee something else, highly valued by contemporary employees – networking.

Who is who?

It is important to seize every opportunity to meet people from your professional environment and connect to them. Its benefits are clear: transfer of knowledge, advice or even meeting a potential employer. IT girls see the necessity of attending conferences and other gatherings related to their profession, most of them at least once a year. Experts stress that participation in such events helps women build their network of contacts, provides latest information about trends in IT and gives insight into plans of competing organisations. By attending discussion panels or workshops, women are more eligible to achieve success in the long run. In smaller town areas there is still a shortage of possible associations that unite IT professionals with similar interests, but knowing the demand for them and the rapid growth of the sector, we can rest assured that they will appear in a few years’ time.

Women issues

IT companies in Poland want to recruit women as much as they want to recruit men – it is a fact. Nonetheless, explaining the necessity of adding the female element to an IT team comprised of men only is sometimes a hard nut to crack. Nearly half of the Polish IT female employees admits openly that in the course of their professional career they have witnessed coarse jokes or work extra hard to prove their skills to their male counterparts. These problems however do not seem to put them off from pursuing careers in IT.

To be or not to be in IT

Women persevere in this still undiscovered territory. In Poland, three quarters of them claim that it is worth considering working for the IT sector. Despite all historical and possibly present adversities, they see the point in their work. They make loyal employees and supportive colleagues.

What makes them attracted to IT? Rapid development, focus on practical knowledge and skills, lack of complex hierarchy, intellectual challenges… plus wages are higher than the average ones. Research shows that prolonged internships, common in other branches of business, are scarce in IT. To make things even better, unemployment is almost non-existent within this sector. Polish companies do not limit themselves to recruiting Poles only. Within their structures there is plenty of space for female IT professionals from abroad. Knowing the many ups and a few downs of this career path, will you consider joining us in IT?

If you are to stay in Poland for longer, sooner or later you will find yourself in need of a Polish bank account. The decision, however, is not an easy one. How do you choose the best offer from the wide array of bank branches and available services? Let us consider how to best manage your finances in Poland.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The process of setting up a bank account always requires an identity check – which in turn means presenting a few necessary documents, such as your national identity card, passport and sometimes even your Polish residence card. As you may expect, the requirements can vary greatly depending on the bank’s policy, your residency status in Poland or your country of origin. In most cases, citizens of the European Union do not need to provide any additional documents besides their ID or passport. Non-EU nationals however, are often requested to prove their residency or registered address in Poland. If you are a student, your student ID might come in handy, too.

MAIN OBSTACLES

Nowadays, most Polish banks allow customers to open an account online but the service may not always be available to foreigners. Sometimes you may be asked to present your documents and sign the agreement in person, in branch. On the upside, the biggest and most popular banks (especially in major cities) have English-speaking staff, who are prepared to serve foreign customers. On the downside, it is highly likely that your contract will still be in Polish – banks are not required to draw up contracts in other languages and in truth, few choose to do so. Because of that, it is recommended that you are assisted by a trusted Polish-speaking person, who will help you fully understand what you are signing. Fortunately, the move towards more foreigner-friendly banking services in Poland is observable. Managing your finances is gradually becoming easier, even if you are not a fluent speaker of Polish. A lot of ATMs and CDMs have multiple language options and their menus can be navigated not only in Polish, English or German, but also Ukrainian and Russian. More banks are also establishing special phone lines for foreigners or launching useful mobile applications, which are usually available in different language versions. It is worth looking through all the options when choosing your bank – some services may prove to be better suited for foreigners than others.

FEES

Opening a current bank account is generally free but bear in mind that you may incur a number of small fees for its maintenance. Some banks charge their customers for wire transfers, card maintenance or an inactive account, others request that you spend a certain amount with your card every month. Foreigners should also pay special attention to international money transfers, which sometimes carry additional fees. As regards ATM withdrawals, each bank has its own nationwide network of cash machines – it is of course best to use the ones operated by your bank or check if you can withdraw money from independently-run ATMs for free. The bottom line is, no matter which service you choose, always make sure to read the fine print before signing your contract.

LOANS

In recent years, a lot of Polish banks have decided to change their policies concerning cash loans for foreigners. Nowadays, a loan can also be granted to third-country nationals (from outside the European Union), provided that they meet certain conditions. The criteria may obviously vary from one bank to another, but there are a few common factors most banks will definitely take into consideration when determining your loan eligibility. These usually include your:

• residency status

• source of income and employment history in Poland

• credit history and banking history in Poland (how long you have had an active Polish bank account)

• employment status (e.g. whether you are selfemployed or work for a big company)

• marital status and education

If you have been presented with a loan offer, remember to carefully analyse all its conditions before reaching the final decision – so as to be sure you understand all the fees. You should pay close attention to such elements as the interest rate, the length and the amount of your loan, a prepayment penalty or APR – the annual percentage rate of charge.

**SELECTED BANK ACCOUNT OPTIONS**
BANK	REQUIRED DOCUMENTS	OPENING ACCOUNT ONLINE	CONTRACT IN ENGLISH	OTHER SERVICES
Alior Bank	ID card, passport, residence card or visa	no	by request	website (ENG) helpline and mobile app (ENG)
BNP Paribas Bank Polska	passport	no	yes	website and helpline (ENG/UKR) mobile app (ENG/UKR/RUS)
Bank Pekao S.A.	ID card or passport	no	yes	website and helpline (ENG) helpline and mobile app (ENG/UKR)
PKO Bank Polski	ID card, passport or residence card	yes, if you have a PESEL number	no	website (ENG) mobile app (ENG/UKR/RUS)
ING Bank ?l?ski	ID card, passport or residence card, declaration of address in Poland	no	no	website and mobile app (ENG) helpline (ENG/RUS)
Santander Bank Polska	ID card or passport and residence card	no	yes	website (ENG/SPA/UKR/RUS) helpline (ENG/UKR) mobile app (ENG/UKR/RUS)

data collected in July/August 2019

A surname can tell us a lot about a person's family history. For example, it may suggest that your ancestors came from Poland. If you do have a Polish-sounding name, check how popular it is here!

It does not matter that you have never set foot in Poland or that your parents can not speak a word of this strange Slavic language. If your last name ends in -ski, -cki or -dzki, then you must definitely be Polish. At least that would be the Polish line of reasoning. If you happen to be named Kowalski - congratulations, you get bonus points on the Polishness scale.

Of course, not all of our surnames end in -skis and even some of the most famous Poles bore rather foreign-sounding names (Fryderyk Chopin’s father was of French descent, Marie Curie married a Frenchman, Pierre Curie). But that does not make us any less proud of the little suffixes whenever we can spot them in the closing credits of a Hollywood film (in fact, name spotting is one of the most peculiar Polish hobbies, along with mushroom hunting).

Do you have a Polish surname? Have you ever wondered how many people you share it with?

Below you will find a list of the ten most common surnames in Poland, as reported by the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs in January 2020. As it turns out, Nowaks are more numerous than Kowalskis, yet it is the latter which is considered to be the most characteristic Polish name.

As you can see, some of the names come in two variants - they are practically the same but the suffix depends on whether the person in question is a man (e.g. Kowalski) or a woman (e.g. Kowalska). The others (e.g. Nowak) are not gender-inflected, meaning the form does not change depending on the person's gender.

If your last name did not make it into the top 10, you can look it up in this database.

**The Most Common Surnames in Poland**
	surname	number of citizens
1.	NOWAK	203,980
2.	KOWALSKA / KOWALSKI	137,981
3.	WI?NIEWSKA / WI?NIEWSKI	109,896
4.	WÓJCIK	99,098
5.	KOWALCZYK	97,537
6.	KAMI?SKA / KAMI?SKI	94,829
7.	LEWANDOWSKA / LEWANDOWSKI	92,903
8.	ZIELI?SKA / ZIELI?SKI	90,658
9.	SZYMA?SKA / SZYMA?SKI	88,381
10.	WO?NIAK	87,981

5 famous Varsovians who influenced the world

What do a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, an American war hero and a world-famous composer have in common? Learn more about five Varsovians who had a great influence on the world of politics, science and art.

Maria Sk?odowska Curie (Marie Curie)

The world-famous physicist and chemist is better known by her full name in Poland: Maria Sk?odowska-Curie. Born in 1867 into a family of teachers, Sk?odowska-Curie displayed an interest in science and education early on. It was in her hometown, Warsaw, that she first entered a chemical laboratory and learnt how to conduct chemical analysis. She left Poland for France in 1891, to study mathematics and physics at the Sorbonne University. Soon after graduation, she met her future husband, a French physicist, Pierre Curie. The couple, who always worked side by side in their laboratory, received a joint Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for their pioneering work on radioactivity. In 1911, Maria Sk?odowska-Curie was also awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering two new elements: polonium and radium. The Polish scientist was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to receive it twice.

Kazimierz Pu?aski (Casimir Pulaski)

Kazimierz Pu?aski, known as Casimir Pulaski in the US, was born in Warsaw in 1745. The Polish nobleman and patriot famously fought in the anti-Russian insurrection (The Bar Confederation of 1768), sometimes referred to as Poland’s first national uprising. Outside Poland, Pu?aski is mainly remembered as an American Revolutionary War hero, an accomplished cavalry commander (later dubbed “the father of the American cavalry”), who fought for American Independence under George Washington. In the United States, Pu?aski’s memory is celebrated on two occasions during the year: General Pulaski Memorial Day (11 October) and Casimir Pulaski Day (the first Monday of March).

Tamara ?empicka (Tamara de Lempicka)

Although the artist herself claimed to be a native Varsovian, it is more likely that Moscow was her actual birthplace. Tamara ?empicka, born Maria Górska in 1898, was brought up in Warsaw by her Polish mother and grandparents, the affluent members of the society. Her family would often mingle with the city’s cultural elite, including the likes of Artur Rubinstein or Ignacy Jan Paderewski. As a young girl, ?empicka quickly developed a strong interest in art and set her mind on becoming a painter. She spent most of her adult life abroad, first in Paris (where she made her name as an Art Deco artist and rose to fame as Tamara de Lempicka), then in the United States and Mexico, where she lived until her death in 1980. Known for her liberated, hedonistic approach to life, ?empicka earned a reputation as a great, yet controversial artist. Her artwork, “La tunique rose”, is the most expensive auctioned painting by a Polish artist, sold for 13,4 million dollars at Sotheby's New York last year.

W?adys?aw Szpilman

The Polish-Jewish pianist and classical composer gained international recognition for his autobiographical account of the Holocaust and survival in the Jewish ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. The harrowing memoir was brought to the big screen in Roman Pola?ski's film "The Pianist", featuring Adrien Brody's unforgettable portrayal of Szpilman. The pianist was one of the few "Robinson Crusoes of Warsaw", Polish and Polish-Jewish inhabitants hiding in the ruins of the German-occupied city after the fall of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. After the war, Szpilman continued his musical career, working for Polskie Radio (Polish Radio), composing hundreds of evergreens and giving over 2000 concerts all across the world. He died in Warsaw, in 2000, two years before his remarkable story was introduced to international film audiences.

Fryderyk Chopin

The list of famous Varsovians would not be complete without a certain Polish composer. Fryderyk Chopin was born in a little village of ?elazowa Wola in 1810, but spent all of his childhood in Warsaw, taking piano classes and developing his passion for music from a very early age. The young pianist gave his first public performance at the age of eight, at the Radziwi?? Palace in Warsaw (now the Presidential Palace). As a teenager, Chopin attended the Warsaw Lyceum and the Warsaw Conservatory of Music (later renamed The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music). In 1830, he emigrated to Paris, never to return to his homeland, which he missed dearly all his life. Chopin's last wish was for his heart to be taken back to Poland - it is now interred in one of the pillars inside the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw.

Image source:

Tamara de Lempicka by Consuelo Hernández [CC BY-SA]

Should Polish companies include salary range in job ads?

A new bill requiring Polish employers to include salary information in job postings is going to be debated in the Polish Parliament.

Why do so few companies in Poland include salary information in their job postings? Polish people are not used to openly discussing their pay with others and it is considered taboo to ask how much money your colleagues or friends make. As you have probably noticed during your job search in Poland, salaries are usually not disclosed in job postings but negotiated once you have made it to the interview stage of the recruitment process. Although lawful and common, the practice has its obvious drawbacks. First, the hiring process takes longer and generates more costs. Second, lack of pay transparency may lead to greater inequities in the workplace, such as gender pay gaps. Finally, if you happen to be a foreigner with no experience in the Polish job market, guessing the typical salary for a given role may come as a challenge.

How to write a perfect CV in Poland? Never leave off this information!

At the same time, according to the 2018 Hays report on pay transparency, around 87% of job seekers in Poland admit that a salary range is the very information they find lacking in most job postings. The same number of respondents agree they are more likely to apply to companies that include salary details in their ads and around 76% of interviewees believe employers should be legally required to provide such information. It is possible that they will in the near future - a new bill that would make it mandatory for companies to disclose salary ranges was introduced in Poland's Parliament last month. The bill was proposed by the Civil Coalition parliamentary club (Koalicja Obywatelska), arguing that the new law would, among other things, help combat gender-based discrimination. Companies that would not include salary information in their postings or offer a lower pay than advertised, would be subject to fine of up to PLN 30,000. The bill is to be debated by the Polish Parliament in the coming months.

What salary can you expect in Poland? Take a look at the articles below to get some idea of the Polish job market:

Employee recruitment during the pandemic: Barry Callebaut

Despite challenging circumstances, a lot of companies in Poland keep on hiring new employees. How do you start a new job without leaving the house? Find out in our interview with Patrycja Andrzejewska and Ma?gorzata Piechowska, talent acquisition professionals at Barry Callebaut SSC Europe.

What steps do you take to protect the health of your employees?

Since January 2020 we had been monitoring the world situation connected to COVID-19 and we proactively started to prepare potential action plans in case we had to reorganize the way of working at Barry Callebaut SSC in ?ód?. The decision to switch to remote work was made even before announcing the state of epidemic emergency in Poland. Furthermore, since mid-February we had been looking closely at the business travel destinations of our employees and we introduced preventive quarantine for people coming back from regions like Asia. Fast and firm reaction from the company’s side ensured safe work environment for all employees during this challenging time. As home office is available at our SSC, we didn’t struggle much when switching fully to remote work. We plan to work from home till the end of April, but we keep a close eye on the epidemic situation and further decisions will be adjusted to current circumstances. Our top priorities now are focused on ensuring safe and hygienic work conditions to our employees (additional IT equipment, psychological support, clear and constant communication with the SSC community).

Has the current situation affected your hiring processes in any way?

Our recruitment process is fully adjusted to the current situation. We are recruiting end-to-end remotely, in which we have quite an experience. Barry Callebaut SSC in ?ód? is one of the fastest growing branches in the Group. A great number of our recruitment processes are conducted remotely due to the fact that hiring managers are located outside of Poland. We are keeping our process digital: thanks to online applications such as Hangouts Meet or HireVue we are able to connect with Candidates at any time and in any place. A fully remote hiring process allows us to meet the candidates in their familiar environment, which can also reduce the level of stress during the job interview.

What job positions are you recruiting for at the moment? Did you have to alter your recruitment plans?

For now, the majority of our hiring processes are for the finance area. Our recruitment plans have not changed, however we are aiming to welcome new employees on board in June or July. We hope that the situation in Poland and in the world will improve shortly, so that we will be able to safely return to our office.

What is your current onboarding strategy? How do you cooperate with new team members?

Our first virtual onboarding was a success. We welcomed a group of five new employees to Barry Callebaut SSC. We provided our new employees with a virtual desktop solution, so they were able to operate in all corporate applications and systems. All onboarding trainings took place according to plan, the only difference was that we did everything online. We always start our onboarding process with icebreaker activities, which were fun, even in this unusual, online setting. We want to give everyone a chance to get to know each other and to meet other employees who have been working at SSC in ?ód? for years. However, our new employees will need to wait a bit to visit our chocolate factory in ?ód?, where they will have an unique chance to create their own bar of chocolate under the watchful eye of a Chocolate Academy Chef.

Our experts:

Patrycja Andrzejewska, Talent Acquisition Expert.

She has been working in the Talent Acquisition area for twelve years, gaining a lot of experience in HR consulting agencies as well as Polish and international companies. Joined Barry Callebaut SSC Europe in March 2019. Outside of work, a mum of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy and a fan of snowboarding and Top Gear.

Ma?gorzata Piechowska, Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Occupational and career counselling psychologist. For four years she has been expanding her knowledge in the Talent Acquisition field. With Barry Callebaut since January 2019. A huge fan of jazz, tidiness and Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

As the end of November approaches, your colleagues may start mentioning some odd-sounding festivities on St Andrew’s Eve. The occasion involves fortune-telling, pagan rites and, especially nowadays, a great deal of partying. See what to expect!

Why?

Andrzej is Polish for Andrew – the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia, among the others. In Poland it is believed that St Andrew can advise young unmarried women about the choice of their future husband. This tradition has now expanded to single men as well – everybody wants to see who they are going to marry. And it is thought that the eve of St Andrew’s Day is full of magic, which makes it easier to peek into your future.

It is also worth remembering that Andrzej is still one of the most popular names in Poland. With the old tradition of celebrating name days (imieniny), St Andrew’s Day remains a perfect opportunity for getting together with a group of friends. In the past, when the period of pre-Christmas fasting was strictly observed, it was the last chance for a more joyous celebration.

When?

The holiday Andrzejki is celebrated on the eve of St Andrew’s Day, November 30th, so the main festivities usually come on November 29th and are prolonged until well after midnight. However, nowadays Andrzejki-themed parties can be thrown during the weekend before or after the actual holiday, if St Andrew’s Day falls in the middle of the week.

What?

Here comes the fun. A lot of these Polish traditions come from pagan times and now have been incorporated into annual celebrations. Do not be surprised, when somebody at the party starts…

Pouring hot wax through an old key's hole into cold water. This one is a classic. The shape formed by the wax from a candle is supposed to represent something that will happen to you in the upcoming year. For instance, if you see something resembling a car – you can expect that you will get one. Sometimes, when the shape is particularly hard to guess, try seeing what shadow it throws on the wall.
Lining up the shoes from the wall up to the front door. This is a girls-only activity. The woman, whose shoe reaches the door first, will obviously be the first one to marry.
Piercing a card with names on the back. People taking part in this fortune-telling game write female and male names on two separate cards. Girls and boys are asked to stick the needle into the paper from the other side, so that they cannot see what is written there. The little hole in the paper shows you the name of your future spouse.
Tossing apple skins. This is also a "no boys allowed" fun thing to do on St Andrew's Eve. Girls are asked to peel the skins from apples and then toss them over their shoulders. When examined, the peels often resemble a letter, which indicates the first letter of their future husband's name.

These Polish traditions are most likely to occur during the party you are attending. Remember not to take everything too seriously and have a good time with your Polish friends. Alternatively, you can try to organise a similar event with fortune-telling and wax-pouring yourself. Invite your co-workers and see what the future holds! But if you feel that your curiosity has not been satisfied… Why not try to remember who appeared in your dream that night? This is the person who is going to steal your heart this year!

Many foreigners work in Poland but spend Christmas with their family back home. A last-minute flight may result in a frantic search for Polish-themed gifts at the airport. Are you sick of this scenario? Check out the list of the top ten gifts from Poland!

1. Piernik (gingerbread)

We start off with a truly universal gift idea. The delicious Polish gingerbread, known here as piernik, has been the symbol of the city of Toru? since the medieval times. If you happen to stay there, you are bound to buy loads of different kinds of pierniki (plural of piernik). Cakes or cookies, plain or decorative, hard as a nut or soft as a sponge – the selection is simply vast. Luckily for all of you, they are available in shops throughout Poland and easy to get at every Christmas market you can stumble upon. If you are looking for a safe and traditional gift – you have just found it.

2. Bursztyn (amber)

Photo: Amber jewellery stall in Gda?sk

Your mum, girlfriend or mother-in-law will be in heaven when she receives a piece of jewellery with amber in it. This warm-coloured stone has been known for ages as the Polish gold and is still admired by tourists, especially in the city of Gda?sk. If you happen to be based there, you are all set. There is a variety of rings, bracelets and earrings to choose from everywhere you go. But generally, you will find amber jewellery at every jeweller’s in Poland, so get going!

3. Bombki (baubles)

Poland has been leading in the production of Christmas tree decorations for many years. Glass baubles are one of the most characteristic things to find around here in December. You can buy them in sets or as a single piece, premade or customised on the spot. Many of them are small masterpieces, which can decorate a tree or stand on their own on the mantelpiece. There is only one small issue – be careful while transporting them.

4. Fryderyk Chopin CD

The most famous Polish composer of all times is here to make your Christmas more classy. This is a gift for music lovers who appreciate the classical piano sounds. Polish shops offer a variety of CDs with Chopin’s music, so no need to worry about accessing them. Alternatively, you can look for a recording of traditional Polish Christmas carols.

5. S?kacz (tree cake)

Photo: S?kacz in the making

This can be an impressive gift that can easily compete with a Christmas tree thanks to its shape. S?kacz, which is often described as a tree cake, is a delicious treat for anyone craving sweetness during Christmas. When wrapped in festive packaging, it looks really majestic and makes an elegant present. A traditional s?kacz is easy to get in the east of Poland, but everyone who has tasted it will confirm that it is worth looking for it in other parts of the country as well.

6. Miód (honey)

Another golden oldie (literally!). This beautifully yellow product is very popular in Poland, where it is often used as a sweetener, medicine and delicacy at the same time. Polish countryside is full of beehives and our honey is produced in a very eco-friendly way. Christmas packaging will make it look like a luxurious golden gift, a delightful sight underneath the Christmas tree.

7. Polish poetry

Poetry collections make a perfect gift for the soul. Every lover of literature will enjoy good Polish poems translated into English or your native language. For starters, try Wis?awa Szymborska or Czes?aw Mi?osz – Polish Noble Prize winners. Their poetry is modern and universal at the same time. Most importantly – it has been translated into many languages.

8. Boles?awiec pottery

Photo: Pottery set from Boles?awiec

The south of Poland boasts a centuries-long tradition of producing the most unique stoneware in the country, in the town of Boles?awiec. These characteristic blue and creamy-white pieces are easy to identify and, what is most impressive, hand-made. You can choose from plates and dishes, cups and mugs, sugar bowls, tea pots and many, many more. Easily one of the most popular souvenirs.

9. DVDs with Polish cartoons

This one is for the kids! During the grey times of the communist era, Polish kids were cheered up by some lively local cartoon characters, such as Reksio the dog or brothers Bolek and Lolek. These classic films are now available on DVD and they are a joy to watch. They usually do not contain spoken dialogue tracks, which makes them perfect for kids all around the world, as no translation is needed. Introduce your children, nieces or nephews to these beautifully animated heroes – they will love them.

10. ?ubrówka (Bison Grass Vodka)

This gift, on the other hand, is certainly not for the kids. Foreigners are usually happy with any alcoholic beverage from Poland, but Bison Grass Vodka is the go-to gift when you find yourself in the trouble of last-minute shopping. Used for making drinks with apple juice, this vodka will be a hit at any New Year’s party. One drawback - it is not a perfect souvenir as it disappears too quickly!

That's it for our list! We hope that you will be able to use some of the ideas and bring the magical Polish spirit back home. Let us know in the comments section below whether you have tried any of the above or if you have something to add to the list. Be quick, Christmas is coming!

Photo credit:
S?kacz taken by Mariusz Cieszewski, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Boles?awiec pottery taken by Mariusz Cieszewski, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Winter is coming - 7 tips on how to survive wintertime in Poland!

Although t’is the season to be jolly, many foreigners are horrified when they face the Polish winter for the first time. But unlike the North in the popular TV show "Game of Thrones", our climate is hardly deadly. Take a look at our list of survival tips!

1. Be prepared, act surprised

Although we intend to supply you with this life-saving guide, remember to put on your shocked face upon seeing the very first snowflake. Polish people love being surprised by the weather (Who would expect blizzards in the middle of December?). Not sure whether it’s a genuine bewilderment, or just a good topic for small talk in a lift – try to go with it nonetheless. With time, you may even acquire the skill naturally – just wait till next winter and you’ll probably be surprised with the heavy snowfall yourself, without faking it.

2. Stock up your freezer

Photo: A bowl of warm bigos is a must

It’s freezing outside – but make sure that your freezer is full and ready to go for the next few months! It doesn’t matter whether you like to dine out in fancy restaurants or grab a bite in the nearest fast food place – upon coming home on a long and dark evening you may feel a twitch in your stomach. Polish cuisine has a lot to offer, so go ahead and experiment with bigos or pierogi in order to survive the cold. A hearty meal is known to have saved lives before.

3. Save the dates

In Poland you may feel spoiled by having shops open almost 24/7, while in most Western countries this is seen as a luxury. However, do not be fooled – December and January are full of days when you won’t be able to pop into the nearest shop for an emergency bottle of wine for your guests. Most of the shops will be completely shut down on December 25^th and 26^th, as well as on January 1^st and January 6^th. Two other risky days for shopping are December 24^th and 31^st. Keep those dates in mind and put some time aside for doing proper shopping earlier.

4. Leave earlier than usual

Everyday commuting may become painful as you scratch the ice off of your windscreen in complete darkness. Once you are done with this, it only gets better. Thin layers of ice, heavy snowfall and lots of mud – you can expect all of these on Polish roads as early as in November. No wonder that traffic jams fill almost every winter day. Leaving extra early may be bothersome, but it won’t hurt if you don’t want to miss an important business meeting. It doesn’t matter if you catch a taxi or go by bus – not many vehicles can effortlessly handle our snow barricades.

5. Go clothes shopping

Photo: Don't forget about woollen socks

If you tend to go for the business look – beware. Ladies will need to stock up on thicker tights, while gentlemen may want to consider buing a pair (or more!) of long johns. They will become your best friends during the long wintertime – just don’t brag about wearing them underneath your tailor-made suit. Make extra sure your shoes are on your side as well. Fine and smooth soles won’t do in our climate. Polish pavements are generally taken care of with appropriate attention, but some slippery patches may hide just around the corner of your office.

6. Check out your medical insurance

Most employers in Poland offer private medical insurance. Don’t wait to catch the cold of your lifetime – go and see your M.D. beforehand, just for a routine check-up. If you come from a country with a climate completely different from ours, it is almost necessary to make an appointment and ask for some vitamins or supplements. Do it before it’s too late - you won’t enjoy googling the address and opening hours when you are burning with fever.

7. Book a skiing trip

You need to be warned about positive things as well! Foreigners find Polish mountains to be thoroughly enjoyable (and easy on your wallet!). A weekend trip with your co-workers may be enough to make you fall in love with our beautiful Tatras. Sliding down a slope or two should make a terrific gateway from the office life.

And while you’re in Zakopane (the winter capital of Poland), you will probably stumble upon a ski-jumping contest. Never heard of this sport? Don’t worry, you’re going to love it. After a few cups of mulled wine you may even admit that it’s better than football!

The list could go on, but we’ll leave the rest of fun to you. Poland can be a truly magical winter wonderland, so enjoy discovering all of its charms. And if you cannot bear the cold at any cost – just remember that eventually it will pass and keep looking forward to our beautiful spring.

Have you been good this year? Saint Nicholas Day in Poland

Every opportunity is good when it comes to gift-giving, and if you have been a good boy or girl, you may expect small presents on December 6th – the official celebration of Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas. This means, that Polish children are visited by him twice every December.

In many Polish households, the morning of December 6^th, in Polish referred to as Miko?ajki, is a blissful moment. This is when children find small gifts under their pillows, in their slippers or (nowadays more and more often) in a stocking carefully hang out for that purpose the evening before. The gifts are usually tiny – small toys or sweets are the most popular option, since bigger presents are still yet to be given on Christmas eve, by the very same person – Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. So why does he visit Polish kids twice a year?

In the past it was on the Saint Nicholas feast when the little ones received gifts, and Poles generally did not hand out presents on Christmas Eve. With time, when the Western customs of giving major gifts around Christmas started to reach Poland, it became natural that Miko?ajki is just a prelude to bigger celebrations starting on December 24^th. In some parts of Poland it is easier to distinguish these two gift-giving occasions, as Saint Nicholas is so tired after his special day, that he is replaced by Angel or Snowflake around Christmas Day. Nonetheless, in general most Polish children get to meet him twice a year.

Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas or not, on December 6^th it is always thoughtful to give a small gift to your little Polish friend, of course if you have one. In some workplaces it is around this day when co-workers play Secret Santa by drawing a colleague to give a small gift to, or gather for an office Christmas party. Just be jolly and let us know if you have found something special under your pillow this year!

1. Palm Sunday right before Easter

This one does not seem unusual at all if you are familiar with Christian traditions. To commemorate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, his followers around the world bring small palm branches to church a week before Easter. We all know what the plant should look like, but Polish people have a different concept of that. Palms in Poland are usually made of artificial colourful flowers and ribbons, as pictured in the photograph on the right. They can measure up to a few metres, although standard church-goers buy small palms, which do not resemble real palm tree branches at all. Making DIY palms is also a popular pastime for children.

2. Pisanki – Easter eggs

Another popular form of entertainment for Polish children is decorating chicken eggs. Again, this does not seem unusual for foreigners as eggs are a popular Easter symbol, but kids in Poland use quite original materials to dye them and get the desired effect: onion skins or beetroot juice. It is definitely more demanding than just putting paint on them or decorating them with stickers!

3. Bring your food to church

On Saturday mornings right before Easter, Polish people put their serious face on and prepare a mysterious basket full of food. Most foreigners (except for those coming from Central and Eastern Europe) must wonder what it is about. What is put inside? Obligatory elements: meat and sausages (preferably white ones), hard-boiled eggs (and decorated Easter eggs as well), salt, pepper, horseradish and bread. Many Poles also add cakes baked at home, chocolate, sweets and other treats. What is next? This heavy load of food in a decorative basket (as you can see on the left) is taken by entire family to church, where it gets blessed by a priest. After that it is put back in the fridge and eaten on the next day, Easter Sunday, as a promise of good luck in months to come.

4. No gifts at all?

In contrast to Western countries, Polish people have only recently started to celebrate Easter by giving gifts to children. If a family decides to introduce this new tradition, small presents are usually given by the Easter Bunny, who is obviously not a native of Poland. If you happen to celebrate Easter with a Polish family, kids will be delighted if you bring them presents, but it is not a must. Focus on small meaningful gifts, if you feel obliged to bring them at all.

Still want to play the Easter Bunny?
Check out our guide to the best gifts from Poland!

5. Wet Monday

Last but not least is the craziest Polish Easter tradition. As Easter Monday is a bank holiday in Poland, people have time to preserve a tradition reaching back to its pagan roots – ?migus-Dyngus. Although nobody knows the exact meaning of these words, you can get the gist of the custom in no time. Men (usually very young men) soak girls with buckets of water, which recently has become a hard-core version of the old tradition. Those who do not like taking things to extremes are satisfied with wetting their loved ones with small and squeaky plastic eggs or other sorts of sprinklers. In the past taking part in Wet Monday celebrations showed that you found the other person attractive and worthy of teasing. Now, it is mainly the teasing part that has prevailed in society, as boys sometimes like to throw water over complete strangers.

Are you ready then? Forget the Easter Bunny and focus on getting your sausage, eggs and towels ready, but most importantly – enjoy some quality time with your Polish friends and family. Happy Easter!

Photo credit: Palm Sunday taken by Mariusz Cieszewski, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

5 things Polish people do on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a special moment in every person’s calendar, as saying goodbye to the past and embracing the future is important in all cultures. Find out what traditions and superstitions are associated with this holiday in Poland.

1. Eat and drink to excess

Any foreigner working or studying in Poland probably already expects that – Polish people love food and any occasion is good to have a drink with your friends. You have survived Polish Christmas, so pluck up the courage and prepare for the last round of Polish celebrations. This holiday is no different – a symbolic glass of champagne is not enough to welcome the New Year and your stomach must be prepared for not only some tiny snacks, but tables heavy with hot dishes. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to that.

2. Make some noise

Here’s to some old pagan traditions. In the past Slavic people used to believe that noise was able to scare off evil forces. Young boys ran around with rattles to drive out anything that could cause possible misfortunes in the upcoming year. Nowadays we don’t need that – with spectacular fireworks displays and all sorts of firecrackers the levels of noise are definitely above the average during this special evening.

3. Money does not stink

Money makes the world go round, so don’t be surprised if on New Year’s Eve one of your Polish friends whispers to you something about having a carp’s scale in their wallet. Carp, a fish eaten as the main dish on Christmas Eve in Poland, is believed to bring good luck. If somebody is smart enough, they’ll save a small part of the fish and carry it in their wallet as a magnet for cash starting on New Year’s Eve. This tradition sounds weird enough, but hey – get rich or die trying!

4. Messy house, full pantry

If you’re invited to a house party on New Year’s Eve, don’t expect it to be as spotless clean as always. In fact, it is the only time of the year when Polish housewives don’t stress about shiny floors. And there’s a reason for that – some Poles believe that while tidying, you can accidentally sweep out (or rather – suck into your vacuum cleaner) your happiness. On the other hand, although your house may be a bit messy, everyone boasts a fridge full of food. Greeting the New Year with a stuffed pantry certainly assures good fortune for the next twelve months.

5. Pay off your debts

While some of the above are plain superstitions, this one is a tradition that many Polish people are still very serious about. No one in this country wants to start the New Year with debt at the back of their head. Therefore, it is common practice to reach out to an avoided friend and finally settle your things like grown-up people. Some take this even further - don’t be surprised if your friend gives back a book that was borrowed half a year ago. You know what they say – better safe than sorry!

Do any of these make sense to you? Not all of these traditions have a countrywide following, but they certainly are a lot of fun and let you enter the New Year with a huge dose of optimism. Let us know about your ideas for one of the most special evenings of the year!

On January 6, Polish people stop for a while to catch their breath after Christmas and enjoy this bank holiday. See how the feast of Epiphany is celebrated throughout the country and learn about Polish traditions related to this family-oriented festival.

How it started

The holiday commemorates the Biblical visit of the Three Magi to little Jesus soon after he was born. The Wise Men, after a long journey from the East, found the barn where the baby was born and paid homage to him. Each of them brought a gift (myrrh, frankincense and gold), which are still present in some rituals of the Roman Catholic Church. The event is seen as the epiphany – literally the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God. Today Christians observe this day as a joyous occasion, enjoyed especially by the children, for whom it is difficult to forget about colourful Christmas festivities.

Processions

Don’t be surprised if on January 6 you experience a bit of traffic congestion, as Polish streets are filled with vibrant parades. This is one of the most popular ways of celebrating the holiday, although quite a recent one. Polish people recreate the procession in which the Magi arrived to Jesus, and it is done in grand fashion. The actors ride on camels, or in a less exotic manner, on horses, while passing out sweet treats to the children. Families gather on the routes to watch the fairytale-like show.

Carol singers

The processions are usually accompanied by groups of carol singers called kol?dnicy. These are usually young men, who in the past used to go from house to house to entertain their neighbours with vocal performances. In exchange they received some money, small gifts or simply food and drink. Nowadays, cheerful singers also dress up, usually as goats, horses, shepherds or even Death itself, and carry around a colourful star. Their activity, however, is now limited only to assisting the Epiphany celebrations, as the tradition of house-visiting is slowly dying out, even in the countryside.

Mark your door

On January 6, practising Catholics visit churches in order to bring home a piece of blessed chalk. It is used to mark their front door with letters C, M, B, which stand for the initials of the Three Kings’ names – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, but also are an acronym for the Latin phrase may Christ bless this house. Usually, the letters are followed by the current year. Now you know the story behind this inscription written in chalk on many doors of Polish houses!

Bank holiday

One last thing you need to know about the Epiphany in Poland is that it has been a bank holiday since 2011. All the offices, major shops, fast-food chains and shopping malls are closed. However, most restaurants and bars should be open, as Polish people love to spend this holiday eating out with friends and family. Join them and enjoy your day off!

Now, as you know how Polish people spend their bank holiday on January 6, you can see whether it is worth introducing some traditions from your own country. Maybe the French can bake their Polish friends a real galette des Rois, while the Italian drop a gift or two from their Befana? Let us know how you celebrate this day!

Photo credit: Piotr Drabik at flickr.com

Make a good impression – personal etiquette in Poland

Cultural differences are something that we are all aware of, but even this knowledge does not prevent us from making some honest mistakes in our everyday lives. When you come to Poland for the first time, it is important to learn how to greet other people and communicate with them from day one. What are the dos and don’ts of interaction in Poland?

Proper greetings

This is a very important aspect of contacts with other people in Poland. As a beginner, you will be fine with using only two greeting worlds, paying attention to applying them to specific situations:

Cze??! [tsche-sh-ch] is a universal greeting in all informal situations, such as catching up with a friend or a colleague you feel comfortable with. It is used mainly to address people your age. It can be translated as a simple hi!
Dzie? dobry! [jeyn-DOH-bree] is a more formal greeting, which is very safe to use, as it literally means good day. You direct it to people who are not your peers and are usually superior to you in some way (e.g. your boss, teachers), but also out of respect to all those whom you are not very familiar with (a lady in your grocery shop, a cab driver, your neighbours etc.).

Generally, the model of communication is more formal in Poland than in some other countries. Naturally, after some time, you may switch to cze?? while speaking to people your age, but it is safer not to do that until they initiate it first, so as to avoid awkwardness. For instance, it is very uncommon for Polish people to greet their teacher with cze??, even if they see them every single day.

Remember to always return a greeting – whether you are in the street or at work, it is considered very rude not to do that, even if you are having a bad day. On the other hand, do not be discouraged if other people do not return your smile – Poles are not grumpy by nature, but they are considered a bit formal, so a smile is not as common as you could expect.

Want to know more about most popular names in Poland?
Read our article!

Forms of address

Do not forget to keep formalities at the right level in direct interactions as well. When at work or surrounded by people you do not know well, you should always address them as Pani (Ms) or Pan (Mr), added before their name. Use it also while talking about them, even if they are not around. When you finally feel like the formalities are becoming a little troublesome, wait for a signal from the other person, such as: Przejd?my na ty, which translates as Let’s switch to first names (and omit the formal part Pan/Pani). After that, you can be on first name terms. Remember – in some situations it may never happen, even if you are working with a person for many years and you are convinced about your mutual warm feelings. Some people in Poland just prefer to keep it professional.

First time at work

When you start a new job, your Polish colleagues will most likely want to get to know you, even briefly. Make some time on your first day to get acquainted with everyone working directly with you – in the same room or part of the building. Introduce yourself with a smile and a handshake, which is usually lighter than in America. Use your first name and surname. Later during your first day, do not avoid saying hello to other colleagues as well, e.g. during lunch breaks. If you find it difficult to start small talk, simply mention your country of origin, your tasks in the new job or your first impressions of Poland. This should be enough for Polish interlocutors, who as a rule are very welcoming towards foreigners.

Feel free to share your own advice and impressions of your first day at work in Poland. Was there anything particularly surprising or troubling to you?

Everyone is best at something. Poland has been known for its potential and numerous products that make it stand out in some business areas. Find out which of the goods tagged ‘Made in Poland’ are a hit abroad and why!

1. Fruit and vegetables

Not all of them, of course, but Poland’s vast and fertile territory makes a perfect opportunity to be the garden of Europe. If you live abroad, it is very probable that you regularly eat Polish apples, cherries or carrots, as according to Eurostat Poland was number one in all of these categories in 2016. We are also runner-ups in farming cucumbers and strawberries. This business has such good prospects here, that recently even UK farmers started thinking about moving their companies to Poland ahead of Brexit.

2. Dairy

When the Polish landscape is not full of fruit trees, it is crowded with… milk cows, which drive the thriving dairy business in Poland. Polish milk, cheese or yoghurts fill the shelves not only in Europe, but even in such remote markets as China or Japan. Do you have your favourite Polish milk products?

3. Doors & windows

Who knows? Maybe your favourite door or window has been made in Poland! Polish producers overtook Germans as leaders of window & door manufacturing in 2015 and are now the biggest exporters in this branch of business in Europe. Who knows, maybe your future is at your Polish doorstep?

4. Furniture

Speaking of nest-making, Poles are also one of the leading producers of furniture in Europe. The export is growing by leaps and bounds and in 2016 furniture was the fourth biggest group of Polish products sold abroad – not only to Germany or France, but also Poland’s eastern neighbours, Arabic countries and the US.

Will Polish technology innovators also become worldwide phenomena?
Learn more about Polish startups.

5. Vehicles & boats

Whether these are public transport buses by Polish Solaris, trams by PESA from Bydgoszcz or exclusive yachts – there is a lot of demand for them abroad. Foreign customers buy them constantly, making Polish vehicles and ships one of the most popular ones in Europe. Next time, while sailing on the Mediterranean, check if your boat has not been made in Poland.

6. Cosmetics

In the recent years the export of cosmetics produced in Poland has been growing by more than 7.4 per cent per year. The three most prominent importers of Polish cosmetics are the UK, Germany and Russia. This goes to show that Polish beauty brands do well in very mature markets with high expectations towards products and gives hope for even better results in the future. Let us know if you own any skincare or makeup products made in Poland.

7. White goods

Washing machines, fridges, cookers… These are very often manufactured in Poland by big international companies leading this business worldwide. Indesit, Electrolux, BSH, Whirlpool and Samsung have their manufacturing plants in Poland and export it mainly to EU countries as well as Russia.

8. Video games

Ever heard of The Witcher? Sniper Games? Call of Juarez? These are all Polish titles produced by companies from Poland, CD Projekt Red, CI Games and Techland. Millions of avid gamers buy them every year worldwide and their popularity is on the rise as new titles are being added to the series. Do you have your favourite Polish video game?

9. Programmers

Polish programmers are a professional group that does exceptionally well in all work environments, both in Poland and outside the country. The IT experts from Poland are regularly ranked as one of the best professionals in the industry in such contests as TopCoder, Google Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup, Hello World Open, International Collegiate Programming Contest, and so on… No wonder some of them are always welcome in the Silicon Valley!

10. Goalkeepers

The last one’s for football fans, who must have noticed the abundance of Polish goalkeepers in all major leagues, especially in Europe. While the Polish national team is gradually climbing to the top of all rankings, it is the goalies that are a total export hit. For instance, in the season 2015/16 there were more goalkeepers than players on other positions in the English cups! After all, most football fanatics know such names as Dudek, Szcz?sny, Fabia?ski, Boruc or Tomaszewski!

A frequent question with a not so straightforward answer anymore. Is Halloween a holiday celebrated in Poland? What attitude do Poles have towards it? If not Halloween, then what? Find out by reading further on.

Western tradition

As a rule, Halloween is not a Polish tradition and it is only remotely connected to other pagans rituals of different Slavic nations. Yes, they all focused around death, but Halloween as we know it originated among Celtic tribes and now is considered a solely Anglo-Saxon holiday. Were it not for globalisation, Poles would still be more likely to celebrate their own ancient holidays. What would these be?

If not Halloween, then what?

Dziady would be the Polish answer to Halloween, although this ancient Slavic feast is far from being popular in any modern sense. Its traces can be found in Romantic Polish literature, when one of Poland’s greatest poets, Adam Mickiewicz, described an ancient feast for the dead, taking place in a secluded chapel on a cemetery. This depiction does send shivers down one’s spine, definitely more than dress-up parties in Northern America nowadays!

Trick-or-treating

However, with the arrival of mass media, TV, films and other Western influence, those fancy-dress parties had to appear in Poland eventually. Is it mass-scale? Definitely no, but it is gaining popularity, especially among the youth, who naturally prefer fun Halloween-themed parties to more sombre Polish traditions of early November.

Poland also does not have the tradition of trick-or-treating, but again, some children started to introduce it in their neighbourhoods. It is possible that this will spread wider, as Halloween is widely discussed in primary schools with pupils during obligatory English lessons.

Pumpkins

The most popular Halloween symbol is a carved pumpkin serving as a lantern. Once again, Poles do not put Jack-o’lanterns outside their houses, but you may have seen more and more of them in shopping malls or at English schools. Pumpkins are not even European vegetables; they were brought to Poland long after Columbus’ discovery, in the 16^th century, but now some Polish farmers do produce pumpkins as well.

So what are your thoughts – should Poles adapt this new tradition or stick to their old holidays? Have you ever witnessed Halloween celebrations in Poland?

On 1 November Poland celebrates one of its bank holidays. The day off work is dedicated to the festival of All Saints, which may be unknown to many foreigners relocating or already living in the country. What is so special about it?

Feast of saints or the dead?

Although All Saints' Day (in Polish: Dzie? Wszystkich ?wi?tych), as its names suggests, is connected to Christianity, it is often celebrated by the majority of Poles, even atheists or those of different religions. It originated as a way of celebrating all those regarded by the Church as 'saint' and therefore giving example to those still walking the Earth. With time, however, it gained more recognition as a holiday devoted to remembering the loved ones who had already passed away. In fact, it got mixed with the pagan feast of the dead, which is more connected to the modern Halloween.

Halloween vs Polish traditions. You decide!

Day off work

Nowadays religious Poles tend to visit churches on this day, while the majority of them gathers at cemeteries to remember dead family members, friends, prominent historical figures, or local activists. It is a day off work as many people tend to travel far away back to their hometowns and other destinations to pay respect and meet family members. For Polish people, All Saints' Day may be one of the most popular family gathering opportunities right after Christmas and Easter.

The day after

As with many Polish holidays, this one also stretches a bit further, to the following day, which is called the All Souls' Day (in Polish: Zaduszki). As far as religion goes, this should be in fact the major celebration of those who have passed away but have not exactly achieved sainthood. In reality, although it is not a day off work, many people spend it at home anyway or travel to another destination to visit the graves of more distant family members.

What can you do?

As a foreigner, who works or studies in Poland, you are very likely to have a day off due to the national bank holiday. It is a perfect opporunity to learn more about Polish culture and the people who live or have lived here. Go and visit a local cemetery, especially after dusk, when the lights and candles make for an unusual sight. You can even find a neglected grave or a nearby war memorial and light a candle yourself. Do not worry - they are going to be full of people still visiting the graves and you may even hear a lot of friendly chatter along the cemetery lanes.

In terms of traffic, even though it is a holiday, cities and towns tend to be pretty busy, especially around cemeteries. It is quite a common practice for city councils to introduce extra bus lines, sometimes free of charge, to help the citizens and especially the elderly reach the graves of their loved ones, as well as to work against traffic congestion.

Do you like the sound of this day or do you prefer its more cheerful version, Halloween?

November sees many holidays for Poles – first All Saints’ Day and later in the month the Polish Independence Day. How is the latter celebrated and what traditions are associated with this special event?

Every 11 November marks a very special event – Poland’s regained independence in 1918. It happened after 123 years of Poland’s complete political diminishment, which followed its partitions in the 18^th century. The Polish state ceased to exist altogether in 1795, but the national spirit prevailed through the following century, only to help re-introduce the Polish state with the end of World War I. Since then, it has been celebrated every year, with short breaks during the communist period.

Since November is a rather solemn month for the majority of Poles (see more about the All Saints’ Day), autumn weather may not be too encouraging, and the history is very much fresh with Poland’s battle for full independence in the recent decades, the celebrations sometimes lack cheerfulness you may know from other countries’ festivities. Many people remember their family members who dedicated their lives to the struggle for independence or national heroes.

Another bank holiday for Poles this month? 1 November – find out more.

However, apart from high-profile celebrations with state officials, there are some brighter points to this day, which we list below.

1. St Martin’s croissants

Although this delicacy existed long before Poland regained its independence, it is now mainly associated with the Independence Day, which happens to coincide with the feast of St Martin in the Catholic Church. Croissants originated in the city of Pozna? and the recipe has not changed much – they are made from rough puff pastry and contain white poppy filling. They are always glazed and decorated with nuts, and their shape resembles bull horns or a horseshoe. Although officially recognised by the EU as a Pozna? speciality, they are now widespread across Poland.

2. Parades – marathons – runs

Another, more active, aspect of 11 November is generally related to moral improvement and good causes, as an increasing number of people wants to look not only to the past, but also to the future of their country. The so-called independence runs attract growing numbers of participants every year and are often associated with such slogans as Let your freedom run. The organisers want to promote healthy lifestyle as a way of thanking those, who fought for the Poland we enjoy living in today.

Apart from that, Poles tend to spend their day off having festive meals with their family and friends. Foreigners should not feel excluded from these activities – feel free to embrace Polish traditions and learn more about the country and its history. Or do you feel that Poles should introduce some independence traditions known in your homeland?

Poland has earned its name as a country of innovation. A great number of useful objects and devices has been developed here over the centuries. Let us take you on a journey which will make you thirsty for some inventions of your own – made in Poland, of course!

Kerosene lamp

Probably the oldest invention from our list, dating back to 1853 when Ignacy ?ukasiewicz made it in Lwów, formerly in Poland. His achievement spread all over the world soon after that, since the kerosene lamp was cheap and gave more light than candles.

Esperanto

Do you like the idea of an international language that is easy to master and is not English? That was what Ludwik Zamenhof had in mind when constructing Esperanto - up to date the most popular artificial language in the world. The inventor lived in the melting pot of nineteenth-century Bia?ystok, which was home to various nations and languages, so naturally he wanted to make his mark by contributing to such a vibrant society. Nowadays Esperanto is spoken by about ten million people worldwide.

Bulletproof vest

What you see in gangster movies, and, unfortunately, more and more often in the news, was invented by Jan Szczepanik in 1901. One year later, it saved the life of king Alfonso XIII of Spain during an assassination attempt on his wedding day. Now, it saves lives almost every day.

Paper clips

This brilliant invention was made by Józef Hofmann, a... composer. His profession cannot be omitted, as in making this invention he was inspired by the shape of a… treble clef. Now paper clips are everywhere and looks like they are going to stick around for some time, before we transfer all our paperwork to digital clouds.

Toothpaste

Although not a Pole, Oscar Troplowitz was an active pharmacist in three Polish cities: Gliwice, Wroc?aw and Pozna?. He is also the person behind the famous Nivea cream (1911) and multiple other inventions, including prototypes adhesive bandages.

Walkie-talkie

Your favourite childhood toy would not exist without the efforts of Henryk Manguski, who could not come back to Poland after the outbreak of WW2. In the USA, he developed the prototype of handheld receivers for US Army in 1941, and later pursued a successful career as an engineer.

Mini-computer

Who knows? Maybe Jacek Karpi?ski could have been another Bill Gates and Poland the second Silicon Valley, if it had not been for the difficult Polish history. He invented the first mini-computer called K-202 in 1970, but his entire life was devoted to other complex works in various technological fields.

Interested in Polish technological innovators? Learn more about Polish startups.

Graphene production

In 2011, a group of Polish physicists found a way to produce graphene – the material of the future – on a mass scale and in high quality. You will hear more of it, be sure of that, as graphene is antibacterial and heat-conducting, which makes it useful in numerous areas, ranging from medicine to contrusction and technology.

The list is still in progress and yet to be complete, so now it is your turn to help us add something to it! Hopefully your stay in Poland will turn out to be fruitful.

St Valentine’s Day is not a typical Polish holiday, but times have changed. Although Poles are not necessarily ranked as one of the top most romantic nations, on 14 February everything in Poland suddenly becomes pink and heart-shaped.

Polish meaning of the holiday

What used to be a religious celebration of a Christian saint, Valentine, now has its central focus on other aspects. When the holiday came to Poland a few decades ago, it was already stripped of the spiritual element, and although it is still supposed to be about love and spending time with your significant other, some Poles are sceptical even about that. In Poland many people consider Valentine’s Day (or Walentynki in Polish) to be a commercial event, bridging the gap between Christmas and Easter. Nonetheless, many of us give in to celebrating it in a few small ways.

Cards or flowers?

The tradition of giving pink and red greeting cards on Valentine’s Day is very much present in Poland, although primarily among the young. Older Poles who decide to observe this holiday usually opt for a classic - a bouquet of roses, or sometimes more extravagant gifts, such as jewellery, underwear or perfume.

When it comes to the Polish business culture, Valentine's Day is practically non-existent, unlike in some other countries. Polish offices are not filled with balloons on 14 February and employees generally do not prepare anything special, but occasionally you may spot places where an extra jar of heart-shaped cookies is placed in your common dining area. If you are foreign and the lack of Polish Valentine's Day traditions seems a bit depressing, go ahead and introduce them to your colleagues, but try not to be too pushy about it. A nice set of greeting cards or a rose given to each of your female team-members can be a good start!

Do you find the lack of Polish enthusiasm for Valentine's Day disheartening?
Read this romantic story of an international marriage in Poland and believe in true love!

Be nice!

No matter if you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, try to be positive about it, after all it's only one day! However, if this extra attention on interpersonal relations distracts you from work, beware - Poles have their own holidays to come later in the year and they love celebrating them, even at work. The soonest one to arrive is the Women's Day on 8 March. As you can see, something is always going on in Polish households and offices!

Happy Valentines from CareersinPoland.com!

Wianki - ancient Polish tradition in modern times

Although Poles have some very ancient traditions reaching back to their pre-Christian roots, not many of them have survived up to these times. Wianki (literally ‘wreaths’ in English) is an event that can however be traced back to the bygone days of paganism and has preserved some of its original character.

Imagine the shortest night in the year, mysterious fortune-telling, dramatic bonfires and flower wreaths being floated on water by young girls dressed in white… This is what the midsummer looked like more than a thousand years ago in the area now referred to as Poland! Every year around 21^st and 22^nd of June, when the nights were extra short and the June solstice arrived, pagan people celebrated fire, water, fertility, love and joy - quite a pagan alternative to modern-day Valentine’s!

These celebrations, often extended to the following night - 23^rd/24^th of June, when they were called the Kupala Night or Sobótka instead, were common among all Slavic and Baltic nations, or even further in Europe, but their popularity decreased with the arrival of Christianity, which successfully introduced a substitute holiday - St John’s Eve. Quite often forgotten and preserved only in some rural areas, the celebrations surface now in the 21^st century as another idea for a fun summer activity.

In modern Poland, wianki is an event most commonly organised by city councils in major Polish agglomerations. They are not always accompanied by wreath-floating over the water (although you may spot many Polish girls sporting flower crowns with pride), but have gained the character of a family picnic and a night out full of free concerts. What do Polish cities have in store this year?

Warsaw, “Garlands over the Vistula River” 23^rd June 2018

Family picnic on St John’s Day, fireworks display and concerts. See you on a hopefully warm Saturday in the Podzamcze area, right next to the Multimedia Fountain Park and the Vistula! More about Warsaw Wianki 2018 here.

Kraków, “Wianki - a Celebration of Music” 23^rd June 2018

On the same Saturday, in another Vistula-based city, the celebrations focus on music, with multiple stages and artists presenting different music genres. More info about Kraków Wianki 2018 here.

Szczecin, "Noc Kupa?y", 23-24^th June 2018

You can celebrate the Kupala Night in a real olden-days style by attending the event at Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin. There will be less pop music and more real histry of ancient Slavic tribes. The schedules also includes making flower wreaths and then floating the crowns on the Oder river, so make sure to attend if you want to feel like a real Slav!

Wroc?aw, St John's Eve, 23^rd June 2018

Wroc?aw decided to organise a family event with wreath-floating, starting from 3 pm and lasting almost until midnight. If you are based in this city, you can join the festivities at Centrum Kultury Zamek.

All the events above are free of charge. Make sure to check if similar events are in your city as well, if it is not included on our list above.

Must-do activities during Easter in Poland

Easter is coming and even if you are not religious or come from a completely different cultural background, Eastertide is too fun for you to miss out on! There is a number of traditional pastimes you simply need to embrace while staying in Poland. Let’s start with the simple one…

1. Relax while egg-painting

How do Poles get into the festive spirit in the spring? They rely on traditional egg-decorating sessions. Although egg hunts are practically non-existent in Poland, Poles have their own egg-based family activity that is still widely popular. Forget stickers or colourful pens – some Polish people still like to do it the old-school way. Eggs are boiled with natural dyeing substances, such as onion peels or beetroot juice, and later scraped or covered in patterns with the use of wax. Are you up for the task?

2. Prepare your Easter basket

The faithful in Poland prepare the Easter basket for religious reasons, but even being non-Christian does not mean you have to refrain from this activity! You can omit traditional contents of a Polish basket and fill yours simply with chocolate bunnies and colourful eggs. Whether it is a table centrepiece, or a product of your kids’ creativity, you will definitely fit in with the spirit in Polish households around Eastertime.

Do you want to know more about the religious aspect of Polish Easter?
Read more about the significance of the Easter basket in Poland.

3. Stuff yourself up with delicious Polish food

When the actual holidays arrive, do not hesitate to accept any invitation from your Polish friends! After all, it may be a perfect opportunity to taste traditional Polish delicacies. If you are a meat-lover – you will be delighted with the selection of traditional Easter foods – starting from white sausage served solo or in ?urek, the sour rye soup, to variations of hams and pates appearing on festive tables. And if you have a sweet tooth, you will not feel neglected either. A majestic babka (pictured on the left), flat mazurek cakes or a traditional Polish cheesecake will be served all across Poland and as a foreigner you will have loads of opportunities to taste them. After all, Poles love showing off their cooking and hosting skills to people coming from abroad!

4. Get ready for the water fight

Beware of the Monday after Easter – it is the traditional day of water fights in Poland, called ?migus-Dyngus. Although the custom is well-known in other Slavic countries, for people from remote parts of the world it may come as a surprise – not everyone is used to being soaked with a bucket of water by complete strangers in the street as soon as they step out of their home. For tradition’s sake, however, it is nice to be equipped with a small water gun (pictured on the right) and sprinkle your friends or loved ones – it brings good luck!

5. Enjoy your extra day off

If none of the above speaks to you – do not worry, there is one aspect of Polish Easter that you are simply bound to love. Mondays after the Easter Sunday are always bank holidays and you get to stay at home and relax after the weekend celebrations! You can sleep in, eat the leftovers and gather your strength before new challenges at work. Have fun then this Easter!

6 reasons why Poland takes Christmas to the next level

As Christmas is upon us, it is a great time to reflect on different aspects of the holiday celebrations. All traditions from around the world have loads of beauty in them, but one can argue that Christmas in Poland actually takes the festive season to the next level. See why!

1. Nativity scenes vs szopka

This popular Christmastime decoration appears in homes all over the world, but in Poland it has become a sort of professional competition, especially in the city of Kraków. There is no point in comparing charming scenes made of wooden sticks with szopki - artful mini-Gothic cathedrals that do not seem quite suitable for a donkey or an ox, but here you have it – the Polish answer to the concept of a Nativity scene! Impressive, huh?

2. Greeting cards vs op?atek

Christmas is a season to be jolly and encourages spreading the love, which is often done in the form of Christmas cards exchanged with friends and relatives. The Polish post office is obviously extremely busy in the holiday season, but the well-wishing does not stop here. The actual greeting part takes place during the Christmas Eve supper, when all family members share bits of a Christmas wafer (op?atek) and tell one another their wishes, prayers and hopes. This ancient and a bit stressful tradition (try coming up with personalised wishes for every family member!) is practised only in this part of Europe, which makes it unique in comparison to the rest of the world.

3. One turkey vs twelve dishes

We all know that nobody stays hungry during Christmas, no matter where you live. American movies have taught us that you share a big hearty family dinner on Christmas Day consisting mainly of a huge turkey, but Poles apparently can fit much more food in their stomachs! Polish people celebrate Christmas Eve with a big supper eaten after sharing the Christmas wafer. The meal consists of twelve traditional dishes and although they are supposed to be meatless due to fasting, their abundance is still overwhelming. They include, among others: pierogi, red borscht, carp, herring and dried-fruit compote. Obviously, it does not stop here – on the actual Christmas Day the feasts continue!

4. Santa visits only once vs Santa visits Polish kids twice every December

As far as we know, in many countries Santa Claus comes on December 25^th early in the morning. Well, okay – he does bring a huge pile of gifts and, additionally, a number of Christmas stocking fillers, but Polish kids have one more reason to be happy about – on Christmas Eve (December 24^th) it is his second visit – earlier Santa Claus usually pays them a visit on his name day, December 6^th. Isn’t it marvellous to get gifts from him on two different occasions instead of just one?

5. Carol service vs kol?dowanie

While in many countries you can attend beautiful carol services in churches or other public facilities both before and after Christmas, Poland has its own, much more laid-back interpretation of singing Christmas carols – kol?dowanie. Polish children, usually dressed up, go carolling from one house to another, wishing their neighbours prosperity and health in the New Year and getting sweets or small gifts in exchange. Sounds familiar? It turns out that Polish carolling is basically... a Christmas version of Halloween trick-or-treating, which obviously makes it much cooler!

6. One Christmas Day vs three...

We all know when Jesus was born, but in Poland this event's anniversary somehow gets stretched to almost three long days. Christmas Eve is a day of rushed last-minute preparations and ends with the solemn family Christmas Eve supper where all the Christmassy excitement explodes. On the actual Christmas Day, families gather once more to spend time together and share even more hearty meals. However, it does not stop here… Poles celebrate the so-called Second Christmas Day on December 26^th. It is a bank holiday and a great opportunity to live in the blissful Christmas spirit for a bit longer… Try beating that!

Has Poland won the Christmas battle? The country does offer a range of activities that touch both the spiritual and the bodily part of festivities. Share with us what Christmas is like in your homeland!

Photo credit:
Nativity scene by Mariusz Cieszewski, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Op?atek (Christmas wafer) by FotoKatolik
Kaboompics

Corpus Christi – religious and bank holiday in Poland

This Thursday you will see thousands of people in the streets across Poland. Let us answer your questions before you even ask them – it is Corpus Christi celebrations, a religious holiday with a long-standing tradition in Polish culture.

The streets are full of people, not only in small towns, but also in big cities. If it is Thursday, 60 days after the Easter Sunday, it is most likely that you are witnessing Corpus Christi – a Catholic moveable feast commemorating the Transubstitution, one of the pillars of this Christian church. It has a long tradition, but nowadays not many countries observe it as a public holiday. Polish people are among few nations (along with Austria, Croatia, parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, and Spain, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Portugal, San Marino and Switzerland) that get a day off to take part in the celebrations.

The usual programme consists of Holy Mass and a procession afterwards. It is the focal point of the day and while you may not celebrate Corpus Christi, you are likely to be affected by it. The procession, taking about an hour, starts at different times, depending on the local church. Usually it takes place around noon. The procession starts with a priest carrying a monstrance under a canopy. The faithful follow him, singing religious hymns, while young girls dressed in white scatter flower petals along the route. If you join the procession, you may notice that some people decide to decorated their windows or balconies as well, in order to take part in the special day, and some groups of parishioners may be dressed in folk costumes. The whole procession makes for an unusual sight if you come from a country where displaying religion in public is not very common.

Do you need more ideas for the remaining days of the long weekend?

How about biking?

Since Corpus Christi always falls on Thursdays, it opens the possibility for a long weekend. If you decide to go to the countryside, your nearest lake or mountains, be careful with the traffic. Due to the processions, some roads may be blocked for a few hours and you may need to find a different route. As it is a bank holiday, please remember as well that most shops and supermarkets will be closed, and only some small private businesses will be in operation. Bars and restaurants should not be affected by the holiday either.

No matter what your plans are for this Thursday – whether you are going to take part in a procession, watch it from your window or go and relax outside your city – have a nice long weekend and more energy for work on Monday.

As luck would have it - Poland's oddest superstitions

Black cats, Friday the 13th, knocking on wood – some superstitions are widespread around the world and come as no surprise no matter where we go. Others are country-specific, deeply rooted in a particular culture and puzzling for foreign visitors. Read about the most well-known Polish superstitions.

Not over the threshold!

Have you ever noticed that most Poles never shake hands in a doorway? Try doing so and you will surely hear: Nie przez próg! ("Not over the threshold!") It is a common superstition that hugging or shaking hands over the threshold brings bad luck and may lead to severing ties with those you greet. Besides, it is considered more polite to first invite your guests into the house and then welcome them comfortably inside.

Sit down and count to ten

Beware if you tend to be a little scatter-brained. Once you leave something at home, you should avoid going back to fetch it. It (obviously) brings bad luck and you can only reverse it by sitting down for a moment and counting to ten before you set off again. Why? In truth, no one really knows. But some admit that this unusual practice reminds them about other personal items they forgot to take.

Good luck with that!

Why do your Polish friends reply with "no, thank you!" (nie dzi?kuj?!) when you wish them good luck? As confusing (or even impolite) as it may appear, it is just another way of avoiding misfortune. Some believe that accepting the wishes or thanking for them would jinx the future and have a negative counter effect. Still, there is no need to worry. Your wishes are certainly well received and appreciated by your Polish acquaintances.

Keep your hair on

Having your hair cut just before an important exam is not advised as you may lose some of your knowledge. The belief may sound odd nowadays but is rather unsurprising, given that long male hair was often associated with wisdom and power in the past. Honestly, who can imagine a Greek philosopher sporting a crew cut?

Start your day on the right foot

Your day can never go wrong if you start it off on the right foot. Literally on your right foot. According to a popular theory, if you get up on your left foot first thing in the morning, you will remain in a bad mood all day long. Try to keep that in mind next time you are rearranging your bedroom: maybe pushing the "wrong" side of the bed to the wall will finally get you in a better mood?

Be my guest

It is believed that dropping a piece of cutlery on the floor attracts hungry guests to the house. Dropping a fork means you will be soon visited by a woman, a knife – by a man. You need to be hospitable at all times in Poland!

Marry in December

If you are planning on getting married in Poland, remember that it is best to tie the knot in months that have the letter 'r' in their names: marzec (March), czerwiec (June), sierpie? (August), wrzesie? (September), pa?dziernik (October) or grudzie? (December). Get married in autumn and you will be granted good luck!

Every country has its quirks and little traditions – in Poland whenever autumn is coming, people get crazy about mushroom! Have you ever participated in this fascinating activity done by entire families?

When and where?

If this already sounds fun to you, beware! The mushroom season is just around the corner, as many amateurs of mushroom hunting have already started visiting their local forests. Officially it should all start around September and last up until the first signs of winter. During this period, Poles take to forests, because this is where they are the easiest to find. You will meet enthusiastic pickers especially after rainfall – this is when mushrooms get bigger. We even have a saying in Poland that something grows like mushrooms after rain!

Which mushrooms?

In Poland, there are over 50 edible mushroom species, but it is important to name some that are real crowd pleasers and therefore are always a big hit on a table. These would include the King Bolete, Sulphur Shelf, Saffron Milk Cup or parasol mushroom. It is very important to gather only those mushrooms that one is sure of their edibility – usually in many Polish families there is an expert who can easily name different species and indicate which mushrooms are better left out. Eating a toxic one may result in death or very serious internal injuries.

Mushroom picking etiquette

When going out for mushroom picking, it is advisable to follow some rules. Many amateurs of this pastime stress the fact that humans are intruders in forests and should leave without bringing any serious changes to the ecosystem. The suggested method of gathering mushrooms is cutting them close to the ground with a sharp knife. Another thing is covering the exposed mushroom spawn with forest cover, so as not to let it dry. Finally, even indebile and deadly fungi should be left alone, not destroyed, as they still may be useful to the forest and its inhabitants. If you head out for your first ever picking session, you will definitely learn more from your Polish expert!

And then what?

Once your mushrooms are picked, washed and cleaned, they can be pickled, dried or eaten immediately afterwards! Everyone knows that they are not too nutritious, but still they make for great pierogi stuffing, sauce ingredient and snack!

Do you have your own way of preparing them? Have you tried mushrooming outside Poland?

Every country is different, but in the global world many things look more or less the same: cars, clothing, and even homes. Polish households, however, have a few specifics about them that some foreigners may find rather weird…

No AC

This is a feature usually pointed out by Americans, who are used to having air conditioning in almost all facilities. There is a relatively small number of houses in Poland that have AC – we rely on good old drafts for getting some cool air inside during heatwaves. As extremely hot temperatures occur only for a few days or maximum weeks per year, there is no need for that, but of course it is changing and many new flats or houses are equipped with necessary devices.

Drying racks

Automatic drying machine? No, thanks, not in Poland! Actually it is not obvious why they are so unpopular in here, maybe similarly to standalone bins there is not enough space for them in tiny Polish apartments. Portable drying racks, on the other hand, can fit anywhere! You can put them on the balcony on a sunny day or keep inside if there is a need for that. You will find one tucked away in almost every Polish house, unless somebody has a real laundry room where they also dry their clothes.

Franki

Covering your windows? Some nations are for, some are against this solution (the Dutch – we are looking at you!). Poland, however, has worked out an in-between solution – we have firanki, which are usually white and semi-transparent laceworks that cover the entire window. Unlike courtains, firanki are a bit see-through and their aim is not to protect you from the sun. One may say they serve as a decoration first, but nowadays many people abandon this Polish way of window-covering.

Trash bin under the sink

Whenever you visit a Polish house and you want to throw some rubbish out, you may be right to look for the trash bin in one place – under the kitchen sink. In Poland, this is the usual place for storing waste. As Polish flats and houses tend to be quite small due to quite a high density of population, kitchens are also very condensed. The cabinet under the sink is usually full of piping and naturally seemed perfect for storing bins. Of course you may encounter standard standalone bins, but is it still a fully Polish house you are in?

Slippers

Last but not least – a fan favourite – Polish kapcie (English: slippers). It is polite in Poland to take off your shoes and your hosts do not want you to feel cold – so they may offer you a pair of slippers previously worn by other guests. Poles usually have a selection of slippers to choose from whenever somebody visits them, but the idea is slightly… controversial. Just go with the flow, embrace the fact that your friends do not want you to catch a cold!

Your comprehensive guide to traditional Polish dishes

Winter is fast approaching and the season of long evenings and frosty mornings is upon us. Fortunately, you can always find comfort in Polish cuisine that will make you feel all warm inside. What kind of traditional Polish dishes are there waiting for you to try?

Pierogi

Let us start with the obvious one. Pierogi, probably the most Polish dish you can think of, need no introduction. These delicious crescent-shaped dumplings come with all kinds of fillings: minced meat, mushrooms, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes or sweetened quark. In warmer seasons they are often served with seasonal fruits like blueberries or strawberries. Poles are so proud and protective of their pierogi, they would not let anyone question their tastiness. There is no need to, though. Pierogi are delightful!

Language tip: pierogi are already plural in Polish, so there is no need to add an the extra "s" at the end of the word.

Go??bki (Cabbage rolls)

The name of this dish literally translates as “little pigeons” but mind you, it has nothing to do with the said animal. Go??bki are rolled cabbage leaves, most often stuffed with minced pork and rice. They are usually boiled and topped with home-made tomato sauce and served with mashed potatoes or bread. This hearty meal, though simple, is relished by many.

Placki ziemniaczane (Potato pancakes)

If there is one thing you should know about Polish cuisine is that it relies heavily on potatoes. Mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, potatoes in soups and in dumplings... - the list goes on and on. Apparently, it was King Jan III Sobieski who introduced this nutritious vegetable into Poland in the 17th century. Since then, the country has developed a special liking for potatoes in their countless forms and shapes, including potato pancakes - placki ziemniaczane. No matter if you prefer sweet or sour toppings, you will definitely find a pancake best suited to your taste.

Ogórki kiszone / kapusta kiszona (Fermented pickles / Sauerkraut)

Foreigners unaccustomed to their tangy taste, tend to avoid fermented vegetables such as pickles or sauerkraut. However, not only are they savoured in Poland, but as it turns out, these kinds of foods are beneficial to our health due to their microorganisms – otherwise known as probiotics. Poland must be a very healthy nation then!

Kie?basa / kotlet schabowy (Sausage / Pork cutlet)

The list of Polish specialities would not be complete without kie?basa (sausage) or schabowy (breaded pork cutlet). Although the former is widely known abroad and the latter resembles the popular Austrian Wienerschnitzel, they are considered the epitome of Polish food, enjoyed on everyday basis throughout the year.

Bigos (Polish hunter's stew)

Bigos contains everything you can think of and more. The dish is usually referred to as the “hunter’s stew” in English and it is made of fresh cabbage, sauerkraut (Poles are very fond of their pickled foods, remember?), various kinds of chopped stewed meat (beef, pork, poultry, veal, game...), wild mushrooms and an extensive list of herbs and spices. Also, bigos is often basted with red wine and sprinkled with a handful of prunes or raisins, which give it a richer, sweeter taste. Traditionally, the dish is cooked for at least a few days until it acquires the desirable taste and aroma.

Zapiekanka (Polish-style pizza bread)

Probably the most beloved street food in Poland. Zapiekanka is a baked open sandwich, made from white baguette and similar in style to French bread pizza. It is typically topped with ingredients such as mushrooms, cheese, ham and splattered with ketchup or mayonaisse. Remember - zapiekanka should be eaten only when it is hot and perfectly crusty!

Oscypek

This characteristic, spindle-shaped sheep cheese comes from the Podhale region in the south of Poland. As a rule, it is handmade by a senior shepherd called baca, shaped in a specially carved mould and smoked for days in a little mountain hut. Nowadays, authentic oscypek is granted Protected Designation of Origin status by the European Union and can be made only according to one specific recipe.

Zupy (Soups)

Regardless of the season, no family dinner in Poland can exist without a nourishing soup, be it rosó? (broth), pomidorowa (tomato soup), ?urek (sour rye soup) or barszcz (beetroot borsch). The most controversial of all, is tripe soup called flaki or flaczki, which is known for evoking two utterly opposite feelings - it can be either loved or hated. Will you dare to taste it and decide for yourself?

It is not often that Polish citizens receive a surprise public holiday. But such a jubilee does not happen every day. What are the other ways to commemorate the centenary of Polish independence?

This year, 11 November marks a special anniversary for Poland – the country celebrates 100 years of regaining independence. Poland restored its sovereignty in 1918, after 123 years of partitions which wiped it off from the political map of Europe. 11 November is an annual public holiday and a non-working day in Poland. This time however, Poland’s National Independence Day falls on a Sunday, making it even more special. According to the Polish Labour Code, if a holiday is to be celebrated on a Saturday, employees who do not work on that day are entitled to take an extra day off during the working week. Unfortunately, the same rule does not apply to Sunday holidays, so the Polish Parliament decided to commemorate the centenary of Polish independence by introducing a one-time public holiday the day after, on 12 November. Traditionally, Poles tend to take part in various parades, marches or marathons on their national holiday. What other events are in store this year?

“100 na 100. Muzyczne dekady wolno?ci”/ “100 for 100. Musical Decades of Freedom” – a one-of-a-kind event for music lovers both in Poland and abroad. As explained on the official site of the project, its aim is to present a collection of 100 musical masterpieces of the Polish independence period to the widest possible audience. The compositions are to be performed during 22 concerts on 11 November – 11 of them will be held in major Polish cities and 11 abroad, including concert halls in New York, London, Melbourne, Tokyo and Paris.

11 November. Worldwide. Complete list of venues and musical pieces available on the website: stonasto

Festiwal “Niepodleg?a”/ The Independence Festival in Warsaw offers a wide variety of festive attractions including concerts, workshops, exhibitions or food tastings. The celebrations start off at 1 p.m. and continue until late evening hours.

11 November, from 1 p.m. Warsaw. Free. Niepodleg?a

70. Lekcja ?piewania / The 70th Singing Lesson in Kraków – if you are up for a little challenge, you may try singing some Polish patriotic songs in Kraków’s Main Square. On 11 November, Kraków’s inhabitants will be traditionally joined together in celebration of the national holiday. Singers of all vocal ranges (and skills) are welcome.

11 November, 5 p.m. Kraków. Free. Lekcja ?piewania

Bieg z W?sem / Moustache Run, Wroc?aw – all participants of this run are expected to wear a moustache, either grown or drawn. What does a moustache have to do with Polish independence? More than you might think. It is mostly associated with Marshal Józef Pi?sudski, a Polish statesman, chief of state, considered the founding father of the independent Second Polish Republic. The moustache run commences at 11:11 on 11 November.

11 November, 11:11 a.m. Wroc?aw. Participation fees: 30 PLN – 100 PLN. Bieg z w?sem

Dzie? ?wi?tego Marcina / St. Martin’s Day, Pozna? – in Pozna?, the National Independence Day and St. Martin’s Festival go hand in hand. Most importantly though, they come with a speciality of the region – St. Martin’s croissants, a delicious pastry, filled with almonds and poppy seeds. This sweet treat can be tasted during traditional celebrations in St. Martin’s Street in Pozna?.

11 November, all day. Pozna?. Free. Dzie? ?wi?tego Marcina

National Independence Day - learn more about the Polish holiday

See how the rest of the world joins in the celebration:

"My Polish Heart" festival, Hamburg – this three-month long festival in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie embraces Poland's cultural heritage and rich musical traditions. The programme consists of radio broadcasts as well as live performances by well-known Polish soloists, orchestras and composers.

10 September - 25 November. Hamburg, Germany. My Polish Heart

Poland Film Festival, Tokyo – this year, the biggest Polish film festival in Japan invites the viewers to brush up on the history of the Polish cinema. The programme includes such film classics as The Pianist, Ashes and Diamonds or Nights and Days.

10 - 23 November. Tokyo, Japan. Poland Film Festival

Light the Bridge for 100 Years of Polish Independence, Edmonton – Canada is home to one of the largest Polish communities abroad. On 10 November, the city of Edmonton will light up their High Level Bridge in white and red, as a way of commemorating Poland's National Independence Day.

10 November. Edmonton, Canada. Light the Bridge for 100 Years of Polish Independence

Moniuszko and Paderewski in the Musikverein, Vienna – on 17 November, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra will perform a special concert in the Golden Hall of Vienna's famous Musikverein. The musicians will be accompanied by Szymon Nehring, one of Poland's most promising young pianists. Together they will present some musical pieces written by two Polish composers - Stanis?aw Moniuszko and Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

17 November. Vienna, Austria. Moniuszko & Paderewski

Last but not least, what better way to celebrate Polish independence than to take a little trip around the country?

Dynamic changes are clearly observed in the Polish labor market for the last years. To develop its economy, Poland needs foreign employees, which creates quite favorable conditions for immigrants in the labor market. According to research commissioned by the Polish Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy in 2019, the labor market lacks the following employees.

Thus, below is a list of the top 10 professions in Poland:

1. Qualified blue-collar employees

There are many vacancies related to manual labor in Poland, yet local residents are not eager to fill in such positions. Among immigrants, this segment remains the most popular. Freight movers, unskilled workers, cooks, and caregivers receive a quite decent salary. In construction, there is an acute shortage of concrete layers, steel fixers, tile layers, engineering structure installers, bricklayers, and plasterers, operators, and mechanics of excavation equipment, finishing works specialists. In the industrial field, one may be sure to find a job as a machine operator, welding operator, tailor or clothing sewing specialist, woodwork specialist, locksmith, electrician, electrical engineer, and electric fitter.
Poland also needs workers in the field of agriculture. Farmers from provinces are steadily inviting foreigners for seasonal works

2. Employees in the field of trade

The Polish labor market needs trade specialists in various fields. Companies dealing in the sale of medicines, electronic equipment, food, cosmetics, construction materials, tours, and real estate need sales agents, salespersons, and brand representatives. There are also many vacancies available in Polish network supermarkets.

3. Drivers

There are many jobs available for drivers. However, to get one of such jobs, a candidate will have to purchase a license, which is rather expensive. There is a significant shortage of drivers of buses and trucks with an elevating capacity of over 3.5 tonnes.

4. Technicians, storekeepers

Polish plants and factories experience a shortage of both workers and managers. They need product engineers, managers of workshops, laboratories, and warehouses. The storekeeper is one of the most needed professions in the Polish labor market. The Polish consider a salary at Polish enterprises too low, therefore factory HR departments are forced to hire foreigners.

5. Engineers

An engineer is one of the most needed occupations in the world. In Poland, a qualified engineer is guaranteed to find a job. Engineers in the field of electrical installations, mechanics, and construction are especially needed. Many companies are ready to hire as managers foreigners who have a degree in engineering, extensive experience, and know Polish. Polish science flourishes and the government invests huge amounts of money in researches. Biologists, genetic engineers, pharmacists, engineers in the chemical and food industry, may count on finding a job in Poland.

6. IT specialists

A lack of qualified IT specialists characterizes all Western states. The Polish labor market badly needs competent programmers, mobile app, and desktop software, developers. The programmer is obviously one of the leading professions in 2019. IT industry is constantly looking for qualified specialists, and there are no signs indicating any changes in the nearest future.

7. Accountants, economists

There are many vacancies for candidates in the Polish financial and economic sectors. However, the Polish say there is an abundant number of economists in the country. It is not difficult to get a job at a Polish company, but one will have to make efforts to do it. Requirements include work experience and knowledge of Polish.

8. Human resources staff

Poland needs a workforce, and recruiting companies in this country need HR specialists. Many agencies are looking for recruiters, HR specialists, and staff managers. Employees must possess extensive knowledge not just in human resources management, but also in the field of law, administration, and training.

9. Food industry

Chefs, pastry chefs, cooks, and bakers will have no problem finding a job in Poland.

10. Logistics specialists, warehouse workers

Most vacancies offer jobs for managers and workload managers. There are also jobs for forwarding agents, delivery managers, and transport managers dealing with the distribution of vehicles for a particular group of goods.

11. Service industry

Due to the increased number of foreign employees in Poland, a new trend is emerging – services for foreigners. Qualified hairdressers and cosmeticians, physical therapists, and masseurs will have no problem finding a job in the service industry.

If you are considering moving to Poland, this post will help you to understand the country’s economy. Poland is a full EU member, however, it is not part of the Euro single currency area, and it has one of the fastest-growing economies in the European continent.

There are certain key sectors and industries you should look into. A majority of the workforce is in the services sector. The country’s major industries, including food processing, agriculture, iron & steel, chemical, machine building, glass, coal mining, textiles, and shipbuilding also provide a wide variety of job opportunities.

THE MINIMUM SALARY IN POLAND

Planning to leave for work in Poland, you should first get acquainted with the basic figures to plan the budget and understand what you can earn. Despite the fact that prices for everything in Poland are only growing, but the salary is evenly increasing. On average, since 2010, wages have doubled in the country.

What is the minimum wage in Poland in 2020?

First, you need to remember the difference between gross salary and net. Gross is the total income, the net is the income earned after the deduction of all taxes.
The minimum wage in Poland in 2020 is 2,600 PLN gross (≈655$) or 1,900 PLN net (≈500$). Estimated at about 17 z? / hour and, of course, depends on the working conditions and actual time.

Despite the fact that low skilled foreigners without proper knowledge of local language most often can count on the minimum established salary, as a rule, their income is much higher due to longer working days, tight schedule, night shifts & overtime. Such income may double & rise to the level of the average salary in Poland.

THE AVERAGE SALARY IN POLAND

Depending on the location, the average income in the country in 2020 is kept at around 4000 Polish zlotych (≈1000$). And it continues to grow. This is due to a stable situation in the labor market, as well as an increase in the welfare of the country’s inhabitants.

The level of income depends on the city. So in Warsaw, the average salary is 5,000 zlotys, and in Krakow, it is 4,500. The smaller the city, the less you can earn there. But also to spend … In Warsaw, high prices for everything and life are comparatively more expensive.

The experience level is the most important factor in determining salary. Naturally the more years of experience the higher the wage.

Generally speaking, employees having experience from two to five years earn on average 32% more than freshers and juniors across all industries and disciplines.

Polish workers are entitled to at least 20 or 26 days of paid annual leave, depending on their seniority and longevity with the company. Employees are also entitled to up to 52 weeks in connection with maternity leave. Polish workers typically work 40 hours a week or 8 hours a day.

TAXATION

It is almost impossible to find conditions for illegal work: no one wants to risk reputation and the opportunity to receive a fine of a large amount for illegal employment.

Therefore, all employees pay taxes: both citizens and labor immigrants. The tax process takes place automatically, it is monitored by the employer and the tax authorities.

From the monthly income delay:

pension insurance – 9%;
rental insurance – 1.5%;
hospital insurance – 2.5%;
medical insurance – 9%;
income tax – 18%.

Therefore, about 27% of the money goes to the state. Conventionally, the employee will receive 2920 (≈750$) from the gross income of 4,000 Polish zlotych on his hands (net).

SALARY BY INDUSTRY

Profession (field of activity)	Avg. Salary ~ (zlot.)	Avg. Salary~ USD
Seamstress	2600-3000	650-750
Handyman	2700-3300	700-850
Nanny	2700-3300	700-850
Medical Assistant	2800-3500	700-900
Welder	3100-3500	800-900
Cook	3000-3300	750-850
Builder	3000-3500	750-900
Electrician	3000-3500	750-900
Carpenter	2900-3400	700-850
Seller	2600-3400	650-850

After tax deduction. Base salary non incl. overtime, night shifts, extra working days, rewards & bonuses.

SALARIES IN DIFFERENT REGIONS

The highest wages can normally be found in big cities and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the city of Warsaw and the surrounding region offer the highest average income in Poland. A useful rule of thumb is that the east side of Poland earns less than the west side. The below illustration clearly shows this difference in average wages between the different regions of Poland.

Conclusion The salary level in Poland, compared to other EU countries, is decent and continues to grow. Even at the start, you can count on the average income of 17 z? per hour. Other criteria for the assessment of salaries are the city of work, the sphere of employment, the schedule, and the number of working hours.
For the rest – analyze and consider the average possible income for yourself. Good luck to you at work in Poland.

work-in-poland-for-foreigners-is-our-main-job-and-vector-of-employment.jpg

We are a professional recruitment agency which many campaigns cooperate with: from building corporations to IT-companies.

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

Work in Poland for foreigners. Where to begin?

Work in Poland for foreigners – vacancies

1. A welder (method 136 or 138) to a factory in Szczecin.

Requirements and concerns:

• To a group of welding materials FM1 (unalloyed and fine grain steel) or FM2 (high strength steel)
• Welding method 136 or 138 (MAG).
• Welding of sheet metal in the butt and T-shaped joints (experience min 2 years).
• To have experience in welding method 121 and to work with welding-tractors is welcomed (mechanization of the welding process using methods 136 or 138 (135).
• Also to have the ability of the detailed electrical cutout.
• To have the certificate of European sample. It must be obtained if you don’t have it now. We will go with you to the exam for free.
• The possibility of servicing a soldering iron or gaseous oxygen. The best thing is if you would have evidence that confirms this.

We offer:

– Prestigious work with a schedule of 8 hours per day + additional hours that will be extra paid.
– We provide a guarantee that you will have a place to live for the first 3 months of work.
– A good salary, which consists of a rate of at least 4,000 PLN – 8,000 PLN Brutto, depending on skills and quality + a premium of 10-20% of the basic wage. Also, there will be a surcharge for night work – 50% or 100% for overtime. In month from you will have 7 500-9 500 z? + paid vacation. Wages in netto from 5400 z? to 6 500 z?.
– Contract of employment (umowa o prac?) for full-time employment. Salary to a bank account. Full insurance and bonuses.
• We will help with issues concerning the residence card.

2. CNC operator job vacancy in Poland

Requirements and responsibilities:

• Lathe support.
• To know technical drawing.
• To know the Polish language on a communicative level.
• To do manual work.

We offer:

– Prestigious work with a schedule of 8-12 hours a day.
– Wages in the amount of 3500-4000 PLN (16 – 18.50 PLN / hour)
– We provide free accommodation. Or if you provide your own accommodation, then your rate rises to 2.5 z? net for each worked hour. That is, the rate goes out to PLN 18.50 net.
– Contract of employment (umowa o prac?) and a number of bonuses.

3. For a mechanic to work in the Chojnice (Poland)

Requirements and responsibilities:

• The ability to read technical drawing very well.
• To use a burner and other plumbing tools.
• To know well the Polish language in order to understand the commands of a boss.
• The candidate runs pre-employment locksmith skills test. It is a test to understand your electrician skills in the workplace. We will accompany you.

We offer:

– Prestigious work with a schedule of 8-12 hours a day.
– Salary: 5000-6000 PLN (21-24 PLN / hour).
– We provide a free place to live. Or if you have your own house the rate increases by 3 z? net per hour. That is the rate of 24 z? net per hour of work.

4. IT specialist Frontend Developer

List of obligations and requirements:

• Co-design and co-create applications, components, and services.
• Maintenance of high-quality code, maintenance, and updating of documentation associated with the project.
• You need higher education in the direction of “information technology” and knowledge of object-oriented programming.
• Very good knowledge: HTML 5 and CSS 3, React.js framework, Redux technology, HTTP protocol.
• Good knowledge of “javascript” related issues, including ES2015 + standard and TypeScript.
• Ability to work in Linux, using the GIT version control system.
• Knowledge of English at the communicative level; reading and understanding of technical documentation; well knowledge of Polish.
• At least 3 years’ experience in implementing IT projects.
• It will be a plus for you if you are familiar with .net Core, MVC, or knowledge of the UML language.

We offer:

• Salary: from 10 000 – 13 000 PLN Brutto (without tax in dollars $ 2000 – $ 2650). We accept salary offers from you.
• Employment contract (umowa o prac?), full-time (8 hours per day, 40 hours for the whole week). Full bonus package.
• Support experienced software developers and architects.
• Good experiences in a comfortable team and advanced training.

5. Cook to work in a restaurant in Poland

Requirements and responsibilities:

• Need a work visa for 4 months. There is the possibility of employment for full biometric.
• It is desirable to have a higher education, but most importantly — the skills and experience.

We offer:

• An interesting job in shifts.
• Wages in the amount of 2500 – 4000 PLN (16 PLN / hour). Moreover, after 2-4 weeks the rate will be higher — 21,73 z? Brutto (16 z ? net)
• From the employer will free place to live. You pay only for utilities — a maximum of 300 z? per month.

How to work in Poland according to your qualification?

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker. We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

The wedding season in Poland is in full swing now. Have you been invited to one or are you about to get married in Poland yourself? Leave your worries behind and read what to expect in this area!

Invitation

Before heading out – read your invitation carefully in order to check if you have been invited just to the wedding ceremony or to the reception as well. You are in for a treat if the second option is your option! If not – you will probably just attend the church service (in Poland still a vast majority of marriages is a religious ceremony), congratulate the newlyweds afterwards and are free to go home (unfortunately!).

The invitation may also indicate what gifts you should bring for the newlyweds. Polish people are as a rule not big on giving the bride and groom toasters, vacuum cleaners or linen. Many couples write on the invite that they would appreciate... money and that they prefer wine or chocolate over flowers. Many couples ask their guests to make charity donations instead of bringing physical gifts to the registry office, church or reception hall.

Church service

In the case of civil marriages there is no trick to the way the guests should behave during the ceremony, but how about church weddings? In the majority of cases you will attend a Catholic mass and your best option is to follow the congregation and stand, kneel and sit down whenever the rest decide to. Considering the kneeling part – if you do not feel like it, standing is also a respectful and acceptable option in many churches.

If you are interested what the process of getting married in Poland looks like, click below.
Marriage in Poland

Reception

The fun of the Polish wedding starts at the reception taking place in a dedicated venue. The number of party guests is usually between 100-200 and there is a bit of a flexible agenda to that. Once you arrive at the venue with the rest of the guests, the newlyweds should arrive too to be greeted by their parents with bread, salt and a shot of vodka. After that the party is officially started and you should be prepared to eat and drink a lot – there will be a number of hot courses served throughout the night, usually with cakes, desserts, ice cream, fancy wild meat and other dishes. Alcohol should be served throughout the night, with bottles of wine and vodka within each guest’s hand reach. People sitting next to you will every now and then propose a toast to the couple, so there is no need to sip wine or other alcohols between those drinking sessions.

Dancing

Dancing is a vital part of any Polish wedding. Starting with the first dance of the married couple, there will be more and more of that throughout the night. If you are a woman, you will probably be asked to dance by many elderly uncles and cousins of the newlyweds, whereas men are expected not to rest idle by the table but entertain the ladies on the dancefloor. Poles believe that dancing reduces the side effects of excessive drinking, so they will dance till dawn. Please bear in mind that Poles love to do it in pairs, just like proper ballroom dancing!

Customs and games

During the course of the night, there will also be various games, sometimes originating from folk traditions, such as unveiling the bride, throwing the bouquet/bow tie, numerous fancy toasts, guessing games, dance contests, slideshows etc. etc. The band is likely to play live and engage the guests in some activities, while some couples decide to hire a dedicated emcee. No matter what, the party should last till morning – it is normal for the guests to leave around 4 or 5 a.m.

Afterparty?!

There is a big chance you will be invited to the second (yes, second) day of the wedding celebrations, in Polish called poprawiny. It may take place in the same wedding hall or, if there are less guests, in the family house or smaller restaurant. It is definitely more relaxed, but there still may be dancing and definitely a lot of eating/drinking. Brace yourself!

In Poland there is a fixed date for Mother’s Day – 26 May every year since 1914, when it was first celebrated in Kraków. How do Poles celebrate this special occasion?

This heart-warming holiday is mostly a twentieth-century invention, but it spread very quickly and became a nation-wide celebration of the effort mothers put into bringing up their children. Women in Poland, like many women across the globe, need to balance professional development (nearly 62 per cent of them have a career) with family life, which is becoming an increasingly disturbing problem in developed countries. Poles still hold some traditional values and therefore it is often the case that the majority of household duties falls on women’s shoulders. Luckily, it is days like this that the appreciation towards these responsibilities is shown in a clear manner.

Polish children are encouraged to make DIY gifts for their mums and the most popular one is a handmade greeting card (Polish: laurka). It usually depicts flowers or hearts and thoughtful fathers are supposed to help out kids by buying flowers or other presents for their mum to go with the card.

Usually schools and kindergartens prepare special programmes for mothers, sometimes for practical purposes merged with Father’s Day celebrations. They may include song recitals, talent shows, short plays etc. If you are a parent to a school-age kid in Poland, be prepared for an extracurricular activity around 26 May!

School-age children?
Here are some tips as for finding a school for foreign kids in Poland!

If you do not have kids and your mother lives back in your country of origin, this holiday will probably not affect you in any way. But it is always nice to be reminded of the gratitude we owe to those who nurtured us and helped us be in the place where we are now!

Every nation has their favourite sayings, phrases or even words that leave foreigners speechless or are impossible to translate. They may seem random but very often there is a deeper meaning to them. Would you like to be let in on these language secrets?

1. Not my circus, not my monkeys / Nie mój cyrk, nie moje ma?py

Let's open with a classic that makes many of you laugh out loud, but in fact its meaning is not so cheerful! When someone uses the not my circus, not my monkeys phrase, it means that they are not involved in some kind of a problematic situation and they refrain from taking any action in it. This proverb has actually become quite prominent in the English language due to its humourous vibe that covers the not-so-happy message! Have you heard anyone use it outside Poland?

2. It'll all work out somehow / Jako? to b?dzie

With a recent boom of different nations' philosophies (such as: hygge, lagom or lykke), Poles have decided that theirs is much less cosy, but still positive... in a way. When something goes wrong, Polish people tend to say jako? to b?dzie, which means that everything will be okay eventually, and if not okay, then at least... acceptable. It does indicate that Poles do not like planning ahead and prefer spontaneous decisions instead of carefully outlined projects. Why plan if it will all work out in the end?

3. Kombinowa? & za?atwi?

Two verbs that are often named as the most untranslatable Polish words. They are often associated with the era when goods were not easily accessible and bureaucracy was overwhelming. Kombinowa? means being up to something, trying different resources to get to something or someone, and even cheating on one's way to achieve that. If you get a new job and you start to kombinowa? to e.g. work less hours than you should, then you are bound to be in trouble and even lose it! In such cases, you may ask a good friend to za?atwi? a new one for you (= manage to do something with some difficulties). You can za?atwi? a doctor appointment even though there are 3 more people ahead of you - just ask the receptionist nicely, negotiate with other patients in the line and finally persuade your doctor herself to ruin the order the patients are supposed to come in - voila, consider the case done (= za?atwiona)!

4. A Pole is wise after the event. / M?dry Polak po szkodzie

Sometimes you can kombinowa? a lot and nothing works out, or in fact, goes to pieces. A Pole would say then: m?dry Polak po szkodzie. This means we learn from our mistakes, rather than predict negative consequences beforehand. I bet this does not apply to Poles only though, right?

5. Sometimes on the car, sometimes under the car / Raz na wozie, raz pod wozem

Sometimes in the car!

Or basically: you win some, you lose some. Hopefully you are now seeing the pattern: Polish people tend to think that mistakes and mishaps are simply a natural phenomenon and you cannot avoid them. Polish folk knowledge is full of wisdom representing the belief that sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you!

6. A guest in the house is God in the house / Go?? w dom, Bóg w dom

If you feel that the selection of common Polish proverbs is not necessarily uplifting, rest assured that although Poles are not too enthusiastic about some stuff, they do love hosting! Their hospitality is expressed in the saying which compares visitors to God, which must leave you impressed! You are bound to hear it over and over again while visiting Polish friends and family in their houses. And, what is more, they genuinely believe it is true!

Do you think these phrases say a lot about Poles?

Have you ever wondered why people in Warsaw stop for a minute every 1 August at 5 PM? It is the moment commemorating the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, one of the most tragic and heroic events in Poland, and especially its capital city.

The Warsaw Uprising was the rebellion act of the people of Warsaw which started on 1 August 1944. It was directed against the Nazi German occupier of the city (and a vast part of the country) and lasted 63 days. The rebellion, which is a source of a heated debate in Polish society (mainly due to incomprehensible damages done to the city and estimated nearly 200,000 victims), was nevertheless a heroic act of hope which took place nearly five years after the German invasion.

On that day, at 5 PM (in Polish referred to as Godzina W, the 'W' Hour), the fights against the occupant started in various places across the city, at the orders of the underground Polish Home Army. Although the insurgents suffered from the shortages of munition and weapons from the very beginning, they managed to conitnue their unimaginable struggle for nearly two months. Varsovians and people visiting the city on 1 August strive to remember their sacrifice and stop for a moment to commemorate the bloody battle, which left the city deserted and destroyed in 90 per cent as a result of the Nazi total demolition policy. Alarm signals and sirens are heard all over the rebuilt and repopulated city and the traffic is stopped.

If you are visiting Poland or have wondered what happens on this special day, this is the simple answer. You can also step aside and reflect upon the horrors of war, which took place only 74 years ago.

1 June always marks a special day in the Polish calendar – Children’s Day. Although it is not a bank holiday, it is good to know what you can expect on this day, especially if you are an expat parent in Poland.

The holiday is not moveable – it always takes place on 1 June, which luckily coincides with the beginning of summer. This is why Children’s Day in Poland is often used as a camping or picnic opportunity and certainly should be celebrated with a gift, even a small one, to your children or even the kids you know and keep in touch with on a regular basis. A new toy, book or a cinema outing is a must!

If your children are school-age, make sure you check the schedule in their Polish school beforehand – 1 June may be a day off classes, with some extra activities planned that may require your involvement or simply additional planning. It is very likely to be celebrated throughout primary school, but it is usually dropped at later stages of education.

What about work? You may be surprised to get some extra benefits if you are a parent. Some employers get involved in organising special gift bags for employees’ kids with sweets or toys, while others may even plan some activities. 1 June is also a perfect opportunity to turn it into a Take Your Kids to Work Day!

If you are not a parent – you may still be affected by the celebrations! In some cities children read bus stop names on public transport instead of regular voices. Other cultural institutions like museums or public facilities may also adjust their functioning to the little ones and organise special workshops or events. Even the Polish Parliament has been holding special sessions of children "politicians" since 1994, although in 2018 the meeting is likely to be transferred to another date. Anyway, if you fancy staying out of politics, it will still be impossible to get ice cream in your nearest park, since all the vendors will be surrounded by parents and grandparents entertaining their kids!

You cannot skip breakfast on Easter morning! It is a must-do for everyone living in Poland and luckily easy to describe, as it has not changed much over the centuries. Here is a list of your perfect Easter basket contents and Easter food essentials if you want to recreate it!

The basket

Yes, without the basket (obligatory to be made of wicker!, as pictured above) and its contents there would be no Easter in Poland. What do you put inside? Some bread, a piece of meat, salt, eggs, horseradish, cheese, a piece of cake and a figure of an Easter lamb (can be made of bread, butter, sugar etc.). More and more often the basket contains sweets and chocolate. Once you finish completing all the ingredients, many Poles take the basket to church for a blessing on the Saturday right before Easter. And there you go – half of the menu for your Easter breakfast on Sunday morning is already ready!

The eggs

On Sunday morning Polish people, religious or even non-believers, have a proper family gathering which in fact is a small feast starting way before noon. The eggs are possibly the most significant symbol of the meal and at the same time its main component – they can be boiled and stuffed or served with mayonnaise, baked as a pâté or made into a bread spread… One thing is for sure – it will be hard enough for anyone who claims to be vegan to survive a Polish style Easter breakfast.

Soup for breakfast?

Another Easter menu staple is the sour rye soup (Polish: ?urek). Yes, you may have noticed that the Polish love soups, and they even have one for breakfast come Easter time. The sour rye soup is preferably served in an edible bread bowl with egg halves and white sausage inside. Apart from that, every host puts a cold cut platter on the table, usually with the meat and sausages from the basket.

Sweet tooth

As a proper feast, the Easter breakfast in Poland would not be the same without desserts, too. The most important ones are two types of cake – mazurek and babka. The first one is a very flat cake made of short pastry with marmalade on top or between its two layers. The most important part is the top of a mazurek, which needs to be covered in jelly or fudge cream and decorated with nuts, raisins or chocolate. Babka (pictured left), on the other hand, makes up for the flatness of mazurek – it resembles a cylinder and is made of yeast with a sweet icing on top. Inside, it is usually dotted with chocolate, dried fruit or nuts, which could have been soaked in alcohol beforehand.

Everything ready in the kitchen? Just set the table with a fresh snow-white cloth and put some typical spring flowers in a vase (daffodils are Poles' go-to choice, with tulips, white lilies and hyacinths being other popular types), with a touch of boxwood leaves here and there. Remember about pisanki to put in bowls as a decoration and you are ready to host your Polish style Easter breakfast!

Europe has a very peculiar relationship with time – a problem you can also encounter in the US, but not to the same extent. Twice a year, Polish people have to either advance their clocks and watches or set them back by one hour, on the last Sunday of March and October respectively. Why do they do that and how does that affect you as a foreigner?

Obligatory time change

Summer Time was introduced in Europe during World War I in order to save energy. Poland initially joined in only to discontinue the practice later, but since 1977 it has been adopted back and continues to apply every half a year, along with all European countries (except for Iceland and Poland’s neighbours, Belarus and Russia). At the same time now, however, Poland is one of the main advocates for the abandonment of the practice.

Why should it be stopped?

Polish politicians along with their colleagues from Finland and other countries largely support the discontinuation of daylight saving time. A series of experts have spoken about the negative effect of Summer Time on human bodies. Apparently switching back and forth to different time zones lowers productivity, causes sleeping disorders and other health-related issues, including increased stroke risk. There are also economic reasons to abandon moving our clocks back and forth. Summer Time was invented in the era when electricity was used in a different manner than now and time changes do not necessarily make such a difference in cost-cutting. It does, however, cause chaos in schedules of planes, trains, or buses, for instance.

Make sure you switch!

Nevertheless, as long as the practice is legally binding, Poland observes it twice a year.

On the last Sunday of March, electronic devices in Poland should automatically go one hour forward, from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. and therefore losing 60 minutes. If you own a traditional clock or watch, you should make the change manually. In 2018 the change to Summer Time is on 25 March, in 2019 on 31 March, and in 2020 on 29 March.

We switch back to regular time on the last Sunday of October, thus ending Summer Time. Electronic devices should go back one hour, from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m., so that we get 60 minutes of extra sleep. Similarly to the previous change, it should be done manually on devices that cannot be programmed to switch automatically. In 2018 the backwards change will take place on 28 October, in 2019 on 27 October, and in 2020 on 25 October.

But who knows, maybe those daylight saving time changes will not survive until 2020? Are you for or against in this debate over Summer Time?

In Poland we do not hold NYC-style parades or dress up as leprechauns, but we do love Ireland and St Patrick's Day. If you can't be on the Emerald Isle on 17 March, make sure you stay in Poland instead!

Polish-Irish relations

What are some of the great similarities between the two nations? To start with the obvious ones, both countries share similar values. After all, the Feast of St Patrick’s originated as a Christian holiday commemorating the saint who converted the Emerald Isle. Poles are a largely Catholic nation and this is what they see they have in common with the Irish (as well as the love for countryside and family life). The number of Poles in Ireland reaches 130,000 (to just 4.7 million citizens overall) and seems to prove that the two nations get along. This was also proven when the Irish paid us the largest friendly visit up to this day – during Euro 2012. Irish football fans’ friendliness and impeccable behaviour (despite downing many pints in Polish pubs during the championships) earnt them the reputation of the most endearing group of sports supporters Poland had ever seen. To top it off, for historical reasons Poles have had a great interest in Ireland's struggle for independence and the island's culture. Celtic folk is still a niche, but nevertheless a prominent one, with music and dance festivals organised each year for its Polish fans.

And how do people from Ireland view the life in Poland?
Read about Jonny from Northern Ireland who decided to relocate to Poland.

Global Greening

The Embassy of Ireland in Poland has announced the list of landmarks that are going to be lit up in green on 17 March:

Warsaw	Palace of Culture and Science
Bielsko-Bia?a	Hotel President
Gda?sk	Uczniowska Street flyover Ko?ciuszki Street flyover
Kalisz	City Hall
Katowice	Spodek Sports and Entertainment Arena
Kielce	Echo shopping centre
Kraków	Father Bernatek Footbridge Lipska-Wielicka flyover Tauron Arena
Lublin	Centre for the Meeting of Cultures
?ód?	Centrum OFF Piotrkowska EC1
Malbork	Malbork Castle Museum Latin School Museum of the City of Malbork
Pozna?	City Hall The Raczy?ski Library Pozna? Archaeological Museum Pozna? Grand Theatre Bishop Jordan Bridge MTP Spire
Przemy?l	Brama Przemyska Bridge Casimir Castle City Hall
Rzeszów	City Hall
Toru?	City Office of Toru?
W?oc?awek	Browar B. Cultural Centre
Wroc?aw	Centennial Hall Bank Zachodni WBK Headquarters Grunwaldzki Bridge University Bridge University of Wroc?aw Wroc?aw Opera House National Museum Wroc?aw Stadium
Zabrze	Szyb Maciej

Polish songs you cannot have Christmas without

Are you a fan of “Jingle Bells”, “Holy Night” or “Let It Snow”? Polish people love these songs, too, but once in Poland, you can hear a whole lot of tunes new to your foreign ear, but sounding really sweet to the people who grew up in Poland. What are some irresistible Polish songs that Poles cannot imagine Christmas without?

If you can imagine a cosy night in with your loved ones, you probably think of some well-known festive tunes playing in the background. But of course – they must vary depending on the country you live in! Polish people have their own favourite wintertime music that contains, apart from popular international hits, some songs known only to Poles. They will be perfect if you want to brush up your Polish or score some extra points from your Polish in-laws, who probably love these songs. Ho, ho, ho, let’s go!

Skaldowie - Z kopyta kulig rwie

Let’s start with a winter’s classic by Polish The Beatles. It’s not exactly Christmassy, but its catchy tune set to resemble the pace of a kulig – a sleigh ride party organised in the olden days in the most freezing winter evenings. The song references the joys of taking part in such an entertainment and reminds you in one of the lines to dress appropriately to the Polish weather – the men are wearing smoking suits underneath their sheepskin coats.

Ania Szarmach - Coraz bli?ej ?wi?ta

This is not a product placement but the Coca-Cola song in Polish language version is very prominent over the Holiday period. The ad airs every half an hour and the tune can be also heard in shopping malls as well as other public places. Although it is commercial in its origins, the lyrics point to the joy of sharing and Christmas magic in general, luckily with no mention of soda.

De Su - Kto wie

Who knows? (the literal translation of the song's title Who knows) - maybe this will be your number one Polish pop hit this Christmas? With its uplifting lyrics suggesting that in Christmastime God and angels look out for our special wishes and make the dreams come true.

Edyta Górniak & Krzysztof Antkowiak - Pada ?nieg

Could this be a Polish response to Let It Snow? The slow-paced song by one of the most popular Polish female vocalists is a duet designed to reflect upon the joys of childhood, with many references to fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. It is there to remind Poles that although the gray-haired year is coming to an end, they may and should remain youthful, kind and honest inside - all these thoughts appearing thanks to watching the snow fall outside.

Czerwone gitary - Dzie? jeden w roku

The final song in our Polish Christmas Music 101 course is another old-school classic written with Christmas Eve in mind. As you may know, Polish people tend to celebrate 24^th of December as much as they do the Christmas Day, if not more! This song is all about positivity surrounding Wigilia and the good wishes Poles send to one another on this day. And as the song goes – It is the only day that starts at dusk all across Polish households.

Grandmother’s Day, Grandfather’s Day in Poland

Being a grandparent may sometimes feel like a career, or at least a part-time job! No wonder that people in Poland feel the need to show their gratitude towards grandmas and grandpas. Without these “institutions” our lives would very often be totally different!

Grandparents in Poland

According to the Center for Economic Analysis (CenEA), Polish grandparents are the second most devoted grandparents in European Union, right after Greeks (results from 2017). Elderly Poles spend around nine hours per week with their grandchildren, which makes up to three hours more on average than in other countries. They also are more likely to have grandchildren at all, on average amounting to three.

These are the figures, but what does it look like in practice? Babcia and dziadek (in Polish: grandma and grandpa respectively) are known for spoiling their grandkids with sweets and hearty meals, which may not have been so accessible in the times of their childhood and youth, which may have still taken place during the war or in rigid communist times. Some Polish grandparents are an alternative to hiring a nanny or sending your baby to daycare. This popular family solution makes the intergenerational ties pretty strong in Poland, as many working parents consider their own parents a godsend!

Grandmother's Day & Grandfather's Day

... are two separate holidays! Outside Poland, you may find them combined into one celebration, Grandparents' Day, but not here. Grandmothers celebrate on 21 January, while grandfathers just a day later, 22 January. Does it involve anything fancy? Not really, just a family gathering, a bouquet of flowers or a thoughtful gift. Polish kids love making hand-made cards for their grandparents on this special occassion, whereas grandchildren that are grown-up should really take their time to slow down and visit the grandma or grandpa, as very often it was them who helped them shape their personalities and chase dreams.

How are families supported in Poland?
Social benefits such as 500+ programme are one way of providing this support and they are also available to foreigners living here.

The elderly in Poland

Towards the end of 2016, there were 38,4 million people in Poland, and 9 million were citizens over 60 years old. Forecasts for years 2014–2050 indicate that the number is bound to grow and the elderly will amount to 40 per cent of all Polish nationals. The specific needs of this particular social group are being constantly monitored by various government and non-government institutions, but they still remain a challenge in the era of lowered birth rates in Poland and across the continent.

14 most romantic places in Poland for Valentine’s Day

Roses are red, violets are blue, Poland’s beautiful and so are you! If you feel that your Valentine’s Day in Poland needs a romantic boost, we give you fourteen ideas for 14 February!

1. Love bridges

Let’s kick it off with the obvious ones – love lock bridges. We all know them from all over the world, and Poland is no worse. Whilst they pose danger, bring controversy and may result in collapsing under the weight of solid padlocks symbolising your love, they are still cherished by lovebirds in many countries. In Poland, the arguably best-known love lock bridge is located in Wroc?aw (Tumski Bridge), while Kraków’s K?adka Bernatka is probably its biggest rival for the title.

2. Polish castles & palaces

Don’t get us started – these places are made for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Not many of them are private or difficult to access, as such palaces in Poland are very often converted into hotels, museums, or restaurants, and open to the public. Make sure you check out the impressive Moszna castle (pictured above), often featured as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, or the Ksi?? castle. This is where you feel like a Disney prince or princess!

3. Kazimierz Dolny

The town of Kazimierz Dolny is THE destination for a romantic getaway for Polish couples, so why not follow their footsteps? Kazimierz thrives on tourists, but at the same time it managed to keep its charm fresh. It is full of lovely townhouses, little streets, restaurants, and SPA retreats, all of which is surrounded by postcard-worthy views of the hilly landscape. A must-see.

4. The Sopot Pier

The longest pier by the Baltic Sea – and a walking spot favoured by couples, tourists, families with kids, teenagers… well, everyone. Although you need to buy a ticket to get there, Valentine’s Day is luckily off the season, so the entrance is free. You can walk the whole half a kilometre of the pier and enjoy the sea breeze with your significant other.

5. Old Towns of Polish cities

Whether it is Warsaw, Kraków (pictured right), Lublin, Wroc?aw, Pozna?, or a little town somewhere nearby… they are all charming and extremely romantic. Little nooks, hidden staircases and arcades, cobbled streets, and old city wall ruins right outside the market square – that is what we all live for on Valentine’s Day!

6. Lanckorona

Similarly to Kazimierz Dolny, Lanckorona is another spot that needs to be distinguished as a romantic destination. It should be of interest to any of you based in Kraków, as Lanckorona lies only an hour drive away from the city. It is a picturesque village, which used to be a town back in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, thanks to its peculiar architecture (just see those houses!) and a beautiful landscape seen from the foot of Lanckorona’s castle ruins, it is a weekend destination favoured by many in Kraków.

7. Kazimierz in Kraków

Speaking of Kraków – every couple should have a stroll through Kazimierz, the famous district of Kraków, famous for its Jewish heritage and bohemian vibe. The area that used to be an island, now is part of the city with an abundance of cafes, art galleries, and antique stores, which make you feel as if you were in the heart of Paris.

8. Bieszczady

How about some nature for a change? So far you have seen mostly cities and picturesque towns, but Poland’s landscape has so much more to offer! The Bieszczady mountains are very dear to all Poles, mainly through a popular saying, which more or less goes as Why not leave it all and go live in Bieszczady? The place is seen as a perfect destination for those seeking refuge from everyday hustle and bustle, but of course you can try other mountains as well!

9. ?azienki Park in Warsaw

Those based in Warsaw probably have seen the city’s most important sights, and ?azienki Park is one of them. But it is especially worth visiting with your significant other. In the heart of the city, one can find numerous romantic spots, whether it is summer or winter. In fact, the Royal Park of ?azienki is currently hosting a photo competition – you can still share your romantic moments in ?azienki (read more here).

10. UW Library gardens

Staying in the capital city – one of the most popular places for a stroll are the gardens on the roof of the University of Warsaw library (BUW). If you have any doubts, just go there and we dare you not to meet at least one couple of newlyweds taking their post-wedding photoshoot there!

This place is well known to all students. Are you looking forward to becoming one?
Learn all about studying in Poland!

11. Arkadia

Not far from Warsaw, in Nieborów, there is Romantic Park dating back to the 18^th century and started by a Polish aristocrat, Helena Radziwi??. Its sentimental composition corresponds to the perfect vision of a Romantic park of that time, and even today it charms with old aqueducts and temples buried deep among the trees.

12. Mazury

One of the natural wonders of Poland – the Mazury lake district – is a splendid spot for romance. With all sorts of places, ranging from camping grounds to excellent hotels scattered around the north-east of Poland, it is not only a holiday destination, but also a haven for lovers! Perfect to get to know each other or to pop the question when the time comes!

13. Old Polish mansions

All across the country you can encounter various houses which used to belong to once-numerous Polish nobility. Now turned into SPA resorts, museums or restaurants, with their remarkable architecture and history, they make an ideal weekend getaway. Take a look around in your neighbourhood and find an old dworek to visit. An exemplary address? Chopin’s birthplace in ?elazowa Wola near Warsaw.

14. Che?mno

Placed on nine hills, in central-northern Poland, this town closes our list, as it is also the real deal for lovebirds. Its patron is Saint Valentine and the town officials make sure everyone knows that! It all started ages ago, when a church in Che?mno got Saint Valentine’s relics, but the fame still lives on. Che?mno is a feast for history lovers and a real picture-perfect little town.

Tell us which spot in Poland is perfect for romance! Maybe we missed something important on the list...?

Do you like animals? If so, do you have pets? Looks like you are on the same page with at least half of the people in Poland! What is necessary to have a warm and fuzzy living creature in your house after you move to Poland?

Is it a new trend?

Poles have a long-standing tradition of keeping pets in their houses, which luckily survived many years of difficult historical circumstances. It dates back to Polish kings, with king John III Sobieski affectionately looking after his small zoo in Wilanów and king Stanis?aw August Poniatowski and his favourite dog, Kiopek, but also hundreds of years of pet history in anonymous households. Throughout the twentieth century, Poles have seen numerous trends in pet-keeping: starting from classic cats and dogs, through colourful parrots, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, ending with turtles and fish tanks in numerous Polish living rooms!

A bunch of statistics...

According to a survey from 2017 by Kantar Public, 52 per cent of Poles admit having some sort of a pet in their household. Of course, the statistics may be a bit inflated due to the fact that Poland has a large rural population, where cats and dogs are traditionally kept, sometimes not indoors, but in some other farm buildings (garages, kennels, sheds). The survey also showed that 42 per cent of pet-owners have dogs, 26 per cent - cats, and 5 per cent - other animals. ). Overall, the survey revealed a slight improvement in the number of pet-owners in Poland (from 48 per cent in 2014 to 52 per cent last year).

What is needed? Law & practice

We all know that owning a pet is a matter of heart and sometimes stretches beyond reason, but there are some formalities you need to look into before you make the decision. The Polish law obliges all pet-owners to take care of the animals so that they do not harm others, as well as no harm is done to them (necessity to feed the animal and provide it with a desirable level of freedom and access to sunlight). There are also regulations regarding the length of chain and time an animal can be kept on it. Luckily, this practice popular mainly in rural areas is dying out in Poland.

The law does not regulate if your dog should have a muzzle and leash every time you leave the house. There are, however, some facilities, public transport vehicles or spaces where they may be required by internal rules. Speaking of taking your dog out: not cleaning up after your pet gives ground for a financial fine, so make sure you are always prepared and have a waste bag. As for the transport of your animal, as an owner you are not obliged to buy it a separate ticket provided your pet is small enough to fit in a special transporter. If it is bigger than that, a small fee for an extra ticket for your companion will be charged. Bear in mind that if other passengers find your animal problematic, a ticket inspector may ask you to move to another designated area in a train.

Last but not least, remember about the certificates of vaccination of your pet. Without them you will not be allowed to enter Poland. And if you do not have a pet to bring with your from abroad, but you are willing to buy one in Poland? When it comes to dogs be extra cautious with the following breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, Perro de Presa Mallorquin, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Perro de Presa Canario, Tosa Inu, Rottweiler, Akbash Dog, Anatolian Karabash, Moscow Watchdog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog. These breeds have been classified as dangerous by the Polish Ministry of the Interior and you will need a special permit to get one of them. The permit can be issued in the environmental department of your local council (urz?d gminy).

Adopt, don't shop

In the recent years, Polish media and public institutions have devoted a lot of attention to the issue of pet adoption, with celebrities and public figures joining in the campagins. Look around – maybe there is an animal shelter in your neighbourhood, where you can volunteer in, or where your pet awaits you?

Tipping in Poland is nowhere near as popular as in the US. However, that is not to say we don't tip at all! Take a look at our list of tipping tips below.

Tipping is definitely one of the most confusing customs the world has come up with. In the US, gratuities are an absolute must, in other countries they may be included in the bill or "not-required but expected". In Poland, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to tipping - most customers consider it a matter of personal preference. Although the practice seems pretty common in restaurants and other food serving establishments, a lot of Poles believe tips should be reserved for exceptional service only. If you do wish to tip (in Polish: da? napiwek), take note of these points to avoid confusion:

Timing is key. Note that saying “thank you”/“dzi?kuj?” when handing cash to the waiter implies you want them to keep the change - hold your thanks for a moment if that is not your intention!
Gratuities are voluntary. Tips are seldom included in the price of the service.
Most customers leave the tip in cash on the table, even when paying the bill by card.
It is common to simply round up the bill by a few zlotys. For example, if you are supposed to pay PLN 36.79, make it PLN 40.
Percentage-wise, average tips range between 5% to 10% of the bill value.
Tip jars in bars and cafes are a common sight in Poland. You are always welcome to put a few spare coins inside.
Apart from waiters, it is not unusual to tip bartenders, delivery people and couriers or taxi drivers. Cloakroom attendants may receive small change (e.g. PLN 2) if the service is free, especially in places such as theatres or concert halls.

Have you noticed any other surprising tipping habits in Poland? Share your observations with us!

What are the biggest Polish don'ts?

See 5 things you should never do in Poland!

Lost in translation: Polish words that have no equivalent in English

A lot of experienced translators believe that there is no such a thing as an "untranslatable word" and no idea that could not be expressed well in other languages. No matter if you share the view or not, there is no denying that we all get lost in translation from time to time. See which Polish words are the hardest to translate into English.

Kombinowa?

Arguably one of the most “untranslatable” words in the Polish language. Some say it is impossible to grasp its true meaning until you come into contact with Polish creativity and resourcefulness. The verb kombinowa? implies that you are dealing with a problem in an unconventional (sometimes dishonest) way. Depending on the context, it is often translated as “to cheat” or “to scheme” but the word itself rarely carries such negative connotations in Polish. Co kombinujesz? could be translated as “What are you up to?”, but the derivative wykombinowa? is often understood as “finding a creative solution to a problem” or “coming up with an idea”. Honestly, you need to pokombinowa? to pin down the essence of this word!

Za?atwi?

This is a handy Polish verb, used in a variety of everyday situations. The meaning comes close to the English phrase “to take care of”, as in “to take care of a problem”. Note that za?atwi? is not so much about doing things as about getting them done, hence za?atwi? nowy paszport translates as "to get a new passport". Sometimes, the word za?atwi? implies an intention to leverage your connections or use your personal charm to accomplish the said task. Remember, it is what you get that matters, not how you get it!

Kolega

Kolega is not a colleague, nor is he a friend (przyjaciel). More of a mate or a buddy, kolega is closer to you than znajomy (acquaintance), but not close enough to be trusted with your secrets. Of course, you can differentiate between causal friends, close friends and best friends in English, but the distinction seems somewhat clearer in the Polish language.

Doba

Doba stands for “24 hours”, so truth be told, it is pretty translatable, but the Polish term feels a little less clumsy than “24 hours” and yet more precise than “a day”. Then there are related expressions like ca?odobowo, meaning “24 hours a day”, which allow us to convey the same idea in a more concise way. To be fair though, Polish lacks single equivalents for terms such as “biweekly”, “bimonthly” or “fortnight”, so we should probably call it a draw.

Trudno

The adverb trudno literally translates to “difficult” or “hard” in English, but you can often hear it being used in a completely different sense. Imagine telling one of your Polish friends that you did not get the job you wanted and them saying no trudno! in response. What does it even mean? Well, it is a common Polish way of saying “c’est la vie”, “life goes on”, which tells us quite a lot about the Polish approach to life. Is it realism? Or should we call it stoicism?

Kombinowa?

Za?atwi?

Kolega

Doba

Trudno

No

This tiny word carries a lot of meaning. As confusing as it may seem, no is often used as a colloquial way of saying ...“yes”, but there is so much more to it than that. A single no can express your understanding, agreement, enthusiasm or even dissatisfaction. Usually, it translates to “well” or “yeah” in English but the actual meaning of the word can vary greatly depending on the context.

Can you think of any other words in Polish or in your native language that do not translate well to other languages?

Do you know these Polish acronyms and abbreviations?

They help save your time on typing and speed up communication. Provided, of course, that you know what they mean. Read on to see if you are familiar with these common Polish acronyms and abbreviations!

Punctuations rules

When it comes to writing abbreviations, Polish punctuation rules are similar to the ones used in British English. As a general rule, full stops should be omitted in abbreviations which include the first and the last letter of a word, e.g. nr (numer), dr (doktor). Other abbreviations should be followed by full stops. Time units, e.g. min (minuta) or units of measurement (cm, mm, km) are an exception to this rule.

Common abbreviations


Polish Abbreviation	Meaning	English Abbreviation
br.	bie??cy rok/bie??cego roku (current year)	-
cd.	ci?g dalszy (continued)	cont.
cdn.	ci?g dalszy nast?pi (to be continued)	TBC
godz.	godzina (hour)	h/hr
itp.	i tym podobne (and the like)	etc.
itd.	i tak dalej (and so on)	etc.
jw.	jak wy?ej (ditto, as stated above)	do.
m.in.	mi?dzy innymi (among other things)	i.a.
min	minuta/y (minute/s)	min
np.	na przyk?ad (for example)	e.g.
nr	numer (number)	no.
pt.	pod tytu?em (entitled)	-
r.	rok (year)	yr*
?p.	?wi?tej pami?ci (the late...)	R.I.P.
?w.	?wi?ty, ?wi?ta (Saint)	St
tj.	to jest (that is)	i.e.
tzn.	to znaczy (that is)	i.e.
tzw.	tak zwany (so-called)	-
ul.	ulica (street)	st

*note that while there is an abbreviation for "year" in the English language, the word is used in different contexts than the Polish "rok". The letter "r." in Polish is sometimes placed after dates to indicate the word "year", e.g. 15 maja 2020 r.

Titles and Forms of Address


Polish Abbreviation	Meaning	English Abbreviation
dr	doktor (doctor)	Dr
dyr.	dyrektor (director)	Dir.
in?	in?ynier (a professional title, a degree often translated as BEng or MEng)	-
lic.	licencjat ( a degree awarded upon completion of first-cycle study programmes - often translated as BA or BSc)	-
mgr	magister (a professional title, a degree awarded upon completion of second-cycle study programmes - often translated as MA or MSc)	-
p.	pani/pan (Mrs/Ms/Mr)	Mr/Mrs/Ms
p.o.	pe?ni?cy obowi?zki (acting - as in performing someone else's duties)	-
prof.	profesor (professor)	prof.

International relations, companies and institutions

Polish Abbreviation	Meaning	English Abbreviation
NBP	Narodowy Bank Polski (National Bank of Poland)	-
ONZ	Organizacja Narodów Zjednoczonych (United Nations)	UN
PKP	Polskie Koleje Pa?stwowe (Polish State Railways)	-
RP	Rzeczpospolita Polska (The Republic of Poland)	-
SA	Spó?ka Akcyjna (a joint-stock company)	-
sp. z o.o.	Spó?ka z ograniczon? odpowiedzialno?ci? (a private limited company)	-
UE	Unia Europejska (European Union)	EU

Colloquial abbreviations, internet slang

Fortunately for non-native speakers of Polish, English texting abbreviations (idk, btw, ikr and so on) are as popular in Poland as anywhere else. However, there are also some Polish abbreviations you may come across when talking with your Polish friends:

Polish Abbreviation	Meaning	English Abbreviation
jbc	jakby co (usually translated as 'by the way')	btw
nmzc	nie ma za co (you are welcome)	yw
nwm	nie wiem (I don't know)	idk
pzdr	pozdrawiam (greetings, regards)	-
zw	zaraz wracam (be right back)	brb

Are you learning Polish? Watch out for these 'false friends'!

You've got mail - Polish email etiquette rules

Are you about to write your first email in Polish and don't know where to start? If you are afraid of committing a major faux pas when exchanging business messages with Poles, find out more about the general rules of email etiquette in Poland.

Choose the right greeting

Getting started is always the hardest part, especially when it comes to email writing in Polish. However, before you become too intimidated by some unwritten rules of professional email etiquette, we will let you in on a little secret: a lot of Polish native speakers face the same dilemmas that you do when addressing or signing off business messages. Choosing appropriate terms of address seems particularly important in business communication - the way you greet your recipients sets the tone for the rest of the message and says a lot about your professionalism. The problem is, there are a few common salutations used in formal writing in Poland and sometimes even native speakers have a hard time deciding which one to choose. Let us then take a closer look at the three most popular greeting phrases:

Witam - although still accepted by many Polish native speakers, this word of greeting is best avoided in email communication. Witam literally means “welcome”, therefore its use is not only incorrect but may imply that your position is superior to that of the recipient.
Szanowni Pa?stwo - translates as “Dear Sir or Madam” in English. It is the most formal and polite way of addressing someone you do not know personally. If you are certain that your message will be received by a woman, you can write Szanowna Pani (“Dear Madam”), by a man - Szanowny Panie (“Dear Sir”).
Dzie? dobry - the expression (meaning “Good morning”) is considered the most neutral, if only slightly less formal than Szanowni Pa?stwo. It can be applied in most business situations although some Polish speakers tend to avoid it - after all, your message may be received in the evening hours (greetings such as “Good afternoon” or “Good evening” are not used in email communication in the Polish language).

All the above expressions are commonly followed by a comma. Note that in Polish, you do not use greetings such as “Hi” or “Hello” (Hej, Cze??) in business writing, unless the message is meant for your colleagues or someone you know very well.

And a proper sign-off

Before you sign off the email with your name, remember to include a short closing phrase at the end of your message. The following are the most common ways to close a Polish business email:

Z powa?aniem - the Polish equivalent of “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully” - a very official and formal-sounding phrase.
Z wyrazami szacunku/??cz? wyrazy szacunku - both expressions mean more or less the same as the English phrase “With kind regards”. If you want to sound very polite in Polish, this is your go-to option.
Pozdrawiam - probably the most popular and neutral salutation. You can use it to close formal and semi-formal messages.

Sign-off words and phrases should not be followed by a comma but your full name underneath.

General hints and tips

The basic rules of email communication in Poland do not differ from those used by English speakers around the world: try to be concise and to the point, convey your message clearly and avoid using too many exclamation points. Remain professional at all times and always remember to proofread your email before sending it. When writing in Polish, stick to the general rules of etiquette - do not address your recipients by their first name (unless you know them well of course) but show them respect by using capitalized forms of words Pan, Pani or Pa?stwo. Finally, try to respond to your messages in a timely manner - as a general rule, one or two business days would be considered an appropriate response time in non-urgent matters.

What are the biggest don'ts in Poland? Is there anything you should avoid doing while on your holiday in Warsaw, Kraków or Gda?sk? Take a look at this piece of advice to make your stay even more enjoyable!

1. Jaywalking

In some countries (like the UK), crossing the street at any point or going through a red light when there is no traffic is perfectly acceptable. Jaywalking in Poland, by contrast, is an offence which can carry a fine of a few hundred zlotys. Apart from that, crossing streets at places other than a pedestrian crossing is considered very unsafe – Poland is sadly known for its dangerous road traffic.

2. Drinking in public

Drinking alcohol in public is not allowed in Poland, except in specially designated places such as restaurants or beer gardens. Streets and parks are a no-alcohol zone, unless you are willing to risk a fine. Similar rules apply to… barbecuing – it is not allowed in Polish parks or other public places.

3. Cash payments

Cashless transactions are highly popular in Poland and you might be surprised to observe that even the smallest shops or bars are able to handle card payments. However, if you prefer to pay in cash, try no to use too high denominations (above 50 zlotys), or else you will be constantly asked for change – Polish cashiers favour coins and cards!

What is considered good manners in Poland?

Learn more about Polish rules of etiquette.

4. No-smiling policy

Obviously, there is no such thing as "no-smiling policy" in Poland but a lot of foreigners get confused seeing that Polish people tend to look very serious or even sad when walking down the street. What is the reason behind the lack of enthusiasm on their faces? None, to be honest - it is a cultural difference. Poles are simply not used to interacting with strangers and smiling at people they do not know, without reason. However, it does not mean you should not approach them! Note that if you ever feel lost in a unfamiliar place, Polish people will be more than happy to help you out. Do not be deceived by their poker faces!

5. Language practice

Last but not least, never shy away from practising your Polish around native speakers. They will always appreciate your efforts, even if you have only managed to learn three basic words. If you happen to be studying Polish – that is even better. You are guaranteed to be treated like a hero. Do not hesitate to show off your language skills in Poland!

On animals and idleness - a little dictionary of Polish Christmas (part one)

Sometimes it may be difficult to get your head around all the Polish traditions. Poles are very proud of their old customs and tend to stick to them, especially around Christmas holidays. Take a look at our special Christmas alphabet below to keep up with your Polish friends and family!

Advent - the period of four weeks (four Sundays) preceding Christmas. During Advent, you can spot a lot of people walking with little lanterns or candles early in the morning - they have attended the Rorate Mass, a traditional church service held before sunrise.

Animals - Shhh… did you hear that? Some say that at midnight on Christmas Eve animals gain the power of speech! It is an old legend but still worth checking out… Listen to your dog on Christmas Eve!

Barszcz - known as borscht in English, a traditional Polish beetroot soup often served with little dumplings (called uszka) on Christmas Eve.

Carols - Poles are proud of their beautiful Christmas carols (kol?dy), the most popular of which are “Bóg si? rodzi”, “W?ród nocnej ciszy” and “Lulaj?e Jezuniu”. Would you like to read more about the undeniable magic of Polish Christmas carols?

Dishes - it is believed that you should serve and taste 12 traditional Polish dishes (including barszcz) during your Christmas Eve supper. The number 12 represents the twelve disciples of Jesus or the twelve months of the year.

Epiphany - celebrated two weeks after Christmas, on 6 January. The holiday commemorates the visit of the Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men or the Tree Kings) to little Jesus. See how Poland celebrates this bank holiday: Epiphany or Three Kings' Day in Poland.

Family and food - No surprise here - Christmas holidays in Poland are all about spending time with your loved ones. And eating.

Gifts - in Poland, gifts from Santa are placed beneath the Christmas tree and unwrapped on Christmas Eve. No need to stay up late and wait for the guy!

Gwiazdka - literally "little star" - used to refer to Christmas holidays. As tradition has it, you should wait for the first star to appear in the sky before you start your Christmas Eve feast.

Hay - On Christmas Eve, Poles put some hay under the festive tablecloth, as a reminder that Jesus was born in a manger.

Home Alone - watching “Home Alone” is probably one of the most unusual Christmas traditions in Poland. It is safe to say that most Poles know the film by heart, but they have grown so used to it since the 1990s that hardly anyone can imagine their Christmas holidays without Kevin McCallister and his family.

Idleness - Christmas celebrations in Poland start on the evening of 24 December (called Wigilia) and last until St Stephen’s Day on 26 December (known as the second day of Christmas) - be prepared for almost three days of sweet sweet idleness!

It's carp o'clock - a little dictionary of Polish Christmas (part two)

What are the traditional Polish Christmas dishes? Where does the Polish Santa hide your presents on St Nicholas Day? Find out with the second part of our little Christmas dictionary!

Jase?ka - the term stands for “nativity play” in Polish. Nativity plays are usually performed by children in schools or churches. A nativity scene, on the other hand, is called szopka.

Karp - surprisingly for many, carps are probably the most “festive” animals in Poland. Most Poles choose to abstain from meat (except for fish) and alcohol on Christmas Eve. Nowadays, Christmas fasting has more to do with an old Polish custom than the Catholic faith (a no-meat Christmas Eve is no longer required by the Church). Therefore, carp is considered to be one of the most important Christmas dishes in Poland.

Kompot - this hot beverage is made from dried fruit with spices and served on Christmas Eve. The usual ingredients include prunes, apples, pears and cinnamon, anise and cloves.

Last Christmas - Poles love their traditional carols, but if there is one song playing on repeat on the radio around Christmas, then it must be Wham’s seasonal hit.

Miko?aj/Miko?ajki - Santa Claus is known as ?wi?ty Miko?aj (Saint Nicholas) or simply - Miko?aj in Poland. On Saint Nicholas Day (called Miko?ajki), which falls on 6 December, you may find some small gifts from him in your... shoes. Read more about St Nicholas Day in Poland.

Name day - if you have lived in Poland for a while, you probably know that name days are almost as important as birthdays. 24 December marks the name day of Adam and Ewa, so if you have any friends by these names, remember to send them your best wishes on Christmas Eve!

Op?atek - wafer-sharing is the most unique and important Christmas tradition in Poland. At the beginning of the Christmas Eve supper, everyone at the table breaks off little pieces of wafer (called op?atek) and shares their wishes with each other. For a Polish person, there can be no Christmas without op?atek.

Pasterka - a traditional Midnight Mass service, held on the night of 24/25 December. Its name refers to the biblical shepherds (Polish: pasterze) who hastened to Bethlehem in the middle of the night in order to see the newly born baby Jesus.

On animals and idleness - a little dictionary of Polish Christmas (part one)

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, "Manners are the happy ways of doing things". What are the happy ways of doing things in Poland? Are they much different from those known in your country? Find out more about some unwritten rules of behaviour in Poland.

The Polish call it savoir-vivre (French for "knowledge of life"), kindersztuba (from German: "Kinderstube") or simply: dobre maniery ("good manners"). There is more to it than just the way we dress or use cutlery - it is a culture-specific code of behaviour we are raised with. Some rules of etiquette are so natural to us, we do not give them much thought on everyday basis. Take a look at these social rules you are most likely to observe in Poland:

When travelling on public transport, you are expected to give up your seat to any elderly, pregnant, disabled or injured passengers if they have nowhere to sit.
If you happen to stand in the doorway of a packed vehicle, step out of it for a moment when it stops, to let other passengers exit.
A lot of Poles consider it tactless to keep one's hands in pockets while holding a conversation or giving a speech. It is best to avoid this gesture in more formal business situations.
A handshake is the safest and most universal form of greeting, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time. Although much has been written about the Polish chivalry and the traditional hand-kissing gesture, you had better not try to impress a Polish lady by placing a kiss on her hand. Despite what you might read on the internet, the gesture is now seen as rather old-fashioned and awkward by younger generations.
In some parts of Poland (especially in Warsaw) it is quite popular to say dzie? dobry (hello) and dzi?kuj? (thank you) when getting in and out of a lift. However, some Poles find this practice rather funny and odd. If someone thanks you for riding a lift with them, you can respond with dzi?kuj?.
It is still very common for Polish men to help a woman put on her coat or jacket - it is a question of manners, not romantic interest.
Poles are very mindful of a certain door etiquette, which is seen as politeness or common courtesy rather than chivalry. Holding doors open for others is treated as a natural act of kindness. While it is true that Polish men always let women pass through a doorway first, it is also common to let a person of the same gender or an elderly walk in front of you. When in doubt, just be considerate of others and you will never err!

How to behave in a Polish office?

Read more about work etiquette in Poland.

The most unusual spring traditions in Poland

How do Polish people celebrate the spring equinox? If you think nothing can surprise you about Poland anymore, you should definitely check out these customs!

Truant's Day

The beginning of spring comes with a few unusual traditions in Poland. In schools, the first day of spring (21st March) is traditionally associated with the so-called Truant's Day (Dzie? Wagarowicza). Although its origin is not clear, this unofficial holiday has been known to generations of Polish pupils and students. In the past, Truant's Day was indeed treated as an excuse to skip classes by those who wanted to take a break from algebra or microbiology and breathe in some fresh spring air instead. That is why schools soon started to introduce special events such as dress-up contests, sport competitions or theatre shows in an attempt to keep their pupils inside. Nowadays it is also common to organise school trips to the cinema, museum or botanical garden. While some students are still attracted to the idea of playing truant on Truant's Day, the original "tradition" seems less popular than in the past.

Marzanna

Apart from Truant's Day, there is an older and even more peculiar tradition marking the first day of spring in Poland, namely the drowning of a Marzanna doll. The origins of this unique ritual can be traced back to Slavic times, for Marzanna or Morana was a Slavic goddess symbolising winter and death. Her effigy, usually in the form of a doll made of straw, had to be burned or drowned in a river in order to chase winter away and summon spring. Although the Catholic Church tried to put an end to the pagan ritual during the medieval times, all such attempts were unsuccesful and the custom has survived to this day. The tradition is now seen as a fun pastime, especially for younger children, who can show off their creative side and prepare their own Marzanna dolls out of old clothes, newspapers, sticks and tissue paper. The dolls are not always drowned nowadays, mostly due to... ecological reasons. Instead, groups of kindergarten children may take their Marzannas for a walk and welcome spring by singing occasional songs.

Gaik

In some parts of Poland, one may still encounter yet another tradition, known as gaik or maik (meaning "a copse"). Gaik is a pine twig or branch decorated with ribbons, colourful beads, flowers or little trinkets. Such a branch is then carried in a procession around a village, in order to celebrate the beginning of spring. This custom, however, is not as popular as Marzanna and is said to be sadly slowly dying out.

Are there any unusual spring traditions in your countries?

Photo of Marzanna: Marta Malina Moraczewska [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Where does the beetle buzz? The toughest Polish tongue twisters

21 February is celebrated as International Mother Language Day all around the globe. Its aim is to promote and preserve the world's linguistic diversity. Therefore we are focusing on our mother tongue today - Polish. Is there a better way to celebrate it than with the beautiful tongue twisters?

I có?, ?e ze Szwecji? - "So what that's from Sweden?" Mixing up Sweden and Switzerland is apparently quite common in English, so if you get confused by these two, wait till you hear about Szwecja and Szwajcaria. The Swedes may not be aware of it, but the name of their country serves as an excellent diction exercise in Polish. Way to go, Sweden!

W czasie suszy szosa sucha - "The road is dry during the drought" or a similar one, Szed? Sasza such? szos? - "Sasza was walking down a dry road". How about combining these two? W czasie suszy szed? Sasza such? szos? - "Sasza was walking down a dry road during the drought". Now it sounds just about right. Even the most skilled speakers are bound to stumble over this one.

Król Karol kupi? królowej Karolinie korale koloru koralowego - "King Charles bought coral-coloured beads for Queen Charlotte" - ah, the beauty of alliteration. Who wouldn't appreciate it?

Jola lojalna, lojalna Jola - "Jola is loyal, loyal Jola" even the English translation of the phrase is challenging. Try saying that two times fast, we dare you!

Stó? z powy?amywanymi nogami - "A table with broken legs" - it's an expression a lot of native speakers struggle with. "The table simply has no legs" observe the witty ones. Why make things more complicated?

Konstantynopolita?czykowianeczka - "a girl who lives in Constantinople", often wrongly referred to as the longest word in the Polish language (it's fairly easy to build a longer one, let's say dziewi??setdziewi??dziesi?ciodziewi?cioipó?letni - a 999,5 year old) but still remains one of the most popular Polish tongue twisters.

Would you like to learn more about the Polish language?

Check out the most important facts here

Grzegorz Brz?czyszczykiewicz - this fictional name comes from an iconic Polish comedy film Jak rozp?ta?em II wojn? ?wiatow? ("How I Unleashed World War II"). In one of the scenes, the film's main character is taken prisoner by a German Nazi officer and drives him crazy by spelling his fake last name.

Wyindywidualizowali?my si? z rozentuzjazmowanego t?umu -"We isolated ourselves from an enthusiastic crowd". Linguistics majors live for phrases like that. Fortunately, it is very unlikely you will ever need it in real life. If you want to impress your Polish friends, forget about Brz?czyszczykiewicz and better go with this one.

W Szczebrzeszynie chrz?szcz brzmi w trzcinie i Szczebrzeszyn z tego s?ynie – “In the town of Szczebrzeczyn, a beetle buzzes in the reeds and this is what Szczebrzeszyn is famous for” - and now for the Polish favourite - the famous beetle of Szczebrzeszyn. The phrase comes from a poem Chrz?szcz by Jan Brzechwa which popularised a real town in southeastern Poland. Poles are known for being very fond of this little phrase and never hesitate to present it to all foreigners they encounter.

Did you know that? - 7 essential facts about the Polish language

How much do you really know about Polish? What are its most distinctive features and which words are an absolute nightmare to pronounce? Check out all our facts.

1. Polish is a West Slavic language, spoken by approximately 50 million people around the world. Apart from Poland, it is used by large Polish communities abroad - mainly in the United Stated, Great Britain, Canada, Germany or Australia.

2. The name Polska derives from the word pole, meaning "a field" and Polanie (Polans), a West Slavic tribe who inhabited the region over ten centuries ago.

3. According to the UK 2011 census, Polish is the second most spoken language in England and Wales.

4. The Polish alphabet has six more letters than the English one and contains nine intriguing characters: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Ó, ?, ?, ?. Each little dot and stroke, called a diacritical mark, is an integral part of the given letter. The real fun begins when they are all put together to create some impressive combinations like ?ó?w ("turtle") or g?eg?ó?ka ("cuckoo"). And then there are the famous consonant clusters: sz, cz or d?, which make the language sound so beautifully rustly...

5. Polish is generally assumed to be one of the hardest languages to learn, due to its complex grammar and pronunciation. The U.S. Foreign Services Institute, which classifies languages based on their level of difficulty for native English speakers, put Polish in category IV out of possible V because of "significant linguistic and/or cultural differences from English". In comparison, French, Italian or Spanish, were all listed in category I as "closely related to English". Poles indeed take pride in their difficult language and even call it their "superpower", but do not let it scare you off! Thousands of foreigners prove that it is perfectly possible to excel in Polish. However, if you find the language easier that previously expected, never admit that to a Pole. Better compliment them on their superhuman abilities and get praised for your linguistic expertise!

6. It is safe to say that nearly every word in the Polish language has at least one diminutive form. Actually, most of them have even more than three or five possible variants, all of which are used to express one's friendly attitude or affection. If that is not enough, the majority of Polish first names can be said in a variety of ways, which is obviously confusing to an unaccustomed ear. Bear in mind that Ola is a dimunitive form of Aleksandra and Joanna can be shortened to Asia!

Care to learn more about Polish names?

Find out how to address your Polish friends and colleagues!

7. Szcz??cie (happiness), ?d?b?o (blade of grass), pszczo?a (bee) and o?ówek (pencil) are commonly listed as the most challenging words for foreigners.

10 Polish words that are not what they seem

"False friends" - the term refers to words that look similar in two languages but have completely different meanings. Which of them are considered most tricky in the Polish language?

Jagoda (Blueberry) - Polish names of berries are difficult to grasp if you happen to speak some other Slavic language. The most deceitful of them all is jagoda which sounds similar in Czech, Slovak (jahoda), Serbian, Croatian (jagoda), or Bulgarian (?????). The word shares the same meaning in all these languages. Do not get tricked though! What you may consider to be a strawberry is a… blueberry in Polish. Strawberry on the other hand is called truskawka.

Dres (Tracksuit) - Dres is not a dress, it is quite the opposite – you can take it to the gym, you should not wear it to a wedding reception. Be careful when going on a shopping spree in Poland or you might get a tracksuit instead of a gown!

No (Well/Yes) - No is not a negation but a colloquial Polish way of expressing hesitation, understanding or even agreement. This handy word can be heard in innumerable situations but its meaning comes closest to the English "well", "indeed" or "yeah". You do not need to understand a word of Polish, a simple nod and no will convince anyone that you are practically fluent (do not use it with strangers though, unless you want to sound impolite!)

Transparent (Banner) - Polish transparent should be anything but transparent. On the contrary, it is meant to be fully displayed, attracting public attention with catchy slogans.

Lunatyk (Sleepwalker) - Unlike the English word "lunatic", lunatyk is devoid of any negative connotations - it is a perfectly neutral term referring to a sleepwalking person.

Not my circus, not my monkeys!

What other unusual phrases can you hear in Poland? Check here

Konkurs (Contest/Competition) - Speakers of German or any Scandinavian language will surely recognise the term – konkurs translates as ”bankruptcy”. In Polish, this exact word has an utterly different (and more pleasant) meaning – you can compete in konkurs and even win a money prize.

Ewentualny (Possible) - It does sound more or less like the English “eventually” but has more to do with the German word eventuell, meaning “possible”. The disparate meanings cause a great deal of confusion among Polish users of English.

Akademik (Student house) - Are you planning on studying in Poland? You may move into akademik – a student house or dormitory. The English adjective “academic” is usually translated as “akademicki” into Polish.

Ekstra (Great) - Are you ekstra? Good for you! The word means the same as fajny, super or ?wietny. In other words, you are a great person.

Pies/Piesi (Dog/Pedestrians) - what about the curious case of the Polish dog? The word is not exactly a "false friend" but causes much confusion all the same. Foreign visitors in Poland tend to associate the word pies (dog) with piesi (pedestrians). Following the rules of the language, it is easy to assume the latter would be the plural form of pies. Unfortunately, the sign "Uwaga, piesi" does not stand for "Caution, dogs"!

The undeniable magic of Polish Christmas carols

It's that time of the year again when just about every radio station seems to be playing jolly Christmas songs on repeat. Poles take great pleasure in listening to popular holiday classics but there is nothing like joining in the traditional carol singing with your family, if you wish to get into the true spirit of Polish Christmas.

Last Christmas I gave you my heart... some tunes are pretty inescapable during the Christmas season and once heard, they are stuck in your head for hours. Just like anyone else, Poles enjoy humming catchy festive jingles but the true traditional singing begins with Christmas carols (kol?dy) on 24^th December and lasts even for another month. Some Poles proudly claim that no other country has that many carols to choose from since their number apparently goes into hundreds. The most popular ones are to be sung in Polish households during the traditional Christmas Eve supper and at solemn Midnight Mass services (Pasterka) all over the country. Throughout the whole festive season in Poland, numerous carol concerts are always held in churches, main city squares or cultural institutions. Some of the performances are recorded or broadcast by the leading television networks so that everyone can participate in the celebration.

What other songs do Poles sing during Christmas? Find out here

When did it all start?

Czech and Latin carols were brought into Poland in the 15^th century but it was not until 17^th and 18^th centuries that the genre really grew in popularity and became associated with Christmas celebrations. It was then that a great many of famous Polish carols were created, including Lulaj?e Jezuniu ("Sleep Little Jesus"), M?drcy ?wiata Monarchowie ("Wise Men of the World") or Przybie?eli do Betlejem ("They Hastened to Bethlehem"). Most of the pieces remain anonymous, others were written by well-known poets such as Jan Adrzej Morsztyn or Franciszek Karpi?ski. The latter is remembered to this day as the author of Bóg si? rodzi ("God Is Born"), probably the most recognisable and beloved Polish carol. Thanks to its profound lyrics and stately polonaise rhythm, the song is regarded as one of the most sublime Polish hymns.

Other famous Polish carols include Dzisiaj w Betlejem ("Today in Bethlehem"), Gdy si? Chrystus Rodzi ("When Christ is Born") or W?ród Nocnej Ciszy ("In the midst of night's quiet") which traditionally opens the Midnight Mass. The popular Lulaj?e Jezuniu on the other hand, is known for providing a source of inspiration to Frederic Chopin, who incorporated it into his Scherzo Nr 1 Op. 20.

Carolling

An old Slavic ritual of carolling (kol?dowanie) was once a widespread custom in the Polish countryside. The tradition involved dressing up (usually as animal characters), walking from house to house, singing carols and spreading Christmas cheer to all neighbours. In exchange for the service, the singers would often receive little gifts or sweets. Does the custom sound a little familiar to you?

Some forms of this ritual have survived to modern times, mostly in the southeastern regions of the country.

Feel the magic of Polish Christmas by listening to Bóg si? rodzi performed by the Warsaw Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra:

The many faces of the Polish Santa Claus

How does Santa Claus manage to deliver all the presents around the world in just one night? Well, here is the answer you have been looking for since childhood - he can count on some interesting characters to help him out!

It is often said that Polish children are lucky to receive gifts from Santa Claus on two occasions in December. While it is true that the good old Santa (known as ?wi?ty Miko?aj) is the most popular gift-bringing figure in Poland, he is not in charge of all the Christmas presents (Santa is one busy man after all!). ?wi?ty Miko?aj visits all children in Poland on 6th December, in celebration of Saint Nicholas Day. On 24th December however, a lot of households in Poland welcome other traditional gift bearers:

Gwiazdor (Starman)

Nowadays he might disguise himself as a regular Santa, but a Starman who stays true to his nature will be wearing sheepskin, a fur hat and a bearded mask on his face. Those Starmen who are not very fond of masks, may also apply a little bit of snoot on their cheeks. Naughty children should be wary of this Christmas figure. He keeps an eye on everyone and gives out presents as well as rods - rewards for bad behaviour! Nice children have nothing to worry about but they might need to recite a poem or sing a carol in order to receive a gift (Starmen take delight in setting various tasks). The tradition of Gwiazdor is especially popular in the regions of Wielkopolska, Kujawy and Warmia.

What is so special about Polish Christmas traditions? Find out here

Gwiazdka (Little Star) and Anio?ek (Little Angel)

Christmas holidays are sometimes referred to as “Gwiazdka” (Little Star) in Polish. The traditional Christmas Eve feasting cannot begin until the first star, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem, appears on the sky (better hope for a cloudless night then!). Children in the southwestern parts of Poland usually wait for yet another star – the one bringing Christmas presents. Some claim Gwiazdka is a little girl dressed in white, others describe her as a veiled young woman, sometimes seen in the company of Gwiazdor. The figure of Anio?ek (a Little Angel) on the other hand, is often responsible for bringing gifts in the Ma?opolska and Podkarpacie region.

Dzieci?tko (Christkind)

Children living in the Górny ?l?sk (Upper Silesia) region of Poland, receive gifts from Dzieci?tko - the Little Baby Jesus. The tradition spread to Poland from neighbouring Czech Republic, where it has been known for centuries. However, despite the name, it is often believed that the original Czech Ježíšek is in fact a rather abstract Christmas figure, not necessarily depicted as the Christ Child. Apparently, the idea for this indefinable gift-giver first came from Martin Luther, who meant it as an alternative to the Catholic Saint Nicholas. The figure, commonly known as the Christkind in Austria or southern Germany, is usually portrayed as a little blond-haired child of angelic qualities... As it turns out, each region in Europe has a different idea of what the Christkind should really look like. What matters, though, is that Dzieci?tko puts presents under the Christmas tree when no one is watching and does not ask for poems in exchange for gifts!

Can you think of any other interesting Christmas figures?

Eat like nobody's watching - Polish Carnival traditions

The Rio de Janeiro or the Venice Carnival celebrations are well known around the world. What about Poland's karnawa?? Well, there is some dancing, some dressing up, but most importantly - there is food.

Parties of the past

Carnival celebrations traditionally last from 6th January (the feast of Epiphany) to Ash Wednesday, which opens the Christian period of Lent. In the past (even until the second half of the 20th century), this festive season was often referred to as zapusty in Poland. One of its main attractions was kulig, a special kind of winter party popular among the Polish gentry. The tradition, dating back to the 16th century, included a horse-drawn sleigh ride, accompanied by music and often lasting several days. The jolly cavalcade would move from one house to another, pay a visit to fellow noblemen and feast with them before riding away with some of the house's inhabitants. They really knew how to party back in the day!

Karnawa? fun

Today's karnawa? celebrations are not that grand, but no less enjoyable. Kindergartens and primary schools in Poland usually organise special dress-up parties for their pupils, much to the kids' amusement and their parents'... nervousness as they go looking for that one costume their child asked for. Grown-ups have plenty of carnival attractions to choose from, be it a theme house party, a night on a club's dance floor and - the most exciting of all - the usual January bargain-hunting...

P?czki time

Poland's karnawa? may not be as big or lavish as the one in Rio de Janeiro, but it is certainly very tasty. You may snack on different sweets all year long but it is the last week of the carnival - known as ostatki - when the delicious faworki and p?czki step in and the true indulgence begins! Faworki, or chru?ciki (sometimes called Angel wings in English) are wonderfully crispy, ribbon-shaped pastries which crumble in your hands and carry a delicate sweet taste. But as addictive as they are, even faworki cannot compete with p?czki on a day like T?usty Czwartek! (Fat Thursday – the last Thursday before Lent). This is when you can observe the real p?czki madness – people queue up in front of bakeries from early morning hours in order to buy their beloved sweet (the current record holders formed a queue at 3 am!). You know what they say: the longer the queue, the better the p?czki! What makes them so tasty and how are they different from doughnuts? First of all, p?czki are deep-fried buns made from yeast dough and filled with rose jam, strawberry jam, advocate or chocolate... If that is not enough, they are glazed on top or dusted with powdered sugar and sprinkled with orange zest. Healthy? Not really. Delicious? You bet!

Where can you buy p?czki in your city? And which filling is the best?

Find out here!

Looking for Polish baby name ideas? The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Poland has published the list of all (!) baby names given to babies born in Poland in 2017. Will they be as popular in 2018 as well? See the list of TOP 10!

Officials at the Ministry of Digital Affairs each year have one of the most interesting tasks – to count all baby names in Poland and make the list of the most popular ones! By examining this table, you will be able to see which baby name ideas are trending right now in Poland (and English equivalents in brackets). Do you see any similar tendencies in your country of origin? Let’s go!

Boy names in Poland	Girl names in Poland
1. ANTONI (Anthony)	1. JULIA
2. JAKUB (Jacob)	2. ZUZANNA (Susan)
3. JAN (John)	3. ZOFIA (Sophie)
4. SZYMON (Simon)	4. LENA
5. FRANCISZEK (Francis)	5. MAJA (Maya)
6. FILIP (Philip)	6. HANNA (Hannah)
7. ALEKSANDER (Alexander)	7. AMELIA
8. MIKO?AJ (Nicholas)	8. ALICJA (Alice)
9. WOJCIECH*	9. MARIA (Mary)
10. KACPER (Casper)	10. ALEKSANDRA (Alexandra)

* The only originally Slavic name that does not have an English equivalent.

What do you think? If you are not satisfied with TOP 10, see the full list of most popular baby names in Poland in 2017 here. Let us know your top Polish boy's and girl's name and pick your faves from the list above!

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” It cannot be denied that there is a lot of truth in Shakespeare's famous quote. Still, a lot of us wouldn't change our names for the world! Would you like to know which names are most popular in Poland? Read on!

Have you ever wondered why so many of your friends in Poland are named Kasia or Ola or Tomek? Polish people cannot name their children anything they want (the more controversial choices are reviewed by the Polish Language Council), which might be one of the reasons why most parents opt for traditional-sounding first names – and these are usually of Slavic, Latin or Greek origin.

Once a year, the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs publishes a list of the most popular names given to Polish-born children. As it turns out, Zuzanna, Julia and Maja were the most fashionable name choices for girls in 2018. As regards boy names, Antoni, Jakub and Jan made it to the top three of the 2018 chart.

Recently, the Ministry has also compiled a list of the all-time most popular female and male names in Poland. According to the data provided, there are around one million Polish Annas and about 700 000 men named Piotr! Take a look at the list below and check if you know anyone by these names:

Which one is your favorite? Write in our comment section.

How do you address people in Poland?

Family over work - Polish values over the years

Which aspects of life seem to take up most of your time? In 2018, The Polish CBOS Foundation asked Poles to choose their most absorbing daily activities, just like they did 10, 20 and 30 years ago.

Based on various research projects conducted by Poland’s Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS), it is possible to observe changes that have occurred in the Polish society over the last 30 years. Recently, the institute published two new reports focusing on the perception of everyday life activities by Poles. As indicated by surveys, Poles believe their acquaintances devote most of their time to work (70 per cent of answers) and family (61 per cent). On the other hand, when asked about their own daily activities, nearly three quarters of the respondents stated that they are primarily occupied with family life. Work took second place in the chart (53 per cent of answers), followed by health care and treatment (28 per cent).

Then and now

Compared to similar surveys carried out in previous decades, Polish citizens are now much less concerned with money making (39 per cent of answers in 1988 and 15 per cent in 2018) or seeking jobs abroad (a decrease from 9 to only 1 per cent) as well as less involved in religious life than 30 years ago (17 per cent in 1988, 10 per cent last year). At the same time, Poles emphasise the role of family in their lives more frequently than before and appear to be increasingly interested in free time activities such as travelling or sports. A slight increase in cultural participation has also been observed over the last 20 years. It seems clear then that along with improving standard of living, a growing number of citizens try to maintain a less work-oriented and a more balanced lifestyle.

No place like home

The importance of family life in Poland was once more highlighted in the survey Aspiracje Polaków w latach 1998, 2008, 2018 ("Aspirations of Poles in 1998, 2008, 2018"), studying plans and aims of Polish citizens for the next 5 and 10 years. Aspirations related to personal or family matters (such as "living a long and healthy life", "having a happy family life" or "starting a family") dominated over career ambitions or financial goals ("taking up a job", "getting better pay" or "starting own business"). It can be noted that although the three categories have always ranked highly in the survey, personal aspirations have gained even more prominence over the last years - in 2018, family-related matters received 64 per cent of votes, as compared to 53 per cent in 1998. At the same time, the importance of professional aspirations decreased from 34 per cent in 1998 to 25 per cent last year. Quite interestingly, Polish citizens also expressed far less interest in tangible goods or property ownership in 2018 than two decades before - only 2 per cent of the respondents wanted to buy a car (compared to 8 per cent in 1998), while 6 per cent of them planned to own a house (13 per cent in 1998).

Self-awareness and a sense of identity are one of the most valued modern concepts. Maybe this is why genealogy has become quite a big thing – in order to know oneself, you need to learn more about where you come from. If you are Polish, but you know little about your ancestors, there is a chance these tips might turn out to be helpful.

1. Make sure you understand Polish history

Tracing back your roots may require a bit of historical knowledge. While your 20^th-century family history may be quite recent and therefore more accessible, it is usually 19^th century and back that people are interested in. As you may have known, Poland has been stripped of its independence throughout the whole 1800s and a bit of the 18^th century, too. This means that some records you are looking for may be either in German (Prussian and Austrian partitions) or Russian (Russian partition). Unfortunately, as the officials back in that time were required to prepare all the documents in these foreign languages, it often resulted in misspelling Polish names or locations – make sure you look out for that.

2. Realise specifics of Polish language

Many people looking into their Polish ancestry have little awareness of the specifics of the Polish language, simply because they do not speak it. Obviously very few would be eager to learn it simply in order to build a more accurate family tree, but there are some basics that need to be known.

Polish alphabet contains more letters that are not present in the Latin alphabet. These are: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ó, ?, ?, ?, and although over time Polish emigrants learnt to simplify them and adjust to their new homeland’s administrative requirements, Polish records will probably contain original Polish spelling. If the spelling is too confusing, it is always a good idea to consult a native Polish speaker annd ask if the name you are seeing is a family name, first name or a name of a village.

Another common misunderstanding is related to female family names. There are a lot of typical Polish surnames that end with -ski or -cki for male family members and -ska and -cka respectively for females. While abroad Polish women usually bear male versions of the surname for unification purposes, Polish records will always use original female versions for any woman born here. Of course there is a large number of Polish last names that are not the case here – they are simply the same for both male and female bearers.

Compare: Adam Nowak (m) and Anna Nowak (f) versus Adam Kowalski (m) and Anna Kowalska (f).

3. Learn your ancestors’ religion

Yes, modern Poland is overwhelmingly associated with Roman Catholicism, but in the past there used to be much more religious diversity all across the country. Apart from Catholics, a significant number of Polish noblemen was Protestant (usually Calvinist), while common people could be either Orthodox (Eastern Poland) or Lutheran (towns and cities in modern Western Poland). There was also a large Jewish population spread all over the country. Once you establish your ancestors’ religious affiliation, you can reach out to their local Catholic parish or other church unit to ask for baptism, death and marriage records. Please bear in mind that in the past, the Catholic Church in Poland held also an overwhelmingly administrative function and was very often the only body that registered citizens, even of non-Catholic denominations.

4. Dig online

Polish archives are being digitalised in a rather efficient manner. This is why very often you will be able to track back some ancestors without leaving your home. Finding a baptism record may become a wonderful opportunity to learn not only your ancestor’s full name and date of birth, but also his parents’ names and occupations, mother’s maiden name, and godparents, which may help establish further family connections. If you have trouble finding digitalised records, think twice, maybe somebody has already done that for you and you can learn it if you…

5. Set up genealogy website account

There are a few very popular international family search websites where you can create your own genealogical tree and insert what you already know about your ancestors. Sharing your personal data online can be quite tricky, but if you are digging into your 19^th-century family history, there is not too much space for privacy breach. As many families used to be multi child in the past, putting your great-grandfather’s name out there may match you with someone who is related to his siblings and has already covered a large part of finding your common great-great-grandparents. If you have no clue about your ancestry, give it a try!

That is a few thoughts to get you started with doing family search in Poland! Have you ever tried that or is it on your never-ending to-do list? If you have any success in this field, let us know in the comments and share your own trusted tips for researching ancestors in Poland!

As the number of expats grows in Poland, many of those people decide to marry Polish citizens or other foreigners residing here. Not all marriages, however, work out, and it is important to know your rights in this respect. It is always necessary to consult a lawyer in these matters, but if you need some preliminary overview – read on.

International divorce

If both spouses are Polish nationals, their divorce proceedings are conducted in a Polish court. In any other way one deals with an international divorce and naturally it makes the matter more complex.

Divorcing EU citizens

The EU provides a clear regulation regarding divorce cases between two citizens of the Union member countries. One of the most burning issue in international couples split-ups is deciding on a country where the proceedings are taken. For EU nationals, the country where the court case is handled is usually:

The country where both of the spouses live;
The country where the spouses used to live together before the separation and one of them still resides there;
The country where the respondent lives;
The country where the plaintiff lives (provided they have lived there for at least one year before filing the case);
The country where the plaintiff lives (provided they have lived there for at least six months before filing the case and is the citizen of the country).

Divorcing third-country citizens

Non-EU citizens who want to divorce Poles (and vice versa) can conduct divorce activities in Poland if:

they both had the most recent place of residence in Poland and if one of them still resides in Poland;
the plaintiff has been residing in Poland for at least one year before filing the case;
the plaintiff is a Polish citizen and has been residing in Poland for at least six months before filing the case;
both spouses are Polish citizens.

The governing law

Even if it turns out that your divorce case should be overseen by a court in Poland, it does not necessarily mean that it will be done in accordance with the Polish law. Which legal system should be the governing one?

Spouses’ common law – if both of them are Polish, but one of them holds another passport, the divorce should be still done in accordance with the Polish law;
If there is no common law for the spouses – the law of the country where both of the spouses reside;
If there is no shared country of residence – the law of the country where the spouses last lived together if one of them still resides there;
If there is no such circumstances – the Polish law.

Final notes

If a divorce is obtained in a foreing coutry, it is recognised by the Polish law.

If both spouses file for divorce, one case is to be discontinued in order to prevent the passing of two different judgements. The earlier case is the one that is being considered.

Despite doing our best to provide accurate information, please always consult a lawyer in matters of such great importance.

Do you have any experience in this delicate matters? How did you handle your international divorce?

Moving abroad is a bold step that simply cannot be taken by everyone. Nevertheless, if you are one of the brave ones who decided to start a new adventure in another country, we are here to help you with one of the most common problems – anxiety and loneliness appearing after moving to a whole new place.

1. Find an expat group

For many of you, it was one of the first things you did after moving – looking up some international groups in your city on Facebook. Not many expats regret it! It is a great way to meet people for the first time after the move – people, who are in a situation very similar to yours. It may even happen that you meet someone who speaks your language, or at least comes from your part of the world! Could there be a more valuable experience at the beginning of your expat road?

2. Sign up for a language course

… or any other class, for that matter. It is important to find time for personal development that is not work-related (presuming you moved to pursue a career). Language classes are a good way to get round doing it. First – they let you meet people, who are most likely expats like you. Secondly – you will actually learn the basics of Polish and therefore increase your chances of interacting with the locals. Go back to our home page to see some recommended language schools in Poland.

You can always learn Polish on your own...
But we still recommend doing it in a group!

3. Socialize

A co-worker asks you out for a drink? Give it a go! You are invited to a Sunday dinner with their family? You cannot say no to rosó?! Make sure you make most of it when you interact with people in the office, your local grocery store, shopping mall… If your employer organises an office party (e.g. a Christmas party), do not turn down the invitation. Bake some cookies or sign up for a sports group in your organisation – this will all pay off in the future!

Can you think of any other solutions to these problems?

The best is yet to come - how do Poles see their country?

By the end of last year, Polish citizens took part in a survey called "One hundred questions for the centenary of independence", carried out by the Stefan Batory Foundation and the Kultura Niepodleg?a movement. The respondents were only given two answers to choose from and the questions covered a wide range of topics - from politics to relationships and... Polish cuisine. What have we learned from the survey?

Family life

Family takes first place on the list of Polish priorities - over 87 per cent of respondents choose it over career. The term "relationship" is mostly understood as "marriage" by nearly 70 per cent of Poles. What about four-legged members of Polish families? There is no doubt Poles are dog people – 77.1 per cent of respondents associate the word "friend" with dogs, the rest prefer the company of cats.

Poles have a soft spot for animals.

Check out what kind of pets are most popular in Poland.

Education

Ucz si? ucz, bo nauka to pot?gi klucz - "Keep learning because knowledge is the key to power", says a well-known Polish rhyme. Poles do take education seriously - 71.6 per cent of those surveyed agree that school supports development, not clips your wings. Higher education is perceived as the way to success by most (70.7 per cent). At the same time, the majority of Poles (62.1 per cent) do not believe religion should be taught in schools, even though over 85 per cent of them declare their faith in God. Religion classes in Poland have sparked controversy for years since they only focus on the dominant Catholic faith and can therefore lead to an indirect discrimination of children who do not attend them.

Poland

Most of the respondents (76.1 per cent of answers) call themselves patriotic. 70.2 per cent of them like to spend their holiday in Poland and 78.6 per cent would not want to leave the country. Although Poles are often seen as pessimistic by nature, the majority of them (62.4 per cent) believe the best things are yet to come.

Europe

Most Poles agree that the European Union does “a lot of good” (72.6 per cent of answers) and more of them (56.9 per cent) consider Poland to be a Western, not Eastern European country. However, only around 23 per cent of the respondents would like to adopt euro as Poland’s currency. The country is also divided over coal mining, which the EU plans to phase out in the near future. 53.8 per cent of those surveyed view coal as Poland's problem, the rest see it as their pride.

National sport

The game of football is popular in Poland, just like anywhere else. Still, the majority of Poles, believe ski jumping to be their “national sport” (58.9 per cent), which they “love” (56.1 per cent). It may come as a surprise to some, considering the exclusive nature of the discipline and its near non-existence outside of a few European countries, but contrary to football, it is a sport Poland excels in internationally. And who doesn’t like watching their team win?

Food

Food is not to be trifled with in Poland. Poles are not only very fond of their cuisine, they like to discuss the superiority of one dish over another – borscht or pierogi? Tomato soup with noodles or rice? The poll made it clear that the Polish prefer broth (62.4 per cent) to tomato soup, especially when it’s cooked by “their grandmother” (72.6 per cent) who prevailed over television chefs in the “culinary authority” category.

What other dishes do Polish grandmas cook?

Polish Nobel Prize Winners in Literature

You have probably heard of Maria Sk?odowska-Curie, the Polish laureate of the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry or Lech Wa??sa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. However, did you know that Poland has received several Nobel Prizes in Literature? Olga Tokarczuk was presented with the award only this week, see if you know all the Polish laureates!

Henryk Sienkiewicz - the first Polish author to receive the Nobel Prize in literature. Sienkiewicz was awarded by the Swedish Academy in 1905 for “outstanding merits as an epic writer”. He remains to this day the most famous Polish historical novelist, whose acclaimed works, including “Quo Vadis”, “Krzy?acy” (The Knights of the Cross), “Trylogia” (The Trilogy) and “W pustyni i w puszczy” (In Desert and Wilderness), occupy a prominent place in the Polish literary canon.

W?adys?aw Reymont - probably best known for his award-winning novel “Ch?opi” (The Peasants), a four-volume work depicting Polish country life in the early 20th century. Each part of the chronicle corresponds to one season of the year, illustrating the human relationship with nature and the rhythms of rural life. The novel was written almost entirely in a language imitating various regional dialects used in Polish villages at the time. Reymont received his Nobel Prize in 1924.

Czes?aw Mi?osz - the 1980 Nobel Prize laureate. As expressed by the Swedish Academy, he was a writer, who “with uncompromising clear-sightedness voiced man's exposed condition in a world of severe conflicts”. Czes?aw Mi?osz has been most renowned for his poetry which tackled a broad variety of topics - from politics and history to ethics and faith. His most well-known writings include “Traktat Poetycki” (A Treatise on Poetry) discussing Polish literature and history from 1900 to 1949, and “Zniewolony Umys?” (The Captivate Mind), a philosophical essay on life under totalitarian rule. The works of Czes?aw Mi?osz have been translated into 44 languages and the author himself translated numerous works of poetry into Polish.

Wis?awa Szymborska - the famous Polish poet received her Nobel Prize in 1996 “for poetry that with ironic precision allows the historical and biological context to come to light in fragments of human reality”. Well-known for her modesty, Szymborska later jokingly referred to that moment of her life as “the Stockholm tragedy”, which apparently brought about “too much fuss” around her. The author’s witty, playful and seemingly simple poetry is purposefully devoid of any pomposity, even though touching upon many existential issues in an apt and thoughtful way. Some of her most popular poems include The Three Oddest Words, Possibilities, Cat in an Empty Apartment and Nothing Twice.

Olga Tokarczuk - the 2018 laureate of the Nobel Prize was awarded for “a narrative imagination that with encyclopaedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life”. Her most famous novels, “Bieguni” (Flights), "Prawiek i inne czasy" (Primeval and Other Times), “Prowad? swój p?ug przez ko?ci umar?ych” (Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead) and “Ksi?gi Jakubowe” (The Books of Jacob) have received high critical acclaim in Poland. Tokarczuk saw her international breakthrough last year - the author received the 2018 Man Booker International Prize for Flights and made the shortlist of the American National Book Award. According to the Swedish Academy, Tokarczuk "never views reality as something stable or everlasting. She constructs her novels in a tension between cultural opposites; nature versus culture, reason versus madness, male versus female, home versus alienation".

Another world-famous author, Isaac Bashevis Singer, is sometimes listed among the Polish Nobel Prize laureates. Singer, born in 1902 in the village of Leoncin near Warsaw, received his Nobel Prize in 1978 "for his impassioned narrative art which, with roots in a Polish-Jewish cultural tradition, brings universal human conditions to life." Due to the growing anti-Semitic movements in Europe, the Jewish writer emigrated to the United States in 1935 and died in Florida in 1991. Singer's novels were written almost exclusively in Yiddish.

Wis?awa Szymborska mural by MOs810 [CC BY-SA 4.0]
Olga Tokarczuk by Tomasz Le?niowski [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Honest like a Pole? New study reveals surprising truth about human nature

People are more honest than we are led to believe – these are the key findings of a new global study published in the journal “Science”. What does it say about Polish honesty?

In a recent social experiment, a team of economists planted around 17 000 “lost wallets” with varying amounts of money in 40 different countries across the globe. The researchers aimed to prove that people are generally more prone to dishonesty when money comes into play. However, the study findings made it clear that we still have much to learn about human nature.

The surprising results of the study, published in the journal Science, indicate that the higher amount of money inside, the more likely we are to return the lost property to its rightful owner. A similar pattern was observed in 38 out of 40 studied nations, but the highest return rates were reported in Switzerland, Scandinavian countries (Norway, Denmark and Sweden), the Netherlands and Poland. Swiss citizens handed back over 70 per cent of cashless wallets and nearly 80 per cent of those containing money, whereas Poles reported over 60 per cent of empty wallets and nearly 70 per cent of the more valuable ones. In an additional "big money" experiment, the researchers increased the "lost" amount to $94 in three countries - the United States, the United Kingdom and Poland - and observed that the wallets were returned even more frequently. Overall, more than 70 per cent of 94$ wallets were handed back, compared to over 60 per cent of the less valuable ones.

According to the study, the Polish are an honest nation. What other personality traits would you associate with them?

Read our 7 truths about Polish men and women.

It could be easily assumed that the study brought out the inherent honesty of people. However, the researchers suggested another interesting theory - while we do care about the well-being of others, we also want to see ourselves in a positive light. How would we view ourselves if we kept the money?

No matter the reason, it is safe to conclude - if you ever lose your wallet in Poland, it is highely likely it will be found and handed back to you.

Poland is considered to be one of the most homogeneous societies in Europe but that is not to say you won't find any national or ethnic minority groups here. In fact, there are four officially recognized ethnic minorities in Poland: Roma, Lemkos, Lipka Tatars and Karaims. Would you like to learn more about them? Read on!

Roma

The biggest ethnic group in Poland. According to the last nationwide census in 2011, there are around 17,000 Romani people living in Poland. Roma, who originate in northern India, arrived in Central Europe between the 14th and 15th centuries. During the communist era, members of this itinerant community were often forced to settle down due to new state policies (such as compulsory registration of residence). After the political transformation of 1989, a lot of Roma decided to move from Eastern to Western or Northern Europe. Today, there are a number of Roma organisations and support groups in Poland (for example, Stowarzyszenie Romów w Polsce). International festivals of Roma music and culture are held every year in Gorzów Wielkopolski and Ciechocinek.

Lemkos

This East Slavic population traditionally inhabited a region of the Carpathian Mountains known as Lemkivshchyna or the Lemko Region, which now stretches along the Polish-Slovak border and extends into the western edge of Ukraine. Historians estimate that before the Second World War, there were around 100,000-150,000 Lemkos in the Carpathian region. In the 1940s, the majority of the Lemko population was forcibly land by the communist government as a result of new anti-minority policies. A number of Lemkos were resettled to Soviet Ukraine, others were relocated to the other side of the country and forced to fully assimilate into Polish society. Only a small number of Lemkos returned to their native land in the 1950s. Nowadays the ethnic minority has a population of around 11,000 people in Poland, most of whom live in smaller communities scattered across the country. In the village of Zyndranowa, in south-eastern Poland, there is an open-air museum of Lemko culture, where you can learn more about Lemko customs, folklore, works of art or visit a traditional Lemko cottage.

Lipka Tatars

They are the only Muslim ethnic minority in Poland. Lipka Tatars have inhabited the Polish region of Podlasie since the 17th century, when they were given lands by the Polish king, Jan III Sobieski, in exchange for their military service in the Polish-Lithuanian army. A lot of Lipka Tatars were also granted nobility status by the Polish king and enjoyed the same rights and freedoms as the Polish nobility. Although the Tatar community soon adopted the local language and assimilated into Polish society over time, they have preserved their faith, identity and traditions to this day. According to the 2011 census, around 2,000 people in Poland identify as belonging to this ethnic minority. The villages of Bohoniki and Kruszyniany in the north-eastern part of the country are considered the cultural and religious centres of the Lipka Tatar community in Poland.

Karaims

With a community of only around 350 people, Karaims are the smallest ethnic minority group in Poland. It is believed that it was Vytautas the Great, the 15th century ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, who invited them to migrate from Crimea to what is now Lithuania and Poland. Similarly to Lipka Tatars, Karaims were always granted a lot of privileges by the rulers of Poland and Lithuania, such as their own administration or exemption from customs duty. In the past, members of the Karaim community usually derived their livelihood from trading, farming, gardening, horse breeding or handicrafting. Their descendants today live in various parts of Poland but they have managed to maintain their rich cultural heritage - the Turkic Karaim language (now spoken by only around 100 people) and the Karaite faith (a Jewish religious movement).

Lemko cottage - retrieved from Polona.pl

Lipka Tatar mosque - image by Polimerek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Polish Society 2030 - what will it look like?

Is Poland really the model monolith country? Will it ever achieve the level of multiculturalism similar to neighbouring Germany? Can demographic trouble be avoided? And how will Poles approach the changes in family model and other social transformations? Our expert is Izabela Styczy?ska, PhD, Vice-President of CASE – Center for Social and Economic Research.

Any expatriate should take into consideration what kind of society they are choosing to live in after relocation, especially if your decision is not necessarily temporary. Long-term planning requires looking into what level of multiculturalism you can expect in your new homeland and how some lifestyle choices of yours may be viewed in the target country. While Poland has a long-standing relationship with other European countries, every state is entirely different with distinct society models, mindsets and prospects for the future. This brings us to the question: what will Poland’s society look like in about ten years?

MELTING POT IN POLAND?

Currently, many foreigners visiting Poland for the first time are surprised by the apparent homogeneity of its people. Due to Poland’s history, the country’s population has been largely affected by interactions with its neighbours, but this fact is not reflected at first glance, as usually these were also Slavic nations with a population quite similar to Poland’s. It is also useful to bear in mind that Poland, unlike some Western states, has no colonial past and therefore not as much long-standing ethnical diversity within society. Moreover, for decades throughout the twentieth century, Polish borders were closed down and people’s movement was obstructed, to say the least. Only recently did Polish society become more diverse, but it is a different sort of diversity than in neighbouring Germany or further westwards. As stated by Izabela Styczy?ska, right now the majority of migrants in Poland come from Ukraine, Belarus or Russia – three neighbouring countries which, although different from Poland in terms of language and culture, can be viewed as essentially similar in lifestyle. “The majority of these migrants are young educated men. The data shows that one in three is a college graduate, 38 per cent have graduated high school, 7 per cent have vocational education, and only 10 per cent just primary education. These immigrants come from nations that we share our values and history with and are essentially viewed in positive light by local people,” she says.

TROUBLE AHEAD

Does that mean that Poland will remain diverse yet quite uniform at the same time? The future is hard to predict, even for our expert, who says that the next few years in Poland will be highly affected by three major demographic struggles. “With depopulation, we will see 2050 with five million native Poles fewer – only 34 million. Moreover, our society is ageing, and in a few decades the rise of retirement-age people is going to become quite visible. Finally, there is the problem of low birth rates. According to forecasts, the demographic burden (the ratio of non-working age people to working-age people) will be very alarming (65 per cent in Poland in comparison to 53 per cent for EU average),” lists Izabela Styczy?ska. Any approaching trouble is ever-so disturbing for Poland, which has less experience in dealing with such crises than other Western European countries. While states such as Germany, France, the UK or Nordic countries could have worked out some distinct ideas about dealing with demographic problems over the last century, Poland has had to take a crash course in independent governance, which has lasted only for the three recent decades. The style which is going to be adapted to tackle these problems is yet to unveil over the next ten years or so.

STATE AID’S ROLE

According to Izabela Styczy?ska, state aid is going to play a significant role in undertaking the task of adapting Polish society to upcoming changes, nevertheless it may not be decisive. First of all, it is migration policy that needs to be amended. “In order to make Poland an attractive destination for people from across the world, Polish migration policy needs to be related to increasing our country’s competitiveness. This means easier access to diploma recognition, education, or residence and work permits. It is crucial as the supply of migrants is limited, whereas the demand for them is constantly growing, not only in Poland, but in Europe as well,” she says. Those that have already arrived in the country should feel welcome enough to decide to stay indefinitely, too. That is why it has become natural for legislation to include foreigners residing in Poland in state aid facilitating social protection. The government focuses on family, e.g. through care benefits, one-off child’s birth grant, tax reliefs, maternity or paternity leaves, Large Family Card and the 500+ programme. The benefits are also available to foreigners provided they meet certain conditions specified by authorities, e.g. have a valid residence card. However, whether or not this aid will help the demography remains an open question. The state’s role is important in examining the effective shape of migration policy over the next decade. Izabela Styczy?ska believes that it should be proactive and seek more optimal economic solutions than now. The ideal model should include both immigration, emigration and re-migration; it should also be integrated with other social policies. Poland’s biggest challenge in the next years is to minimise losses and maximise benefits coming from international mobility. While Poland’s government seemed to recognise it only recently, as of late 2016, when a new team was created to solve these issues within the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development, the project’s objective was lost along its course in the face of the refugee debate initiated by the EU and therefore needs to be re-examined.

LIFESTYLE CHANGE?

Many foreigners view Poland as a country with a conservative outlook on life in general. This is the hardest factor to measure, even for our expert. “For instance, we have been noticing an increase in the number of divorces and decrease in the number of marriages for at least twelve years now, however, this does not necessarily entail striking lifestyle changes. The fact that our society is enriched mainly by migrants from post-Soviet countries will not help in e.g. legalising civil partnerships or same-sex marriages, as their views are similar to current legal solutions in these matters. The next decade should not bring about major changes,” believes our expert. A further proof of these words could be a study of European youth conducted in March 2018 by St Mary’s University, Twickenham. It showed that Polish people aged 16-29 are the most religious group in Europe in comparison to the same groups in other countries. According to the study, only 17 per cent of young Poles identify with no religion at all, while the rest have the highest frequency of attendance at religious services out of all in the European Union. This research may show that expecting any ground-breaking changes in this mindset may be a question of a longer timeframe than just a decade. The fact remains that anyone who grew up in a multicultural society may find Poland a bit lacking in this respect; and the change, although inevitable, is apparently going to be slow. By 2030 Polish society is likely to have become more ethnically diverse, but the migrants still will have come from countries of a high level of cultural proximity. This does not mean that there are no people of colour in Poland or that the country is uniform in all its social and cultural norms. This should not also remain the case with the upcoming demographic issues – Poles are more and more ready to embrace diversity as they realise that without it there might be a rough patch ahead.

Our expert:

Izabela Styczy?ska, PhD

Vice-President of CASE – Center for Social and Economic Research.

What are Poles like? 7 truths about Polish women

Italian women are heads of their families, all French girls look and dress like Brigitte Bardot, while ladies from Russia wear fur coats and hats all year long... These are just stereotypes, but let's see how Polish women are perceived and check if some of these are true.

1. Educated

If you want to impress a Polish woman, you need to address not only her beauty, but also her brains. Polish girls make up 57.7 percent of all students at universities in Poland (GUS, November 2015). Nowadays more and more of them choose technical studies as well.

2. Nurturing

Do not be surprised if a Polish woman offers to cook for you or to take care of you when you are sick. Apparently, it is in their blood – they are nurturing but they definitely expect the other person to appreciate their efforts, so remember to show that you are grateful. After all, who doesn't need a bit of spoiling from time to time?

3. Family-oriented

Many Polish girls still cherish the same values held dearly by their ancestors and family is one of them. Mothers have a special place in Polish girls’ hearts – if you are trying to reach your girlfriend on the phone and the line is busy – leave it be for 30 minutes, she is probably just catching up with her mum or babcia (Polish for grandma).

Being able to support your family is important to Polish women.
That's why you need a good job! Find expat jobs in Poland here.

4. Elegant

While you may not mind wearing your pyjama bottoms to pop into a local store to buy some milk, Polish girls will think twice before running such an errand without looking their best. This does not mean that they are overdressed, but they like to pay attention to their make-up and fashion choices. Whether it is a business meeting or a wedding reception, they are very likely to look put together.

5. Easy-going

Polish girls are not hot-tempered and rarely do you witness a lovers’ quarrel in public places. Instead of making a scene, a Polish woman may keep her issues to herself and expect her partner to find out about them without making it clear to him.

6. Hospitable

When you are invited to a Polish house, expect the hostess to take it very seriously. Women in Poland love entertaining guests at home as they can show off their hosting and cooking skills. Bonus points if the party is to take place around Christmas – you are very likely to be full at least until New Year’s afterwards. Remember to accept all the food you are being offered, as refusing may result in your hostess' heartbreak.

7. Romantic

Due to traditional upbringing, Polish women expect their partners to act as their knights in shining armour at least from time to time. Almost three quarters of them believes in love at first sight, so who knows, maybe it will take just one look after your arrival to Poland?

Let us know if there are any other qualities or stereotypes you may want to add to the list!

What are Poles like? Read these 7 truths about Polish men!

Making friends in Poland - is it THAT hard?

Many foreigners complain about the lack of openness for new friendships in Polish people. Is that really true or is it just a common misconception? If you are about to move to Poland and have no idea of what it is like to establish new relationships here, do read on.

Define ‘friendship’

You come here to work but having a trusted friend is an essential part of everyone’s life and skyping with your best mate every other day is sometimes not enough. You see people out in the streets having fun but somehow you lack your new best Polish friend. Why is that?

First of all, foreigners need to define the concept of a friend in Poland. Generally, what is meant by this word in English, in Polish can correspond to two different meanings:

Znajomy is someone whom you know well and enjoy spending time with, but that person is certainly not close enough for you to invite them to your wedding. It could very loosely correspond to English acquaintance.

Przyjaciel is a much closer person and could be translated into English as best friend.

Now that you know the difference, you may decide, whether you are going to look for a znajomy, or a true przyjaciel. Bear in mind that a real Polish friendship is supposed to last for years and your friends will not let you go easily!

Be a yes man

Polish people are not as open as those who come from Latin America, southern Europe or even the US. The distance is quite visible for many newcomers, but if you see it melting away with time – seize this opportunity. When a colleague asks you to join his friends in a pub – go for it. When they invite you over for watching a football game – do not hesitate. If you turn such invitations down, your potential friend will probably not repeat them in the future. Poles are not die-hards and if they consider you uninterested in becoming friends, they may as well stop trying to win you over.

Start with coworkers

Your colleagues are the easiest social target for anyone seeking new friends. If you feel homesick in Poland, establishing such relationships may help you ease out the pain. Remember about an important and a little bit old-fashioned ritual while taking your friendship to the next level. As you may know, in Poland we address people by Pani (Ms) or Pan (Mr) to show respect to them in official situations, but if someone says: Przejd?my na ty, translated as Let’s switch to first names. (= omit the formal Pan/Pani), you have to say yes and as a bonus you get to cross your arms with your friend and drink a toast to both of you. Sounds fun? It’s called Bruderschaft and marks a milestone in every relationship you have!

And what are the most popular Polish names?
Read here!

Take interest

Since friendships in Poland are forever, you have to make sure that you take care of your friend. Polish people do not want you to be an acquaintance, who talks to them about weather or complains about a broken coffee machine. They enjoy discussions, hearing about your worldview, arguing about it and making up afterwards. Your relationships with the Polish cannot be lukewarm – if you think somebody is a keeper, meet up with them, answer their calls and surprise them with a postcard when you visit your home country. Poles do not enjoy feeling like they are forcing themselves into your life, so sometimes there is some persistence required on your side.

Good luck with making new friends and keeping them! You can rest assured that having a Polish friend is one of the best experiences you can get in your life. You can share your thought on it in the comment section below.

On first name terms - top Polish names of all time

Some Polish names sound strange to a foreign ear. Newcomers often need time to get used to not only new phrases heard every day, but also to addressing their colleagues and freshly made friends. Read about popular Polish names you can hear everywhere!

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?

Shakespeare wrote that there are more important things in life than our given names, but on the other hand - names are one of the first things we notice about other people. Neglecting the topic simply does not feel fair, since names play an important part in everyday communication and constitute a part of every person’s identity. People usually have their favourite names and associate them with something, but what if this process is impossible? Whenever a foreigner meets a Polish person, a difficulty arises. Their names may sound odd and seem completely strange. “Why should I address you as Asia? Your ID says Joanna!” and “I hope Grzegorz has a nickname!” are examples of some of the thoughts non-native speakers may have while meeting their new Polish colleagues. But do not worry – read our introduction first and see how it goes then!

Top of the tops

According to the official data, top ten male and female names in Poland should not be as problematic to pronounce and understand as you may have expected! Take a look at the list of the names popular among the current Polish population and their English equivalents in brackets:

	Female	Male
1.	Anna (Anna)	Piotr (Peter)
2.	Maria (Mary)	Krzysztof (Christopher)
3.	Katarzyna (Catherine)	Andrzej (Andrew)
4.	Ma?gorzata (Margaret)	Jan (John)
5.	Agnieszka (Agnes)	Tomasz (Thomas)
6.	Barbara (Barbara)	Pawe? (Paul)
7.	Krystyna (Christine)	Michae? (Michael)
8.	Ewa (Eve)	Stanis?aw (Stanislaus)
9.	El?bieta (Elizabeth)	Marcin (Martin)
10.	Magdalena (Madeleine)	Marek (Mark)

To view the full list, click here.

As you can see, most of the names, even if they may seem odd at first, are Polish versions of Biblical, Latin or Greek names, and you can find their equivalents in most European languages. The only distinctly Slavic name in the lists above is Stanis?aw, which stood for the phrase ‘become famous’ in the old Slavic days. Now this full of tradition name is especially popular among older men, but also baby boys.

Say my name

It is not enough to get acquainted with the names, you have to learn how to use them in real life! For correct pronunciation all you need is a good Polish language coursebook, a dictionary or… the speaker button in Google Translate. But using those names properly in real life is another thing. Many people in Poland prefer the shortened version of their name to the full name. Here are some examples of the diminutive versions of the most popular female names (but you can actually come up with an endless number of short forms!):

Anna – Ania; Maria – Marysia; Katarzyna – Kasia; Ma?gorzata – Ma?gosia; Agnieszka – Aga; Barbara – Basia; Krystyna – Krysia; El?bieta – Ela; Magdalena – Magda; Joanna – Joasia or Asia; Zofia – Zosia; Aleksandra – Ola (!)

And as for the gentlemen, it goes like this:

Piotr – Piotrek or Piotru?; Krzysztof – Krzysiek or Krzy?; Jan – Janek or Ja?; Tomasz – Tomek; Stanis?aw – Staszek or Sta?; Grzegorz – Grzesiek or Grze?; Jakub – Kuba; Wojciech – Wojtek; Zbigniew – Zbyszek

Can you see some patterns here? Female pet names usually end with -asia/-osia/-ysia, while men can choose from the -ek forms (more neutral) and -u?/-y?/-e?/-a? (usually reserved for the closest friends and relations). Summing up, sometimes people prefer to be called by the abbreviated version of their name even in professional relations. Then, all you need to do is add Pani (Ms) or Pan (Mr) before the name to show that you respect both their decision and their position. You can often hear that: Pani Kasia is a good boss, or: Pan Tomek is working on a new project. But please bear in mind that you cannot make this decision for them – it may be awkward if a Jakub wants to be called Jakub and you start calling him Kuba!

Useful phrases

Let’s finish off with two phrases useful in this context:

Przejd?my na ty, translates as Let’s switch to first names. (= omit the formal Pan/Pani)
Mów mi Ola, translates as Call me Ola. (instead of Aleksandra)

When you hear something along these lines, congratulations, you have made friends with a Polish person! Now try not to spoil it by misspelling or mispronouncing their name… Just kidding - Poles do have a sense of humour!

5 places you didn't know existed in Poland

So you think you know Poland like the back of your hand? Are you looking for some more offbeat tourist attractions? Here are a few places you might have never heard of before!

Two leaning towers

The Leaning Tower of Pisa needs no introduction. But did you know that Poland boasts not one, but two leaning towers? One of them can be found in Toru?, the hometown of Nicolaus Copernicus. The medieval fortified tower is 15 metre tall and began leaning soon after construction, due to unstable soil underneath. The other one, nicknamed “the Silesian Pisa”, is located in Z?bkowice ?l?skie. It is twice as tall as the Leaning Tower in Toru? and has developed an even greater tilt than its better-known twin (probably due to tectonic plate movements). Nowadays, tourists can get inside the Silesian Pisa and climb to its top for a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

A gold mine

What do Yukon, California and the Polish town of Z?otoryja have in common? You may be surprised to learn that the Lower Silesia region used to be very popular with gold miners long before the 1849 California Gold Rush. The history of Z?otoryja dates back to the 12th century, when the first gold seekers founded a small settlement called Aurum (Latin for “gold”). It is estimated that the miners used to recover from 24 to even 48 kilograms of gold a year in the first half of the 13th century! If you would like to learn more about the history of gold mining in Poland, you should definitely visit the historic Aurelia Gold Mine in Z?otoryja or the former Gold Mine in the town of Z?oty Stok (a two-hour drive from Z?otoryja). Who knows, maybe you will pan some gold for yourself?

A magical forest

Have you seen anything like this before? The so-called “Crooked Forest” (Krzywy Las), located in the village of Nowe Czarnowo, in northwestern Poland, consists of around 400 strangely curved pine trees. It is believed that the trees were planted nearly a hundred years ago by local farmers but the reason behind their J-shaped trunks remains a mystery to this day. Some say that a heavy snowfall might have weighed down the saplings, others believe it was the farmers who manipulated the trees to produce naturally curved timber. There is one thing we know for sure: the Crooked Forest is one of the most magical places in Poland.

An anti-gravity hill

A gravity hill (also known as a magnetic hill, mystery hill or an anti-gravity hill) is a place that seems to defy the laws of gravity - cars left out of gear appear to be rolling uphill and water droplets are seemingly flowing the wrong way. Although you may hear some more exciting explanations for the strange phenomenon, it is an optical illusion occurring when the observer’s view of the horizon is obstructed - without a reliable reference, our eyes play tricks on us and a downhill slope may appear to be going uphill. Such an illusion has been observed in a number of places around the world, including Poland. The most well-known Polish anti-gravity hill can be found in the town of Karpacz - - but that is hardly the only attraction of the area...

A unique church

The Wang Church in Karpacz (?wi?tynia Wang) looks unlike any other place of worship in Poland. It comes as no surprise, then, that it was originally built in the Norwegian village of Vang in the early 13th century. It was not until the first half of the 19th century that the chapel was sold to King Frederick William IV of Prussia, dismantled, and eventually re-erected in its current location. Today, this beautiful piece of architecture belongs to the Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland. It is worth noting that the Wang Church is one of only three medieval stave churches outside Norway and the only one outside Scandinavia!

Can you think of any other unexpected tourist attractions in Poland?

The Leaning Tower in Z?bkowice ?l?skie by Morganmeu / CC BY-SA 3.0 PL

The Crooked Forest by Kengi / CC0

So you think you know Poland like the back of your hand? Are you looking for some more offbeat tourist attractions? Here are a few places you might have never heard of before!

Two leaning towers

A gold mine

A magical forest

An anti-gravity hill

A unique church

Can you think of any other unexpected tourist attractions in Poland?

The Leaning Tower in Z?bkowice ?l?skie by Morganmeu / CC BY-SA 3.0 PL

The Crooked Forest by Kengi / CC0

Did you know that Poland is home to more than 400 castles? Take a look at our list below to discover the most fascinating and mysterious fortresses in the country!

Malbork Castle

The king of Polish castles, officially known as The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, is a definite must-see for any history enthusiasts visiting Poland. You may be surprised to learn that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be the largest castle in the world by land area. The monumental medieval fortress, which covers over 143,000 square metres, was originally built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century but became one of the Polish royal residences in the 15th century. Nowadays, the Malbork Castle Museum is one of the major tourist attractions in Poland.

The Malbork Castle Museum

Wawel Royal Castle

Speaking of royal residences, we cannot forget about Kraków’s jewel in the crown, the Wawel Royal Castle. Did you know that the city of Kraków is Poland’s former capital? The Wawel Hill used to be the seat and the final resting place of the kings of Poland for centuries. Today, tourists from around the world head to the Wawel Castle Museum to admire Poland’s crown jewels, priceless art collections and archeological artefacts. The castle’s rich interiors have been restored and decorated in Renaissance and Baroque styles to recreate the original appearance of the royal apartments.

Wawel Royal Castle

Did you know that the Wawel Castle is guarded by a dragon?

Find out more about Polish legendary creatures!

Ksi?? Castle

The third largest castle in Poland has changed hands many times over the last seven centuries. Ksi??, whose pink facade could fit perfectly in a Wes Anderson film, was home to the wealthiest noblemen in Europe until it was taken over by the Nazis in the 1940s. It was then that a vast tunnel network was built beneath the castle, allegedly as part of the Nazi project Riese (“Giant”). Today, some of the tunnels are open to the public as a tourist attraction. As the local legend goes, there is a train carrying gold and works of art, hidden somewhere in the underground labyrinth.

Ksi?? Castle

Ogrodzieniec Castle

The ruins of the medieval Ogrodzieniec Castle make for a very picturesque view ? no wonder it served as a backdrop for a few film productions, including Netflix’s last year’s hit show “The Witcher”. Although built on the highest hill of the Polish Jura, Ogrodzieniec fell victim to a series of enemy attacks during the Deluge (The Swedish invasion of 1655) and has never been rebuilt since. The castle is a central part of the so-called “Trail of the Eagle's Nests” (Szlak Orlich Gniazd), a 160-kilometre-chain of medieval strongholds connecting the cities of Cz?stochowa and Kraków.

Ogrodzieniec Castle

Czocha Castle

If you have ever dreamt of studying at Hogwarts, the medieval Czocha Castle will give you a taste of what it would be like to attend a magic school. Every summer, young fans of a certain famous wizard flock to Czocha Castle to take part in magical workshops, activities and classes such as astronomy, herbology, or ancient runes. However, Czocha has a lot more to offer than just summer camps for children ? it is worth taking a guided tour of the castle to explore its beautiful interiors (such as the Knight’s Hall or the Prince’s Chamber), hidden doors and secret passages. Some say there are even a few ghosts…

Czocha Castle

Niedzica Castle

This magnificent medieval fortress (officially known as the “Dunajec” Castle) might be one of the most intriguing places in Poland. Known for its scenic location in the Pieniny Mountains ? atop a forested hill overlooking Lake Czorsztyn ? the castle, which was probably built by a Hungarian magnate in the 14th century, attracts crowds of tourists every year. However, not everyone may be familiar with its fascinating legends: the story of Janosik, the "Carpathian Robin Hood", who was kept prisoner in the dungeons, Princess Brunhilda, who fell into the castle's well, or an Inca treasure map, supposedly hidden in Niedzica centuries ago.

The "Dunajec" Castle in Niedzica

Zamek Tropsztyn (Polish)

Are there any other "intriguing" Polish castles you would add to this list?

Czocha Castle - image by Farfalla87 [CC BY-SA 3.0 PL]

Summer Holidays in Poland - best city breaks

If we were to pick only one Polish city for a visit… the choice would be impossible to make. It should go without saying that each of these places has its own rich history, traditions and worthwhile attractions. Read about the most popular cities among tourists and decide for yourself – which of these sounds like your next summer destination?

The gingerbread city

Toru? is a land of gingerbread and a certain astronomer who “stopped the Sun and moved the Earth”. Nicolas Copernicus, the author of the modern heliocentric model of the universe, remains to this day the most famous native of the city. His statue can be found in Toru?’s historical Old Town Market Square, just a stone’s throw away from another important attraction of the city – The Living Museum of Gingerbread. Here, you can not only learn about this tasty tradition which dates back to medieval times, but also take part in a gingerbread decorating workshop! If you are up for more tourist attractions, you can take a stroll along the Vistula River to view the city panorama, or search for the Polish version of the Pisa Tower - the Leaning Tower of Toru?. Younger travellers may take an interest in the Baj Pomorski Theatre, a puppet theatre with a characteristic wardrobe-like facade. Check for yourself if there are any magical passages inside…

The city of dwarves

If Snow White were real, this would be her realm. Wroc?aw is the only place in Poland (or quite possibly, the world), where you can go on a... dwarf hunt. The whole city is studded with small dwarf figurines (krasnale), hidden in various nooks and crannies. Apparently, there are around 380 of them at the moment (and counting!) and you can go looking for the little fellows, using this special map. Joining in the game is a great way of exploring the city, which abounds in tourist attractions, such as the stunning Africarium (an oceanarium exhibiting Africa’s wildlife) or Hydropolis – an interactive science centre, dedicated solely to water. Wroc?aw’s historical market square is also a must-see, as is the oldest and perhaps the most romantic part of the city – the magical Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island).

The Polish origins

Have you really been to Pozna? if you have not seen the billy goats? Crowds gather every day in the colourful Old Market Square to watch the two mechanical figures butt their heads as the town hall clock strikes noon. The billy goats are the most recognisable symbol of Pozna? but the city has a lot more to offer – for example, there is the Croissant Museum where you can have a taste of St. Martin’s croissants, Pozna?’s traditional pastry. Apart from that, the city prides itself on having the largest Palm House in Poland and a number of lakes, including the best known Lake Malta, where various kayaking and rowing competitions take place. Finally, there is the island of Ostrów Tumski (yes, another one in Poland!), which is believed to be the very place where the Polish state was founded over ten centuries ago.

The Neptune’s land

The port city of Gda?sk, along with Gdynia and Sopot, is part of a metropolitan area called Tricity (Trójmiasto). Since all of the cities are located on the Baltic coast, here you can easily combine your sightseeing with a bit of a seaside holiday. The city of Gda?sk, the largest one of the three, is by far the most popular choice among foreign tourists. Visitors from abroad are drawn to its beautiful historical and cultural sites, such as the lively Long Lane (Ulica D?uga), leading through the city’s picturesque Old Town, the early 17th century Golden Gate, or the vibrant Long Market (D?ugi Targ), where you will spot the Neptune’s Fountain - an important symbol of the city. During your tour of Gda?sk, do not forget to go for a walk along the Mot?awa River and take a picture of the city’s iconic landmark - the medieval port crane (?uraw). For more historical trivia, visit The Gda?sk Shakespeare Theare and find out what the famous English bard has to do with Poland (more than you might think!). If you are more into Poland’s recent history, walk into the European Solidarity Centre, which commemorates anit-communism movements in Europe, including Poland’s victorious Solidarity movement.

The kingdom of Krak

It is hardly surprising that so many visitors are captivated by the magic of this place. After all, Kraków has all the components of a good fairytale: a legendary king (Krak or Krakus), a castle (The Wawel Royal Castle), a dragon (The Wawel Dragon) and even a mythical princess, Wanda. How can you make the most of your summer break in Kraków? Explore the city starting from its heart, the Main Market Square with the iconic building of Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and take a moment to admire the Veit Stoss altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica. Go for a stroll towards the old Jewish district of Kazimierz, to take a coffee break and experience the unique bohemian atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Once in Kraków, you should also visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine – its majestic chambers, undeground lakes and magnificent wall carvings make for a truly unforgettable trip!

The summer capital

What can you do in the Polish capital during summer? The city is packed with unmissable historic sites but if you have already seen the Royal Castle, the Old Town and the Palace of Culture, you may want to visit some greener parts of Warsaw. Those who like to bask in the sun, will enjoy a walk in the rooftop gardens of the University of Warsaw Library. Other options include the University of Warsaw's Botanic Garden, the Wilanów Palace and Gardens or the beautiful (and hugely popular) ?azienki Park. If you are more of a music head, you may be interested in the interactive Fryderyk Chopin Museum, an enjoyable place for both adults and children. Science geeks on the other hand, should not miss the chance to visit the largest science centre in Poland - the Copernicus Science Centre and the Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium will teach you more about science than any textbook can.

World famous art pieces you can only see in Poland

Places like the Louvre, the Uffizi Gallery or the Met are on every art lover's list. In Europe, Italy and France are famed for their magnificent art collections which attract tourists from across the globe. However, it does not mean other countries have nothing to offer in the art world. Are you ready to discover the treasures hidden in Polish museums?

Madonna with Child, Saint John the Baptist and an Angel by Sandro Botticelli

The author of The Birth of Venus is thought to be one of the most iconic artists of the Italian Renaissance. The National Museum of Warsaw exhibits one of his religious artworks, namely Madonna with Child, Saint John the Baptist and an Angel. The painting was created in the form of a tondo – a circular shape which gained popularity during the Renaissance.

The Last Judgement by Hans Memling

Hans Memling’s The Last Judgement is one of the most prized art pieces in Poland. The fifteenth century artwork was brought to Gda?sk (then Danzig) by... pirates who intercepted it on its way to Italy. Centuries later, the famous triptych can be admired by visitors of the National Museum in Gda?sk.

View of Warsaw from Praga by Canaletto

If you are an art enthusiast, you have probably heard of Canaletto, an eighteenth century artist, famous for his detailed views of Rome, Venice or London. What you might not know is that Canaletto had a nephew, also nicknamed Canaletto. Canaletto the Younger (his real name was Bernardo Bellotto) became a court painter to Poland’s last king, Stanis?aw August Poniatowski. During his stay in Warsaw, Bellotto produced a number of city views, including View of Warsaw from Praga. Canaletto’s paintings were so accurate, they served as a reference point during Warsaw’s post-war reconstruction. Bellotto’s works are now stored at the Royal Castle and the National Museum in Warsaw.

Landscape with the Good Samaritan by Rembrandt van Rijn

Poland owns three oil art pieces painted by the world-renowned Dutch artist. The Landscape with the Good Samaritan, which refers to the well-known biblical parable, belongs to the National Museum in Krakow. The other two paintings, The Girl in a Picture Frame and The Scholar at the Lectern are on public display at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

Beach in Pourville by Claude Monet

The only Monet in Polish art collections can be viewed in the National Museum in Pozna?. This precious artwork was once stolen from the museum and vanished for ten years, before it was finally retrieved in 2010. Thanks to its soft pastel colours and a dreamlike quality, Beach in Pourville conveys a classic impressionist atmosphere.

Ecstasy of Saint Francis by El Greco

There is a certain air of mystery about this art piece. It is not clear how the painting was brought to Poland. All we know is it was discovered by accident in the town of Kosów Lacki, over 50 years ago. Today it can be viewed in the Diocese Museum in Siedlce, where it attracts visitors from around the world.

The equestrian portrait of Stanislaw Kostka Potocki by Jacques Louis David

Stanis?aw Kostka Potocki was a Polish noble, politician and art collector. In 1805, he opened one of the first Polish public museums at the Wilanów Palace. His majestic equestrian portrait, painted by the celebrated Jacques Louis David, is the centerpiece of the art collection at The Museum of King John III's Palace at Wilanów.

The Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci's The Lady with an Ermine is the unquestionable crown jewel of Poland's art collection. It was acquired by Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski, during his trip to Italy by the end of the eighteenth century. The painting crowned the impressive art collection belonging to the noble Czartoryski family. In 2016, the whole collection was sold to the Polish state and The Lady with an Ermine was installed in the National Museum in Krakow.

Summer Holidays in Poland - the art of doing nothing

Last time we were presenting the best summer destinations for active travellers in Poland. What if you are not a big fan of outdoor sports? Worry not! Here are a bunch of places where you can sit back, relax and forget about all your duties.

Catch some rays

The so-called Polish Riviera is, without doubt, the most frequented (and overcrowded) summer destination in the country. Fortunately, the Polish coastline is nearly 800 kilometres long, so it is still possible to find a more secluded spot here and there if you just stay away from the biggest tourist resorts. Then again, there is more to the Polish seaside than just swimming and sunbathing! How about taking a trip to the S?owi?ski National Park? This extraordinary nature reserve, situated on the Baltic coastline, is most famous for its unique shifting sand dunes, seaside lakes and forests, and the Czo?pino lighthouse that you can climb to admire the beautiful sea panorama. If you are an early bird, you can also try hunting for amber on the Polish coast - just remember, you will need to wake up long before dawn!

Are you more of a mountain lover? See how to spend free time in the Polish mountains!

Active holidays in Poland

Sail away

The Mazury lake district, sometimes referred to as "the Land of a Thousand Lakes", is a dream destination for swimming, kayaking and sailing. Despite its nickname, the region has more than 2000 lakes to choose from, including the most beloved Niegocin, Nida, Miko?ajskie or the ?niardwy Lake (the last one being the largest one in Poland). Although the region tends to attract a lot of tourists, sportmen and holidaymakers, there are plenty of wild areas where you can hole up with a book or enjoy some quality time with your friends and family.

Hide in the woods

Are you dreaming of a peaceful holiday amidst nature? The Podlasie region will be your much needed retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The northeastern corner of Poland is known for its vast woodlands (the primeval forests of Bia?owie?a, Augustów or Knyszy?), four national parks (Biebrza, Bia?owie?a, Wigry and Narew), marshes and meandering rivers (such as the multichannel Narew River, often called the "Polish Amazon"). The whole region abounds in wild fauna, including beavers, storks, elk and wisents. Apart from that, Podlasie is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse areas of Poland, shaped by its residents of various religious and national backgrounds - Polish Tatars, Jews, Belarusians, Lithuanians, Ukrainians and Russians. Learn more about their history and visit the Bohoniki or the Kruszyniany Mosque, the Great Synagogue in Tykocin or one of the numerous Orthodox churches.

What dwells in the woodlands?

Find out more about Polish animals.

Live like a king

What better way to clear your mind than to spend some of your time off in a place called Arcadia? A park of that very name lies in a little village called… Arkadia, located just an hour drive from the centre of Warsaw and a few kilometres from a 17th century palace in Nieborów. The baroque palace used to belong to the noble Radziwi?? family and hosted a number of renowned guests, including the last Polish king, Stanis?aw August Poniatowski and acclaimed artists such as Artur Rubinstein or Jean Cocteau. The Romantic Park of Arkadia, set up by Helena Radziwi??, was inspired by the 18th century English Garden. Following the fashion of the day, Arkadia was embellished with a number of classical sculptures, statues and classical temples. If you are in need of a little perk-up and wish to get a taste of royal living, renting a room in the Nieborów palace may be an idea for you.

Dunes of ?eba by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Poland's top winter destinations

According to the Polish Tourism Organisation, around three quarters of Poles who go on a winter holiday, decide to spend the leisure time in their home country. Most of them usually opt for a few days' rest in the Polish mountains. Which holiday resorts do they choose then?

Karpacz

The town of Karpacz lies at the foot of ?nie?ka, which is the highest peak of the Karkonosze mountain range shared between Poland and the Czech Republic. Until recently, the ski resort used to host not only tourists, but also athletes competing on the town's only ski jumping hill. Nowadays, however, the ski jump serves mostly as an excellent vantage point. Once you climb up there, you might be able to spot another famous landmark in the town – the Vang stave church. Originally built around the year 1200 in Norway, the church was bought by the Prussian king and reconstructed in Karpacz in the first half of the 19^th century.

Szczawnica

This typically Polish-sounding town lies on the border of the Pieniny mountains and a mountain range called Beskid S?decki. The resort is best known for its spa, where various respiratory and rheumatoid disorders have been treated since the 19th century. Visitors to Szczawnica enjoy the benefits of its favourable microclimate and healing mineral waters which can be tasted in the town’s historic pump room. Apart from that, the town attracts tourists with its numerous spa and wellness centres. Sports enthusiasts on the other hand, make the most out of the winter season on Szczawnica's ski slopes and trails.

Krynica Zdrój

Krynica, otherwise known as “the pearl of Polish spas” is one of the most prominent health and ski resorts in the country. Ski runs, thermal spas, mineral waters – the town has it all. Aside from hosting crowds of holiday-makers, the so-called “Polish Davos” draws in Europe’s business, political and economic leaders to the prestigious Krynica Economic Forum, held every year in September.

Szczyrk

Another tongue-twisting name and yet another popular ski resort in Poland. The town of Szczyrk, located in the Beskid ?l?ski region, will satisfy the needs of the most demanding skiers. Numerous ski lifts, slopes and runs will keep you active all day long. As befits a Polish mountain resort, Szczyrk boasts a ski jumping complex, frequently used as a training facility by the national team of ski jumpers.

Zakopane

Some complain about it being jam-packed with tourists, others can not imagine spending their holiday anywhere else. No matter which side you take, no list of Polish winter destinations would be complete without the "winter capital of Poland". Zakopane, which happens to be the highest town in the country, was greatly popularised by the Polish intellectual and artistic community of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The picturesque resort, located in the very heart of the Tatra Mountains, proved to be an endless source of inspiration for paintings, poems, novels and other forms of literary expression. Its unique architecture style, first designed and introduced by Stanis?aw Witkiewicz, combined traditional motifs found in the native folklore of the Podhale region. Nowadays, the town welcomes hundreds of thousands of skiers, hikers and tourists every year. The season reaches its peak around the second half of January when sports fans from all over the country gather at the foot of Zakopane's ski jump, cheering on their favourite athletes. Those searching for additional leisure activities in the neighbourhood, can also try out ski resorts of Bia?ka Tatrza?ska or Bukowina Tatrza?ska, located in the close vicinity of Zakopane.

Have you visited any other holiday resorts in Poland?

There is no other way to put it - Poland loves Chopin. No one in his homeland doubts that his music is "quintessentially Polish" and the composer himself is considered a symbol of the country. "A Varsovian by birth, a Pole at heart, a citizen of the world by virtue of his talent" - this is how Cyprian Kamil Norwid, a Polish romantic poet described his contemporary. See how Fryderyk Chopin's life and music is celebrated in Poland.

Traces of Chopin

?elazowa Wola

The composer’s birthplace and park in the village of ?elazowa Wola (about 50 kilometres away from Warsaw) is a must-see for any Chopin enthusiast. Here you can find a little museum devoted to the composer and relax while listening to piano recitals in a beautiful scenery. The exact birthdate of Frederic (Fryderyk) Chopin remains unclear to this day – his baptism certificate indicates the date 22 February 1810, yet according to his family and the composer himself, it was in fact 1 March. Therefore, Chopin’s birthday celebrations are traditionally held from 22 February to 1 March in his home town, Warsaw.

Chopin’s Warsaw

When he was just a few months old, Chopin’s parents moved to Warsaw, where the future composer grew up and spent half of his short life. The family resided in several places in Warsaw, including the now-destroyed Saxon Palace, Czapski Palace (or Krasi?ski Palace) and the Former Rectory building (University of Warsaw). Commemorative plaques and musical benches (yes, they play Chopin’s music on demand!) which mark all the significant locations help tourists retrace the steps of the famous composer.

Chopin’s Heart

In 1830, Chopin left Warsaw for Paris and died there at the age of 39. As his last wish, the composer wanted his heart to be taken back to Warsaw – apparently he told his sister, Ludwika “I know that Paskiewicz (an imposed Russian governor) will not allow you to bring my body to Warsaw, so at least bring my heart there.” His sister did as he asked and now the composer’s heart is interred in a pillar at the Holy Cross Church.

His story

The Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw

Established in 1954 and refurbished in 2010, this modern museum engages visitors with a series of multimedia displays, allowing even the youngest of them to explore Chopin’s life in an interactive and engrossing way. The museum also possesses a collection of letters, music manuscripts and memorabilia.

The music

The International Chopin Piano Competition

The prestigious competition, held every five years in Warsaw, attracts hundreds of talented pianists and crowds of avid listeners from around the world. It is worth visiting the country during that time and joining in the celebration of Chopin’s music. Thanks to the magic of the internet however, you can also listen to the piano recitals from abroad. Gear up for the next competition, it is only one year away!

Chopin’s Europe

The International Music Festival “Chopin and his Europe” delves into the relationship between Chopin’s works and European music of the past and present. The annual event, held in Warsaw and ?elazowa Wola, is one of the most important cultural events of the summer season in Poland – apart from Chopin, the world’s best musicians present works of such composers as Debussy, Bach, Beethoven or Mozart.

Chopin Concerts in the Royal ?azienki Park

There is no summer in Warsaw without Chopin concerts in the ?azienki Park. The tradition dates back to 1959 - every Sunday afternoon from May till late September, hundreds of listeners flock to the most beloved park in the city, soak up the tranquil music, lie in the sun or even take a nap at the foot of Fryderyk Chopin’s monument. If you are ever find yourself in Warsaw during summer, take a moment to feel the unique atmosphere of the place. In the meantime, let us listen to one of the most well-known pieces of the composer - Heroic Polonaise - and imagine yourself basking in the sun in ?azienkiIf you would like to take a break from Warsaw, it is possible to attend various piano recitals and concerts in many other parts of the country. The most popular of them is the annual International Chopin Festival in Duszniki Zdrój - the event, which is the oldest music festival in Poland, dates back to 1946 and commemorates Chopin's brief visit and performances in Duszniki.

Would you like to learn more about Chopin's life in Warsaw? You might be interested in this short film about his childhood.

Polonaise Op.53 performed by Giorgi Latsabidze

For students from outside the European Union who would like to study in Poland this may well be the beginning of a fascinating adventure of discovering Europe. Being invited to study in Poland means that you are invited to the European Union, of which Poland is an active member state. We encourage you to discover the European Union, which offers not only varied and interesting cultures and the opportunities associated with strong, innovative economies, but it also provides the very best conditions for successful higher education studies in a challenging and friendly atmosphere. With top-quality, internationally recognised degrees, and highly appreciable infrastructures almost no other region in the world can set your career off to such a promising start!

1) Official name: Republic of Poland (short form: Poland), Rzeczpospolita Polska (short form in Polish: Polska)

2) Official Language: Polish

3) Location: Central Europe. Poland borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia (the Kaliningrad exclave). Its northern border (440 km long) runs along the Baltic Sea coast.

4) Capital city: Warszawa (Warsaw: population 1.7 million / Warsaw agglomeration: 2.5 million)

5) Population: 38 million. Poland has the seventh largest population in Europe (omitting Russia), and the sixth largest in the European Union.

6) Time zone: Poland belongs to the Central European time zone (GMT + 1 hour / UTC + 1 hour), except for between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October when it switches to daylight saving time.

7) Climate: The Polish climate is moderate continental, with relatively cold winters (from December to March) and hot summers which extend from June to August. January temperatures average -1°C (30°F) to -5°C (23°F). July and August average temperatures range from 16.5°C (62°F) to 19°C (65°F), though some days the temperature can reach even 35°C (95°F).

8) Currency: 1 zloty (PLN) = 100 groszy (current exchange rates: www.nbp.pl)

9) Calling code: + 48; Internet domain: .pl

10) International organisations: Poland is a member of the European Union (EU), the Schengen Area, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Organisation for Cooperation and Development (OECD) and many others.

Main Polish cities

Below we present profiles of some of the outstanding figures in the Polish history, who contributed to the breakthroughs in world science or with marvelous achievements in different fields of human activity.

You should try or visit at least at once:

Polish food like pierogi, bigos, ?urek, barszcz, oscypek, placki ziemniaczane, kotlet schabowy or some Polish sweets like s?kacz, sernik, kremówka and sweets like krówka or ptasie mleczko
Eating in a Bar Mleczny or in a snack bar, which is similar to Spanish tapas bars, but serves Polish food and drinks
Going by train from Zakopane to Hel… That’s challenging!
Sailing in the Masurian Lake District
Canoeing on one of the river or canal in Suwalszczyzna or Drawskie region
Skiing and snowboarding in Tatra Mountains
Wandering over Bieszczady mountains
Meet the Polish Bison in Bia?owie?a National Park
Climbing up the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw and take an advantage of a great view from the view terrace on the 30th floor
Doing windsurfing or kite surfing in Hel Peninsula
Visiting a real Polish village
Listening to Hejna? Mariacki (Cracow’s Anthem), which is played by a trumpeter on the highest tower of St. Mary's Church in Cracow and discovering the history of the anthem
Finding out how many dwarfs there are in Wroc?aw
Supporting the Poland football team or at least singing the song which Poles sing after losing a game Nic si? nie sta?o, Polacy, nic si? nie sta?o… (No big deal, Poles, no big deal) and supporting our Winter ski jumpers (it’s another most popular, even „national” discipline)
Try to draw or dye Easter egg
Wear waterproof jacket on Wet Monday during Easter
Challenge yourself and eat as many doughnuts as you can on Fat Thursday
Don’t go on school on the first day of Spring (Truancy Day)
Get wasted during big music festival in Poland – Heineken Open’er or Woodstock
Pour hot wax into cold water through a key hole and try to read your fate from the shape of the congealed wax on the eve of St. Andrew’s Day (Andrzejki)
Visit the biggest indoor waterpark in Europe. (Park of Poland)
Passing the Polish-Slovakian border by foot climbing the Tatra Mountains
True sustainable art - Hasior Gallery in Zakopane - pieces of everyday rubbish that acquire new meanings in the artist's works
Partying in the annual higher education students' spring holiday “Juwenalia” among beers and concerts
Get lost in the Echanting Jewish Neighbourhood of Kazimierz in Krakow

Summer Holidays in Poland - best destinations for active travellers

Are you planning your summer holiday in Poland this year? You may wish to avoid the Tatras and the seaside resorts, which tend to be heavily crowded in peak season. See where else can you spend your free time actively!

Bieszczady

If you are one for hiking and wish to unwind in the open air, you should consider taking a trip to the Bieszczady mountains. Situated in the southeastern nook of Poland, the Bieszczady National Park is one of the most scenic and captivating regions of the country. Its highest peak, Tarnica (1346 metres), offers stunning views of the area, therefore attracting more crowds of tourists during high season.

The region of Bieszczady is mostly associated with po?oniny - picturesque meadows covering the mountain tops. If you ever wander off to a place called Po?onina Wetli?ska, you will find a little secluded hut, called... "the House at Pooh Corner" (Chatka Puchatka), an off-the-grid mountain hostel, with no running water or electricity. Apparently, the hut is about to be renovated but most tourists just love it the way it is and would not want to change a thing! Anyone looking for a little tranqulity will be glad to know there is a Starry-Sky Park in Bieszczady too. Free of artificial light pollution, this dark-sky park is the best place to stargaze and clear your mind. Find out more about it here: Gwiezdne Bieszczady

The Dunajec River Rafting

The Dunajec River Gorge is a must see for anyone visiting the Polish Pieniny Mountains. A lot of tourists choose to admire it on a traditional rafting trip down the Dunajec River, which allows you to soak in all the views along the Polish-Slovakian border while listening to different anecdotes told by raftsmen. This attraction does not require that much physical activity, as you sit on a wooden raft for a couple of hours, but you still get to breathe in some fresh mountain air and explore new places in Poland. Remember to take a warm jacket though. It might get cold, even in summer!

Green Velo

The 2000-kilometre long Green Velo is the longest cycle route in Poland, which runs through five eastern districts of the country: Warmi?sko-Mazurskie, Podlaskie, Lubelskie, Podkarpackie and ?wi?tokrzyskie. You can hop on the trail anywhere you like and enjoy the diversity of the Polish landscape, with its national parks, open fields and winding rivers. The route can also take you to various tourist and cultural attractions including the city of Frombork (where Copernicus wrote his revolutionary theory), the monumental Krzy?topór castle or the famous town of Szczebrzeszyn which inspired the most beloved Polish tongue twister, W Szczebrzeszynie chrz?szcz brzmi w trzcinie ("In the town of Szczebrzeczyn, a beetle buzzes in the reeds"). If you are an enthusiast of active leisure and sightseeing, this is your opportunity to get to know Poland a little bit better: Green Velo

?Góry Sto?owe

Associated with their flat tops, the Sto?owe Mountains are literally called "table mountains" in Polish, but there is more to them than that. The mountain range is built of joint sandstone, which has eroded into a variety of rock formations over time - gates, corridors and labirynths (B??dne Ska?y) or animal and mushroom-shaped rocks (Skalne Grzyby). There is even a formation called the "Great Grandfather's Armchair"(Fotel Pradziada), which tops the highest peak of the region - Szczeliniec Wielki (919 metres). This unique, astonishing mountain range captivates tourists and filmmakers alike - just a few years ago it served as the set for "The Chronicles of Narnia". See, you do not even need a magical wardrobe to find out what Narnia really looks like!

Slavic and Viking Reenactment

Who says active leisure is all about cycling and hiking? If you are more of a history buff looking for a fun summer activity, you might get interested in the Slavic and Viking Festival on the Wolin Island in the Baltic Sea. The three-day long festival is one of the biggest events of this kind in Europe, gathering more than 2000 participants from around 30 countries. It is held every year in August and reenacts early medieval times in a historically accurate way. You can watch an impressive staging of a Viking battle or a Viking longboat race, learn about old crafts and customs and try your hand at traditional archery, pottery or wood carving. Apart from that, you may visit the Slavs and Vikings' Center in Wolin, which hosts a number of similar, though smaller, Viking events. More information: Slavs and Vikings' Center

B??dne Ska?y - image by Tomasz Przywecki [CC BY 3.0]

The Viking Festival - image by Nikodem Zieli?ski / Rados?aw Dro?d?ewski [CC BY-SA 4.0]

What dwells in the woodlands? Meet Poland's wildlife creatures

In our articles, we usually focus on people who have chosen Poland as their place of residence. But what about the native inhabitants of Poland's woodlands, fields and rivers? Today we are taking a wildlife tour of Poland!

Storks

You won't find it in the Polish emblem, but the stork is believed to be one of the most "Polish" animals. The idea has not come out of nowhere, though - it is estimated that around one quarter of the total population of storks come from Poland. Most of these birds migrate to Africa for winter and come back "home" when it starts getting warm. Spotting one is a sure sign of spring!

Elk and deer

European elk (known as moose in North America) are typically associated with the northern parts of the continent, but there are quite a few of them in Poland too. These impressive animals inhabit the Biebrza National Park in the north-eastern part of Poland and the Kampinos Park in the close vicinity of Warsaw. They have wandered off to the city centre a few times over the years, but other than that, the elk avoids human presence and is a very rare sight.

Deer (mostly roe deer and fallow deer) are much more common than elk and if you are lucky (and quiet!) enough, you may spot them from time to time in the Polish fields and forests.

Beavers

The beaver itself is not that easy to spot but the traces of their activity (dams, lodges, cut down trees) are to be seen anywhere near rivers, ponds, streams or wetlands. These hard-working rodents are often called “ecosystem engineers” - their dams help maintain biodiversity by protecting habitats of other wildlife species.

Bison

The European bison, or wisent, is a major tourist attraction in Poland and one of the symbols of the country. The animals can be admired in Europe's last primaeval forest of Bia?owie?a, home to the world's largest population of this species. Bison are the heaviest animals on the continent and without a doubt, one of the most admirable ones. Luckily, they have been rescued from extinction in Poland thanks to intensive conservation programmes.

Boars

Wild boars are common and widespread throughout Poland. Although the forest is their natural habitat, every few years they make the news by taking a little family trips to the city. The wild boar should never be approached though. The animal is a surprisingly fast runner and gets very protective of its offspring!

Wolves

The relationship of wolves and humans has always been a difficult one. Centuries ago, the animal used to exist pretty much everywhere in Europe but the whole population was drastically reduced by hunting. In Poland, wolves have slightly increased in number over the last twenty years, thanks to their protected status.

Brown bears

You would not want to meet one in person, but the majestic brown bear is a proud representative of the Polish wildlife scene. Polish bears (it is estimated that there are around 200 of them) inhabit the forests of the Carpathian Mountains, mostly the Tatras and the Bieszczady mountain range. As for the famous polar bears – despite their name, they are to be found only in zoos here!

And foreign visitors

Polish forests, groves and meadows are home to a number of other, smaller and bigger creatures, including foxes, owls, hares or red squirrels. In the recent years, there have been also a few sightings of more exotic species in Poland, most notably a certain six-metre-long python which shed its skin near the Vistula River and supposedly made its way through the country last summer. The nationwide hunt for the animal captured the headlines for weeks but the animal has sadly never been found. It seems that the python has made it to the list of "legendary Polish creatures" then. Let us see what new species will this summer bring!

A basilisk, a mermaid and a dragon...

Find out more about Poland's legendary creatures!

Winter in the city - how to enjoy February in Poland?

"What’s the matter that you have such a February face?", a certain English playwright would ask. There is always plenty to do during winter, even in a city! Take a look at our top activity ideas this month.

Break the ice

If you have never tried skating before, here is a perfect opportunity to have a go at it. The National Stadium in Warsaw offers a range of activities for all winter sports amateurs – two ice rinks, an ice hill and even a curling sheet can be enjoyed seven days a week until 3 March.

24 November - 3 March. Warsaw. Tickets: PLN 14-27. Zimowy Narodowy

What if sliding and slipping on ice is not really your thing? Fear not, you can always try skiing in the Szcz??liwicki Park in Warsaw! Well, the slope it is not exactly a Matterhorn (no less than 227 meters of pure joy) but it should work just fine for kids and first-time skiers. When in doubt remember what the old timers say - there is no such thing as bad snow (or slope...) - only bad skiers! Ski lessons in English available!

Open all year round. Warsaw. Prices: PLN 19-50 for a lift ticket, PLN 50-160 for an individual ski lesson. Górka Szcz??liwicka (Polish)

Polish your English

Are you feeling the expat blues? Or maybe you would like to practise some foreign languages? If so, you are more than welcome to join a language swap at the Emigration Museum in Gdynia. Have a chat with fellow expats, share your experiences and exchange language skills. Sign up for the meeting on the museum’s website.

9 & 23 February. Gdynia. Admission free. Gdynia Language Swap

If the stage is your natural habitat, you may want to take part in an improvisational comedy in English. Join an open mic night in Kraków and get a kick out of it! Newbies welcome!

6 February. Kraków. Admission free for the performers. Improv comedy in E nglish

Go Chopin

Is there a better way to spend time in Warsaw than to listen to some Chopin? Celebrate the composer’s birthday during the 10th edition of the annual Chopin Birthday Concerts Festival, from 22 February to 1 March. Most of the Chopin-inspired concerts and recitals will be traditionally hosted in Nowy ?wiat Muzyki Café in Warsaw’s city centre. Admission free!

22 February - 1 March. Warsaw. Admission free. Koncerty Urodzinowe 2019

Meet Shakespeare

Did you know that there is a Shakespearean theatre in Gda?sk? Surprising as it may be, Poland was frequently visited by English acting troupes back in the 17th century. The actors used to perform Shakespeare's plays in Gda?sk's first public playhouse, known as the Fencing School. It is on its historic site that the new theatre was built and opened in 2014. Apart from the obvious historic and artistic values, the Gda?sk Shakespeare Theatre is worth visiting for architectural reasons - namely its light wooden (although technologically advanced) interior, hidden inside a casket-like dark construction with a retractable roof on the top. Pre-booked guided tours available in English, German and Russian.

Open all year round. Gda?sk. Tickets: PLN 10-18. Gda?sk Shakespeare Theatre

Go to the cinema

Pawe? Pawlikowski’s Oscar-nominated Zimna Wojna ("Cold War") turned out to be the most acclaimed Polish film of the last year. If you have not had the chance to see it yet, find out if there is an English-friendly version in your cinema - Warsaw's Kino Muranów and Kino pod Baranami in Kraków both offer screenings with English subtitles.

1- 13 February. Warsaw, Kraków. PLN 15-22. Kino Muranów; Kino pod Baranami

And a little treat for all opera fans out there: the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series allows viewers from around the world to see Met performances on cinema screens in their vicinity. This time around, it will be Georges Bizet's Carmen. You can watch it being broadcast live in a number of Polish cinemas and concert halls, including Kraków’s Kino Kijów and philharmonic halls in ?ód? and Bia?ystok. Find all the venues here.

2 February. 34 venues in Poland. Language: French with Polish subtitles. Tckets: PLN 50-100. The Met: Live in HD

2019 has just began but it's never too early to make holiday plans! Find out when it's best to get some extra days off in Poland this year.

Poles might be one of the hardest-working nations in Europe (with a standard working week of over 40 hours) but they do know how to rest! Apart from a long working week, Poland has also 13 bank holidays, more than most European countries. Plan ahead your holidays in 2019 with our handy calendar

Polish Culture 2030 - how are we going to participate in it?

Cultural assimilation is one of the most underrated processes that the majority of foreigners have to deal with after relocating to a different country. Will I get the jokes? Do I know any Polish painters at all? How do I find elements of my country’s culture in Poland? – these are some of the questions that expats can fire at themselves before the big move. We talk to Rafa? Wi?niewski, head of National Centre for Culture Poland.

Of course there are certain names and concepts that ring a bell – Chopin, excellent cuisine, folklore and a handful of Nobel prize winners to name a few – but would that enough to feel comfortable with any country’s cultural atmosphere? Polish art and popular culture have very close ties to the West of Europe, but that does not necessarily mean that they have been easily accessible so far. Nowadays, with open borders and an uninterrupted flow of thought facilitated by new media and technologies, those who are willing to will hopefully be able to emerge themselves in the Polish culture. What will the process look like by 2030?

MEETING POLISH CULTURE

The modern Polish culture is a mixture of native influences and ongoing dialogue with the rest of Europe, if not world. It is as vibrant and flexible as any other culture, yet distinct in its peculiar suspension between the East and the West. The split, which makes it both easier and harder for foreign recipients to access, is slowly becoming less and less visible, and even if it becomes apparent, it does not necessarily overcomplicate things or cloud cultural perceptions.

“Art can easily do without words or translations,” believes Rafa? Wi?niewski from the National Centre for Culture Poland, and indeed, this argument has been raised for many centuries now. “It is boundless and timeless, so even though context does help in some situations, it is not always necessary to evoke emotions in a viewer or reader,” he says.

In 2018 the Cannes Film Festival awarded a Pole, Pawe? Pawlikowski, the best director award for his movie, Cold War. The film easily won the hearts of international audiences even though it tells a love story set against the backdrop of a mid-20th century traditional musical and dance group in Poland. Surprisingly enough, the folk elements did not bother those unfamiliar with the Polish folklore; on the contrary – the reviewers and cinemagoers praised the story especially for its slightly exotic visuals and music that accompanied a classic star-crossed-lovers’ tale of universal value.

Experiencing culture is for Poles increasingly easier, especially considering the number of institutions serving this purpose. The National Centre for Culture engages in numerous activities that aim to draw people towards arts, literature and national heritage with all its varied aspects. Using diverse platforms (murals in city centres, board games, singalong events or promoting national symbols, to name a few) lets the people engage themselves in participating in it on a daily basis. With the number of foreigners on the rise, they should be able to participate in it all in the same way in no time.

One more aspect that draws international attention to Poland’s heritage and cultural achievements is the centenary of regaining Polish independence (1918-2018). There are many programmes aimed at celebrating both local anniversaries and heroes of Polish independence, but also those that promote them abroad and help foreigners become familiar with some aspects of Polish history. Addressing the role the Polish diaspora played in the twentieth century in Europe and overseas or introducing the pioneers of the Polish avant-garde movement may help raise interest in what the country has had to offer.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER CULTURES

The culture of Poland has always been open to other nations – it was reshaped under their influence and interacted with them on many levels. The 20th century saw the crisis of this interchange – the two world wars and the period of communism very often successfully trumped any such efforts. For foreigners already living in Poland, participating in cultural events or activities gives them a chance to make themselves at home. There are more and more opportunities for that – English-friendly cinemas, translations of Polish books, museums and art exhibitions available in various languages.

The National Centre for Culture stresses that within their scope of activity there are already many initiatives that allow foreigners to participate in the Polish culture freely. “We are very happy with the East of Culture project, which focuses on a series of festivals that foster cooperation between cities in Eastern Poland and their partners across the border and even further east. It gives ground for exchanging artistic value and local artistic initiatives,” says Rafa? Wi?niewski. The festivals’ success in Rzeszów, Lublin and Bia?ystok over consecutive years proves that there is space for sharing cross-border cultural experiences. The centre also works with international organisations on an institutional level. According to its head, The Polish Culture Yearbook, an annual compendium on Poles’ participation in various aspects of culture, is well-received across Europe and raises genuine interest abroad.

FUTURE PLANS

2030, according to cultural institutions in Poland, is not far away. Although it is hard to say what content will dominate over the next decade and how will the trends fluctuate from now on, there are a few tenets that can be pinpointed. Rafa? Wi?niewski believes that Poland’s strength lies in opening itself to more modern areas: design and marketing art or famous Polish game studios, which very often set trends on a global scale. Looking from a smaller perspective, he feels very strongly about the importance of local art and heritage in Poland. “Specific cities and areas of the country are related to specific aspects of culture,” says Rafa? Wi?niewski. It is true that the revival of the Jewish culture in Poland is associated with Kraków and that ?ód? is the capital of Polish street art and film industry. These specialisations will become more visible over the years and foreigners may be attracted to different cultural profiles in particular cities of Poland.

Finally, there is the question of recognising the signs of the future in providing access to arts or national heritage. Digitalisation is the best way to go about it and in general Polish cultural institutions are already doing great in this regard. With mobile exhibitions and a wide access to digitalised works of art, manuscripts, or even the possibility to view objects thanks to virtual reality technologies and other tools, it is becoming increasingly easier to appreciate all the accomplishments in these areas. And yet there are more of these devices to come – the National Centre for Culture is not the only institution that wants to promote its subjects of interest with the use of innovation. Maintaining the current trend of using technology to make cultural experiences more reachable and focusing on cooperation as well as networking will hopefully bring Polish residents and citizens to a place when in 2030 many initiatives will get a brand new quality. Rafa? Wi?niewski hopes that within a decade recipients will be able to become creators too, and that their participation in culture will occur on a more frequent basis. Here’s to it being even more diverse and thrilling, too!

Our expert:

Rafa? Wi?niewski, PhD

HEAD OF NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CULTURE

Curiouser and curiouser... - an unusual walk around Warsaw

Sometimes the things that interest us most about unknown places, are not the ones so easily found in guidebooks. Therefore, we present you with an eclectic list of Warsaw's curiosities, which will enrich your visit to the city or even make you feel like a real Varsovian.

A Bear of Very Little Brain

If you take a closer look at the street signs during your walking tour of Warsaw, you may notice some curiously sounding names. Ulica Kubusia Puchatka - Winnie the Pooh Street - is by far the most popular one, especially among children. Located in the city's downtown, hidden just behind the lively Nowy ?wiat Street, this peaceful nook was given its name by the readers of Express Wieczorny magazine in a 1954 competition. Look around and you will even find a sandstone plaque with the silhouettes of A.A. Milne's beloved characters there. Quite surprisingly, ulica Kubusia Puchatka is one of the only two streets in the world named after that famous character (the second one being in Budapest). Other interesting street names in Warsaw include ulica Dowcip (Joke Street), Bagno (Swamp Street) or ulica Figiel (Prank Street).

Where: ?ródmie?cie district

A journey to Middle-earth

I am heading to Mordor - this sentence may sound like a part of The Lord of the Rings' script but it is a perfectly common phrase you will hear every now and then when living in Warsaw. Although obviously informal, it is a widely used name referring to an office park in Domaniewska Street and its overly heavy traffic (One does not simply walk into Mordor, after all). Besides, the office workers sometimes like to jokingly compare themselves to Tolkien's orcs, especially when chasing too many deadlines at a time.

Where: Mokotów district

A not-so-little palm tree

When it first graced Warsaw's Charles de Gaulle roundabout, it was met with severe criticism. The 15-metre-high artificial palm tree is a part of Joanna Rajkowska's 2002 art project entitled Pozdrowienia z Alej Jerozolimskich (Greetings from Jerusalem Avenues). Inspired by the artist's trip to Israel, the artwork also refers to the nearby road's name and a historic Jewish village called Nowa Jerozolima (New Jerusalem) founded in its vicinity in the 18th century. A lot of citizens however, initially considered the palm to be too abstract or out of place and would rather exchange it for a more domestic-looking tree. After a while however, this exotic element has become an integral part of the city's landscape, now recognised as one of Warsaw’s most popular landmarks and an unusual tourist attraction.

Where: ?ródmie?cie district

A man who fought monkeys

A strange plaque on the remnants of the Kazanowski Palace reads: Tu u stóp pa?acu Kazanowskich, walczy? z ma?pami pan Zag?oba - Here, at the foot of the Kazanowski Palace, mister Zag?oba wrestled with monkeys. Who is the mysterious Zag?oba and why did he fight some monkeys in the heart of Warsaw? Zag?oba is a well-known character of "The Deluge", a historical novel written by Henryk Sienkiewicz, one of the most famous Polish authors. In one of the book’s chapters, the character walks into a monkey cage and has to fight off a bunch of untamed animals... Fortunately, the story ends well for Zag?oba and today his act is commemorated on the palace's wall in order to entertain and confuse all passers-by.

Where: ?ródmie?cie district

A little bit of Bowie

Have you heard of the new David Bowie mural yet? This very recent addition to the map of Warsaw street art was meant as a tribute to the late artist and a commemoration of his brief visit in Warsaw in 1970s. Although Bowie never really played in Poland, he recorded an instrumental song called "Warszawa", which was allegedly inspired by the Polish folk ensemble "?l?sk". The colourful mural, located in ?oliborz district, depicts the artist’s face and Warsaw’s Palace of Culture, here in the shape of Bowie’s iconic lightning bolt. Who knew Ziggy Stardust landed in Warsaw?

Where: ?oliborz district

A cosmic teahouse

Speaking of starmen, it is worth mentioning another space oddity – a little mirrored pavilion in the Bródno Sculpture Park. Designed by a Thai artist, Rirkrit Tiravanija, this intriguing cubic sculpture was named Untitled (tilted teahouse with coffeemachine) but is simply referred to as "the teahouse". During summer months, the spaceship-like sculpture transforms into a small gathering place, where you are free to relax, enjoy some tea or a piece of cake.

Where: Targówek district

A guest from the past

This find is a must-see for any Indiana Jones’ fan out there. In Warsaw’s Wilanów district you will be able to see a huge mammoth bone, exhibited in… St. Anne's Church (Ko?ció? ?w. Anny). Apparently, the bone of this prehistoric mammal was unearthed at the church’s construction site, back in the 18th century. Mammoths did in fact live on the territory of today’s Poland during the last Ice Age. More remains of this extinct species were recently found at the underground construction site in Warsaw.

Where: Wilanów district

[VIDEO] #VisitPoland – international vloggers in Poland

YouTubers from all over the world have been invited to Poland – and there are already the first effects of their visits! The project #VisitPoland was started to promote the country among wider audiences of social media stars from across the globe.

Poland celebrates its one hundred years of regaining independence in all ways possible. Sure, you can check out museum tours or archival recordings of state beginnings, but you can also celebrate here and now. This was a part of government’s idea, which lead to inviting a number of foreign YouTube stars to Poland. Maybe you are already following some of them?

All the influencers, who altogether gather the audience of eleven million viewers, have been invited by the Polish Tourism Organisation. The schedules of their visits, however, have been designed to match a specific vlogger’s interests, which are part of their popularity with their subscribers. In this way the Polish Tourism Organisation may easily promote different aspects of the country: nature, history, urban life, cultural events… So, ready to find out whom you should be keeping your eye on in the days to come?

FunForLouis (Louis Cole from the UK)
InternationallyMe (Angela An from Japan)
Alanxelmundo (Alan Estrada from Mexico)
Lost LeBlanc (Christian Le Blanc from Canada)
Vagabrothers (Marko and Alex Ayling from the USA)
Clavero (Pau Clavero from Spain)
Conner Sullivan (Conner Sullivan from Germany)

Some of the videos have already been published, while others will be released in the upcoming months. Louis Cole has already shared some of his Polish adventures. See below their tour of Kraków and Wieliczka, as well as hiking in the Pieniny mountains.

Autumn presents Poland at its finest. Cities and countryside look great in golden, mauve and orange hue. Due to the country’s climate, September, October and November should not be too hot or too cold and the rainfall is just about the right amount (nothing like the English weather!). Poles have a few activities that can be followed by expats living here, too – have you tried any of these?

1. Making jams, preserves and pickles

Autumn is your last call to get ready for dark winter nights (it is an exaggeration, find out more about wintertime in Poland). Many Polish people think that having a good supply in the pantry is one way to survive the cold and keep the spirits high. And is there anything better than homemade jams, pickles and other kinds of preserves? Throughout summer and autumn months one will find many Poles stuffing jars with cucumbers, mushrooms, peppers, as well as boiling huge pots of fruit with sugar to make delicious jams or marmalades. Just about right for the arrival of winter!

2. Mushroom picking

We have already covered that one, but it should never be omitted. Mushroom-hunting is a favourite activity of whole families – starting from the young ones and ending with the elderly! Once your fungi are picked, washed and cleaned, they can be pickled (see point 1.!), dried or eaten immediately after the afternoon in the forest.

Read more about mushroom gathering in Poland.

3. Autumn strolls

Forests and parks in Poland are at their peak from mid-September onwards. The landscape is truly magnificent and makes for a typical picturesque fall vignette, full of shades of gold, red, orange, brown and yellow. Polish children are encouraged to use the autumn gifts of nature to enhance their creativity and manual skills – many generations have warm memories of playing with chestnut figures and dried leaves.

4. Garden work

Not many expats decide to buy a house with a huge backyard straight away, but if your Polish friend rejects your invitation for a mulled wine on a late autumn evening, you may suspect they are actually busy with some housework. Winters in Poland can be tough and house-owners want to make sure that their property is guarded against that, especially if they have a garden or an allotment. They need to be cleaned and got rid of dead leaves, branches and trees, and then wrapped or covered where necessary. There is a LOT to do, but many Polish people find these end-of-season activities quite relaxing!

5. Socialising

No more picnics in the park or beach parties, but autumn makes room for other possibilities. Poles love to gather to play board games (it is a rather big thing right now!) and watch films with their friends, and the cosy cafes, pubs and restaurants start to prepare warm drinks, such as pumpkin spice coffees, mulled beer or wine, hot chocolate… There are so many possibilities for outings with the upcoming 100^th anniversary of Poland’s regained independence, museum exhibitions and brand new cinema releases!

Polish cities & their foreign counterparts

Did you know that many Polish cities are referred to as Venice of the North or Eastern Paris? See more comparisons and find out more about the city you work and live in!

1. Paris of the North

Poland has its own Paris – and it is a bit unexpected, as the nickname refers to Szczecin. This northern seaport city with strong historical ties to numerous Baltic countries (apart from Poland – Germany, Denmark, or Sweden) sports a miniature version of Paris’ urban planning. If looked at from above, its street design is quite impressive. There was, however, another contender for the same title in the past – Warsaw. Nevertheless, the days of the Polish capital city being called by this name are gone, so now Szczecin definitely takes it all!

2. Little Rome

Have you ever visited Sandomierz? Although it is not the most business-oriented town in Poland, it definitely makes for a perfect tourist destination. And why is it associated with Rome? Both were initially located on seven hills.

3. Venice of the North

Wroc?aw bears a strong resemblance to Italy’s Venice. It is also located on numerous islands and connected with many channels. Did you know that one of expat’s favourite destinations has over 130 bridges?

By the way -- check out jobs in Wroc?aw!

4. Manchester of the North

It’s Bia?ystok, one of the major cities of eastern Poland. Back in the 19^th century it quickly turned from a small village to a buzzing centre of textile industry. This is a success story similar to that of Manchester, but later it caused similar trouble to both cities.

5. Northern Padua

Zamo?? is a city in southeastern Poland which is a unique example of a perfect Renaissance city. It was designed from scratch by a Padua-born architect, Bernardo Morando, on the commission of the richest nobleman of his times – Jan Zamoyski. All the architectonic details and street layout were inspired by Italian and ancient Roman styles. The city has been inspiration ever since 1580, when it was founded, and remains a pearl of architecture and urban planning.

6. Polish Amsterdam

Bydgoszcz is an important administrative and business city within its region, but it is primarily known for its other charms. What makes it stand out are numerous water channels going across the city, just like in the Dutch capital.

Extraordinary creatures and how to find them (in Poland)

Folk tales and legends are an integral part of every nation's tradition. Passed down from generation to generation, they build the cultural heritage of the country. Polish legends are no exception and interestingly enough, they abound in all kinds of magical creatures. Here are the most famous of them.

The Mermaid of Warsaw (Warszawska Syrenka) – the symbol of Warsaw can be spotted all over the city but its origin is not entirely clear. The mermaid, which has been used as the city’s emblem since 14th century, appears in quite a few legends. Some even claim that the Mermaid of Warsaw is a sister of the famous Little Mermaid from Copenhagen. Another tale states that the creature was once captured by an evil merchant, while she was resting on the banks of the Vistula River. The greedy man wanted to make a profit by forcing her to sing at city fairs. Luckily, a group of fishermen heard the imprisoned mermaid cry and released the creature, who was so thankful, she promised to always protect their city with a sword and a shield.

The Basilisk (Bazyliszek) – this terrifying mythical reptile, whose gaze can petrify even the most courageous of men, was once guarding the treasures hidden below Warsaw's streets. As the legend goes, the creature was eventually defeated by a convict, sent into the dungeons with an armour of mirrors. Upon seeing its own refection, the beast turned into stone and the prisoner was pardoned by the city's rulers, as a reward for his brave deed.

The Golden Duck (Z?ota Kaczka) - less deadly than the basilisk, but no less intriguing, is the golden duck, another creature supposedly dwelling in Warsaw. The golden duck – which is in fact a bewitched princess – will make you rich if you manage to find it. According to a legend, there once lived a humble cobbler who went searching for the magical creature. Once he found it, the duck promised him a huge fortune on only one condition: he would spend no less than a hundred gold ducats on his own needs in one day. The seemingly easy task, proved to be wearisome by the end of the day. Finally, the young cobbler shared the rest of his money with an impoverished war veteran, causing the golden duck to vanish, along with the promised fortune.

The Wawel Dragon (Smok wawelski) – any child will agree that no fantasy story can exist without a dragon, be it Smaug. Falkor or... the Wawel Dragon. The last one, particularly known to Polish children, is famously depicted in the country's most popular fairytale. The story takes place in Kraków, during the reign of the legendary King Krak. Ferocious as only a dragon can be, the creature can only be appeased by daily sacrifices. One day, a smart cobbler named Skuba outwits the ravenous beast by bringing it a lamb stuffed with sulphur. Having devoured the animal, the dragon becomes so thirsty, it can not drink enough water from the Vistula River. It keeps on drinking, until it finally bursts. If you ever come to Kraków, you will surely notice that the dragon is still lurking at the foot of the Wawel Hill, although nowadays you may need to send a text message for it to breathe fire.

Do any of those creatures appear in folk tales of your country?

Here is why Poland will win World Cup 2018

The FIFA World Cup starts 14 June in Russia and Poland has qualified to the tournament phase as one of the 32 participating teams. Here is why the Polish team may win the most prestigious sports event in the world!

1. High FIFA ranking position

Currently (as of June 2018) Poland ranks as eighth in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with the position going up right before the Russia World Cup. Although many complain about the ranking’s unreliable scoring methods, it is nonetheless one way of measuring team success and it puts Poland in a very positive light.

2. (Relatively) winnable group H

You should never underestimate your rivals, but Poland has been quite lucky with group drawings at this World Cup. The team will play Senegal (19 June), Colombia (24 June) and Japan (28 June). Of course these teams could as well eliminate Poland from getting further in the tournament, but at least Poland does not have to play Germany or Brazil in the very beginning!

3. Lewandowski

One of the reasons for the Polish team success has been its players. The current squad raises excitement mainly because of Robert Lewandowski, currently a Bayern München striker. Only this season has he scored 44 goals in 62 games in his club. He also broke the record by scoring 16 goals in a qualifying campaign before the World Cup. Apart from Robert though, the Polish lineup includes many world-class players – feel free to pick your favourite and let us know!

4. Devoted supporters

Let’s not forget about the fans. Poles have been waiting for a success in a major tournament since… almost forever. Every big game is an opportunity for getting their hopes high, but the outcome is not always straight-up positive… A major Polish clothing brand has released a line of reversible T-shirts, with one side saying: Poland – World Champion and the other: It’s okay, Poland. There have been countless football-themed songs in Polish pop music. Supermarkets have squeezed the life out of the World Cup franchise and people still want more. Poles are ready.

5. We deserve it

… which brings us to point number 5 – we are an underdog. A 38-million people country in the middle of Europe with no major football victories in recent history would make a wonderful success story, if only it succeeded. The thirst is real and the World Cup makes a perfect opportunity. Poland is bound to surprise is in a good way – if not now, then maybe in 2022?

Do Polish people party a lot? What alcoholic beverages do they drink and which ones are they famous for? What can party animals enjoy in Poland and which cities are the best for a night out after a long working day?

Do Poles drink a lot?

You probably have heard of some stereotypes of Poles as heavy drinkers, but as a matter of fact we are not the heaviest of them in Europe! According to the World Health Organisation, Poles are still far behind their neighbours, Lithuanians and Czechs, in terms of alcohol consumption. We do place in the top 10, but on the very last position. Nevertheless, Poland has seen a steady increase in alcohol consumption over the years, while the general trend is in reverse. What can we say? We love our lavish weddings, weekend barbecues, birthday AND name day celebrations, and, lest we forget, all those family gatherings…

What do they drink?

The same research has shown that beer is the most popular drink among Poles, consumed by over half of the surveyed group. 39 per cent drink vodka, let’s be honest, the national drink, and only 7.6 per cent choose wine.

Beer-drinking pub culture is more or less the same all over the world, but do not forget that Polish people usually take vodka in shots, not in drinks, accompanied by a chaser in the form of some juice or soda. An old-school way of serving vodka is with no beverage to follow, but a pickle to snack on instead – a real blast from the past!

Poland’s traditional drinks

Vodka is by far the most popular drink associated with Slavic countries in general. Poland still has a lot of Polish-owned distilleries producing this type of alcohol, but actually the most popular brands known worldwide are now owned by big international companies. You can still look for smaller local distilleries who do not take part in large-scale manufacturing.

The same goes for Polish beers, which are either widely-available and mass-produced by huge international companies, or craft beers from independent breweries, which have become increasingly popular over the recent years. No matter which one you go for, Poland is still the third largest beer producer in Europe, according to the Polish Ministry of Agriculture.

In the past Polish people used to drink a rather unusual beverage – mead. With over a thousand years of history, this slightly forgotten drink of fermented honey and water makes a pleasantly surprising comeback. If you are looking for something traditional yet surprising, mead is the alcohol to go.

Can you drink in public?

Be careful with transferring your own country’s habits! Polish policemen frown upon drinking alcohol in public places such as parks, town squares and other tourist spots. In fact it is forbidden by law and you can get a ticket for it. Feel free however to spend a night out in a cosy pub or a loud club - there are so many to choose from!

Do bear in mind that from the legal point of view Poland may also have a slightly more strict approach to blood alcohol content while driving than in some other countries. If you operate a vehicle in Poland, you cannot have more than 0.02% of alcohol in your blood.

Coming to Poland not to party but to work?
Check out job offers for foreigners in Poland.

Best cities to party

If you are a foreigner coming to work in Poland, you chose your future hometown with focusing on job opportunities and not nightlife (or did you?). If however you are coming for a short trip with your friends, a bachelor or a bachelorette party, or a city break, Kraków and Tricity (Gda?sk, Gdynia, Sopot) are the most popular destinations among foreign tourists. Nightlife thrives in Kraków’s old town and picturesque downtown streets, while Tricity can boast the proximity of the Baltic Sea, which adds to its tourist value. Both areas are well-connected with the rest of Europe and largely enjoyed by visitors.

Remedies for hangover

The day after a heavy night of drinking can be a torture to both your mind and body. Polish people are not immune to hangovers, but they have their trusted cures for it nonetheless. Whether it is drinking pickled cucumber juice, tomato juice or kefir (a kind of heavy yoghurt), there is no guarantee this will help your expat body. Poles also cultivate a rather silly, but still popular tradition of killing their hangover with a… shot of vodka the day after. Do not try this at home.

Of course the easiest way of preventing this nasty feeling is not going overboard with drinking in Poland. But if you still want to have fun… na zdrowie (Eng. cheers)!

Who doesn't love to celebrate? Poles certainly do and they have thirteen bank holidays, while the average in Europe is 12.6. See which days are off work in 2018 and plan your holidays accoridngly!

Polish holidays are not only about Christmas and Easter (celebrated for two consecutive days, by the way)! We have more days that are usually off work, unless your job requires you to stay on guard regardless of holidays. Do you know what day the Polish Independence Day or Constitution Day fall? See the infographic below and compare your personal calendar with these obligatory days off!

5 reasons not to be blue on Blue Monday in Poland

The most depressive day in the whole year always falls on the third Monday of January, and this year it is today, 15 January 2018. If you are feeling extra demotivated and down on this date, please do not! You are in Poland, so there are reasons NOT to be upset about the whole thing – see below!

First failed New Year’s resolutions and bad January weather are blamed for somewhat inexplicable misery and gloominess felt on this day by many people all over the Northern hemisphere. This affects your personal as well as professional life, but is there really a reason to be blue on Blue Monday when you are in Poland?

1. Winter

One of the criteria for establishing the exact date of Blue Monday is bad winter weather. Maybe somewhere else it is simple as that, but is January in Poland really THAT bad? In the recent years, the toughest winters somehow shifted further into February, March or even April, so January is quite mild with occasional snowfalls and low, but luckily not extreme temperatures. Look outside and see that it is actually frosty, yet pretty at the same time!

2. Nightlife

You live in the country with one of the best or at least most affordable nightlife in the world! A night out will not ruin your monthly budget, so even after a tough day at work you can wind up in a lovely pub with your colleagues or friends.

Curious about nightlife in Poland? Here are some tips!

3. Food!

A bowl of warm bigos to save the day!

With nightlife comes cuisine. How can you be down when your freezer is packed with Polish pierogi and you can get a zapiekanka in almost every street? On Blue Monday it should be obligatory for employers to feed their staff bigos and p?czki in order to keep the spirits high – that would do the job just fine and Blue Monday would be a non-existent expression in Poland.

4. Colours

When you are tired of literally everything, take a look around and appreciate all the colours in Polish cities and towns, which can be seen even in winter. Do you live in Pozna?? That is great, since you can see the most colourful town houses in the Old Town. Are you located in the countryside? That is just perfect for spotting painted folk houses or ornamented window shutters. Even your post-communist block of flats may be painted in all colours of the rainbow… although we are not sure if that’s a nice thing…

5. Everyone is irritated anyway

Come on, we are in Poland. People hide here behind their poker faces all the time. It does not mean that random passers-by are angry with you, it is just one of these ypical Polish things. Blue Monday or not, you will not see much difference in people’s behaviour, so why be down? It is a Monday after all…

Feel better now? We hope so! And see you on 21 January, 2019...

Allotment – your garden in Polish urban areas

Poland is not entirely an urban jungle and has a lot of countryside to rest in. Those, however, who feel they live too far away from the rural areas or have no immediate access to them, can make use of the allotment gardens that operate in many Polish cities or even smaller towns. Would you like one as well?

Mini-garden cities

Maybe you have seen one of them out in the suburbs or hidden in the middle of your city behind a fence. Maybe you live nearby or your Polish in-laws devote their entire life to one. Or maybe your Polish colleague has been boasting about getting access to some garden-like plot and you did not pay too much attention back then and now you want to know? We are talking about an allotment (Polish: dzia?ka) and how their system works in Poland.

Legal status

With the upcoming summer you may have noticed an increased number of those interested in either buying or selling an allotment. Please bear in mind that such offers do not advertise literally buying a small piece of land, but only the right to use it. The parcel where your allotment is can probably never be your own property, although you will get full tenancy rights. A contract for that needs to be drawn up and signed in the presence of a specific kind of solicitor (Polish: notariusz).

Who are you making this deal with? The institution in charge of it is usually a local body related to allotment management. It is usually a legal entity with its board and structure, which can be joined by a new gardener so that one gets a say in board meetings and decisions valid for the whole allotment community.

Usage

There are no strict rules as to what can or cannot be done in your dzia?ka, except for a few basics. Generally, you are not allowed to live permanently in there. Some people do go overboard and instead of having a small cabin they build house-like structures, but that is usually frowned upon by the board. As for your allotment activities, you are free to do whatever you like, e.g. grow your own produce (it is tempting to have your own fruit and vegetables), plant flowers, bushes, or simply grass the whole plot and simply enjoy an obligatory weekly barbecue in there. Please note that you allotments are like mini-cities and you will have the same neighbours for many years to come, so you will not avoid socialising, especially as the new one in the hood!

Availability for foreigners

Anyone who finds this idea appealing and would like to have their own garden can rest assured that foreigners should not find it more difficult than others. According to the Polish Allotment Federation website, the only criterion for getting the right to use an allotment is your permanent residence in a place nearby the garden. If this applies to you, find a free allotment or contact your local allotment board, become a member if necessary and get going with the formalities. Sounds easy, but do bear in mind that dzia?ki are enjoying a real boom at the moment and you will need a bit of patience and luck to get your own piece of land! Even though there are nearly one million of them, hardly anybody wants to get rid of this treasured piece of land!

what-do-royals-and-presidents-visit-in-poland-warsaw-and-gdansk

This July Poland saw two high-profile visits from very prominent public figures. If you are coming to Poland as a tourist and are looking for some tips on what to see, why don’t you take heed? After all, the American President and British royals must have chosen interesting spots to go to! Feel free to be inspired by their picks.

Donald Trump & places he visited

Royal Castle

One of the symbols of the city, located in its historic heart, the Royal Castle still serves important functions as one of the official venues for state visits, political gatherings etc. Although completely levelled to the ground during WW2, the reconstructed castle that once hosted Polish kings became a perfect spot to a discussion between the Polish president and his American counterpart, as well as to the Three Seas Initiative panel. For tourists, it makes a wonderful place to visit in all kinds of weather and is one of the most popular gathering spots in Warsaw.

Copernicus Science Centre

Paying tribute to the great Polish mind, Nicolaus Copernicus, the centre is the largest facility of this kind in Poland. On 6 July 2017 it was toured by Melania Trump accompanied by the Polish First Lady. The American First Lady seemed to be impressed by the centre’s mission to inspire critical and creative thinking. The centre is located in the beautiful district of Powi? le near the Vistula River and is a must-see for those visiting with kids.

POLIN Museum & Ghetto Uprising monument

Krasi? ski Square

Royal choice by Kate & William

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, arrived in Warsaw on 17 July 2017 for a two-day official state visit before heading to Germany.

Presidential Palace & Krakowskie Przedmie?cie

The first part of the programme was the official greeting in Warsaw by the Polish President and First Lady. It took place in the Presidential Palace, located in the always-busy Krakowskie Przedmie? cie Street, known to every tourist who has ever visited Warsaw. The promenade starting with the Nowy ?wiat Street leads from the city centre straight into the Old Town and the Royal Castle.

Warsaw Rising Museum

Warsaw Spire

Many commented that Prince William and Catherine visited Poland to mitigate Brexit results.
See how Brexit can affect Poland & business in Poland.

Orangery in ?azienki Park

Stutthof

On the second day of their tour, on their way to Gdansk, the Duke and the Dutchess visited the former Nazi German Concentration Camp. It is one of the many remaining former Nazi camps located in Poland that are open to visitors willing to witness the horrors of WW2.

Long Market & Artus Court

In the city of Gdansk, in a more relaxed atmosphere, the royal visitors strolled down the Long Market down to the Artus Court named after the British medieval King Arthur. It is a popular tourist spot in Gdansk, a city famous for its merchant roots and amber. This is why the couple was gifted amber accessories – a necklace for Catherine and cufflinks for William. You can buy this stuff all over the Polish coast as well!

Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre

Prince Charles, Prince William’s father, is the patron of this modern theatre with an Elizabethan twist. It is a must-see for theatre lovers in Gdansk and all fans of British culture abroad and obviously had to be visited by the British royals.

European Solidarity Centre

The last stop on William and Kate’s tour of Poland was the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk, a museum and library dedicated to the social movement that inspired the abolishment of communism in Poland, and eventually in other communist countries. Although you may not be as lucky as the royal couple who met Lech Warsaw there, it is a place worth visiting if you are in Gdansk, along with the impressive Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970.

Solidarity symbol on another monument in Gdansk

International media for expats in Poland

You have arrived safely in Poland. You have a nice flat, already made a few friends and feel at home at your new workplace. But when you turn on your radio in the morning or skip through TV channels after work, you hear Polish and Polish only. It may be tiring for an expat who hasn’t had a chance to learn Polish yet. When you start missing English – here’s what you should do!

Get a satellite dish

Thanks to this device, you can receive hundreds of international channels from all over the world, some of them even in high definition. The list includes not only popular English-language channels such as BBC World News or CNN, but also these from other European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Russia and many more) or even further East (e.g. Al-Jazeera). Once you get a satellite dish and install it properly, these are no further costs that you’ll have to cover. No monthly fee is required, unless you decide to pair your satellite with a platform provider that decodes certain TV channels. However, the international channels that we have mentioned are already decoded, so foreigners needn’t buy a subscription from a satellite provider.

Consider cable TV

If you crave hearing your mother tongue on a daily basis, you can also try buying a package from your local cable provider, but before signing a contract, check the list of what you’ll get in your TV. Cable providers deliver mainly Polish channels that are of interest to local viewers, so you are not likely to find there something from more remote countries. Nevertheless, if you are happy with getting 2 or 3 English-language channels, then this is the solution for you. It is also more convenient and reliable than a satellite dish – all you have to do is apply to your cable provider, choose a set of channels you want and sign a contract.

Or maybe soon you'll be able to watch Polish TV channel in English?
Read more here.

Tune in to the radio

If you’re a fan of hearing updates from your country over breakfast – we don’t have the best news for you. You can receive signal from foreign radio stations which come only from countries neighbouring Poland. Therefore, if you live near the Czech border, you can tune in to some Czech radio stations and so on.

There is also a possibility to listen to the radio via satellite mentioned above. However, if you do not have access to it, remember that in the Internet era everything is possible and you can stream your favourite local radio station straight from your computer.

Newspapers

There are also people that, instead of listening to the radio, enjoy reading their daily newspaper while having breakfast. If you are one of them, the situation is similar to the point above. There are special Polish newsagent’s in Poland where you can find foreign press, but the assortment is not very large for obvious reasons. A good place to check out is your local Empik press outlet, where you can easily get hold of international glossy magazines and sometimes even weekly or daily newspapers.

In all cases, as mentioned in some of the points above, you can turn to the Internet to find a solution to your problems. An online subscription of your favourite daily, Internet streaming on official websites, podcasts and many more – there are loads of ways to cure homesickness! Or maybe it is time you started learning Polish?

Celebrating May bank holidays – days off in Poland

This year spring is not very hasty in Poland, but holidays will come regardless of the weather in the next few days. If you are a foreigner, prepare yourself for days filled with fun with your Polish friends or colleagues, celebrating… what exactly?

May 1^st

Having a day off on May 1^st probably makes sense to most foreigners, as it is a widely-recognised international holiday. In many countries it is known as Labour Day and refers to the labour movement of the 20^th century. In Poland, it is sometimes seen as a relic of the past, from the times when the communist party was still in charge. Nevertheless, not many people complain about having a day off – in fact, usually it is just the beginning of a long weekend!

Our tip: enjoy the sun of the first May days. Explore the nearest beach or forest that have been on your to-do list since your move to Poland.

May 2^nd

This day is squeezed in-between its two bigger brothers and has always been troublesome. It is not an official bank holiday, although it is commonly referred to as the Flag Day and all Poles try to exhibit the national flag in front of their houses throughout the entire May weekend. Many people have to work on May 2^nd, unless they are employed in state-owned branches of business, such as education. In reality, however, most people take May 2^nd as a day off, even if their company has not included it in this form in the agenda. Employers also realise that their employees are not at their best on this day, so some of them even prefer to shut down the company for one day.

Our tip: do not turn down any invitations to barbecues and picnics on this or any other day. Join your friends with some beer by the bonfire.

Read about the changes related to May bank holidays in labour law last year.
Click to see the article.

May 3^rd

The most history-loaded of the three, this is definitely a day when you are free from work, as it is Polish Constitution Day. It commemorates the ratification of the Polish constitution as the first one in the whole of Europe. Poles are very proud of their great democratic achievement, which calls for parades and a few lofty speeches from national leaders.

Our tip: if you want to avoid crowds and traffic congestion, go for a stroll in the nearest park and visit a local restaurant. Rent a city bike to explore places on the other side of your town.

We hope you will enjoy these few days of relax, usually referred to by the Polish as majówka (my-OOV-kah). Here's the summary of the essentials:

Night of Museums 2016 – what to see, where to go? Our best ideas

Museums in Poland are not only about art galleries or Nazi concentration camps. If you want to participate in the Night of Museums or are looking for new ideas for the upcoming summer holidays – take a look at our selection of places to visit!

Many people find museums boring – they lost their faith in cultural institutions after one uneventful school trip to a museum a long time ago… If you happen to be one of them, make use of the unique possibility that you have once a year. During the Night of Museums in May, Polish people can visit them paying a small fee or for free. There is only one condition – it has to be after dusk!

Warsaw & Lindley’s Filters

The Night of Museums includes non-museum facilities as well. For years Warsaw Water Filters have been one of the biggest attractions on this very special night. The facility used to provide clean water to Varsovians back in the 19^th century, but now it has been on the list of antiquities for many decades. Closed to public throughout the year, in May Filters amaze guests with the magical underground water of tunnels, mazes and arches.

May 14^th, 2016 is your chance to visit Warsaw Water Filters. Please bring your ID with a photograph and be early – the number of guests is limited. Admission is free of charge.

Rzeszów & The Museum of Bedtime Cartoons

Rzeszów in the South of Poland is home to a museum dedicated to the youngest or… those who still feel young. During the communist era Poland had a thriving cartoon industry, and its products aired every evening around 7 pm. If you come from a country neighbouring Poland, you may be familiar with such legendary figures as Bolek and Lolek or Reksio the Dog. Pay them a visit in Rzeszów.

May 14^th, 2016 is also the day you can visit the Museum of Bedtime Cartoons. Admission is free.

Katowice & The Silesian Museum

This may be one of the most mainstream museums on our list, but visiting it at night has an extra advantage. This Saturday you will be able to go up its observation tower and see the beautiful panorama of Katowice after the sunset. The programme contains more attractions, but even if you visit the museum’s central hall and admire touching minimalist installations, it will leave you speechless for the rest of the evening.

May 14^th, 2016 marks your opportunity to admire Katowice at night. Admission to The Silesian Museum during the Night of Museums is free of charge.

Bydgoszcz & The Museum of Soap and History of Dirt

You have read correctly – this institution focuses on presenting the brief history of dirt and how it could be combated over the past centuries. You can practice your laundry skills with the use of an outdated washboard or visit medieval baths, but you will always leave this place with a custom-made nice-smelling bar of soap. What is more to want in life?

May 21^st, 2016 is the date for celebrating the Night of Museums in Bydgoszcz this year. Due to high interest you will need to book your ticket in advance. The fee on this special day is extra low – PLN 6.

Gdynia & The Emigration Museum

Many of you are expats yourselves – each of you holds a unique story which brought you to Poland. If you want to know about the reasons for which Polish people have been leaving their homeland since the 19^th century up to this date, this is a place to go. The museum was opened one year ago, so it is a brand new spot on Gdynia’s map.

May 21^st, 2016 will hold a silent disco in the museum’s premises. The admission fee will be symbolic – just PLN 1 for viewing the permanent exhibition.

Do you have your favourite Polish museum? If there are places that you want to revisit during the special night or when you have some time off – let us know.

Photo source: grottos

Party like the Polish - New Year’s Eve 2015 in Poland

Polish people celebrate New Year’s Eve in a way similar to most Europeans – usually partying with a bunch of friends. Many choose to go to an outdoor concert with a big countdown and a fireworks display at midnight. Read on if you want to join them!

New Year’s Eve in Poland involves rather standard celebrations. For some foreigners, the only novelty may be the name adopted by Polish people for this holiday, Sylwester. It is commonly used in some neighbouring countries as well, and commemorates the feasts of Saint Sylvester, an ancient pope. Historically, this day has always been an excuse for a joyous celebration. Many Polish towns and cities organise up to this day outdoor concerts, which are free of charge and open to any citizen. Here's a list of what to expect this year!

Warsaw

This year the capital city of Poland is definitely attractive for foreigners, as the main star of the evening is a British band, The Kooks, and a German DJ, Paul van Dyk. The young musicians will be supported by Polish artists – a rapper, Grubson, and two bands, LemON and Perfect. If you are a fan of any of them, make plans for visiting the area at the base of the National Stadium on December 31^st!

Kraków

The second biggest city in Poland has taken the preparations very seriously – they have already started building the main stage for the big gathering in the Main Square. This year the party is being advertised as a ‘FUNtastic’ event and they have set the bar high. It will be broadcast live on TVN, one of the main TV channels. If you want to hear some of the biggest Polish divas live (Justyna Steczkowska, Natalia Kukulska or Patrycja Markowska), do not miss this opportunity!

Wroc?aw

Another televised concert will take place in Wroc?aw, in the city’s Market Square. If you cannot come, you will be able to watch it on the second channel of the Polish public TV, TVP2. This event has a more modern twist to it – most of the performers are rock musicians. The people of Wroc?aw will have a chance to listen to some bands (Hey, Ira, Feel, Lady Pank), as well as female vocalists (Maryla Rodowicz, Ewa Farna, Sarsa). Go and check them out!

Katowice

The capital of the Upper Silesia region will have a magnificent show thanks to another broadcaster, Polsat. They are going to go all the way as the TV channel has invited a universally renowned disco band, Boney M., to celebrate their 40^th anniversary in Katowice. Apart from them, a long list of popular Polish artists will perform their biggest hits. The event will take place next to the famous Spodek – a multipurpose arena which is the heart of the city.

Pozna?

The city in the west of Poland has come up with something less conventional for its citizens. The theme of the event is swing music and the concert will consist of big hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, as well as popular film scores. The celebrations will take place in Plac Wolno?ci. If you prefer less mainstream music, you cannot miss this opportunity!

Lublin

On the other side of Poland, the city council of Lublin also had an original idea – they have decided to discard big celebrations in favour of more family-oriented activities. Lublin will boast a few stages, but instead of seeing famous musicians, its citizens will be able to watch fire-eaters, dancers and other entertainers. There will be an additional mini fireworks display at 10 p.m. for the youngest participants, so that their parents can manage to come back home, put them to bed and still have some time for each other. Seems like the city board in Lublin has been really sympathetic with young couples this year!

We sum up some of the main things happening this year in Poland in the infographic below:

If you are staying in Poland – which city would you like to visit for this one evening? Are you planning on attending public events or will you sip champagne with your friends at a smaller party? Do you like the more modern approach to New Year’s Eve in some cities? Let us know what you think and have fun, wherever you are, on December 31^st!

Poland that you have not experienced yet

The holiday has finally arrived. The weather is lovely and the day is longer for whole 8 hours from the shortest in year. As my friend brilliantly pointed out, we get extra day to live and enjoy the beauty of the world.

But as all the wonders of the world surround us we find ourselves dreaming about something special. We wish to go somewhere else, in some place unique. If you have your perfect place, good for you, but if you are not sure yet what is that you are looking for than I have a great offer for you. There is a magical place I wish to invite you to. The place is called Poland.

Probably your first obvious question is: where is it? I rush with an answer. Poland is the country on the suburb of the western Europe. If you travel east and live behind Germany you will find us. Poland is very fortunate to be located in the heart of the Europe between the Baltic Sea and the mountains Karpaty and Sudety so you do not need to choose. You have it all here. No matter if you love mountaineering or you are just a fan of the landscape, you can choose between monumental peaks of our highest range Tatry or the lower, picturesque Bieszczady or ?wi?tokrzyskie Mountains. But that is just south of Poland. If you love sun, sand and water than at North, Baltic Sea greets you with its cristal waters and clean (not very crowded) beaches. And of course there is the rest of the country in between. With its lakes and forests, beautiful architecture and long, vivid history ready to be explored; with big modern cities and small climatic villages, with agritourist farms and hiking trails. Even the most demanding will find something for himself. Choose Poland and I guarantee you will not regret it.

However, there is so much to see in Poland and each one of us is different and has its own definition of the interesting holidays. Some like to just rest, some prefer sightseeing, some only need mountains or water, or closeness of nature. That is why I created a list for everyone. You may follow a history and/or architecture lovers’ path, wanderers’ path, the trail for water lovers and mountain fans, or simply those who like to be surrounded by nature. But there is also a special offer for cosmopolitans and people that love to party. Last, but not least I represent obligatory places to visit for all festival regulars. I’ve tried to select the places located near one another so there would be possible to visit shortly most of them. Of course these are just examples, it is you choice where to go and what kind of places to pick. Let me just represent you the options.

So let pack our backpacks and we head off on the adventure.

Path for history lovers
Poland is the country with long and complicated history with includes many magnificent and dramatic moments. We are fortunate that many of the places that tell the story of the past are still present in the landscape of Poland in quite good shape. It is practically impossible to see them all in one holiday, but there has been created a hiking trails to lead you through the country to most interesting locations.
The one of most popular is the Szlak Orlich Gniazd which can be translated into the “the Trail of Aeries (eagle nests)”. There is a 163,9 km path in the South of Poland that leads from Kraków to Cz?stochowa and allows you to visit the most beautiful group of fortresses from XII century. These medieval castles were built on the borders of Poland in order to protect the country from enemies and intrudes. They are called the Aeries because they are all located on high limestone hills.
The next interesting trail that allows you to visit a lot of related places is the Szlak Piastowski that leads you though the most important places connected with the first royal dynasty in Poland. You start form Pozna? and visit among other Biskupin – recreated settlement from the fifth century B.C., Strzelno, Kruszwica with Collegiate Church from the twelfth century in the Romanesque style, Gniezno – first capital of Poland and Kalisz one of the oldest towns in Poland.
If you are a big fan of medieval architecture and military orders you will surely love the next trail which is the Szlak Zamków Gotyckich – the Trail of Gothic Castles. In the offer you may find – a fortress in Malbork – the capital city of the monastic state of Teutonic Order, Nidzica, K?trzyn, Gniew and Ostróda. Each castle is very well preserved. They were all turned into museums with unique exposition. These are naturally only a few of all trails in Poland, but I can assure you there are all pretty special in their own way.
If you choose Malbork I would strongly recommend visiting a town Frombork nearby with a beautiful cathedral and the Nicolaus Copernicus museum and a planetarium. The famous astronomer Copernicus used to work and live there. Scientists even claim they found his remains there.
Another unmentioned, but beautiful location is castle in Mosznej and Czocha castle. The castle in Moszna is the XVII century monument in the western part of Upper Silesia. It is located in small village Moszna close to the city Opole. This gothic and baroque building was previously the residence of the Thiele-Winckler family. Now it is open for visitors and guests with lots of attractions for everyone. Zamek Czocha is a defensive castle located on the Lake Le?nia, between Zgorzelec and Jelenia Góra (southwestern Poland). Currently after renovations it is a great example of Renaissance architecture. The first mentions of the castle are dated back to XIII century. Both castles have intriguing histories and were the spectators of many events. With the places are connected many legends which hosts and guides of the castle will be pleased to tell.

Among other places worth seeing in case you are interested in history or architecture is definitely Toru?. This wonderful town, created by Germans, still carries signs of their presence which mixed with Polish culture creates very interesting effect. The climate of the Old Town is absolutely one in the kind. The city combines the modern with the past in truly unique way. Museums located there are also must-see. If you are lucky you may even encounter masterpieces of artists such as Rembrandt. To learn a bit about more recent history of Poland I suggest acquainting with Gda?sk and Szczecin. This two towns located on the coast of Baltic Sea witnessed first-handed rebirth of Polish freedom and independence. Gda?sk became a symbol for the Solidarity movement that strongly contributed to fall of communism in Poland. Many strikes and important events in our country took place also in Szczecin. Besides of that these are just lovely towns, very friendly for tourists with direct access to the sea and many other attractions like characteristic architecture and buildings and so on. Of course, it is impossible not to mention three cities that were the capitals of our beautiful country. Gniezno, Kaków and Warszawa can still charm you with their old towns, specific atmosphere and signs of history behind every corner.

Path of wanderer
If you like to wander around, get lost, but not necessary find your way back, Poland is one of a few best places where you can do it in particularly enchanting surroundings. As the first one, I would like to propose Ojcowski National Park. Natural green areas with unique limestone cliffs and rocks are a wonderful place to go for a long walk. If you prefer walk by the water you should definitely choose Masuria. Lakes, forests, peace and silence – it’s all included in Masuria’s offer. Should you feel the need to go sightseeing, towns such as Zamo?? and Lublin are perfect for a stroll. Another different idea is the Bieszczadzka Forest Railway. This narrow gauge railway built before the First World War is now one of the tourist attractions in Bieszczady mountains and original way to explore these part of Polish country.

Path for alpinists
Poland has a very wide range of mountains to pick from. There are majestic Karpaty with the highest range Tatry, lower but also charming Sudety with most famous range Karkonosze. Then, we cannot forget about the ?wi?tokrzyskie Mountains (the Holy Cross Mountains) the oldest in Poland and the Sto?owe Mountains (Table Mountains) – a part of Sudety – the most original one. If your passion is climbing you will love Tatry. Breath taking views, steep peaks and various hiking trails with cleverly located mountain hostels allow the tourist to hide from world for a while. Bieszczady are the perfect match for those who choose lower peaks, but still love the atmosphere and views. Particularly fascinating is late summer there when you can observe, covered with forests hills, in quaint colours such as red, gold and brown. Holidays in the mountains are also an opportunity to observe beautiful examples of rare flora and fauna that are kept protected in national parks. While visiting mountains you have also chance to learn a bit about culture of Polish people that live there. And there is no better way to do so than taste the traditional cuisine of mountaineers like oscypek.

The cost of week stay for two people in Zakopane for example costs around 700–1700 PLN (170 – 425 EUR) in good hotels but if you choose hostels it would be even cheaper. Add to it around 300 PLN (75 EUR) for food etc. and you may spend one week in Poland in quite comfortable conditions. Naturally, there are many options to make it even cheaper. It is all up to you.

The best way to get there is fly to Kraków and from there take a train or bus to Zakopane. After two-hours long journey that costs around 4 EUR you reach your destination.

Last, not least lets add a few words about Sto?owe Mountains which represent the only one in Poland example of plated structure with sheer mountain ledges. There are two main massifs: Szczeliniec Wielki and Skalniak on which there is a labyrinth B??dne Ska?y (Errant Rocks). Unparalleled appearance of the mountains will intrigue everyone. To reach Sto?owe Mountains you can use a train from Wroc?aw to the city K?odzko than a bus to Radków or take a car and drive there by yourself. Ther is also way to get there traveling from Czech Republic.

One night for single person costs between 25–70 PLN (6–18 EUR), and prices of food and tickets are at European level or cheaper.

Path for sea fans
Polish northern border is marked by the Baltic Sea. Therefore, Poland has an access to very long coastline where you may encounter high cliffs and beautiful beaches. It is a wonderful place both for walking, spending a day sunbathing and swimming in the sea. When you feel tired of lying on the warm sand, there are many places you can go to for a trip. There is the Wolin Island, old lighthouses, aquaparks, horse riding schools etc.

The price of one night varies heavily depending on the location and the type of accommodation. In big cities like Gda?sk you will pay more. Prices there starts from 50 to 200 PLN (13–50 EUR) for a night. Cheaper rooms can cost even 20 PLN (around 5 EUR). Exclusive hotels offer higher standard but are more expensive, too. A similar situation is with food.

Path for cosmopolitans and people that love to party
There are a few places in Poland where you know you can always find a party and lots of parting people. The is, of course, Warsaw the capital with number of clubs, discos and pubs. There is Zakopane, where social life is also quite vivid. And obviously – the Baltic Sea. Parties on the beaches, in the discos are very popular on the North of Poland. You definitely will not be bored there.

Path for festival regulars
Poland is also open for all those who love music. There is lots of festivals throughout a year to choose from. There is Open’er Festival (1st–4th of July 2015) and Orange Warsaw Festival (12th–14th of June 2015) and a festival in Jarocin (17th–19th July 2015). There, you will definitely have a chance to listen to the best bands and the hottest hits form the chards from Poland and abroad. If you look for more rock sound then I recommend Przystanek Woodstock – the Woodstock Festival (30th of July–1st of August 2015) and Festival of the Rock Legends (3rd–4th of July 2015) and Rock Na Bagnie – Rock on the Swamp (3rd–4th of July 2015). But it is not all, the fans of gothic music will be happy to hear that from 16th to 19th of July 2015 there is Castle Party in Bolków. Finally, there is the city called Mr?gowo where all country music fans will feel like at home. Their festival takes place this year between 24th and 27th of July 2015. This short list does not sum up all the festivals, but gives a glimpse of how popular they are in Poland. In the end we should mention just two other which stands out from those above, but are still quite wonderful. The first one, is the International Piano Chopin Festival in Duszniki-Zdrój (7th–15th of August 2015) which celebrates the music of our famous Polish composer Chopin and the Krakow Film Music Festival (27th–31 May 2015) which is one of the biggest festivals of music from movies in the Europe.

From the North to the South Poland is truly magnificent country with many mysteries and wide range of beautiful places worth seeing. Poland is a still developing country in which great respect to history and culture has helped keep the memories of the past alive. It is worth mentioning that 14 places from Poland are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is still quite undiscovered by the tourists from all over the world so it is easily accessible to anyone. Poland is wonderful place and has many to offer. Just come here and find out for yourself.

Europeans use a lot of public transport and the same rule applies to Poland. Not having a car does not pose a big problem – cities, towns and places within them are generally well-connected. If you enjoy environmentally-friendly solutions, are concerned with your budget or in some cases want to save time on your daily commute, public transport is the way to go. Find out what means of transport Polish people can use on daily basis.

The underground (in Polish always referred to as 'metro') works only in the capital city of Poland – Warsaw. At present, Warsaw has two metro lines. One of them joins the north with the south of the cit, while the other was open in 2014 and is still under construction to connect the western and the eastern part of the city.

Buses are still the most wide-spread means of transport in all Polish cities and in smaller towns. Time-tables can be found at every bus stop, and are rather reliable, as all schedules in Poland. Stop names are generally announed through a loudspeaker inside a bus and routes are displayed there as well, so it is not easy to get lost.
In using buses, beware of the so-called request stops. This means that you need to press a button if you want to get off, or wave to the driver if you want to get on a bus. Otherwise, the driver won’t stop. There are relatively few request stops but, first of all, you should know that night bus lines treat almost all stops in their timetable as request stops. That’s why if you travel at night, you must be careful so that a bus will not pass by you in your face. The next bus won’t come soon!

Besides buses, in several Polish cities, you can also use trams. They will let you reduce the time of a journey in the 15 most jammed cities in Poland, including Wroc?aw, Warsaw, Pozna?, ?ód? and Kraków. Some of them have become quite an attraction recently - there are antique tram trips around major Polish cities, which are set on historic routes during weekends.

In some cities: Lublin, Sopot, Tychy, and Gdynia, you can still encounter trolleybuses, which aren’t very popular at present. They are electric-powered vehicles, similar to trams, but they move on roads instead of tracks. Although they are an unquestionable tourist attraction for people visiting the cities which have trolleybuses, if you travel by them, you won’t feel any special difference in comparison to the ordinary bus transport.

A few years ago, the first city bike rentals appeared in Poland and they turned out to be a great success, since they are available 24/7 for almost 9 months throughout the year (excluding wintertime). Quickly gaining in popularity, the city bike rentals were launched in various Polish cities and even smaller towns, and a few other ones are planning to open them. In Warsaw, there are currently over 200 points of bike rentals and over 400 km of cycling paths.

Travelling between cities

While moving nationwide, you can choose out of three means of transport: railways, coaches and planes. Going by plane is definitely the fastest way of travelling, yet it is usually quite expensive. If you are lucky enough while buying a ticket, sometimes it can be even less pricey than trains or buses. The best way to take advantage of cheap flights is to keep up with the news on the Internet websites, such as Skyscanner and Fly4free, which notify about attractive discounts offered by airlines.

Although some Polish local coaches have seen better days, they have considerably risen in popularity in the recent years. It is thanks to a carrier, Polski Bus, which offers rides in Poland even from PLN 1. The company follows a simple rule: the earlier you book your ride, the cheaper your journey fare is. For example, if you buy a ticket from Gda?sk to Wroc?aw one day before you go, you’ll pay 45 zlotys, but two weeks before – 30 zlotys. You shouldn’t also complain about the comfort of travelling by this company’s buses. Polski Bus offers Wi-Fi free of charge, big leather seats, air-conditioning and a snack if the route is longer. Of course the competition is not

If you decide on a journey between two distant cities in Poland, you can always take into account going by an Intercity or interREGIO train. Intercity has two kinds of trains: TLK and EIC. TLK is the so called Tanie Linie Kolejowe (Eng. cheap train lines), which are slower and much cheaper than EIC – Express Intercity, representing a higher standard. In 2014, Express Intercity bought Pendolino trains, which are able to transfer you with a much higher speed than the trains previously available in Poland. On the other hand, InterREGIO is a cheaper alternative to the both types of trains offered by Intercity. Remember that in Poland you need to buy a separate ticket for every type of abovementioned trains - for instance, you cannot use InterREGIO tickets in EIC or TLK trains.

Comparison of a few means of transport which you can use to move between Polish cities, **Warsaw - Kraków, weekend**
Means of transport	Time	Student ticket price¹	Normal ticket price¹
TLK train (a longer route)	5 h 19 min	PLN 25.48 / EUR 6.37	PLN 52 / EUR 13
EIC train	3 h 3 min	PLN 49.78 / EUR 12.45	PLN 101.60 / EUR 25.40
interREGIO train	3 h 59 min	PLN 26.41 / EUR 6.60	PLN 53.90 / EUR 13.48
Plane (LOT airlines)	55 min	PLN 224.24 / EUR 56.06	PLN 224.24 / EUR 56.06
Bus (Polski Bus)	4 h 55 min	PLN 35 / EUR 8.75	PLN 35 / EUR 8.75

¹ticket bought a week before leaving

Source: Own elaboration on the basis of information published on public transport authorities' websites.

Travelling abroad

Similarly to travelling between Polish cities, you can go from Poland abroad by train, plane, or coach.

You should be aware that not each big city in Poland has an airport offering international flights. At present, they operate in 15 locations in Poland: Warsaw (2), Kraków, Pozna?, Wroc?aw, Katowice, Gda?sk, Rzeszów, Szczecin, ?ód?, Lublin, Bydgoszcz, Zielona Góra, Olsztyn, Radom.

Travelling abroad by train is not very popular, and the offer is rather poor. You can go by train from Poland to, i.e., Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, or Moscow. Trains used for international transport present high standard. The cars are usually air-conditioned and passengers can visit a diner if they wish.

There is a wide range of coach and minibus carriers which offer competitive prices of journeys abroad, as compared to other forms of transport. Although the journey is relatively cheap, it usually takes much time and is rather uncomfortable.

Travelling inconvenience

While planning your stay in Poland during winter, you must be aware of the inconvenience you may encounter on Polish roads and in trains. Winter usually takes Polish road-menders by surprise, which causes chaos on roads during strong frosts and snowfalls. It is worth wearing thick clothes because buses may be considerably delayed or break down on the way. The situation in Polish railways looks similar or even worse during a severe winter. Trains can be delayed even by several hours in winter and stations are often not heated.

Tickets

If you plan to travel by city public transport occasionally, the best solution will be to buy paper one-day tickets, single fare transfer tickets or time tickets. On the other hand, if you commute every day, it will be cheaper to purchase the so-called city card, which you can charge every month or every three months. Always remember to activate your card in a validating machine on a bus, tram or before entering the metro after you charge it for the first time, and each time you have charged it after it expired!

If you are a student below 26 years of age, you can take advantage of 50% discount tickets for public transport. Universities in Poland issue magnetic ID stripe cards for their students, which can be combined with a city card.

Prices of public transport student tickets¹ in three Polish cities
Types of tickets	Krakow	Szczecin	Warsaw
Single fare transfer ticket	PLN 1.90 / EUR 0.48	PLN 1.50² / EUR 0.38²	PLN 2.20 / EUR 0.55
One-day ticket	PLN 7.50 / EUR 1.88	PLN 6 / EUR 1.50	PLN 7.50 / EUR 1.88
30-day personal ticket	PLN 47 / EUR 11.75	PLN 50 / EUR 12.50	PLN 55 / EUR 13.75
90-day personal ticket	PLN 138.20 / EUR 34.55	PLN 130 / EUR 32.50	PLN 140 / EUR 35
Personal ticket for one semester	PLN 184 / EUR 46	PLN 210 / EUR 52.50	-

¹normal tickets are twice more expensive, ² 30-minute ticket

Source: Own elaboration on the basis of information published on public transport authorities' websites.

A valid public transport ticket gives you the right to travel by trains of local railways, i.e., within Wroc?aw, Warsaw, and Kraków. In the capital city the tickets cover the metro as well - so there is no need to buy a different type of ticket for using the underground. The majority of carriers offer their customers a possibility to save money when they buy tickets thanks to promotional prices. In case of long-term tickets, the period of ticket validity has a positive influence on the price. You are sure to save money every time you buy a 3-month ticket instead of renewing a monthly contract.

There are three possibilities of buying a ticket for nationwide transport. First of all, each type of tickets can be obtained in a ticket office at the train or bus station. Train tickets may be also purchased in a vending machine at the station (it’s not the same vending machine as the city public transport one) or, most conveniently, via the Internet. They may be stored in a paper or electronic version. People working in ticket offices usually don’t speak English, so the best solution will be to buy a ticket in a vending machine or online. Similarly to public transport in cities, when you travel by trains, you canenjoy a 51% discount for students below 26 years of age.

If you buy train tickets earlier, you can save money, too. For instance, prices in some InterREGIO trains begin with even PLN 1. It is highly recommended to check the prices online on a regular basis to get the best offer. Special packages for travelling groups are not so common in Poland, but it could be worth asking at the ticket office, whether you will get a lower price when buying more than one ticket. When it comes to air travel, Polish airlines LOT have a similar offer for the customers. As part of the Szalona ?roda (Eng. Crazy Wednesday) action, the carrier lowers ticket prices even by 50%.

Ticket control

While travelling by public transport, you can encounter ticket controllers. In case of the city public transport, ticket control is rather rare, but on trains it is almost impossible not to be asked about your ticket. You can present its paper version or show its QR code on a mobile device. Always remember to have your ticket on you and make sure that it is within your reach.

This is a calendar of cyclic events taking place in Poland through the year. Dates and sites are up to date in 2015, they might be shifted in next years. Besides there are numerous single events taking place in Poland each year.

Events are listed in chronological order and are divided into categories, which are signalized by a color of the event’s title: Sports green; Culture and art red; Food and drink yellow; Fashion and design blue; History and tradition marine.

The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity

second Sunday of January, global event
Go to the site
Yearly event when thousands of volunteers set off to the streets of Polish cities and many cities all over the world, in order to raise money to buy medical equipment for Polish hospitals. In the evening there is a huge concert in Warsaw to celebrate the Finale.

?ód? Street Food Festival

January, April, June, September, ?ód?
Go to the site
Such festivals are organized all over the world – especially in USA in order to show people that fast food does not necessarily need to be unhealthy. On one day in each of the named months Piotrkowska 217 hosts food trucks and restaurants selling street food from the menu prepared especially on the occasion of the festival. This event keeps attracting more and more consumers as well as restaurateurs.

Bieg Piastów

10^th January – 2^nd March, Jakuszycka glade, Szklarska Por?ba
Go to the site
One of the greatest mass skiing events in Europe. Competition in cross-country skiing attracting overall about 6 thousand participants. Also the race is a part of Worldloppet, which undoubtedly adds prestige to the event. In 2015 for the first time Bieg Piastów was part of FIS Marathon Cross-Country World Cup, what enabled amateurs to start with professionals.

WTA Katowice Open

6^th -12^th April, Katowice
Go to the site
One of the most high-profile tennis competitions in Poland. Women tournament with range of WTA International Series.

Beer Geek Madness

11^th April & 12^th September, Wroc?aw
Go to the site
This is a festival for craft beer lovers. The entire event is dedicated to this beverage. Various styles of beer from all over the world are offered to more and less choosy gourmets. Undoubtedly everyone will find something for themselves.

Fashionweek Poland

April & October, ?ód?
Go to the site
It takes place regularly twice a year and presents the newest and most fresh trends in Polish fashion for the next half of the year.

Mountain Balloon Competition

29^thApril – 3^rd May, Krosno
Go to the site
One of the most picturesque sports events in the country. It becomes more and more popular and hosts also competitors from abroad. Worth seeing!

‘Gaude Mater’ International Festival of Sacral Music

May, Cz?stochowa
Go to the site
This festival is renowned for its spirit, long standing tradition and high standard. It is a unique opportunity to listen to variety of types of sacral music (Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim) in breathtaking rooms of Jasna Góra abbey.

Tyczka na molo

23^rd May, Sopot
Go to the site
One of the world greatest pole vault competitions outside the stadium, attracting stars of Polish and International athletics.

Kraków Film Music Festival

27^th – 31^st May, Kraków
Go to the site
It is a happening one of its kind. The festival focuses on music created only in response to needs of motion pictures. Virtuous interpretations by international fames accompanied by high quality of film picture guarantee unforgettable experiences.

Colours festival

Summer, Warszawa, Wroc?aw, ?ód?, Kraków, Katowice, Toru?, Lublin, Kielce, Nowy S?cz
Go to the site
This event takes place in various cities in Poland as well as all over the world. It aims to literally make the world more colourful. Participants throw powder made of natural ingredients in the air and get all covered with colours. It is safe for your health and guarantees much fun!

Opole festival

June, Opole
Go to the site
It is a Polish music festival organized continuously since 1963. This event constitutes a summary of Polish music scene throughout the bygone year (since the previous festival).

4 Cultures Festival

June, ?ód?
Go to the site
It is a unique event incorporating forms of expression from various fields. There are debates, concerts, exhibitions, theater shows and audiovisual displays prepared by various artists, students and organizations. Mix of arts, nationalities and genres – real melting pot. And all this to make something despite the differences and show the beauty of diversity.

International Show Jumping Competition CSIO *****

4^th – 7^th June, Sopot
Go to the site
In 2015 this event gained rights to be a five star Equestrian competition, what has never happened before in Polish history. It is one of the most prestigious horse-jumping events worldwide. Organizer is Hipodrom Sopot.

Grolsch ArtBoom Festival

June, Kraków
Go to the site
Yearly art festival dedicated exclusively to modern art, design and architecture. Takes place in the public space of the city and has very interactive character. Artists will care not to leave you indifferent.

Orange Warsaw Festival

12^th – 14^th June, S?u?ewiec (Warsaw)
Go to the site
It is one of the biggest music events in Poland. Music types which definitely dominate are rock and pop. To check the artists starring this year visit the website.

Art Naif Festival

12^th June– 14^th August, Kraków
Go to the site
For two months visitors will be able to view more than 1500 works of art of almost 300 artists from more than 30 countries all over the world. This event catches the attention of passionates of the genre as well as laics.

Garlands on the Vistula

night 21^st – 22^nd June, Warszawa
Go to the site
This event aims to combine extremely old pagan traditions with modern ways of spending time. The tradition of letting flower coronets into the water originates in heathendom and hence is present in all the countries of central and eastern Europe and it takes place on the shortest night of the year. The festival takes place by the Vistula River in Warsaw and includes concerts, letting flower coronets into the river and numerous other attractions, for example culinary ones. It takes place in a very picturesque surroundings and is a perfect way to spend time with friends and family.

Open’er Festival

1^st – 4^th July, Gdynia
Go to the site
One of the biggest, if not the biggest, contemporary music festival in Poland. It attracts thousands to people to Gdynia, which is the city on the shore. This is why it is also an excellent opportunity to spend few days of summer by the sea. Not only is it a music event, but also a huge interdisciplinary festival combining various forms of artistic expression (fashion, theater, literature, painting). Everyone from kids to elderly will find something for themselves there. There is no doubt why European Festival Awards hailed it the Best Major Festival twice.

FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour – MAZURY Grand Slam

1^st – 31^st July, Stare Jab?onki
Go to the site
In a quiet village in beautiful Mazury region by the lake takes place the international beach volleyball championship under the auspices of International Volleyball Federation. Everyone knowing that volleyball is a kind of polish national sport should not be surprised with the fact that this event attracts numerous visitors.

St. Dominic’s Fair

1^st July – 31^st August, Gda?sk
Go to the site
This event takes place in Gda?sk since 1260. In 2014 the Fair was visited by over 6mln guests. Come this year to make the number even greater and find something precious for yourself among the antiques, pottery, books, jewellery and traditional dainties.

World Rally Championship – Poland

2^nd – 5^th July, Miko?ajki
Go to the site
Rally Poland is one of the thirteen rounds of World Rally Championship where rally masters from all over the world compete for the title of a World Master. A spectacular event – not only for rally fans!

Slot Art Festival

7^th – 11^th July, Lubi??
Go to the site
It is an amazing event destined for alternative culture lovers. It combines workshops, lectures, concerts, shows, displays, film projections and thousand other forms with great fun, making new friendships and developing personality. It takes place in an amazing picturesque place – baroque post-Cistercian abbey and supplies a lot of positive energy.

Suwa?ki Blues Festival

9^th – 12^th July, Suwa?ki
Go to the site
Festival for enthusiasts of blues music but also excuse to spend some time in this unique town and feel its culture and atmosphere.

Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days

9^th – 26^th July, Gdynia
Go to the site
It is nice to spend some time by the sea in the summer. Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days is a cyclic sailing event, which promotes sailing and is organized by Volvo, exactly alike renowned Volvo Ocean Race. During these days competitions in various classes are conducted. This event is characterized by unique atmosphere and is extremely picturesque.

Sonisphere

11^th July, Warszawa
Go to the site
It is a touring music festival. Takes place between June and August on the scenes all around Europe. Sonisphere hosts heavy rock music international stars such as Iron Maiden or Metallica so it is rather dedicated to enthusiasts of heavy sounds.

Jarocin festival

17^th– 19^th July, Jarocin
Go to the site
This festival took today’s from in 1980 and for a long time was the biggest festival of rock music in countries behind the Iron Curtain – occupied by ZSRR after the II World War. It preserved its alternative rock climate and hence is not only a rock music festival but also constitutes a piece of modern history.

Staging of the Battle of Grunwald

18^th July, Grunwald
Go to the site
One has a unique opportunity to move in travel in time and find themselves in the middle of Middleage battle – either as a spectator or as a participant. This event attracts thousands of visitors and is perfect way to learn and spend weekend on the fresh air away from city hustle.

T-Mobile New Horizons

23^rd July – 2^nd August, Wroc?aw
Go to the site
Film festival with extremely wide international reach. It attracts hundreds of professionals from the branch from all over the world. It is a perfect occasion to learn skillful young artists as well as talk to renowned film makers. It is also an occasion to taste diversed and by all means high quality cinema.

Woodstock Festival Poland

30^th July – 1^st August, Kostrzyn upon Oder
Go to the site
One of the biggest open-air festivals in Poland as well as in Europe, Woodstock Festival Poland, is a free admission event organized by The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation. Aside from world-renowned headliners, it hosts many young bands from all over the world and aims to propagate values such as peace and friendship.

Film and Art Festival Two Riversides

1^st – 9^th August, Kazimierz Dolny
Go to the site
It is an absolutely unique film festival due to three aspects. Primarily, it takes place in Kazimierz Dolny, which is a town completely devoted to art. Secondly, the festival has everything but mass character. It is destined for the enthusiasts of cinematography. Thirdly, it is interdisciplinary. It offers extraordinary mix of various artistic means of expression and types of cinema – foreign as well as domestic productions, big and small, more conventional and more alternative. Connects artists to spectators, binds music, literature, theater and visual arts.

Ostróda Reggae Festival

6^th – 9^th August, Ostróda
Go to the site
This small town by the lake once every summer hosts one of the biggest reggae festivals in Europe. The event is entirely devoted to reggae music and offers apart from concerts diversed program full of dancing workshops, festival’s cinema, educational meetings and displays. And above all unique Jamaica style atmosphere.

OFF Festival

7^th – 9^th August, Katowice
Go to the site
Music festival hosting artists performing alternative music. It takes place every year since 2006 and gets attention of thousands of young people. The director of the festival is a former vocalist of Polish rock band ‘Myslovitz’ – Artur Rojek.

Boles?awiec Pottery Festival

19^th – 23^rd August, Boles?awiec
Go to the site
Boles?awiec is the capital city of Polish pottery, famous worldwide for its cult ornaments. This festivity offers participants plethora of attractions – from artistic shows-concerts and cabarets, food fair and parade, to competition in making ceramics on a pottery wheel. The most important is however pottery fair, where one can buy beautiful sculptures and things of daily usage made by masters from all over the world. Visitors will also be able to visit backstage of potter’s workshop.

Tauron New Music

20^th – 23^rd August, Katowice
Go to the site
Relatively young, however extremely successful festival. No wonder why it draws attention of numerous fans as it is organized by true music enthusiasts aiming to present audience the most interesting pieces and creations from the areas of jazz, nu-jazz, electronics and dance music. The event offers also workshops, areas for kids and plethora of other conveniences. In 2010 it received European Festival Award for the Best Small Festival in Europe.

Sacrum Profanum Festival

September, Kraków
Go to the site
It is a unique and rather elite event. This internationally recognized and honored festival presents contemporary music played by the masters of the genre.

International Fireworks Festival

5^th September, Warszawa
Go to the site
Breathtaking spectacle prepared by specialists and winners of international pyrotechnic competitions. On this night the sky above Warsaw will be rather bright!

Wine Festival

5^th – 12^th September, Zielona Góra
Go to the site
Zielona Góra is Polish capital when it comes to wine. Region is friendly to wine producers and hence picking up grapes there at the beginning of autumn is now an over 155 years old tradition. During these days city offers program full of diversed events but most importantly – wine fair.

Gdynia Film Festival

14^th – 19^th September, Gdynia
Go to the site
The biggest film festival in Poland. It presents exclusively Polish cinema. All of the pieces are judged by a professional jury and the best receive prestigious titles in various categories. Spectators apart from displays are offered discussion panels with artists as well as other ways of meeting art, e.g. concerts and literature conversations as all those forms intersect while creating a movie.

Conrad Festival

October, Kraków
Go to the site
Patronized by the name of Polish author Joseph Conrad this is the most important literature related event in Poland. It has international scale and hosts authors writing various genres in various languages. Definitely unique!

Chopin Piano Competition

1^st – 23^rd October, Warszawa
Go to the site
One of the most prestigious and oldest classical music festivals, which is additionally a monographic festival – there are only pieces of one composer played.

Sopot Jazz Festival

7^th – 10^th October, Sopot
Go to the site
Artistic jazz festival in Sopot hosts artists of different nationalities, performing various types of music, bands as well as individuals.

?ód? Design Festival

8^th – 18^th October, ?ód?
Go to the site
The biggest event concerning design in Central and Eastern Europe. It offers displays of various styles – from industrial to art craft design. The festival gives possibility of close dialogue between artists and customers as well as may constitute source of powerful inspiration.

Warsaw Film Festival

10^th – 19^th October, Warszawa
Go to the site
Warsaw Film Festival set off as a modest student event. Now it has 26 years old tradition and is one of 14 events recognized by International Federation of Film Producers Associations. It presents cinema from all over the world and aims to familiarize the audience with artists and pieces which are only about to become famous drifting away from mainstream or simply being a step ahead everyone.

Camerimage

14^th – 21^st November, Bydgoszcz
Go to the site
One of the biggest festivals devoted to camera operators. Not only gathers much attention but also allows to see camera operators as artists whose impact in film production is invaluable.

Setting up your own business in Poland - start now

We live in the era of small and medium companies, powered by the drive of their proud owners. Poland is no different – there are over four million such organisations in our country. If you are a foreigner and want to contribute to this number, you will find out how to do that below.

Which company type?

Overall there are six types of commerce companies that Polish entrepreneurs can start, usually referred to in Polish as spó?ki. The type a foreigner can set up depends on their status according to the Polish law.

You can choose from all six of them and be treated in the same way as every Polish businessman if you fulfil one of the following conditions:

Possess a permanent residence card;
Possess a long-term EU-resident card;
Possess a temporary residence permit based on: family joining; long-term EU-resident permit; full-time higher education studies; marriage to a Polish citizen;
Possess a refugee status;
Are under subsidiary or temporary protection;
Possess a tolerated stay permit;
Possess a valid Pole’s Card.

In other cases you can only start the following types of ventures[1]:

Limited partnership
Limited joint-stock partnership
Limited liability company
Joint-stock company

This also applies to foreigners not residing in Poland – if you want to start one of the enterprises above, just go for it. Unless you want to be employed in it and perform specific tasks, you are not required to apply for any permits.

Do you want more in-depth information about investing in Poland?
Visit the website of PAIiIZ.

Legalising your stay

There are however foreigners who wish to move to Poland and combine getting a residence card with conducting business activities in Poland. Those can apply for a temporary residence permit, provided they abide by the following points:

Have health insurance
Possess stable source of income
Have been granted necessary permission to perform certain duties (if applicable)
Have a permanent place of abode in Poland

The company set up by a foreigner needs to either bring in the previous tax year a revenue no lower than 12 times the average monthly income of people living in the voivodeship it is based in or has been employing at least 2 people entitled to legal work in Poland. Otherwise, it can also prove that it is on its way to achieve this through innovation and new technologies.

They also have to provide their most recent tax settlement, prove the absence of arrears in their or the company’s finances, show its main contract, balance sheets and all documents confirming its revenue (or confirming hiring 2 employees as mentioned above/making every effort to achieve this).

And voilà - after completing this, you are now a proud owner of your own company and you may enjoy your residence card if you decided to apply for it. Much success in your business!

[1] Foreigners not fulfilling the conditions listed above are excluded from starting two types of partnerships: general partnerships and limited liability partnerships in Poland.

Temporary residence permit for students in Poland

Are you a student or about to become one in Poland? If you want to know how to handle your residence permit application, read our step by step guide to that.

Step 1: visa

Step 2: application prep

application form;
certificate of admission to university in Poland (example here);
proof of paying all required tuitions and fees;
proof of health insurance;
possession of necessary funds to support oneself in Poland (at least PLN 543 per month for as long as you intend to stay here);
possession of necessary funds to cover travel expenses back to home country if necessary (PLN 200 for a neighbouring country citizen; PLN 500 for a citizen of other EU country; PLN 2,500 for other citizens);
proof of accommodation (e.g. rental contract, dorm admission, hotel booking).

Step 3: application filing

What is the standard procedure of getting a temporary residence permit for Poland?

What if my visa expires?

What is my permit’s validity period?

What about employees & businessmen?

Students who are employed or own a business in Poland should apply for a temporary residence permit on the grounds of employment or business activity respectively, not education.

What if I stop studying?

Control of legality of stay & background check

An unexpected visit from some authorities to check a foreigner’s legality of stay in Poland is nothing to be afraid of. It is a standard procedure taking place in some circumstances and concerns the majority of aliens who want to reside in Poland.

Who may pay you a visit?

There are a few authorities entitled to conduct such check-ups on foreigners, including:

Customs officers
Border guards
Police
Foreigners’ office officials
Voivodeship Office representatives

What documents do you need?

Concerning your right to work or conduct business: work permit, declaration of intention to employ foreigner, job contract, confirmation of conducting business activity.

… as well as a proof of sufficient means to pay for medical treatment.

Many background checks and controls concern foreign spouses of Polish nationals.
Read here about international marriages in Poland.

Background check

Hit the road, Jack! Getting driving licence in Poland

Poland’s excellent public transport does not mean that foreigners have to give up driving. If you cannot live without a car – you are about to find out the specifics of our roads and learn how to get a Polish driving licence!

Before hitting the road

Some basic information needs to be introduced to every foreigner moving to Poland. Poland uses the right-hand traffic, just like most European countries do. This rule of the road has been officially in use since 1920s and no other option is possible.

Another important thing to remember is that each country has a different driving etiquette. In general, Poland is known for a rather straightforward application of driving rules. Whatever is established by the law, should be implemented on the road. This applies to the use of seatbelts (they are always obligatory), strict drunk-driving law (the acceptable limit of blood alcohol content is 0.02%) and many speed restrictions (beware of radar traps and policemen hiding behind a corner).

Do I need a licence?

If you are an EU citizen – lucky you, you can drive using your own licence as long as it’s valid and not restricted in any way. Nevertheless, please bear in mind that after 180 days of residence in Poland you are obliged to exchange your driving licence for a Polish one, otherwise facing problems with car insurance. Your original document will be collected and sent back to your home country, but you will be able to retrieve it upon coming back.

People from outside the Eurozone can also use their licence provided it is accompanied by the International Driving Permit. This passport-like document has to be paired with your own driving licence and, as in the case of European documents, is valid only for 180 days. After this period foreigners residing in Poland need to either exchange their driving documents or…

Apply for a Polish licence

In order to do that, four conditions need to be fulfilled.

You need to be a resident of Poland.
You need to meet the age requirements for the category you want to obtain.
You need to pass medical tests.
You need to pass a theoretical and practical driving exam.

The first three points are easy to explain. First of all, as you already know, after 180 days of a legal stay in Poland you may be considered a resident of the country and your visa or residence permit is there to prove it. Secondly, each category is restricted for people of specific age. Currently it is 18 years old for the most popular B category (for cars), however ages vary for other permits. Another thing is passing medical tests – these usually include standard eyesight, hearing and balance tests. Bear in mind that these examinations cost PLN 200.

Theory and practice

Point no 4 from the list above involves dual examinations of theoretical and practical knowledge. Both tests are organised by local road traffic centres called WORD in Polish. Before attempting to pass them, new drivers are obliged to enrol for a driving course. There is a variety of driving schools in each city and even smaller towns, although exams are conducted only in those which host WORD facilities. Courses are paid (around PLN 1000, depending on a school) and include 30 hours of theoretical lectures and 30 hours of practising driving behind the wheel. There are even schools offering instructions in foreign languages, but it depends again on the city you want to learn in.

Don't know where to find your nearest WORD?
Take a look at the map!

The big day

You can take both exams on the same day or separately, whichever option suits you more. The theoretical exam fee is PLN 30, while the practical one costs PLN 140. The theoretical examination is 25 minutes long and contains 32 questions revolving around typical traffic-related situations and practical knowledge. After passing it, you are allowed to take your driving exam. This includes pointing a correct part of the engine area under a car’s bonnet and driving along curved lines so as not to cross them. The last part before driving out into the city is doing a successful hill start with the use of a hand-brake. If all of the above are conducted correctly, an examinee is asked to drive through the streets, usually following a set route known by driving instructors from the local area. If no serious mistakes are made, congratulations - your exam is passed.

One issue related to taking these exams by foreigners is the language barrier. Up to 2013 professional interpretors were allowed to assist people who cannot speak Polish during the examination process. Now the regulation is not in force as the authorities claim that interpretors used to help foreigners out not only with interperting, but also with answering some questions.

Getting the card

Before doing the WORD tests each candidate is obliged to apply for a PKK (driver candidate’s profile) by filing this form. In order to do that, foreigners will need a valid ID, medical certificate of being fit for driving, one current photograph in colour (size: 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm) and a copy of a visa or residence permit. This makes the whole process easier and after a successful exam you should get your licence within two to four weeks.

Are you looking forward to testing Polish roads? Share your experience with getting a driving licence and reassure others going through the same – it’s not that bad, right?

Poland has made amendments to its Act on Foreigners in order to implement the EU's directive regarding third-coutry nationals who come to Europe for the purpose of studies or scientific research. What are the most important updates?

Studying as a third-country national

You can apply for a Polish temporary residence permit if you are starting or continuing your higher education in Poland, conduct scientific research, work as an intern or participate in the European Voluntary Service programme. You may be also eligible for a national visa or a temporary residence permit if you intend to attend preparatory courses for studies.

However, some host institutions (such as research units, entities hosting interns) will now need to be approved and registered with the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration. The requirement will not apply to academic institutions, public vocational schools or military universities. The aim of the new regulation is to prevent fictitious students from obtaining residence permits for the purpose of studying only to discontinue their education soon afterwards.

Increased mobility

According to its provisions, the new EU directive should promote the Union "as an attractive location for research and innovation and advance it in the global competition for talent".

Therefore, third-country nationals who are studying or conducting research in a European Union country, will now be able to take part in exchange programmes and stay on the territory of a different member state for a longer period of time. From now on, not only students, but also researchers and scientists (along with their family members) will have the possiblity to travel within the Union for up to 180 or even 360 days.

Furthermore, third-country nationals who have completed their studies or scientific research in Poland, will be able to obtain a temporary residence permit for nine months in order to seek employment or start their own business in Poland.

More grounds for refusal

Additionally, Poland has introduced a few changes falling beyond the scope of the EU directive. Following the new amendment, temporary residence and work permits, as well as temporary residence permits for the purpose of performing work requiring high-level qualifications, will not be granted to foreigners who stay on the territory of Poland on the basis of:

a Schengen visa or a national visa issued by the Polish authorities for tourism purposes or for visits to family or friends, or
a visa issued by another Schengen state for tourist purposes or for visiting friends or family.

Detailed information on all the changes can be found on the website of the Polish Office for Foreigners.

More foreigners in Poland to be granted the right to work

A new amendment to the Polish Foreigners Act will take effect on 1 December 2020. From now on, foreigners In Poland will be able to apply for work permits on the basis of humanitarian visas.

Foreigners who have been granted a Schengen visa or a Polish national visa for humanitarian reasons will soon be able to take up employment in Poland. The latest amendment to the Foreigners Act, which will come into effect on 1 December 2020, sets out additional grounds on which citizens of other countries may gain access to the Polish job market. Up until now, third-country nationals usually had to obtain a work visa in order to work legally in Poland, meaning those who had left their countries for non-economic reasons were often not permitted to search for jobs here.

According to the information published by the Polish Office for Foreigners, work permit applications submitted by holders of humanitarian visas will be considered and processed by voivodeship offices. It is believed that the new regulations will prove beneficial to hundreds of Belarusians who have recently left for Poland to escape repression.

The Polish government has unveiled plans to exempt those foreigners who reside in Poland on the basis of humanitarian visas from the obligation to apply for work permits. An amendment to the relevant regulation has already been proposed and is expected to come into force early next year.

Note that there has been another change to the Foreigners Act recently. Under the new amendment, foreigners who apply for national visas to Poland - and do not have other health insurance coverage - will be required to be covered by travel medical insurance for the entire stay in Poland. More information on that requirement is to be released soon.

Learn more: Office for Foreigners

What rights do refugees and asylum seekers have in Poland? Find out here.

Civil law contracts: contract of mandate – pros & cons

There are two types of job agreements regulated by the Civil Law and the contract of mandate (umowa-zlecenie) is one of them. It is often offered to people starting their career, but many people are suspicious about it. Why is that and what positive aspects are there to a contract of mandate?

Although contracts of mandate are regulated by the law (the Civil Code, to be more specific), they are still far more flexible than proper employment contracts. This is what makes them so popular in Poland and also what used to spark some controversy. They are usually used when an employer wants an employee to perform certain activities or to complete some specific work, but does not want to hire them under a traditional contract of employment.

What caused controversy with regard to this type of contracts? Employers are charged with lower employment costs while at the same time employees are not protected to the same extent as with contracts of employment. It was especially infuriating for people working under these civil law contracts since many of them included tasks that could easily be qualified as full-time employment.

What changed? In 2017 a new amendment to the Civil Code introduced minimum hourly wage for contacts of mandate. As of 2018 it amounts to PLN 13.7 gross per hour. The changes also obliged the employers to keep a record of time spent by an employee at work, but it did not specify in what ways it needs to be done.

Read more about the minimum wage in Poland.

Pros of contracts of the mandate:

possibility to delegate work to a subcontractor;
freedom (limited employer supervisory over tasks delegated to an employee);
short notice (unless prearranged otherwise with an employer);
higher salary for students younger than 26 (no obligation to pay healthcare contributions by an employer).

Cons of contracts of the mandate:

no privileges coming from the Labour Law (paid holidays, paid overtime etc.);
no maternity, paternity or sick leave;
no accident insurance or severance pay;s
short notice (unless prearranged otherwise with an employer);
smaller access to e.g. bank loans.

Let us know if you have ever had a contract of mandate in Poland and what is your experience with it, either good or bad!

Renting an apartment: average prices & safety tips

After coming to another country, the first idea of how to find a place to live is to search the internet and rent a flat online. Yet, sometimes people looking for a place to stay in another country while still being abroad,happen to pay for an apartment that may not even exist. For internationals coming to a foreign country it is important to know how to rent an apartment safely and what things should be avoided in order not to get scammed.

In order to verify a flat offer, you should have a good eye for apartment offer details. Make sure that all the information about the apartment makes sense. Do not hesitate to ask questions about bills, internet connection, and possible damages. You can also ask for additional photos of the apartment; if the landlord refuses to provide them, you should not deal with such person anymore. Use Google Maps to check whether the apartment location actually exists.

Before renting a flat, you should first of all get to know the average market prices for a flat of your interest. If you find a flat costing half the price, do not get too excited since it may be pure scam.

The average prices for the biggest Polish city centre flats are:

Apartment type:	Warsaw	Kraków	Pozna?	Wroc?aw	Gda?sk
Studio apartment (average standard)	PLN 1,800 - PLN 2,200	PLN 1,500 - PLN 1,900	PLN 1,300 - PLN 1,700	PLN 1,900 - PLN 2,300	PLN 1,600 - PLN 2,000
Two-room apartment	PLN 2,600 - PLN 3,200	PLN 2,300 - PLN 2,900	PLN 1,700 - PLN 2,500	PLN 2,400 - PLN 3,000	PLN 2,300 - PLN 2,700
Three-room apartment	PLN 3,600 - PLN 5,000	PLN 3,300 - PLN 4,500	PLN 2,000 - PLN 2,700	PLN 2,800 - PLN 3,400	PLN 3,000 - PLN 4,000
Four-room apartment	PLN 4,000 - PLN 6,000	PLN 3,700 - PLN 5,500	PLN 2,500 - PLN 3,200	PLN 3,700 - PLN 5,500	PLN 3,600 - PLN 5,000

Some landlords or Facebook users providing accommodation ask for additional payment if you would like to see the apartment first. Do not pay any fees upfront if you have not seen the apartment yet. In Poland it is not a rule and you have a right to view the apartment without any additional charges.

A usual rental period in Poland is twelve months. Therefore, make sure that you will stay in the apartment for such period of time; it is usually impossible to terminate the agreement sooner. The deposit for the flat in Poland is usually equal to one month rent.

It is important to negotiate every detail connected to the accommodation before signing the contract. For example, the maintenance of the property should be landlord’s responsibility. Nevertheless, while signing the contract, you should watch out for hidden clauses that may shift the burden to you.

There are several things you should pay attention to while viewing an apartment. Every room and corner should be examined carefully. Try to notice any damages, inform the landlord, and ask them to be repaired. Otherwise, when leaving the apartment, you may be charged for them, even though they had already been there before your arrival. Look for a flat that is convenient and suitable for you. Make sure the flat is well maintained; if it does not have a washing machine or a microwave, you will have to buy them yourself.

If you already know that you will have roommates, talk with them about the landlord, the location, and the flat itself. This is one of the best ways to know more about your potential future home during your stay in Poland. Try to pay special attention to the landlord's behavior and manner of speech. They should be polite and calm. Avoid aggressive and pushy landlords who just want to rent you the apartment for the longest possible term.

Do not forget about public transport access and check whether the connection allows to commute to your job or university quickly.

If you have a pet and you plan on taking it to the flat, you should ask the owner before signing the lease agreement. Last but not least! Make sure you understand all parts of the agreement; if not, it is better to ask for an English version.

Are you a student considering a move to Poland?
Read more on costs of studying in Poland.

Information that should be included in your contract:

Personal data of landlord and tenant
Duration of rent and the lease notice period (in Poland it is usually three months)
Payment deadlines
Payment method (It is highly recommended to pay via bank transfer in order to have an official payment confirmation.
Cost of lease and utilities (utilities are not always included in the rental cost)
Amount of deposit and its form of return (It should be returned at the day of rent ending, or taken as a payment of the last month's rent)

More tips:

Your main responsibility as a tenant is paying rent and bills on time.
Before choosing the place to live, it is better to read about the districts of the city first as they may significantly vary in terms of safety, price, and access to different facilities.
Calculate what type of accommodation you can afford. Do not rent an apartment which you can barely afford. Remember that cost of living is not only rent pay and bills, but also food, transportation, and others.

Article by Pepe Housing:

Polish higher education can be considered as one of the most dynamically developing areas of social life. During the last 25 years, Polish universities have changed considerably, mainly because of the collaboration with other countries in the internationa

Different countries – different studies?

Just the opposite. In 1999, Poland along with other countries signed the Bologna Declaration, namely a document containing tasks to make higher education systems of the European countries similar. For several years, our country has been trying to realize the idea of making studies more convenient and removing non-necessary formalities resulting from system differences. That’s why we have introduced a three-level system of studies: bachelor level (6 semesters), master level (4 semesters) and PhD level (from 6 to 8 semesters), and we take part in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Actively participating in international student exchange programmes, Polish higher education promotes also mobility. ERASMUS+ is the most popular programme (in its new version, it was launched in 2014), which is created not only by the European Union countries, but also by, i.a., Switzerland, Turkey, Iceland, Lichtenstein and partner countries neighbouring the EU. You can find more information on www.ec.europa.eu or in local Eurodesk offices (each office also has its own website). In Poland, bilateral agreements, as part of this programme, were signed by 324 universities in 2012-13. It’s also worth mentioning the CEEPUS project, which is the Central European university exchange programme. All the information on this programme can be found on www.ceepus.info.

Why is it worth doing?

For several reasons. Certainly, for the tradition. The first university in Poland was established in 1364 (as the second one in this region of Europe, after Prague) and it still exists. At present, we have 400 state universities (free of charge) and private ones (paid). At the same time, we are on the fourth place in Europe as regards the number of people studying in our country (over 1.5 million students). Polish universities are also becoming more and more innovative. Modern university campuses with access to the state-of-the-art laboratories and research centres are appearing in the major academic locations. So far, over 2,000 scientific centres have been modernized.

How can I start studying in Poland?

First of all, contact the international exchange office at your university. It will indicate the organizations that signed a bilateral agreement with your school. As a scholarship holder of the delegating party, you should also know that the studies at state universities are free of charge if you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or you possess Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card). The other students in Poland will bear the cost of studies which amounts to 2,000 euros at the minimum.

The most popular Polish universities among foreigners in 2013
No.	University name	Number of foreign students
1	University of Warsaw	1514
2	Jagiellonian University, Krakow	1363
3	University of IT and Management, Rzeszow	1282
4	Medical University of Lublin	1055
5	Poznan University of Medical Sciences	951
6	Lazarski University	911
7	Warsaw University of Technology	769
8	Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University	702
9	University of Wroclaw	681
10	Medical University of Gdansk	675

Source: International Students in Poland 2013 by Study in Poland.

What if I don’t speak English?

It’s not an obstacle for Polish universities. More and more of them run courses in foreign languages (in 2013, there were over 500 such programmes). Yet if you would like to learn Polish, you can attend a several months’ course before you start your studies. They are organized by all the universities that participate in international exchange programmes.

Is visa a prerequisite?

It isn’t if you are a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area. Yet as studies last longer than 90 days, you should think about temporary residence permit. All other students should apply for a student visa in a Polish consulate or embassy in their own country.

Studying and working

Because of the more and more dynamic development of the labour market, especially in the area of shared service centres, employers and universities are trying to work together more closely. Having the status of a Polish student, you can visit a university job fair, where you will talk to company representatives in English, or go to the university career office, where career advisors will help you find a job matching your competencies.

Europe promotes mobility

"International student exchange programmes appeared in the educational offer of Polish universities over 20 years ago. About a decade ago, a journey as part of the Erasmus programme was still something unusual, wrapped in mystery, only “for the chosen ones”. It was legendary how many criteria you need to fulfil, how difficult competition to win, and how hard it is to make up for curriculum differences.

At present, spending two or three years at one university looks even strange: international collaboration offices, helping students to handle all travel formalities, have become an integral element of “each university that has a sense of self-respect”.

The issues of internationalization have become the key bargaining chips in the battle for the best students, raising universities’ competitiveness at the increasingly difficult education market."

Julia ?ysik, Fundacja Edukacyjna “Pespektywy” (educational foundation)

Before you arrive: ways to learn Polish on your own

Whether you are waiting for a job transfer to Warsaw or applying for a scholarship at our universities, knowing Polish can be more than helpful once you get here. The Polish language is seen as one of the hardest to learn, but fear not, here are our tips!

Good old books

The variety of the Internet resources is astonishing, but if you are a traditionalist, who wishes to learn Polish with a book in hand, there are a lot of them to choose from. Almost every European language has a student book dedicated for students of Polish and the number is still growing! Polski bez tajemnic was designed with German-speaking learners in mind, while Le Polonais en 4 Semaines is for the French. There are also numerous books with no specific target users, the most commonly used being probably Hurra!!! Po polsku or Polski krok po kroku.

Learn online

If you still prefer using the web, try online courses. There is a wide range of websites offering Polish courses for foreigners who want to master this language. You can choose from those that are free of charge, as well as some paid ones. Duolingo is a good idea if you are willing to cut back on your expenses, whereas Rosetta Stone remains one of the most popular paid courses.

Podcasts are always a good idea

When you are comfortable with the basics, improve your comprehension. You may not have easy access to the Polish television, but have a go with podcasts, which can be related to a variety of topics. Polskie Radio (Polish Radio) offers them on its official website. If you still need to brush up your basics, listen to some of the podcasts targetted at foreigners learning our language, such as PolishPod101.

Helpful Youtube

If you are looking for more laid-back listening materials, have a look at Youtube. You will find easily-accessible videos touching upon anything that may possibly interest you. The Polish-language section of Youtube is no different from the rest of the world – we also have gamers, beauty vloggers, sports fans, amateur chefs and many more. Get started with something you enjoy and explore it in Polish!

The written word

For those who prefer reading to listening, there is a whole new land to discover. Major Polish newspapers have their online editions (Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolita), while bloggers, similarly to Youtubers, post basically about any topic that can be of interest to you. With your knowledge of the basics, a dictionary within arm's reach and some motivation, this should be a task worthy of your attention.

Follow the Chinese

Does Polish still seem too difficult to you? Maybe music will do the trick? Watch this viral video of Chinese students singing a golden oldie originally recorded by the band Czerwone Gitary. Bear in mind that these students from Beijing Foreign Studies University have been learning Polish for just a year, so even native speakers are impressed. Are you feeling competitive yet?

Did you know that Poland’s oldest university in Kraków dates back to 1364? No wonder Poland’s academic offer includes a variety of medical & business schools, law faculties, linguistic courses, humanities and more… Let’s talk about ‘more’ today! We give you a few unusual and rare courses that Poles can major in. Or who knows, if you learn Polish well enough, you may take part as well!

Urban renewal

Students can take part in this 2-year-long Master’s programme in ?ód?, Poland. It is a joint project of the University of ?ód? and ?ód? University of Technology. The participants will gain knowledge about such areas as architecture, urban planning, engineering, environmental studies, economics, management, sociology, geography or even pedagogics. There is probably no better city than ?ód? to study this major! ?ód? itself can serve as a great example of urban regeneration and renewal projects are underway all the time.

Parish management

Postgraduate courses of this kind are or have been offered at a few educational facilities in Poland. Right now, parish management studies are available for instance for orthodox priests at the University of Bia?ystok, a city famous for its cultural diversity. It is worth stressing that such courses are offered not only to clergymen, but also to people who simply want to learn more about budgeting for and overseeing NGOs.

Culinary art engineering

Yes, in Poland you can become an engineer specialising in… gastronomy and culinary art, but after all the food industry is an industry, so it needs engineers. Students learn how to run all sorts of eating places, gaining technological, legal and dietary knowledge, as well as professional training in team management skills. This Bachelor’s degree can be earnt at UWM in Olsztyn.

Are you a foreigner who really wants to study in Poland?
Find out about the costs of studying in Poland for foreign students.

Herbalism

If you dismiss medical schools as old news, but still would love to help people, here is something more quirky and Hogwarts-like: herbalism. The University of Life Sciences in Lublin offers a full set of Bachelor and Master’s courses in this discipline. Sounds like a paradise for all the people loving natural remedies, whom we seem to get more and more of these days!

Humanities 2.0

All of the above sound too technical and you are more of a free-thinker? UKW in Bydgoszcz runs a BA course which aims to present the second generation of humanities. Dusty reading room days are over, it is time for social media, e-commerce, video games and e-learning. A lot of humanities students have been mocked in Poland for their inability to adjust to the technologically improving world – will Humanities 2.0 student be laughed at as well?

Hopefully soon these and some more interesting courses will be available in English for all foreigners to join in with new ideas. After all, you may know some herbs that are not very popular among Polish certified herbalists, but are common in your home country. Share some unusual studies from universities in your countries, too!

Summer camps – good idea for intensive language learning?

Summer’s here and although it is considered the best time to relax and unwind after a busy year of work, many enjoy combining chilling out with some even more purposeful activities. Language course may be one of them and those of you who struggle with your Polish should definitely check out the option!

Breaking the record

One of the most popular summer language camps is hosted every year by the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. This year, the department responsible for teaching Polish announced that there has been a record number of participants signing up for the university’s camp in a lovely tourist town, Cieszyn. Over 200 people have enrolled to join the teachers and learn as much Polish as possible within the four weeks of August! Students come from different backgrounds: there are people from Azerbaijan, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, China… to name a few nations. Is Polish really THAT popular?

Choose your approach

All recent studies on education show that individual approach is the way to go when it comes to language teaching. This is why intensive summer camps choose to diversify their offer and apart from introducing strict grammatical rules, they like to include Polish culture and traditions in the syllabus. In the Silesian language school, students will have a chance not only to cram over their course books, but also to meet Polish artists, businessmen, academic teachers and journalists. Other summer schools also like to integrate teaching with discussing politics, social issues, history or art. Thanks to that the participants will acquire the language and culture without even realising it.

And how about general background of Polish higher education?

Your options

If this sounds tempting and you would like to give summer school a go, there are a few options to choose from. Most major universities in Poland host such language camps each summer:

… and more!

Make sure you check out the fees and the place your camp is taking place. Do you prefer to take part in a summer school at some popular tourist destination? Or do you want to stay in a big city and attend classes and short trips there? For obvious reasons, pay attention to the programme, its duration and the language level that you choose. And most importantly – have fun learning Polish.

Knowledge transfer: universities & business

According to many, academia and entrepreneurship do not always go hand in hand. Nevertheless, the academic community has been the actual driving force for much of Poland’s success and a convincing proof of progress. Poland is regularly ranked among top countries with the biggest rate of young people receiving university education. How is that reflected in their innovation and why you should think about applying for a Polish university?

Higher education system

Business & Polish universities

Spin-offs

Incubators

Business academies at universities

A good example of such an activity is the cooperation between the Ko?mi?ski University (ALK) in Warszawa and Accenture Operations Poland.

We have been supporting its two programs, Virtual Environment Management and Finance & Accounting, since September 2016. Our managers contribute also to the University’s Program Council, says our expert, Edyta Ga?aszewska-Bogusz, Director at Accenture Operations Poland.
What’s in it for Accenture? Our aspiration is to support education of the talent which will shape the future business. Out of Poland, we run complex international programs for multiple global clients and we do not mind sharing our experience. We bring to the table extraordinary expertise of our people and real case studies. So far we have organised lectures on such vital business topics as, among others, e-commerce, digital marketing and financial reporting. We are planning to hire the best talents taking part in the program in the nearest future, she adds.

Does it work?

Programming (Warsaw University team were runner-ups in the 41st Annual World Finals of the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest 2017);
Space exploration (Rzeszów University of Technology team won for the second time in a row in University Rover Challenge 2016);
Aerospace engineering (Warsaw University of Technology in SAE Aero Design West);
Energy production (?ód? University of Technology in International Small Wind Turbine Contest 2017);
Robotics (Polish high-school students from Kra?nik were runner-ups in the FIRST Global Challenge 2017);
… and many more.

Free Polish language courses for foreigners

Some of our readers have reached out to us with an interesting question: are there any free Polish language courses for expats? Well, as it happens, yes, there are. Take a look at the list below to find out where you can learn Polish for free!

Warsaw

Foreign Language Teaching Foundation Linguae Mundi

The foundation offers a variety of free courses for foreigners in Poland, including Polish language classes for children and adults, Polish courses for specific purposes, or Polish history and culture classes. Unfortunately, due to a high number of applications, the general language courses are not available at the moment but you may want to take part in other classes dedicated to expats. You can enrol in a course in person at the foundation.

Fundacja Ocalenie

The classes are open to everyone, however note that refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants from outside the European Union are given priority during registration.

Fundacja dla Somalii

Fundacja dla Somalii (The Foundation for Somalia) runs a number of projects which help foreigners integrate with their local communities. In order to take part in a free language course, you need to submit your application and pass an interview.

Centrum Wielokulturowe

Staromiejski Dom Kultury

Centrum Wielokulturowe (The Warsaw Multicultural Center) and Staromiejski Dom Kultury (a cultural centre in the Old Town) launch new language courses (free of charge) every few months so you’d better keep an eye out for updates.

Bielsko-Bia?a

O?rodek Integracji Obcokrajowców w Bielsku-Bia?ej

The center offers free language courses to foreigners who live and/or work in Bielsko-Bia?a. More information on the courses can be found on this facebook page.

Bydgoszcz/Toru?

Fundacja EMIC

The EMIC foundation can be found in two cities: Bydgoszcz and Toru?. Both centres run free Polish language classes dedicated to foreigners from outside the EU.

Katowice

Uniwersytet ?l?ski

The University of Silesia offers free Polish language classes to third-country nationals (foreigners from outside the EU), who are at least 16 years old and reside in Silesia. More information on the course can be found here (Polish). In order to take part in the classes, you need to submit your application (including a cover letter) and take a qualification test.

Tricity

Europejskie Centrum Solidarno?ci

All foreign inhabitants of Gda?sk are welcome to participate in free language courses and conversations hosted by the European Solidarity Centre.

Sopockie Centrum Integracji i Wsparcia Cudzoziemców

Feel free to take part in open language classes and conversations "Mówimy po polsku!" (We speak Polish!) organized by the Sopot Integration and Support Centre for Foreigners. More information on the events can be found here.

Wroclaw

Polish Speaking Club

Wroc?aw na j?zykach ?wiata

If you happen to live in Wroc?aw, you may want to attend some language events organized by the Polish Speaking Club. You can also take part in a special project called "Wroc?aw na j?zykach ?wiata" and be matched with volunteers waiting to teach you some Polish.

Other

Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej

Students of the Polish language at foreign universities can benefit from free summer courses organized by the National Academic Exchange Agency in Poland. Learn more about the programme: Polish language and culture summer courses.

If you know of any other free language courses for foreigners, let us know and we will add them to the list!

See what apps you can use to improve your language skills - 7 free apps to help you learn Polish.

6 reasons why Polish language is less scary than it seems

There are plenty of online articles listing all the challenges faced by foreign learners of Polish. But why don't we ever look at the easier side of things?

How many times have you been told that Polish is a nightmare of a language and it takes a lot of effort to learn? Surely it can't be that scary! Here are a few things that can actually make your learning process easier!

1. NO SPELLING BEES

To say that English spelling is confusing would be an understatement - its pronunciation rules are famously inconsistent, not to say illogical, reflecting the convoluted history of the English language. Take the following words: cough, though, through. It would be natural to assume they are all pronounced more or less the same way, but English is far trickier than that. Polish orthography, on the other hand, is largely phonemic, meaning the written symbols (graphemes) usually correspond to individual spoken sounds (phonemes) and once you learn the basic spelling rules, nothing can really take you by surprise. Obviously, there are a few orthographic traps here and there - the letter “ó” sounds exactly like “u” and “rz” is pronounced just like “?” - but all in all, it can be argued that Polish spelling rules are a piece of cake compared to the English ones.

2. OUT OF ORDER

Being a highly inflected language, Polish has more flexible word order than English or German. It is the endings of the words that carry the meaning of the sentence and while it is important to get the declension right, you do not need to concentrate that much on the position of the verb or the sentence subject. Unsurprisingly, the standard word order is the same as in English (subject-verb-object), but you can reverse it (object-verb-subject) and still be perfectly understood. Bear in mind however, that such changes will shift the emphasis from one word to another.

3. LESS STRESS

Polish intonation and rhythm may sound pretty “flat” to foreign ears but at least the position of stress in words is very predictable. In most cases, the primary stress falls on the same (penultimate) syllable, so you don’t need to stress over stress too much.

4. FAMILIAR TERMS

Polish vocabulary will surely look all Greek to you if you do not speak any other Slavic language, but after a while you will notice quite a lot of familiar words. Polish has more loanwords from English (weekend, mecz, bud?et, komputer), French (biuro, fryzjer, portmonetka, bi?uteria) or German (dach, szlafrok, kartofel, handel) than you may initially expect.

5. NOBODY’S PERFECT

The one thing you need to keep in mind when speaking any foreign language is that there is no shame in making mistakes - even native speakers make grammatical errors! In truth, Poles also have trouble conjugating certain words and hardly anyone can get the hang of all the numeral forms. That is not to say you should not pay attention to grammar, but never be afraid to speak!

6. APPRECIATION

No matter how basic your Polish skills are, it is guaranteed your efforts will be appreciated by native speakers. And that can keep you motivated more than anything else. Are you ready to start your Polish classes now?

Learn Polish with these free mobile apps!

Learning a new foreign language is no mean feat - especially if by "foreign" you mean "Polish". Fortunately, nowadays we have plenty of free learning resources to choose from. Mobile apps can never replace a real language course, but they can help you achieve your goals faster! That's why we have selected some free language apps which will do exactly that - accelerate your process of learning Polish.

1. Duolingo

All avid language learners know the Duolingo website and app well. At the moment, Duolingo offers free courses in more than 30 languages (real and fictional), including Klingon, High Valyrian and Polish. The game-like lessons are varied, enjoyable and designed to keep you engaged and motivated. If you put in at least a few minutes every day, you get rewarded with "lingots", Duolingo's currency you can exchange for additional lessons and activities.

2. Tinycards

Tinycards is an easy-to-use flashcard application from Duolingo. The app allows you to both create your own study material or to browse decks prepared by other learners. If used in conjunction with Duolingo, Tincards help you review new vocabulary introduced in your language course.

3. Drops: Language Learning

If you always struggle to find the time for your language practice, Drops is the very app you are looking for. All you need to do is devote 5 minutes a day to learn several new words in Polish. The idea is brilliant in its simplicity - thanks to its crazy time limit, you are more likely to keep your motivation up and practise new words every day. On the plus side, the app is highly intuitive, beautifully designed and engaging. On the downside, Drops will teach you only the most basic words and phrases.

4. Learn Polish - FunEasyLearn

Learn Polish from FunEasyLearn is probably one of the most varied and comprehensive apps, dedicated to those learners who are just beginning their adventure with Polish. Although the app offers only vocabulary exercises, it is unlikely you will get bored easily – all new words can be practised in a variety of ways – through listening, writing, speaking or image-based activities.

5. Quizlet

Quizlet is another popular flashcard application, which gives you access to innumerable study sets created by users. The app allows you to memorise words in a traditional way or to test your knowledge - and challenge your friends - in quizzes, which are based on your study material. Quizlet also has a website version, where you can find more language-based games.

6. Memrise

Although Memrise tends to be compared to Duolingo, both apps offer different learning approaches. Memrise focuses mostly on vocabulary and fixed expressions, presented in the form of wordlists with images (or memes) which help memorise all the items. The app is a great learning aid, employing a set of mnemonic techniques that not only foster the learning process, but also make retaining the new vocabulary much easier.

7. Clozemaster

This app will make you feel like you went back in time – but in a good way. Clozemaster’s design resembles that of an old-school game and the app itself can get almost just as much addictive. Contrary to most language-learning applications, Clozemaster focuses solely on teaching vocabulary in context: in order to score points and win the game, you need to complete a series of cloze phrases.

The best free online resources for Polish language learners

Language learning has never been easier - nowadays you can access thousands of online language courses, textbooks or grammar exercises without leaving your house. However, sometimes choosing the right language learning tools for yourself may be easier said than done. That's why we have compiled a list of different online resources for those of you who learn Polish.

VOCABULARY

DICTIONARIES

A good dictionary is a must if you want to learn a foreign language. Below you will find a selection of some reliable English-Polish and Polish-Polish dictionaries.

English-Polish/Polish-English dictionaries:

Polish dictionaries:

PWN - the most popular Polish online dictionary

SJP - use it to look up word definitions or check if your letter combinations are acceptable in Scrabble (or any other word games)

Wikis?ownik - Wiktionary in Polish

Wielki s?ownik j?zyka polskiego - a great dictionary for more advanced learners - provides not only word definitions but also collocations, declension charts, word etymologies and quotations with the given word

Other tools:

Synonimy - Polish thesaurus

The National Corpus of Polish - search this collection of texts to learn how to use Polish words in everyday speech

PRONUNCIATION

A Foreigner's Guide to the Polish Alphabet - learn the aphabet with Culture.pl

Forvo - don't know how to pronounce a Polish word? Look it up here!

Talk Polish - listen to this podcast to learn some Polish words and pronunciation with Joanna

EXERCISES

Polski na wynos - a long list of exercises (with key) you can use to practise your Polish vocabulary

GRAMMAR

Learning grammar is always a challenge but you will find it a bit easier with these online resources:

bab.la, cooljugator.com- these two websites will help you conjugate Polish verbs

polishgrammar.com - a number of grammar drills

Polish with Ania - lessons prepared by an assistant professor at the Polonicum Centre of Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners at the University of Warsaw

Polski na wynos - lots of helpful grammar charts, activities and exercises (with key)

Wikibooks - introduction to Polish grammar

LANGUAGE HELP

If you want to learn Polish but don’t know where to start, take a moment to check out these links:

7 free apps to help you learn Polish - our article about language apps you can download for free

Polski na dobry start - a beginner’s textbook and exercise book co-created by the Polish Office for Foreigners

READING PRACTICE

Reading is an essential part of any language learning process, but there comes a point when you start getting bored with textbook dialogues and reading exercises. Why not use some authentic texts instead?

POLISH-LANGUAGE BOOKS, TEXTS AND POEMS

Wolne Lektury - a huge collection of literary classics in Polish

lektury.gov.pl - an online reading list for Polish primary and high school students (lots of Polish classics!)

Wiki?ród?a - thousands of free public domain texts (Wikisource)

NEWS WEBSITES AND ONLINE NEWSPAPERS

ARTICLE-BASED/ MAGAZINE WEBSITES

LISTENING PRACTICE

It has been proven time and time again that language immersion is the most effective way of learning a foreign language. If you can't travel to Poland at the moment or don't have too many opportunities to talk to native speakers, you can still listen to Polish on a regular basis!

Hello Polish! - very engaging exercises for students at different learning levels

polska-poezja.pl - Polish poems read by actors (great for learning pronunciation!)

Polski na wynos - various listening activities for beginners and more advanced learners

PODCASTS FOR LEARNERS

Polski Daily - a Polish-language podcast for anyone studying Polish as a foreign language

YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR LEARNERS

Easy Polish - real-life dialogues with Polish and English subtitles

Teach me Polish - short language lessons with Polish and English subtitles

POLISH PODCASTS

Polimaty 2 - all kinds of curious facts and general trivia you never knew you needed

?ci??ka d?wi?kowa - film reviews and film dicussions

Tu Okuniewska - a popular Polish podcaster living in Iceland talks about her life

POLISH YOUTUBE CHANNELS

Mateusz Adamczyk - a Polish youtube channel focusing on language and linguistics

Globstory - a popular youtube channel of a Polish traveller (lots of videos with English subtitles!)

Krzysztof Gonciarz - one of the most well-known Polish youtubers - "a travel & lifestyle vlogger" living in Japan

Mówi?c Inaczej - the most popular youtube channel about the Polish language

Patrick Ney po polsku - a British-born filmmaker and writer living in Poland. This is his Polish-language channel, you can also check out his English-language videos about Poland and Polish history

More foreign students want to take part in Polish academic exchange programmes

The COVID-19 outbreak put a question mark over the future of international student exchange programmes. It comes as a pleasant surprise then that young people from across the world seem even more interested in pursuing higher education in Poland.

Despite the challenging circumstances of COVID-19 and resulting travel restrictions, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA - Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej) has reported a record-high number of applications for scholarships and academic exchange programmes in Poland this year. The Agency, which coordinates a number of projects encouraging young people from abroad to study in Poland, has noted a considerable increase in applications from students of Polish descent (who can participate in The gen. Anders Programme for the Polish diaspora) as well as foreign students from all over the world - Indonesia, Columbia, Mexico, Vietnam or Central Asian countries (applying for The Stefan Banach and The Ignacy ?ukasiewicz Scholarship Programmes, joint initiatives of NAWA and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

As announced by NAWA, the Agency has received over 600 applications for The gen. Anders Programme - more than twice as many as last year - and over 2,300 applications for the Ignacy ?ukasiewicz Scholarship Programme - over four times more than in 2019.

Due to the pandemic outbreak, this year’s application processes and interviews have been conducted online and some of the deadlines have been pushed back. However, as expressed by the Agency’s representatives, the lifting of the 14-day mandatory quarantine for students from abroad allows them to look forward to the upcoming academic year with hope.

If you would like to find out more about NAWA's programmes: The gen. Anders Programme, The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme, The Ignacy ?ukasiewicz Scholarship Programme or Poland My First Choice Programme - visit the website of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. The website also provides information on several programmes for enthusiasts of the Polish language and culture: you can find out more about them here: Polish language programmes.

Source: Nauka w Polsce - PAP

More than 460 international students to receive NAWA scholarships in 2020

Would you like to study in Poland? Every year, thousands of students from all over the world apply for scholarships or academic exchange opportunities offered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. This time, the Agency has awarded over 460 scholarships to students of Polish descent.

More than 460 students will be awarded scholarships of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under The gen. Anders Programme in 2020. The programme enables young people of Polish descent (including holders of the Pole’s Card) to pursue higher education at a Polish university of their choice and to improve their Polish language skills. This year, NAWA received a record high number of applications for the scholarship from all around the world, with more than 1,500 prospective students seeking admission to the programme. According to Wojciech Maksymowicz, secretary of state at the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, The gen. Anders Programme plays an important role in strengthening ties between the Polish diaspora and their homeland:

We offer young people of Polish descent an opportunity to choose the best universities in Poland and to complete their studies here, while developing the potential of Polish communities abroad thanks to well-educated graduates. But also those young people who will decide to remain in Poland after graduation, will enjoy better career opportunities.

This year’s beneficiaries of the NAWA scholarship come from Belarus, Brazil, Czechia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Most of the applicants decided to take up their studies at one of the top higher education institutions in Poland: the University of Warsaw, the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, SGH Warsaw School of Economics or the Warsaw University of Technology.

The scholarships under The gen. Anders Programme have been awarded for three years now - so far, more than 1,380 young people have benefited from the opportunity to study at a Polish university. Apart from The gen. Anders Programme for students of Polish descent, NAWA coordinates several other scholarship and academic exchange programmes, aiming to encourage young people from all over the world to choose Poland as a study destination. To find out more about the projects, visit NAWA website.

10 questions about the Certificate Examinations in Polish

Would you like to certify your Polish language skills? If so, you will need to sign up for the state certificate examination in Polish as a foreign language. Read our list of the ten most common questions related to the exam and make sure you know what to expect!

1. Am I required to take the certification exam?

You are by no means required to take the exam, even if you are planning a permanent move to Poland. However, note that you will need to certify your Polish language skills if you decide to apply for a long-term EU residence permit or Polish citizenship. Foreign students who want to take a degree course (taught in Polish) at a Polish university are also required to prove their knowledge of the language. Obviously, the exam can be taken by anyone who wants to obtain an official certificate of proficiency in Polish.

2. When and where is the exam held?

The examinations are usually held three/four times a year in a number of venues across Poland. The dates and locations are listed at certyfikatpolski.pl. You need to visit the website to register for an exam a few months in advance.

3. Is it possible to take the exam outside of Poland?

Yes, it is possible. There are several higher education institutions and other entities outside of Poland (including Belarus, Ukraine, France, the UK or the US) which are authorized to conduct the examination. The venues are announced a few months before each examination session at certyfikatpolski.pl.

4. How much does it cost to take the exam?

Fees may vary slightly depending on the venue, but they cannot exceed:

EUR 90 – for A1-B2 exams for young learners
EUR 120 – for A1-A2 exams
EUR 150 – for B1-B2 exams
EUR 180 – for C1-C2 exams

5. What does the exam look like?

The exam is composed of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam has four parts: Listening, Reading, Grammar and Writing. It takes from two to five hours, depending on the exam level.'

6. What score do I need to pass the exam?

In order to pass the exam, you need to obtain a minimum score of 50% (levels A1 to B2) or 60% (levels C1 to C2) in each part of the examination.

7. What happens if I fail it?

You can retake the exam as soon as you feel ready (no waiting period is required).

8. Are there any preparation materials available?

Visit certyfikatpolski.pl to find sample examination papers, practice exercises and a list of recommended study materials.

9. Is there an age restriction for the candidates?

You need to be at least 14 to register for an exam. Candidates under 18 are given a test designed specifically for younger learners. There is no upper age limit.

10. How long is the certificate valid for?

The certificate has no expiry date.

Good luck with your exam! Powodzenia!

Fewer Poles, more foreigners at Polish universities

According to Statistics Poland, more than 80,000 foreigners came to study in Poland in 2019. Which universities and degree programmes were most popular with international students?

The last academic year saw a 5 per cent increase in the number of foreign students at Polish universities, Statistics Poland has announced. According to the office’s latest report, about three quarters of 80,000 students came from European countries, especially Ukraine (39,000), Belarus (8,400), Spain (2,300) and Turkey (2,200). Polish degree programmes also proved to be quite popular with students from Asia, including citizens of India (3,400), China (1,500), Kazakhstan (1,300) and Azerbaijan (1,200). Foreigners constituted 6.8 per cent of all students in Poland last year.

Most foreigners studied for a degree in business, administration and law (24,300), social sciences, journalism and information (12,400), health and welfare (10,800), arts and humanities (8,400) and services (nearly 8,000). Among the top choices for overseas students were the Jagiellonian University, the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology.

The report has also found that the overall number of Polish students has dropped significantly in the last decade due to demographic change, namely Poland’s aging population and a decreasing number of people aged 19-25. The total number of students in Poland exceeded 1.2 million last year, which was over 2 per cent fewer than they year before.

As reported by Statistics Poland, women are more likely to enrol in higher education than men - they made up over 57 per cent of all Polish students in 2019/20.

Would you like to study in Poland? Find out who is exempt from tuition fees! Who can study for free in Poland.

NAWA scholarships awarded to 76 foreign researchers

Last year, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange launched a new scholarship programme for researchers from all around the world. It now seems that, despite the global pandemic, the programme has clearly caught the attention of many foreign scientists.

76 foreign researchers have been awarded scholarships by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) to carry out their research projects under the Ulam Programme. The programme, named after a prominent Polish scientist, Stanis?aw Marcin Ulam, aims to help post-doctoral researchers advance their careers by increasing their international mobility and providing them with an opportunity to cooperate with Polish research institutions. During the fellowship period, scientists can conduct research and gather relevant materials while teaching classes and participating in post-doctoral training activities.

Scientists from around the world are eligible to apply for the scholarship programme, provided that they meet a few requirements - such as being employed at a research institute outside of Poland and not holding Polish citizenship. Candidates for the Ulam Programme are also required to hold a doctoral degree awarded by a foreign (i.e. non-Polish) institution and need to demonstrate excellent academic merit.

In this year’s edition of the Ulam Programme, the researchers will be granted scholarships of PLN 10,000 a month for a period of 6 to 24 months during their stay in Poland. Among the top countries of origin for the scholarship holders in 2020 are India (12), followed by Italy (7), Iran (6), Ukraine (5), the United Kingdom (3), Germany (3), France (3) and Argentina (3). The majority of scientists will be conducting their research in the field of natural sciences, engineering and technology at a host institution of their choice: one of the top Polish universities, research centres or research institutions of the Polish Academy of Sciences. According to NAWA, The University of Warsaw and The Wroc?aw University of Science and Technology have proved to be the most popular choices for foreign researchers this year.

Visit the Agency’s website to find more information about the Ulam Programme or other scholarship programmes awarded by NAWA to foreign students and researchers.

Foreigners from EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland can work in Poland without work permit or establish own business. Foreigners who don’t come from EEA countries need to apply for a work permit. It is important to know that you can’t yourself apply for a work permit. Only your future employer can do it.

Stay in Poland for less than 3 months doesn't require any additional permits.Work permits are issued by a local voivode. It is issued for a fixed period of time, however no more than 3 years and may be extended.

There are few cases when the permit is not required e.g:

If you are a student of full-time tertiary studies in Poland studying on the basis of a visa,
If you are a student of full-time studies in Poland studying on the basis of a residence permit issued for the purpose of continuing tertiary education in Poland for the full year,
If you are a graduate of Polish secondary schools, or has completed full time studies or full-time doctoral studies at Polish universities and scientific and research institutions;
If you are a foreign language teacher,
If you have a permit to settle in Poland,
If you have a permit for a long-term resident of EU,
If you have a permit for tolerated stay in Poland,
If have a permit for temporary residence in Polish territory on the basis of an agreement with the Polish scientific institution,
If you are the spouse or a former spouse of a Polish citizen, provided that they have a residence permit for Polish territory,
If you have a refugee status granted in Poland,
If you have been granted subsidiary protection in Poland,
If you has a valid Pole's Card.

Note: For more detailed information, contact the local Voivodship Office or visit the website http://www.paiz.gov.pl.

Arriving in Warsaw from near or far away, you will soon appreciate the vast opportunities of receiving education in the city situated at the very heart of Europe and open and friendly to visitors from all over the world.

Courses offered at HEIs in both English and Polish meet the expectations of even the most demanding and sophisticated candidates. The fact that Poland is a member of the European Union and the European Space for Higher Education, guarantees that the knowledge and skills acquired in Warsaw will be recognized worldwide.

If you want to study humanities…

... learn more about the courses offered by the largest and oldest college in the capital city, established in 1816 – The University of Warsaw.

The University of Warsaw understands the contemporary world and is therefore constantly expanding its cooperation with the world’s best R&D institutions.

Other colleges, where it is possible to study humanist curricula: Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, The Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Collegium Civitas.

If you are planning to engage in technical or engineering studies...

... visit the Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) – a renowned academic institution which focuses on undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in Engineering as well as Applied Sciences.

The Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology, is a student-friendly university offering high level IT education and qualifications sought after by many employers. Other HEIa offering studies on technical curricula: Military University of Technology.

If you are interested in social science...

...you can study Law at the University of Warsaw and at Lazarski University – a higher education institution with a broad profile, offering business, law and international relations programs.

Other academic colleges, on which it is possible to study social science: The Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Collegium Civitas, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw University of Life Sciences.

If your plans for the future relate to Economics, Business, Management...

...pay attention to Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) – the oldest Polish public university of Economics and Management.

Kozminski University is an internationally renowned private business school and the only such institution in Central and Eastern Europe which is AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accredited and listed within Financial Times rankings.

If you are dreaming of the career as an artist...

... the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music is regarded as a ‘Mecca’ for young musicians, the Academy of Fine Arts is proud of its many world-renowned graduates, and Aleksander Zelwerowicz Theatre Academy educates not only future actors and directors, but also experts in Theatre.

If you are planning on becoming a doctor, a dentist, a pharmacist...

... make use of the courses offered by the Medical University of Warsaw – a truly European University where education is based on international educational standards.

If you want to study a curriculum related with Natural Science...

... choose Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW (WULS-SGGW). With its nearly 200-year tradition SGGW is one of the oldest and the largest life science universities in Poland.

If you want to launch your professional careeer in sports...

... the high education institution for you is Józef Pi?sudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw.

Universities in Warsaw - members of the Conference of Rectors of Academic School in Warsaw (KRUW)

University of Warsaw
www.uw.edu.pl
Warsaw University of Technology
www.pw.edu.pl
Medical University of Warsaw
www.wum.edu.pl/en
Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW
www.sggw.pl
SGH Warsaw School of Economics
www.sgh.waw.pl
The Maria Grzegorzewska University
www.aps.edu.pl
Józef Pi?sudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
www.awf.edu.pl
Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw
www.akademia.at.edu.pl
Cardinal Stefan Wyszy?ski University in Warsaw
www.uksw.edu.pl
Fryderyk Chopin University of Music
www.chopin.edu.pl
Military University of Technology
www.wat.edu.pl
National Defence University
www.aon.edu.pl
Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw
www.chat.edu.pl
Main School of Fire Service
www.sgsp.edu.pl
Kozminski University
www.kozminski.edu.pl
Lazarski University
www.lazarski.edu.pl
University of Social Sciences and Humanities
www.swps.pl
Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology
www.pja.edu.pl
Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Warsaw Section of Saint John Baptist
www.pwtw.pl
Collegium Civitas
www.civitas.edu.pl
Pultusk Academy of Humanities
www.ah.edu.pl
Academy of Fine Arts
www.asp.waw.pl

missing-christmas-markets-this-year-here-are-the-5-best-ones-for-your-2021-travel-plans.jpg

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic might have dented the festive feel this Christmas, here is a roundup of the best Christmas markets across the world to make your 2021 travel plans easier.

It is that time of the year when there is a palpable sense of cheer as well as a nip in the air and if you hear hard, a tinkle from Santa – yes it’s Christmas season! Take a look at these best Christmas markets across the world which are one-stop destinations for all your needs!

Austria

The Christmas markets in Vienna will happen from November 15 to December 31 and interestingly dates back to 1298 when Albrecht I allowed Vienna’s citizens to have a December Market or Krippenmarkt as it is called locally. There are over 20 official Advent Markets today that retail a large variety of seasonal gifts and decadent treats. Check out Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, at the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz, New Year’s Eve Village, Christmas Village in the Former General Hospital, Christmas and New Year’s Market at Schönbrunn Palace and Christmas Market at Spittelberg. Set against stunning historical buildings this is where you can discover stunning local treats as well as lots of souvenirs to make your shopping experience good fun.

Poland

The Polish Christmas markets have a great emphasis on food, so if you love eating, this is for you. Krakow’s Christmas market is one of the best in Poland that is filled with delicious food and interesting trinkets and usually happens at the central square, Rynek Glowny, alongside the famous Cloth Hall. Try the smoked cheese, Pierogi stalls, grilled meat stations and mulled wine. This is where you can buy Matryoshka (Russian) dolls, wooden toys and kitchen gadgets too. Wroclaw is another wonderful location that also has many international stalls that sell Hungarian langos, Dutch pancakes, paella, hot apple cider and hot chocolate. The smaller and prettier cities like Gdansk, Poznan and Lublin also host Christmas markets that are worth a visit. Most markets are on from November 29 to the end of December and some continue into January for the Epiphany festival.

Germany

The German Christmas markets typically start at the end of November and run into the first week of January. The Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom at Cologne is the place to stock up on handmade gifts, wood carvings, tree decorations, soaps and regional organic foods. Dresden’s Christmas Market, the oldest Christmas market in Germany, is where you can pick traditional handcrafted nutcrackers and the Dresden Pflaumentoffel, a small chimney sweep made with dates. Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace has a market filled with wintertime treats, roasted chestnuts, carousels and toy train rides is all things fun.

New York

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park complete with a free ice skating rink is a European-style open-air market in New York with 170 plus kiosks that sell handicrafts from across the world. This is the best way to usher in the holiday spirit as you navigate through the artisanal markets, rink side food hall and outdoor beer garden. Spread over a whopping 170,000 sq ft, the market is a scene of bustling activity and is on from late October to early March. There will be a host of discounted or free games, several holiday events like tree lighting, performances and lots of shopping to indulge your retail cravings.

Poland

Switzerland

The Basel Christmas Market has two different sections at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz and starts on November 28 and lasts till December 23. The markets have over 180 stalls and you can indulge in fun activities like gingerbread decorating and Christmas decoration-making. The Basel Christmas Market will also tickle your taste buds with delectable waffles, glühwein, Swiss raclette, Basel Läckerli and grilled sausages. The stores will have local handicrafts, toys, jewellery, Christmas related crafts and artists who showcase their craft.

The most popular professions in Poland. List of deficient professions in Poland from the official source.

Information about the professions is taken from the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland and more specifically from the document in which the Ministry of Family, Work, and Social Policy decided the current list of professions deficient for Poland. The document is dated 28.06.2018.

In September 2018 came up the information that for foreigners a simplified version of permanent residence permit (karta sta?ego pobytu) in Poland would be introduced. And this simplification was planned to apply to foreigners who have deficient professions in Poland. But despite this, this article will be useful for you in several aspects, especially if you have a deficient profession:

• You will able to obtain more quickly a work permit, due to the fact that professions from the shortlist do not require the labor market test document (opinia starosty).
• If you are just going to get work, then it will be an additional argument when talking about salary with the employer.

Important information!

In this list, professions have their own index of 6-digitals or 4-digitals. The difference is between these two kinds is that a 6-digit symbol means that it is the specific name of a profession and specialty, for example, 833101 – a Bus Driver.
The 4-digit symbol means that this is an elementary group that already includes 6-digit names of professions and specialties.

The most popular professions in Poland? 1 – Engineers

The most popular profession in Poland? 1 – Engineers

Index 2141 – Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers.

A process engineer specialist is a person who is responsible for the creation and development of new assembly and production lines. A production engineer specialist should have higher technical education (production engineering), know English well, and be able to use a computer.
These include the following specialties:
• regulatory work engineer (214101);
• engineer organization and production planning (214102);
• maintenance engineer (214103);
• engineer for supply, transportation, and storage (214104);
• technical committee consultant (214,105);
• “Normalizer” (214,107);
• Security Audit Specialist (214,108);
• quality control specialist (214109);
• a product expert (214110).
• Chief Technologist (214111)
• other engineers for industry and manufacturing (214190).
Technological engineer earns in Poland from 3000 to 16000 PLN net per month. Mainly, the salary depends on your specialization.

Index 214912 – Concrete Technology Engineer

This specialist applies his knowledge of the technology of building materials, binders, and technologies of precast concrete, in industrial production: cement, gypsum, concrete, precast small-scale products, components of concrete, reinforced concrete structures. He also conducts research work and designs production technologies, conducts consultations concerning the rational and economic management of production processes.
Concrete technology engineer earns in Poland from 3500 to 7000 PLN net.

Index 214916 – Glass Technology Engineer

The glass technology engineer applies his knowledge of technology in the production of glass, the industrial (constructional, economical, packaging, technical) production of glass, processing, decorating, and processing glass.
Glass technology engineer earns in Poland on average for about 6000PLN net.

Index 2151 – Electrical Engineers

An electrical engineer is a kind of specialist that is primarily responsible for the operation of power supply systems. He applies his knowledge in the design and implementation of projects for energy supply and repair of industrial energy equipment.
This type includes the following specializations:
• electric power engineer;
• power engineer for rail networks and traction substations;
• Electrical Engineer;
• electrical engineer for automation;
• light engineering engineer;
• engineer of equipment and renewable energy systems;
• other electrical engineers.
Electrical engineers earn in Poland on average from 5,000 to 6,000 PLN net.

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself .

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please fiil this, if you looking for job.

The most popular professions in Poland? 2 – Doctors and nurses

The most popular profession in Poland? 2 – Doctors and nurses

Index 2212 – Medical Specialists (with specialization of II degree or title of specialist)

This includes 90 specializations of doctors with a 2nd degree.
Doctors of the second degree earn in Poland on average 8000 PLN.

Index 2221 – Nurse without specialization or in the process of obtaining specialization

This index includes only one elementary group of nurses with an index of 222101.
A nurse without qualifications earns in Poland an average of 2500 PLN net.

Index 2222 – Specialist Nurses

This index includes 23 specializations.
Specialist nurses earn in Poland on an average of 3000 PLN net.

The most interesting thing is that this profession was included in this list after Poland joined the EU.

The most popular professions in Poland? 3 in the sphere of information technology.

The most popular profession in Poland? 3 in the sphere of information technology.

Index 2511 – Computer Systems Analysts

The analyst prepares a detailed implementation plan for the information system based on the recommendation provided by the client. Then he develops in collaboration with programmers. After development, he conducts a series of tests to make sure that the system created meets the client’s expectations. A computer system analyst monitors the installation of software and also conducts training on its maintenance for company employees.

As a candidate for such a job, employers will require from you a diploma of higher technical education, the preferred areas are computer science. Experience is not always required, employers willingly choose even students — as part of student practice or internship, and then take on permanent employment.

This index includes specializations:

• Telecommunications Analyst (251101);
• consultant on data transmission systems (251102);
• Teleinformation Systems Designer / Architect (251103);
• other computer systems analysts (251190).

Computer systems analysts earn in Poland on average of 5000 PLN net.

Index 2512 – Information Systems Development Specialists

An information systems software development specialist adapts to new requirements, maintains and develops information systems software. This profession is creative and interdisciplinary in nature. Such a specialist makes a choice among the software for the tasks performed by the information systems in the company.

Since the work is very responsible employers require a diploma of higher education and work experience from such specialists. And also require knowledge of English to read the documentation.

This index includes:

• application development and development specialist (251201);
• Information Systems Software Development Specialist ( 251202) ;
• other specialists in the development of information systems (251290).

A specialist in the development of information systems earns in Poland an average of 4500 PLN net.

Index 2513 – Network and Multimedia Developers

This index includes the following specializations:

• Website Architect (251301);
• Designer of multimedia applications, animation, and computer games (251302);
• Site Development Specialist (251303);
• The remaining designers of web applications and multimedia (251390).

Network and Multimedia Developers earn in Poland an average of 4,700 PLN net.

Index 2514 – Application developers

This index has the following specializations:

• Application Developer (251401);
• Mobile Application Developer (251402);
• The remaining application developers (251490).

Application developers earn in Poland on average of 4,500 to 7,000 PLN net. The salary depends on the programming method, voivodeship, and the company itself. The junior mobile application development specialist earns from 3200 to 4600 PLN net. The specialist has a salary from 4,500 to 7,000 PLN net. A senior application developer earns from 6300 to 10500 PLN net. Higher or lower salaries are considered non-market.

Here is the link to the source of information on salaries.

Index 2519 – Unclassified computer analysts and developers

This index includes the following specializations:

• Medical programmer (251901);
• Information Technology Application Specialist (251902);
• Software Tester (251903);
• Teleinformation Systems Tester (251904);
• Speech Recognition System Specialist (251905);
• Other computer analysts and developers (251990).

Software testers and other unclassified specialists earn in Poland from 4,500 to 17,000 PLN net.

Index 2521 – Designers and database administrators

This category includes specialists:

• Database Administrator (252101);
• Database Analyst (252102);
• Database Designer (252103);
• Other designers and database administrators (252190).

Designers and database administrators earn from 2,900 to 8,300 PLN net in Poland at market rates.

Index 2522 – System computer administrators

This index includes the following specializations:

• Computer Systems Administrator (252201);
• The administrator of integrated control systems (252202);
• The remaining administrators of computer systems (252290).

System computer administrators earn in Poland from 2,700 to 7,200 PLN net.

Index 2523 – Computer Network Specialists

Computer networking specialists have the following specializations:

• Computer Network Analyst (252301);
• Systems and computer networks engineer (252302);
• The remaining experts in the field of computer networks (252390).

Computer network specialists earn in Poland from 2500 to 8700 PLN net.

Index 2529 – Unclassified specialists in databases and computer networks.

This index has 4 elementary groups:

• Software Security Specialist (252901);
• System Security Specialist Information and Communication Technology (252902);
• Information Security Management System Specialist (252903);
• The remaining unclassified specialists in databases and computer networks (252990).

Unclassified database and computer network specialists earn in Poland from 4100 to 8100 PLN net.

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself. On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please fill this, if you looking for a job.

The most popular professions in Poland? 4 – Technicians

The most popular profession in Poland? 4 – Technicians

Index 3112 – Construction techniques

This index includes the following specializations:

• Specialist in the deduction of the cost of construction (311201);
• Construction Technician (311202);
• Technician Architect (311203);
• Construction Technician (311204 );
• Specialist who possess the methods of water construction (311205);
• Road construction technician (311206);
• Specialist who possess the methods of building railways and bridges for trains (311207);
• Specialist in environmental engineering and land reclamation (311208);
• Sanitary equipment technician (311209);
• Specialist who possess the methods of restoration of architectural elements (311210);
• Building inspector (311211);
• Road construction inspector (311212);
• Bridge Inspector (311213);
• Fire Protection Inspector (311214);
• Bridgebuilder (311215);
• The remaining construction techniques (311290).

Construction technicians earn in Poland an average of 5900 PLN net.

Index 3113 – Electrical Engineering

This index includes the following specializations:

• Railroad Power Supply Technician (311302);
• Electrical technician (311303);
• Technician electrician railway electrical networks (311304);
• Technician electrician automobile (311305);
• Electrician technician of railway traffic safety and control equipment (311306);
• Energy Technician (311307);
• The remaining equipment electricians (311390).

Do electrical technicians earn in Poland an average of 4,100 z? PLN net.

Index 3114 – Electronics Engineering and people related to this specialization

This index contains the following specializations:

• Railway Diagnostics Specialist (311401);
• Alarm system installer (311402);
• Installer of anti-theft alarm systems (311403);
• Installer of industrial television systems (311404);
• Security Alarm System Designer (311406);
• The specialist who is familiar with the concepts and methods of automatic control of railway traffic (311407);
• Electronic technician (311408);
• Medical Electronics Technician (311409);
• Mechanics techniques (311410);
• Technician electronics and medical informatics (311411);
• Broadband Electronic Communications Technician (311412);
• Other of electrician’s technologies (311490).

Electronics technicians earn in Poland from 2400 to 6400 PLN net.

The most popular professions in Poland? 5 – Guardians and social service authorities

Elementary group 341201 – Assistant disabled person.
Elementary group 341202 – Senior guardian.
Elementary group 341203 – Guardian in the house of social assistance.

Guardians earn in Poland on average of 1,800 PLN net. Salary depends on many indicators.

The most popular professions in Poland? 6 are construction specialists and repair specialists.

Index 7112 – Bricklayers

This index has the following elementary groups:

• Locksmith stone building elements (711201);
• Bricklayer (711202);
• Specialists in the construction and repair of furnaces (711203);
• Bricklayer-plaster (711204);
• Paver (711205);
• Other bricklayers (711290).

Bricklayers earn in Poland from 1,700 to 2,700 PLN net per month. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7114 – Concrete and Concrete Mixers

This index contains the following specializations:

• Concrete worker (711401);
• Concrete mixers (711402);
• Specialists in fuel (711403);
• Armature worker (711404);
• The remaining concrete and concrete mixers (711490).

Concrete and concrete mixers earn in Poland from 1900 to 2900 PLN net per month. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7115 – Carpenters and concrete mixers

This index has the following specializations:

• Carpenter (11501);
• Formwork carpenter (711502);
• Construction joiner (711503);
• Specialist in the construction of boats, yachts made of wood (711504);
• The rest of the carpenters and concrete mixer (711590).

Carpenters and concrete mixers earn in Poland from 2000 to 3200 PLN net per month. Also, the salary may be more. Our agency AtoZ Serwis Plus provided vacancies for carpenters at 3700 PLN net per month. In general, wages depend on skills, firm, and voivodship. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7116 – Road construction workers

Road construction workers are divided into the following specializations:

• Crawler (711602);
• Assembler of railway pavements (711603);
• Specialist in the supervision of the state of sidewalks, paths, and engineering structures ( 711605);
• Road Layer (711606);
• The rest of the road construction workers (711690).

Road construction workers earn an average of 2000 PLN net.

Index 7121 – Roofers

The index has only one elementary group – a roofer (712101).
Roofers earn in Poland from 2100 to 3000 z? netto per month

Index 7122 – Flooring specialists, parquet layers, and tilers

This group is divided into the remaining elementary groups:

• Specialist in work with the grinding machine on the parquet (712201);
• Tiler (712202);
• Parquet layer (712203);
• Parquet stacker (712204 );• The rest are highly specialized flooring specialists, parquet flooring, and tilers (712,290).

Flooring specialists, flooring, and tilers earn in Poland from 2000 to 4800 PLN net per month for the market. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7123 – Plasters and related professionals

This group is divided into the following specializations:

• Assembler on building insulation (712301);
• Specialist in the creation of plaster and other decorative and styling elements (712302 );
• Specialist plastering/plastering worker (712303);
• Facade installation specialist (712304);
• Other highly specialized plaster specialists (712390).

Plaster Specialists Earn in Poland from 1800 to 3700 PLN net per month.

Index 7124 – Insulation installers

This group is divided into the following specializations:

• Installer of building insulation (712401);
• Mechanic for insulation resistance and anti-corrosion (712402);
• Industrial insulation installer (712403);
• Heat Insulation Specialist (712404);
• The remaining narrow specialization specialists (712490).

Insulation installers earn in Poland from 1900 to 3200 PLN net per month.

Index 7131 – House painters and building cleaning workers

This group is divided into the following specializations:

• Specialist in wallpaper and wall painting ( 713101);
• House painter specializing in work in construction (713102);
• Spatula worker (713104);
• Wallpaper specialist (713105);
• The remaining house painter’s specialists (713190).

House painters earn in Poland an average of 3300 PLN net per month.

Index 7212 – Welders and related specialties

This group is divided into the following specializations:

• Soldering Iron Specialist (721201);
• The operator of welding robots (721202);
• Contact welding operator (721203);
• Welder (721204);
• Metal heating specialist (721209);
• Other welders and related specialties (721290).

Welders and related specialists earn in Poland from 2,900 to 4,500 PLN net. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market. Our vacancies for welders with rates from 18 to 30 z? net per hour.

Index 7222 – Locksmiths and related specialties

This group is divided into the following specializations:

• Specialist involved in the creation of a set of sieves necessary for the production of watermarks (722201);
Koval (722202);
• Firearms Specialist (722203);
• Locksmith (722204);
• Locksmith metal haberdashery (722205);
• The mechanic on the tool (722206);
• Metal Procurement Specialist for Cutting (722207);
• The remaining locksmiths and related professionals (722,290).

Locksmiths earn in Poland from 2,300 to 3,100 PLN net. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market. For example, we have an open vacancy for a locksmith, where you can earn 5300 PLN net per month.

Index 7411 – construction and related electricians

Specializations:

• Electrician Electrical Systems (741101);
• Electrician light signs (741102);
• Electricians (741,103);
• Electrician at a construction site (741104);
• Other electrics (741190).

Electricians earn in Poland from 2300 to 4000 PLN net per month. Our vacancies for electricians.

The most popular professions in Poland? 7 – Drivers and machinists

Elementary group 833101 – Bus driver.

Bus drivers in Poland earn between 2000 and 4000 PLN net per month. Mostly, vacancies for people who want to work with a contract of employment (umow? o prac?). Therefore, there are bonuses for vacancies with 10% of the salary itself. It is possible to find a job for 5000 PLN net.

Index 8332 – Truck Drivers

Specializations:

• Tanker driver (833201);
• The driver of the truck tractor (833202);
• Truck driver (833203);
• The rest are truck drivers (833290).

Truck drivers earn in Poland from 3,500 to 10,000 PLN net per month. Such a big difference in salaries exists in the way that experience, track, company, as well as cargo, is considered. To this responsible work, employers always offer a contract of employment (umow? o prac?) with bonuses.

Index 8342 – Equipment Operators for Earth Works

Specializations:

• A mechanic of machines and road equipment (834201);
• Road construction equipment operator (834202);
• Road machinery and equipment operator (834203);
• Heavy Equipment Operator (834204);
• Excavator Operator (834205);
• Backhoe Loader Operator (834206);
• Charger Operator (834207);
• Bulldozer operator (834208);
• Other operators of equipment for earthworks (834290).

Equipment operators for earthworks earn in Poland from 2,400 to 4,100 PLN net per month.

Index 8343 – Machinists and operators of material handling equipment and related products

Specializations:

• The driver of the docks (834301);
• Machinist hoists in the mines (834302);
• The driver of the cableways, lifts, and gravity slides (834303);
• The driver, serving the device for filling and emptying tanks (834304);
• The driver of specialized railway lifting equipment (834305);
• Operator linotype levers (834306);
• Winch Mechanical Operator (834307);
• The operator of the movable bridge (834308);
• Conveyor operator (834309);
• The operator of belt conveyors (834310);
• Gantry crane operator (834311);
• Operator for gateways, dams, and pumping stations (834312);
• The operator of the equipment of cargo bunkers (834313);
• Operator tower belt conveyor (834314);
• The operator of a wagon dump (834315);
• Roadway crane operator (834316);
• The operator of the crane in the form of (834317);
• Other machinists and operators of hoisting-and-transport and related machinery and equipment (834390).

Machinists and operators of handling equipment earn in Poland from 2,800 to 5,300 PLN net per month.

The most popular professions in Poland – Conclusion

These specialists can obtain a work permit without information from the headman. When you get a job on the specialization which is listed above, remind your employer that he does not need the headman’s information to make you a work permit. It will save you time. Or maybe you already have one of these qualifications? Don’t work like a handyman. We advise you to fill out this form. We will contact you immediately as soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications. Remember to point out as much information about yourself as you can.

New jobs are provided primarily to people who fill out this form.

Information was taken from official public sources, as well as from our data and observations.
You can check the qualification of professions and specializations on the site – KZN

In this movie, our experts are talking about the work permit type A in Poland.

Visa types

Before you apply, you must decide which visa you need:

Airport transit Schengen visa (A-Type)

Schengen visa (C-Type)

You can apply for a Schengen visa in a Polish diplomatic mission if:

Poland is the only destination country of your visit to the Schengen zone;
you visit more than one Schengen country, but Poland is your main destination;
you do not know which Schengen country will be your main destination, but you cross the Schengen border for the first time in Poland.

In exceptional cases it is possible to issue a Schengen LTV visa which is valid only in the territory of selected Schengen states.

National visa (D-Type)

Simplified Visa procedure for family members of EU citizens

Who is eligible:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The procedure only applies to EU citizens who move to or reside in another EU Member State than the one of which they are nationals, and it applies to their family members who accompany or join them. This procedure applies only to family members of EU nationals who do not have Polish citizenship or do not have a permanent residence in Poland.

EU nationals include:

nationals of EU member states,
nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

A family member of an EU national is:

a spouse,
a partner with whom an EU national formed a partnership under the law of a given EU state, provided that this country’s law recognizes a formal partnership as equal to a marriage,
a child under 21 who is dependent on an EU national, his/her spouse or partner.

Under the procedure you are eligible to submit your visa application:

free of charge,
without prior appointment.

Required documents:

A printed and signed visa application,
A recent photo in colour 35 x 45 mm size,
A valid passport,
A document confirming marriage or partnership with an EU national,
A document confirming that you accompany an EU national in his/her journey or join him/her in their place of residence.

Visa refusal:

You can have your visa application refused only if:

your data are in the register of foreigners whose stay on the Polish territory is undesirable,
visa authorities have considered that your stay might pose a threat to national defence or national security or to the protection of public safety, order and health.

A consul refuses a visa in the form of a decision. You can appeal against the refusal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Biometric data

When you apply for a visa, you have to provide your biometric data: a photo in the case of a national visa and a photo and fingerprints in the case of a Schengen visa.

The following applicants do not have to give their fingerprints:

children under 12;
persons who are physically unable to give their fingerprints (because they do not have fingers or they suffer from a temporary finger trauma);
heads of states or governments, members of national governments and their accompanying spouses and members of official delegations if they are invited for official purposes;
monarchs and high-ranking members of royal families, if they are invited for official purposes.

Personal data

Complaints concerning personal data protection are handled by the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection, address: ul. Stawki 2, 00-193 Warszawa.

Legal basis

Ustawa z dnia 12 grudnia 2013 r. o cudzoziemcach (Dz. U. z dnia 30 grudnia 2013 r. poz. 1650 z pó?n. zm.)

Ustawa z dnia 25 czerwca 2015 r. Prawo konsularne (Dz. U. z dnia 31 sierpnia 2015 r. poz. 1274)

Source URL : https://www.gov.pl/web/india/visas---general-information

This guide contains all necessary information about formal procedures and how to arrange residence issues in Wroclaw.

We will prompt you where and how to obtain or replace a driving licence, how to marry a foreigner or who may receive a personal identification number (PESEL).

Language courses, a flat to rent, which nursery or school to choose for their children are but a handful of issues that foreign professionals in Wroclaw have to deal with as they decide to relocate to the city. Read our guide to find out more about how to prepare for a smooth transition when relocating to the city.

You have already made your decision to relocate and have obtained all the documents necessary to legalise your stay. It is now time you finally made your departure. How to prepare for a smooth transition overseas to minimise the risk of „culture shock”? Follow the guide below to prepare for a successful departure and estimate the outlays you need to incur immediately after the arrival.

Language: learning the basics

Language problems remain one of the most frequently reported difficulties by those who choose to relocate overseas.

It is worth learning the basics prior to your arrival in Poland. If you are planning to stay in Poland for a longer period of time, English may turn out insufficient for everyday communication.
That being said, language schools should meet a growing demand not only for foreign languages among Polish speakers, but also for the Polish language among the expats."

Looking for a flat: on your own or professional advice?

It is not only learning Polish that foreign professionals find challenging as they arrive in Wroclaw.

So, it is worth finding a flat before you arrive in Poland. You will spare a few stressful moments both to yourself and your family. However, looking for a flat on your own (especially if you are yet to arrive) may turn out to be quite difficult, which is why it worth using the services of professional real estate agencies. A lot of ads are available on the Internet free of charge. You may also want to join special groups at social networking sites such as Facebook, as the owners often use them to post their ads directly, without any intermediaries. You should bear in mind that real estate agencies usually charge commission for their services that is tantamount to half or one month's rent. That being said, real estate agencies can provide you with a safety net. Whenever there is a dispute between a landlord and a tenant, the agency may step in to resolve the issue.

What to focus on when signing a lease agreement:

If the lessee intends to rent the apartment for a larger group of people or is expecting his or her family to arrive any time soon and join them for a longer period of time, the names of all the tenants with their suitable passport numbers should be added to the lease agreement. This is required for your family to obtain a temporary residence permit.
Additionally, foreign nationals who apply for a residence permit are also required to provide their proof of address, e.g. their current lease/purchase agreement and the document that shows they are residing in Poland legally make them eligible for a temporary residence card, which in turn is prerequisite to obtaining a residence permit.

Renting a flat in Wroclaw

Foreign nationals are increasingly interested in flats for rent. „We mostly work with Ukrainian, Italian, Indian and Spanish nationals. It is usually their Wroclaw employers that contact us on their behalf. We are less likely to work with private individuals.

According to Lidia Do?han from Wroc?awska Gie?da Nieruchomo?ci [Wroclaw Real Estate Exchange], foreign professionals usually seek large high-standard apartments with a parking space or small one- or two-bedroom flats.

„The former are usually rented by managers who arrive in Wroclaw with their families”, says Lidia Do?han. „They usually choose three- or four-bedroom flats that range from 5 to 10 thousand PLN including utilities. 90% of such agreements are signed be their employers. Even though it is usually prospective tenants who view the apartment and decide whether they would like to rent it. Smaller flats are usually rented by regular employees, who seek accommodation on their own.

Centrally located one and two-bedroom flats attract most of our clients. One more important thing is whether they are close to bus or tram stops."

Apartments of this kind range from 1.5 thousand to 2.2 thousand PLN. The prices provided do not include the utilities. Foreign professionals seek flats that are both fully furnished and equipped with household appliances, pots and pans, plates and cutlery.

Bank account

Applying for a bank account is yet another formality that you have to go through if you wish to settle in a new reality. Wroclaw high streets are lined with banks that offer their services to individual clients. You can now open a personal bank account on the Internet. Find out more about most popular personal accounts (as of March 2016):

Foreign nationals must provide a passport and a residence card or any other proof of legal residence in order to open a bank account. If you are student, all you need is a passport and your student card. Our bank provides a special mobile app to provide services 24/7. Foreign clients will like the fact that it is simple and intuitive, and it's also available in English. You can you use it to transfer money overseas, exchange currency at competitive rates and negotiate the rate at any of our branches if you wish to change a large amount of money.

Nurseries and schools

Foreign residents in Wroclaw can send their children to public nurseries and schools (which provide education in Polish) or use the services of private schools and nurseries, with English as the language of instruction. The list of municipal schools and nurseries is available here. The list of international schools in Wroclaw can be found here.

"We've got three sections: a nursery (children between 6 months and 3 years of age), preschool (3 to 6 years) and primary school (7 to 15 years).

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

According to the Polish law, each unincapacitated person of full legal age may conclude marriage (the law provides for the conclusion of marriage under certain conditions by a woman who is at least 16, but less than 18 years old).

In cases concerning the conclusion of marriage by foreigners living in Wroclaw, the competent person is the Head of the Registrar’s Office (ul. W?odkowica 20/22, phone 71 777 91 51, 71 777 91 50, opening hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.).

How to conclude civil marriage with a foreigner?

The marriage conclusion procedure is prolonged in time, which means that a wedding must not take place before the lapse of one month from the day of submission of documents. Therefore, it is worth planning a wedding in good advance, particularly when the ceremony is to be held outside the premises of the Registrar’s Office, i.e., when the following factors are taken into account:

a threat to health or life (to be confirmed by a medical certificate) or imprisonment (it is necessary to present the consent to the conclusion of marriage on the detention ward or penitentiary premises); in both cases, no extra fee is charged for a marriage ceremony taking place outside the Registrar’s Office.
an outdoor wedding – the place of the wedding must guarantee the maintenance of the official form of its conclusion and the safety of persons attending the ceremony; in this case, an extra fee of 1,000 PLN is charged.

What are the fees for the conclusion of marriage?

Treasury fee:

for the preparation of the marriage certificate: 84 PLN,
if applicable, for the issue of approval to shorten the monthly time of waiting for the conclusion of marriage: 39 PLN.

Payments can be made in cash or by card at cash desks on the ground floor of the Registrar’s Office.

Which documents have to be submitted?

If a foreigner wants to conclude marriage in Poland, he/she has to submit to the Registrar’s Office:

an identity document (passport, temporary foreigner identity certificate, residence card),
an abridged copy of the birth certificate,
if a foreigner has already been married – a proof of termination, invalidation or non-existence of marriage,
a written assurance that there are no circumstances making it impossible to conclude marriage (e.g., affinity, which means that marriage must not be concluded between a brother and a sister, or a mental disease of one of the future spouses),
approval to conclude marriage, if required by the provisions of the Family and Guardianship Code (e.g., in the case of women who are less than 18 years’ old),
an official certificate issued by the authorities of the state in which the foreigner is a citizen (with his/her personal details and personal details of his/her fiancé/fiancée) stating that, according to the domestic law, he/she is allowed to conclude marriage with the person indicated in the certificate). This obligation does not apply only to foreigners who are stateless persons and reside in the Republic of Poland.
If it is impossible to receive the above certificate (as in Ukraine, where such documents are not issued now), the person concerned may apply to the Polish court (of relevant territorial jurisdiction over the plaintiff’s place of residence) with an application for exemption from the obligation to submit a document confirming the capacity to conclude marriage in the country of origin. The application is considered by the district court in non-litigious proceedings. Before the submission of the application, it is necessary to pay a court fee of 100 PLN.

Wedding through a proxy

It is worth knowing that the conclusion of marriage through a proxy is allowed in Polish law. However, it is necessary to appear in the registrar’s office personally beforehand for the purpose of official certification of the signature of the person who will grant power of attorney. It is also important that the power of attorney has to specify the full name of the person with whom marriage is concluded.

Documents and certificates necessary for the conclusion of marriage are filed personally by the fiancé and the fiancée. If they cannot come to the Registrar's Office at the same time, they may complete formalities on various dates.

If a foreigner does not know Polish

If a foreigner does not speak Polish, he/she makes statements in the marriage conclusion procedure in the presence of an interpreter. The young couple is responsible for choosing the interpreter and covering costs of his/her visit to the Registrar’s Office.

The presence of an interpreter during a wedding ceremony is required also when witnesses do not use Polish.

If the interpreter is not a sworn translator, he/she submits to the Registrar’s Office a statement of the diligent and impartial performance of the task and commitment not to disclose a legally protected secret.

Documents in a foreign language are submitted with an official translation into Polish made by:

Conclusion of canonical marriage

In Poland, it is also possible to conclude marriage having civil effects in front of a priest. This does not apply to all religions – marriages concluded in the following churches are regarded as valid (upon compliance with additional formalities):

the Catholic Church,
the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church,
the Evangelical Augsburg Church,
the Evangelical Reformed Church,
the Evangelical Methodist Church,
the Baptist Union of Poland,
the Seventh-Day Adventists Church,
the Polish Catholic Church,
the Union of Jewish Religious Communities,
the Mariavite Old Catholic Church,
the Pentecostal Church,

What documents are necessary for a church wedding?

It is necessary to deliver the same documents that are required from spouses-to-be in the case of conclusion of civil marriage and written assurances of the absence of circumstances excluding the conclusion of marriage. On the basis of these documents, the Head of the Registrar’s Office will prepare certificates that have to be submitted to a priest for the purpose of a canonical wedding.

Within 5 days from the wedding ceremony, a priest has to submit documents confirming the conclusion of marriage to the Registrar’s Office for the purpose of issuing a marriage certificate.

What are the consequences of concluding marriages of convenience?

Concluding marriage with a Polish citizen allows a foreigner to obtain certain rights, such as the obtaining of a residence permit for a designated period and, consequently, the obtaining of Polish citizenship upon lapse of the period indicated in the law, as well as the impossibility of expulsion of the foreigner from the territory of Poland if he/she poses no threat to the safety of the country.

Therefore, the authority conducting the proceedings for granting a fixed-term residence permit to a foreigner who has married a Polish citizen determines if the marriage was not concluded for the purpose of circumvention of legal provisions on the granting of a fixed-term residence permit by the foreigner, i.e., whether it is a marriage of convenience or not.

If, for example, as a result of a check carried out by clerks (interviews with spouses, a community interview), it turns out that:

either of the spouses accepted an economic advantage in return for approval to conclude marriage,
spouses do not comply with legal obligations resulting from the wedding,
spouses do not live together,
spouses have never met before the conclusion of marriage,
spouses do not speak any language that would be comprehensible to both of them, or
they cannot reach agreement as to their personal details and other important circumstances relating to them

The foreigner may be refused a fixed-term residence permit because of the “convenience” of his/her marriage.

Attention: The check is carried out only in the proceedings for granting a fixed-term residence permit and has no impact on the validity of marriage concluded with the foreigner.

Dates of weddings in the Registrar's Office in Wroclaw

Civil wedding ceremonies are held in the Registrar’s Office mainly on Saturdays from 10:15 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. and on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. However, it is possible to arrange another date with the head of the registrar’s office.

Outdoor weddings are planned on Saturdays (10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.) and on Fridays (3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.).

In the Registrar’s Office in Wroclaw, weddings are not held on public holidays and since 2018 also on selected days – check HERE.

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

The website of the Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw contains important information - templates of documents, guides and selected legal regulations. Moreover, it contains materials and publications issued by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection as well as video content.

The Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw acts solely for the benefit of the citizens of Wroc?aw (i.e. persons, who reside in the City of Wroc?aw, and the city is the centre of their personal interests). Persons living in other cities may refer to the local Consumer Ombudsman in their county for assistance.

Useful information regarding, for instance, the competent consumer ombudsman or other institutions which provide assistance or information on the consumer protection system in Poland, as well as the key legal regulations, can be obtained from the website of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection at the following address:

https://www.uokik.gov.pl/consumer_protection4.php

Key practical information that will make it easier to use the legal assistance provided by the Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw is presented below.

Our contact details:

Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw

Wroc?aw City Hall

G. Zapolskiej 4,
50-032 Wroc?aw

tel. +48 717 77 79 02, fax +48 717 77 86 62
brk@um.wroc.pl

Consumer Service Section
tel. +48 717 77 75 59

Consumer institutions providing free legal assistance

Prerequisites for receiving assistance, local and material jurisdiction of the Consumer Ombudsman

The Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw - in accordance with the binding legal regulations provisions - provides legal assistance only to consumers, i.e. natural persons who have entered into an agreement (for sale, work, service) for a private purpose with a company which has sold goods or services as part of its business activity.

Only permanent residents of Wroc?aw are eligible for services rendered by the Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw, i.e. persons who reside in the City of Wroc?aw, the city is the centre of their personal interests and have concluded an agreement with a company registered in Poland.

The Municipal Consumer Ombudsman performs his duties on the basis of the provisions of the Act of 16 February 2007 on Competition and Consumer Protection.

The full content of the aforementioned Act along with other legal regulations on consumer protection is available here:

https://www.uokik.gov.pl/consumer_protection.php

Analysis of each case reported to the consumer ombudsman requires an examination of all the available documentation (in particular contracts, bills, acceptance reports, complaints and the correspondence with the seller/contractor). The Municipal Consumer Ombudsman applies to the business owner only after the consumer has exhausted the existing complaint and appeal procedure.

Mediations conducted by consumer ombudsmen are amicable, which means that the business owner may uphold the negative decision. In such a case, the consumer will have to take the case to court.

The Municipal Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw does not provide legal advice by electronic correspondence. Only complete applications are accepted for registration in electronic form (completed and signed application/authorisation downloaded from the website together with attachments constituting a complete case file).

Consumer's Application

If you prefer to be contacted by e-mail, please contact E-Consultation Consumer Centre by sending an e-mail to porady@dlakonsumentow.pl

The Centre provides answers to inquiries received only from consumers, i.e. natural persons performing legal actions not related to their business or professional activity with business owners.

Legal advice is provided by the employees of the Municipal Office of the Consumer Ombudsman in Wroc?aw by phone (in simple cases, which do not require detailed analysis of documents) as well as directly - the visit does not require a prior appointment, but please remember to bring all documents related to the reported issue.

Responses to written requests and inquiries in consumer protection cases shall be issued as soon as possible in the order of receipt - as a rule, within 1 month after registering each case.

Please note!

Advice and legal aid provided by the Consumer Ombudsman is free of charge.

The matters handled by the Consumer Ombudsman involve in particular:

sales contracts
contractual works and services provided by companies (e.g. repair services, companies providing renovation works, furniture contractors, window carpentry and other items made to order)
telecommunication services
tourist services
transport and postal services
banking services
energy services
services related to real estate
educational services

The Ombudsman does not handle cases regarding, among others, the following:

contracts concluded between two natural persons who are not consumers
agreements concluded between businesses (companies)
matters relating to data protection
matters relating to the protection of personal rights
matters relating to the services provided by the National Health Fund
matters relating to social security
rights of members of housing associations
labour law;
matters handled by public administration bodies

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In the event that the purchased item does not comply with the agreement or in the event of revealing any potential defects, the Buyer-Consumer has the right to file a warranty or guarantee claim.

Complaint - how to file

As a rule, a complaint should be filed in writing, as soon as possible after noticing a defect in the item (not later than one year after noticing a defect, in the case of a warranty). You have to right to appeal against all rejected complaints.

Complaint under the Seller’s warranty:

in accordance with the law - can be filed
2 years after the date of purchase
the time limit for handling a complaint is 14 days - if complainant requests a repair, replacement or a price reduction. The 14-day time limit does not apply if the complainant requests a refund.
you have the right to demand: repair, replacement, price reduction or withdrawal from the contract (refund)
in the case of replacement, the Seller's liability shall apply accordingly as to a new item
the Seller’s liability is full and applies to all components of the items, such as decorative elements

Complaint under the guarantee to the Guarantor - the manufacturer of the product, the importer, and sometimes the seller:

remains in force if granted
the guarantee period is determined in the guarantee card If not determined in the guarantee card, the guarantee period is 2 years
the time for processing the complaint is determined in the guarantee card. If not determined in the guarantee card, the period shall be 14 days from the date of delivery of the disputed item
The scope of a complaint is specified in the guarantee terms and conditions
the liability of the guarantor may be limited both in terms of time (for instance, 6 months for a phone charger) as well as in terms of the type of damage (e.g. exclusion of mechanical damage)
in the case of replacement, the guarantor's liability shall apply accordingly as to a new item and shall be extended by the time during which the item is not used

Withdrawal from an agreement - returning a product

The right to withdraw from an agreement:

1. Products sold in a stationary store

Product free from defects may only be returned with the Seller's consent under the specified conditions.

Please note!

The seller may accept the returned product but is under no obligation to do so.

2. Off-premises sales:

The consumer has the right to withdraw from the purchase agreement within 14 days after receiving the item or after signing the agreement by filing an appropriate declaration.

The consumer must return the item no later than 14 days after withdrawing from the agreement (the item must be sent back before the time limit lapses).
The business owner is obliged to return all received payments within 14 days after receiving the declaration of withdrawal.
In the event that the Seller does not collect the returned product, the product may be sent back again at the Seller’s expense or, alternatively, the Seller may be asked to refund the costs of another shipment.
Withdrawal from sales contract does not apply to sales of items of value not exceeding fifty PLN.

The right to withdraw from an off-premises contract shall not apply to the following agreements:

service agreements, in the event that the business owner has fully carried out the service with your explicit consent and prior to the service you were informed that you will lose the right to withdraw from the agreement after the service is carried out (applicable to services such as, for instance, VOD, Pay Per View);
under which the price or remuneration depends on fluctuations in the financial market, which are beyond the business owner’s control, and which may occur before the deadline for withdrawal;
in the event that the service involves an unprocessed item, manufactured to your specifications or to meet your individual needs (e.g. installing cable TV in your apartment);
under which the object of the service is an item which quickly expires or has a short shelf life (e.g. a pizza ordered by phone);
under which the object of the service is a Product supplied in sealed packaging which, cannot be returned for health or hygienic reasons if opened after delivery (e.g. a bar of soap);
under which the object of the service are items which by nature are inseparably combined with other items after delivery (e.g. heating furnace installation);
under which the object of the service are alcoholic beverages, the price of which has been agreed upon at the conclusion of the sales agreement, and which may be delivered only after 30 days and whose value depends on market fluctuations which remain beyond the business owner’s control;
which contain your express request for the business owner to arrive to your premises to carry out urgent repair or maintenance works (e.g. leaking pipe, broken car window); if the business owner provides additional services in addition to those directly requested or provides items other than spare parts required to carry out repair or maintenance, the consumer shall have the right to withdraw in respect of the additional services or items;
which involve providing audio or visual recordings or computer programs in sealed packaging if the packaging is opened after delivery;
for the supply of newspapers, periodicals or magazines, except for subscription agreement;
concluded by means of a public auction;
for the supply of accommodation services other than for residential purposes, transport of goods, car rental, catering, services related to leisure, entertainment, sporting or cultural events, if the contract specifies the day or period of service;
for the supply of digital content which is not recorded on a physical medium, if the service had begun after your express consent prior to the expiry of the withdrawal period and after the business owner has informed you about the loss of the right to withdraw from the agreement (i.e. providing an audio-visual recording by mail).

3. Distance selling:

Each consumer has the right to withdraw from the purchase agreement within 14 days after receiving the item or after signing the agreement by filing an appropriate declaration.
The consumer must return the item no later than 14 days after withdrawing from the agreement (the item must be sent back before the time limit lapses).
The business owner is obliged to return all received payments within 14 days after receiving the declaration of withdrawal.
In the event that the Seller does not collect the returned product, the product may be sent back again at the Seller’s expense or, alternatively, the Seller may be asked to refund the costs of another shipment.

The right to withdraw from an agreement concluded away from business premises shall not apply to the following agreements:

service agreements, in the event that the business owner has fully carried out the service with your explicit consent and prior to the service you were informed that you will lose the right to withdraw from the agreement after the service is carried out (applicable to services such as, for instance, VOD, Pay Per View);
under which the price or remuneration depends on fluctuations in the financial market, which are beyond the business owner’s control, and which may occur before the deadline for withdrawal;
in the event that the service involves an unprocessed item, manufactured to your specifications or to meet your individual needs (e.g. installing cable TV in your apartment);
under which the object of the service is an item which quickly expires or has a short shelf life (e.g. a pizza ordered by phone);
under which the object of the service is a Product supplied in sealed packaging which, cannot be returned for health or hygienic reasons if opened after delivery (e.g. a bar of soap);
under which the object of the service are items which by nature are inseparably combined with other items after delivery (e.g. heating furnace installation);
under which the object of the service are alcoholic beverages, the price of which has been agreed upon at the conclusion of the sales agreement, and which may be delivered only after 30 days and whose value depends on market fluctuations which remain beyond the business owner’s control;
which contain your express request for the business owner to arrive to your premises to carry out urgent repair or maintenance works (e.g. leaking pipe, broken car window); if the business owner provides additional services in addition to those directly requested or provides items other than spare parts required to carry out repair or maintenance, the consumer shall have the right to withdraw in respect of the additional services or items;
which involve providing audio or visual recordings or computer programs in sealed packaging if the packaging is opened after delivery;
for the supply of newspapers, periodicals or magazines, except for subscription agreement;
concluded by means of public auction;
for the supply of accommodation services other than for residential purposes, transport of goods, car rental, catering, services related to leisure, entertainment, sporting or cultural events, if the contract specifies the day or period of service;
for the supply of digital content which is not recorded on a physical medium, if the service had begun after your express consent prior to the expiry of the withdrawal period and after the business owner has informed you about the loss of the right to withdraw from the agreement (i.e. providing an audio-visual recording by mail).

Caution!

Remember to inspect the shipment upon receipt for visible external damage, or be particularly careful if the packaging bears traces of damage. The parcel should be examined in the presence of a delivery courier. If you don’t do that for any reason, you still have 7 days to call in the courier and draw up a damage report.

Do pobrania:

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

driving-licence-the-replacement-of-the-foreign-driving-licence

Driving licence – the replacement of the foreign driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union, a state party to the Road Traffic Convention

Place of submission of documents/settlement of the case:
Citizens Affairs Department
Driver Licence Sub-department
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
fax +48 71 777 76 00

Information: phone + 48 71 777 77 77

COM I
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
Room S1, Counters 1, 2, 3
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

COM II
pl. Nowy Targ 1-8
Counter 8
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

COM IV
al. M. Kromera 44
Counter 11
opening hours: 08.00-15.15

The application may be filed by a person having a valid national driving licence issued abroad who has stayed in the territory of the Republic of Poland for at least 185 days in each calendar year because of his/her personal or professional ties or having a certificate confirming that he/she has studied for at least 6 months).

The application for the issue of a driving licence may be filed personally or by means of an electronic registry box.

Web page for the customer: www.esp.pwpw.pl

It is possible to receive information about the document produced and ready for receipt in the Office by phone text message (SMS) or by e-mail.
In order to use this charge-free service, a person applying for a new document is required to state his/her phone number or the e-mail address.
In addition, it is possible to reserve the queue number in the online queue number reservation system via web page Reservation of visits.

The following fees are charged for the issue of a driving licence:

fee for the issue of a driving licence: 100 PLN
registration fee: 0.50 PLN

The time of waiting for the issue of a driving licence: up to 30 days from the time of submission of the application.

In cases requiring the confirmation of data and information contained in the foreign driving licence document by the authority that issued the driving licence in accordance with Article 35 of the Code of Administrative Procedure, the time of waiting will not include the time of performance of these activities.

Required applications and documents:

For review: the original driving licence and a document confirming the right of residence or the Polish personal ID card.

Attention!

The form must be printed: on one A4 page as a whole (on both sides!), without reduction, enlargement or change of proportions, in the normal (not ink-saving) print mode. Because of small margins of the form, printing on some printers (e.g., laser printers) may be impossible.

colour photograph with dimensions of 35 x 45 mm, taken against a uniform background, with fine focus and reproduction of the natural skin colour, encompassing the image from the top of the head and the top part of the shoulders, so that the face occupies 70-80% of the photograph, showing clearly the eyes, particularly the eyelids, and presenting the person in a frontal position, without headgear and dark eyeglasses, looking straight with open eyes not covered by hair, with the natural facial expression and the closed mouth.

The photograph should be taken not earlier than 6 months before the day of submission of the application

a person with congenital or acquired eyesight disabilities may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in dark eyeglasses; in such case, a confirmation of disability (if the person is less than 16 years’ old) or a confirmation of the degree of disability (if the person is at least 16 years’ old) because of a congenital or acquired eyesight disability, issued pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 27 August 1997 on professional and social rehabilitation and the employment of disabled person (Journal of Laws 2011.127.721) is also enclosed to the application;
a person wearing headgear in accordance with the principles of his/her religion may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in headgear, if the image of the face is fully visible – in such case, a certificate of belonging to a religious community registered in the Republic of Poland is enclosed to the application.

personal ID card for review
national driving licence (for review) + photocopy of the driving licence
confirmation of payment for the issue of the international driving licence

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

Are you going abroad to a country that is not a EU member state? Do you want to have the possibility of driving there? Get an international driving licence. Check how to do it.

What is an international driving licence?

It is a copy of a Polish document translated into a number of languages in the form of a booklet, in a passport-like format. An international driving licence is not an independent document, so it must be shown along with the Polish driving licence. Therefore, everyone who has a valid Polish document may receive an international driving licence without having to pass additional examinations!

This means that you may drive vehicles outside the European Union (EU) in countries that are parties to the Vienna or Geneva Convention.

Place of submission of documents/settlement of the case:
Citizens Affairs Department
Driver Licence Sub-department
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
fax +48 71 777 76 00

Information: phone + 48 71 777 77 77

COM I
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
Room S1, Counters 1, 2, 3
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

COM II
pl. Nowy Targ 1-8
Counter 8
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

COM IV
al. M. Kromera 44
Counter 11
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

The application may be filed by the party or its appointed proxy. The maximum time of waiting is 7 days.
Fee: 35 PLN

Required applications and documents:

Application with a statement of residence

Attention!

colour photograph with dimensions of 35 x 45 mm, taken against a uniform background, with fine focus and reproduction of the natural skin colour, encompassing the image from the top of the head and the top part of the shoulders, so that the face occupies 70-80% of the photograph, showing clearly the eyes, particularly the eyelids, and presenting the person in a frontal position, without headgear and dark eyeglasses, looking straight with open eyes not covered by hair, with the natural facial expression and the closed mouth.

The photograph should be taken not earlier than 6 months before the day of submission of the application

a person with congenital or acquired eyesight disabilities may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in dark eyeglasses; in such case, a confirmation of disability (if the person is less than 16 years’ old) or a confirmation of the degree of disability (if the person is at least 16 years’ old) because of a congenital or acquired eyesight disability, issued pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 27 August 1997 on professional and social rehabilitation and the employment of disabled person (Journal of Laws 2011.127.721) is also enclosed to the application;
a person wearing headgear in accordance with the principles of his/her religion may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in headgear, if the image of the face is fully visible – in such case, a certificate of belonging to a religious community registered in the Republic of Poland is enclosed to the application.

personal ID card for review
national driving licence (for review) + photocopy of the driving licence
confirmation of payment for the issue of the international driving licence

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

driving-licence-the-issue-of-a-duplicate

The application may be filed by the party or its appointed proxy (the application is filled in personally by the holder of the driving licence; the proxy may only submit the application and collect the new document).

Place of submission of documents/settlement of the case:
Citizens Affairs Department
Driver Licence Sub-department
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
fax +48 71 777 76 00

Information: phone + 48 71 777 77 77

COM I
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
Room S1, Counters 1, 2, 3
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

COM II
pl. Nowy Targ 1-8
Counter 8
opening hours: 08.00-17.15

COM IV
al. M. Kromera 44
Counter 11
opening hours: 08.00-15.15

The duplicate of the driving licence is issued if the document is lost or destroyed to the extent causing its illegibility or data contained in the document are altered.

The time of waiting is up to 30 days from the submission of the application with a full set of attachments.

It is possible to receive information about the document produced and ready for receipt in the Office by phone text message (SMS) or by e-mail.
In order to use this charge-free service, a person applying for a new document is required to state his/her phone number or the e-mail address.
In addition, it is possible to reserve the queue number in the online queue number reservation system via web page Reservation of visits.

Required applications and documents:

Attention!

colour photograph with dimensions of 35 x 45 mm, taken against a uniform background, with fine focus and reproduction of the natural skin colour, encompassing the image from the top of the head and the top part of the shoulders, so that the face occupies 70-80% of the photograph, showing clearly the eyes, particularly the eyelids, and presenting the person in a frontal position, without headgear and dark eyeglasses, looking straight with open eyes not covered by hair, with the natural facial expression and the closed mouth.

The photograph should be taken not earlier than 6 months before the day of submission of the application

a person with congenital or acquired eyesight disabilities may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in dark eyeglasses; in such case, a confirmation of disability (if the person is less than 16 years’ old) or a confirmation of the degree of disability (if the person is at least 16 years’ old) because of a congenital or acquired eyesight disability, issued pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 27 August 1997 on professional and social rehabilitation and the employment of disabled person (Journal of Laws 2011.127.721) is also enclosed to the application;
a person wearing headgear in accordance with the principles of his/her religion may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in headgear, if the image of the face is fully visible – in such case, a certificate of belonging to a religious community registered in the Republic of Poland is enclosed to the application.

photocopy of the driving licence and the original driving licence for review (does not apply to lost documents), proofs of payment of required fees
valid personal ID card for review
medical opinion of a doctor authorised to examine drivers (only if the validity period of the document is changed)
certificate of psychological fitness from a psychologist entitled to examine drivers in the case of prolongation of the validity of the driving licence (for categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D, D+E).

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

It is a foreigner’s identity document in Poland. This document, together with a valid passport, confirms the foreigner’s right to stay in Poland and entitles him/her to cross the border a number of times without the need to have a visa.

The residence card is granted to a foreigner only after he/she obtains a residence permit that allows him/her to stay in Poland. It is necessary to apply for such a permit to the governor in the Lower Silesian Governor’s Office in Wroclaw, pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1,

Types of residence permit

Temporary residence permit – an annotation “temporary residence card” will be put on the card; the time of validity of the card (max. 3 years) is indicated on this document;
Temporary residence permit based on seasonal work – an annotation “seasonal work” will be put on the card; the time of validity of the card (max. 9 years) is indicated on this document;
Permanent residence permit – an annotation “permanent residence card” will be put on the card; the card is valid for a period of 10 years;
EU long-term resident’s residence permit – an annotation “EU long-term resident’s residence card” will be put on the card; the card is valid for a period of 5 years.

What requirements have to be met in order to receive a residence permit?

In principle, an application for a residence permit has to be filed by the foreigner in Poland;
The foreigner should apply for a permit during his/her legal stay in Poland (i.e., when the previously issued visa or residence permit is still valid);
The applicant is not assigned to the category of foreigners who are not allowed to apply for a permit;
The foreigner meets the requirements for granting a permit and will document the circumstances that he/she indicates as grounds for his/her planned further stay in Poland.

The form of the application for a residence permit is available here

Collection and fee for a residence card

The residence card has to be collected personally; on that occasion, the foreigner’s fingerprints are taken (if the foreigner is at least 6 years’ old). If the residence card has been issued to a minor foreigner who is under 13 years’ old, it is collected by the child’s legal representative or a guardian.

For the issue/replacement of a residence card, an administrative fee of 50 PLN is imposed. A payment discount of 50% may be granted when:

The foreigner is in a difficult financial situation;
The aim of the foreigner’s stay in Poland is to attend a post-middle school or a school of higher education in the territory of Poland;
Minors were less than 16 years’ old on the day of submission of the application for the issue or replacement of the residence card or a document.

When does a residence card have to be replaced?

Change of data included in the existing residence card;
Changes in the facial image of the holder of the residence card in relation to the image placed on the card to a degree which makes it difficult or prevents identification of the card holder;
Loss or damage of the card;
Acquisition by the Republic of Poland of responsibility for the international protection of the holder of a residence card issued in connection with the granting of an EU long-term resident’s residence permit;
Acquisition by another Member State of the European Union of responsibility for the international protection of the holder of a residence card issued in connection with the granting of an EU long-term resident’s residence permit.

The filled-in form of the application for the replacement of a residence card has to be filed within 14 days from the occurrence of justified reasons for its replacement. Foreigners staying in Poland for a temporary or permanent period or EU long-term residents have to submit the form to the governor. Those who are allowed to stay in Poland for humanitarian reasons have to submit the form to the chief of the border guard division or the chief of the border guard office relevant to the place of their stay.

(Attention: the loss or damage of the residence card has to be notified to the authority that issued the document within 3 days from the occurrence of the damage on the form. In such a case, the foreigner will receive a statement confirming this fact free of charge).

Apart from the application form, the following documents are required: a photocopy of a valid travel document (original available); 2 current photographs ; documents, necessary for the confirmation of data and circumstances indicated in the application.

Issuing another residence card to a foreigner

Foreigners staying in Poland under a permanent residence permit, EU long-term residents and those allowed to stay for humanitarian reasons are obliged to obtain another residence card before the lapse of the period of validity of the previously issued one.

Another residence card is valid for the following period:

a permanent residence permit – 10 years from the day of issue of the card;
an EU long-term resident’s residence permit – 5 years from the day of issue of the card;
stay for humanitarian reasons – 2 years from the day of issue of the card.

The application is filed on the form 30 days before the lapse of the validity period of the current residence card to the governor or to the chief of the border guard division or the chief of the border guard office (persons admitted for humanitarian reasons). Apart from that, the following documents are necessary: a photocopy of a valid travel document (original available); 2 current photographs and documents necessary for the confirmation of circumstances indicated in the application.

The fee for the issue of another residence card is 50 PLN. A 50% discount may be granted for the aforementioned reasons.

Treasury fees connected with the obtaining of a residence permit in Poland

Temporary residence and work permit – 440 PLN
Temporary residence permit – 340 PLN
Permanent residence permit – 640 PLN; permanent residence period based on the Pole’s Card – exempt from payment from 2 September 2016
EU long-term resident’s residence permit – 640 PLN
Prolongation of a national visa – 406 PLN
Prolongation of a Schengen visa – 30 EUR
Entry in the record of invitations – 27 PLN
Granting of a power of attorney – 17 PLN

Payments can be made to the LSGO’s Cash Office or to the recipient’s bank account: Gmina Wroc?aw, Plac Nowy Targ 1/8, 50-141 Wroc?aw, Bank account number: PKO BP S.A. no. 82 1020 5226 0000 6102 0417 7895

The residence card form can be checked in the public online register of authentic identity documents and travel documents.

See instructions for a foreigner on the rules and the procedure and on his/her rights and obligations

Lower Silesian Governor’s Office, pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1, 50-153 Wroc?aw

General information: 71 340 60 00;
Foreigners: 801 43 00 86;
Calls from abroad: +48 717 261 585;
LSGO helpline: 222 500 124;
Passport helpline: 75 722 94 49;
Central helpline: 222 500 115;
e-mail: info@duw.pl.
Working hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sat: closed
Working hours of the Passport and Customer Service Division: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wed: 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Working hours of the Division of Property Left Beyond the Bug River, Department of Real Property, Agriculture and Environment: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wed: 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Cash Office: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Photographic point: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wed: 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

According to the provisions that came into force on 1st January 2018, every foreigner residing in Poland will be assigned a PESEL number.

This does not apply only to those who plan short-term stays not requiring registration of residence, if such a stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland does not exceed 30 days.

Where to register your residence in Wroclaw and get a PESEL number right away?

Citizens who plan to stay in Poland for longer than 30 days have to register their residence in the City Office not later than on the fourth day of their stay in Wroclaw.

Formalities may be completed in: Inhabitant Service Centres in the city by submitting the following documents:

„permanent residence reporting” or „temporary residence reporting” form,

a passport and a document obtained in the Republic Poland, i.e., a visa, a residence card, a permanent residence approval or a temporary residence approval (the relevant document for Wroclaw inhabitants is issued by the Lower Silesian Provincial Office, Pl. Powsta?ców Warszawy 1),
if a foreigner is the owner of the premises that he/she wants to register as his/her residence or has another legal title to them, he/she should present the document that will confirm this, e.g., a civil-law agreement (e.g., a lease agreement), an extract from a land register, an administrative decision or a court decision,
if a foreigner is not the owner of the premises that he/she wants to register as his/her residence and does not have any other legal title to them, his/her stay has to be signed and confirmed on the residence reporting form by the person having a legal title to the premises. The document confirming the legal title to the premises has to be presented for viewing in the office.

How much does it cost?

The residence registration service (and, consequently, obtaining a PESEL number) is free of charge. The clerk will register permanent residence or temporary residence immediately upon receipt of notification.

Important: Registration of residence in Wroclaw is also possible via authorised representative. He/she has to show his/her personal ID card or passport as well the original power of attorney granted to him/her. (Relevant forms for download HERE).

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

driving-licence-the-issue-of-the-document-after-the-state-test

Nnew licence

Driver Licence Sub-department
ul. G. Zapolskiej 4
fax +48 71 777 76 00

Information: phone + 48 71 777 77 77

Persons who have passed the state test (the first driving licence or the purchase of new categories) with the registered address of residence in Wroclaw:

Receipt of documents (a valid personal ID card or passport is required):

The application may be filed by the person who has passed the driving test.

Opening hours:

Room S1, opening hours: 08.00-17.15
Driver Licence Sub-department, Room 2 (after 3:30 p.m., missing documents are received in Room S1)

Fee for the issue of a driving licence: 100 PLN

Registration fee: 0.50 PLN

The period of waiting for the driving licence is up to 30 days from the date of submission of the test result by the Provincial Road Traffic Centre or from the date of supplement of the application by the customer.

Required applications and documents:

Application with a statement of residence

Attention!

colour photograph with dimensions of 35 x 45 mm, taken against a uniform background, with fine focus and reproduction of the natural skin colour, encompassing the image from the top of the head and the top part of the shoulders, so that the face occupies 70-80% of the photograph, showing clearly the eyes, particularly the eyelids, and presenting the person in a frontal position, without headgear and dark eyeglasses, looking straight with open eyes not covered by hair, with the natural facial expression and the closed mouth.

The photograph should be taken not earlier than 6 months before the day of submission of the application

a person with congenital or acquired eyesight disabilities may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in dark eyeglasses; in such case, a confirmation of disability (if the person is less than 16 years’ old) or a confirmation of the degree of disability (if the person is at least 16 years’ old) because of a congenital or acquired eyesight disability, issued pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 27 August 1997 on professional and social rehabilitation and the employment of disabled person (Journal of Laws 2011.127.721) is also enclosed to the application;
a person wearing headgear in accordance with the principles of his/her religion may enclose to the application a photograph presenting him/her in headgear, if the image of the face is fully visible – in such case, a certificate of belonging to a religious community registered in the Republic of Poland is enclosed to the application.

certificate of completion of a driving licence training course
certificate of psychological fitness about the lack of contraindications for the driving of vehicles (for categories C, C+E, D, D+E)
medical opinion about the lack of contraindications for the driving of vehicles
proof of payment of required fees for the issue of the driving licence

In the absence of any attachments or if the application is filled incorrectly, the office will summon the applicant to supplement missing parts. The driving licence will be issued after missing parts are supplemented.

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

A temporary residence permit is granted for a period that is necessary for the fulfilment of the purpose of stay in Poland (e.g., working or studying) but, in most cases, not shorter than 3 months and not longer than 3 years.

A foreigner has to submit an application for a temporary residence permit personally to the Lower Silesian Governor not later than on the last day of his/her legal stay in Poland. During this formality, his/her fingerprints are taken. If the governor issues a favourable decision, the foreigner will receive a residence card.

In what cases is it possible to obtain a temporary residence permit?

There is a number of grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit, e.g.:

work – a foreigner receives a temporary residence and work permit,
work requiring high qualifications – a foreigner receives a residence permit in respect of his/her performance of work in a profession requiring high qualifications,
intra-corporate transfer – a foreigner receives a temporary residence permit in respect of his/her intra-corporate transfer,
delegation – a foreigner delegated by a foreign employer to the territory of Poland receives a temporary residence permit for the purpose of performing work,
business activity – a foreigner receives a residence permit in respect of his/her conduct of business activity,
seasonal work – a foreigner receives a residence permit in respect of seasonal work,
studies – a foreigner receives a residence permit in respect of studies,
marriage – a foreigner receives a residence permit in respect of his/her marriage to a Polish citizen,

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

A permanent residence permit authorises a foreigner to stay in Poland for an indefinite period. A permanent residence card is valid for 10 years, which means that it has to be replaced, but without the need to repeat the entire permit obtaining procedure.

Who may obtain a permanent residence permit in Poland?

A permanent residence permit may be received by a foreigner who:

is a person of Polish origin intending to settle in Poland on a permanent basis,
has a valid Pole’s Card and wants to settle in Poland on a permanent basis,
has been married to a Polish citizen in compliance with Polish law for at least three years before the date on which he/she applied for a permanent residence permit, and immediately prior to the application he resided continuously in Poland for a period of not less than two years on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted in connection with his/her marriage to a Polish citizen,
is a child of a foreigner who has been granted a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident’s residence permit and is under his parental authority, and he/she was born after his/her parent was granted a permanent residence permit or during the period of validity of the temporary residence permit granted to his/her parent,
is a child of a Polish citizen remaining under his/her parental authority.

How to obtain a permanent residence permit?

An application for a permanent residence permit is submitted personally to the Governor’s Office. (Application forms are available on the website of the Lower Silesian Governor’s Office). An application form may also be filled online on the portal made available by the Office for Foreigners.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

a valid travel document – photocopies of all pages + original available for view;
4 current colour biometric photographs;
a proof of payment of stamp duty for granting the permit (640 PLN – holders of the Pole’s Card are exempt from payment),
documents confirming the data contained in the application and circumstances justifying the submission of the application for a permanent residence permit.

Additional documents – depending on the foreigner’s individual situation:

if the foreigner is a person of Polish origin:
- original documents confirming the Polish origin of one of the parents, grandparents or both great-grandparents;
- documents confirming his/her relationship to a person of Polish origin;
if the foreigner has a valid Pole’s Card:
- a photocopy of the Pole’s Card, with the original document available for view,
- a document confirming his/her will to stay in Poland (e.g., an employment agreement);
if the foreigner is married to a Polish citizen:
- a valid copy of the marriage certificate;
- a photocopy of the spouse’s identity card;
- if spouses have common children – copies of their birth certificates;
- a statement of compliance with tax liabilities to the State Treasury;
the foreigner’s minor child having a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident’s residence permit in Poland that remains under his/her parental authority and was born after the granting of the permanent residence permit or the EU long-term resident's residence permit to the foreigner:
- a copy of the birth certificate,
- a copy of the decision to grant a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident's residence permit or the residence card of a legal representative;
a child of a Polish citizen remaining under his/her parental authority:
- a copy of the birth certificate,
- a copy of the identity card of a legal representative (e.g., a parent).

The decision to issue a permanent residence permit shall be made within one month, but in practice the procedure lasts much longer (6-12 months).

Right to stay and work in other countries of the Schengen zone

A permanent residence permit entitles the foreigner to travel to other countries of the Schengen zone for a tourist purpose for up to 90 days during the period of 180 days.

On the basis of a permanent residence permit issued in Poland, the foreigner may not undertake work in any other country than Poland.

When may a permanent residence permit be revoked?

A permanent residence permit may be revoked for the foreigner, e.g., when:

this is necessary for the defence or national security or the protection of public safety and order or is in the interest of Poland,
the application for granting the permit or other documents contained incorrect personal data or attested false information;
when applying for a residence permit, the foreigner testified untruthfully or concealed the truth or forged a document;
the foreigner was convicted in the Republic of Poland for intentional offence to a penalty of at least 3 years' imprisonment,
the foreigner left the territory of Poland for a period exceeding 6 years,
if the foreigner had a permanent residence permit on the basis of his/her marriage to a Polish citizen and divorced within 2 years from the date on which he/she was granted the permanent residence permit.

Source url:https://www.wroclaw.pl/en/residence-and-procedures-in-poland

According to a report from The Statistical Office in Warsaw called “Foreigners on the Masovian labour market in 2018”, the number of work permits issued in the most populated Polish region has been progressively rising since 2013. The most common reasons why expats want to work in Poland are the low unemployment rate, the rising average salary and the relatively low cost of living.

Foreign workers are required to have the proper visas and work permits in Poland, as established by immigration laws. However, obtaining the necessary work permissions for non-EU citizens can be quite complicated.

Work permits are undoubtedly our most frequented asked question so hopefully this article will make your relocation and life in the new country a little bit easier.

Note: For more detailed information, contact the local Voivodship Office or visit this website: http://www.paiz.gov.pl

What is a work permit?

A work permit is a document that authorizes a foreigner to work legally in Europe.
The permit indicates the company that assigns the execution of work to the foreigner and the position or the type of work which the foreigner is to perform. The work is therefore regarded as legal only if the foreigner performs the work identified in the permit. This means that if the foreigner wants to change jobs (i.e. change employer and/or position and/or industry) in which he is employed, he has to obtain a new permit. The permit is valid for the period for which it was issued. The term of validity of the permit is indicated on the document.

Who doesn’t need a work permit?

In general, to work as an employee in one of the European Union (EU) countries you don’t need to apply to any work permit if you are a national from:

another EU country (The European Union consists of 28 member states)
any of the countries belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland,

Liechtenstein and Norway

Switzerland (Under the EU-Switzerland agreement on the free movement of persons, Swiss nationals are free to live and work in the EU).
People who come from the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and New Zealand do not require a working visa. However, they are still required to have a legal right to stay in the Schengen Area and have a work permit. Residence and work permits can usually be applied for once you arrive in your chosen country.

If you are in a family relationship with an EU citizen, you:

do not need a work permit to work
have the right to equal treatment, including access to all social and tax advantages

But in order to have access to work market, while being married to a Polish citizen you need to remain in a marriage recognized by the law of the Republic of Poland with a Polish citizen for at least 3 years before the day in which he submitted the application for permanent residence permit. And immediately before submitting this application, he stayed continuously on the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period of not less than 2 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted in connection to being married to a Polish citizen or in connection with obtaining refugee status, subsidiary protection or residence permit for humanitarian reasons. This permit is granted for an indefinite period!

A foreigner’s stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland constituting the basis for granting him a permanent residence permit is considered uninterrupted if none of the halves in it was longer than 6 months and all breaks did not exceed a total of 10 months in the periods constituting the basis for granting him a residence permit permanent, unless the break was caused by:

the foreigner performs professional duties or performs work outside the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of an agreement concluded with the employer whose registered office is in the territory of the Republic of Poland
accompaniment of the foreigner referred to in item 1 by his spouse or minor child
a special personal situation requiring the presence of a foreigner outside the territory of the Republic of Poland and lasted no longer than 6 months
a trip outside the territory of the Republic of Poland in order to undergo internships or participate in classes provided during studies at a Polish university.

Other than that you don’t need work permit if:

you are a student of full-time studies in Poland
you are a graduate of Polish secondary schools, or have completed full time studies (tertiary education), or full-time doctoral studies at Polish universities and scientific and research institutions
you are spouse of Polish citizens
you have refugee status granted to you in the Republic of Poland
you have received subsidiary protection in the Republic of Poland
you possess a permanent residence permit issued by the Republic of Poland
you hold an EU long-term resident permit issued in the Republic of Poland or in special cases issued in another EU country
you have been granted tolerated stay in the Republic of Poland
you are a victim of human trafficking (assuming the fulfilment of additional requirements)
you have a temporary residence permit or any other legal document that allows for residence in Poland acquired in conjunction with a marriage to a Polish citizen or a foreigner holding refugee status
you are a person benefiting from supplementary protection
you have a valid Pole’s Card. The Pole’s Card seems to serve as a proof of Polish nationality for people living outside Poland. The document has been introduced for those who feel they have a bond with their homeland through common history and tradition, can speak Polish (or at least have a basic grasp of it) and, most importantly, want to officially give a written declaration of identifying themselves as Polish in front of a Polish consul. In order to do that, an applicant for the Pole’s Card has to be a formal citizen of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine or Uzbekistan.
Moreover, there is one more condition: such a person needs to prove that in their family tree one will find at least 1 parent or grandparent of Polish origin (or 2 great-grandparents). Another way of proving your special bond with Poland is presenting a special note from a Polish organisation confirming your activity in the field of promoting the Polish culture.
you are providing training or taking part in vocational training and internships, or participates in a scheme carried out within the framework of the European Union programmes or another international aid scheme. In general, if the internship or training in which you want to participate is paid, you need to obtain a work permit. Participation in an unpaid training or internship programme does not require a work permit.
you are a full-time student and you are legally residing in Poland, you can participate in paid internships or apprenticeships without a work permit.
you are entitled on the basis of the Association Agreement between the European Economic Community and Turkey

Main types of work permits in Poland

Type A: the foreign employee is employed by a business entity incorporated in Poland;
Type B: the foreigner stays in Poland for a specific amount of time to perform a function on a management board;
Type C: the foreign employee is employed by a foreign employer and has been delegated to work at a branch or subsidiary in Poland for a period exceeding 30 days;
Type D: the foreign employee is employed by a foreign employer that does not have a subsidiary or branch in Poland but the employee has been delegated to perform a temporary service in the country (usually export services);
Type E: the foreign employee is employed by a foreign employer and has been delegated to Poland for a period longer than 3 months in the next 6 months of the calendar year, to perform other tasks than those described above.

Documents for working in EU

It is important to understand that the EU is a political and economic union comprised of 28 European states and each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to issuing visas and/or work permits. For example, some of the countries will require that you have a job offer prior to applying for a working visa. Nevertheless, there are some basic work permits and visa options that non-EU citizens can apply for to have the right to travel and work within the EU.

Please note that the Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely to and from the Schengen countries but not work.

Work permit in Poland

If you are a citizen of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine you don’t need to apply for a work permit if you are intending to work in Poland for no longer than 6 months per year (please note that your employer needs to fulfil some legal obligations like registering in a local labour office the fact that you are hired as a seasonal worker).

Finally, if you are a citizen of any other country you will need to apply for a visa (or residence permit) and work permit in order to work legally in Poland. This document allows any foreigner to undertake legal work in this country. Please bear in mind that this document is valid only for a fixed period of time, which cannot be longer than three years.

You do not apply for a work permit yourself. It is your employer’s duty to start the procedure. The authority responsible for issuing work permits is, as in the case of visas, the voivode’s office. Your employer needs to deliver all the necessary documents, which differ for each type of permit. You will find them listed on the website of the relevant voivode’s office.

There is also a fee for issuing or extending a work permit: PLN 50 for a permit valid up to 3 months; PLN 100 for a longer period of time; PLN 200 if it is a type D work permit.

Formal requirements and list of supporting documents

VISA APPLICATION FORM. Each applicant shall submit a REGISTERED, COMPLETED, PRINTED, DATED, and SIGNED application. You can find it on e-konsulat.gov.pl. Each person included in the applicant’s travel documents must submit a separate application form. Minors shall submit an application form signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship.
2 PHOTOGRAPHS in colour, passport size, taken within the last 6 months against plain white background.
PASSPORTvalid for at least 3 months after the date of intended departure from Poland, with at least two blank Visa pages. The passport cannot have been issued more than 10 years before the date of applying for a Visa.
FLIGHT RESERVATIONthat includes a flight ticket to Poland. Please note that Consular Section does not bear any responsibility for any purchased tickets before the issuance of a Visa.
PROOF OF TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE: Confirmation letter from your health insurance company stating coverage for emergency medical, hospitalization and repatriation with a minimum of 30 000 Euros. The insurance should be valid throughout the territory of all Schengen countries and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit.
PROOF OF SUFFICIENT FINANCIAL MEANS: g. last 3 bank account statements with name and address of owner(s) or proof of regular income (e.g. pay slips of last 3 months).
REFERENCE LETTER FROM EMPLOYER: If self-employed, the original business registration, letter from your solicitor or letter from your accountant.
CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE is required only when the applicant is travelling with a spouse as a dependent or when a spouse of the applicant is a EU citizen. If the marriage certificate is issued not by EU member state competent authorities, it must have legalisation or Apostille stamp on it and it must be translated into Polish or English (if issued in other languages) by certified translator.
CERTIFICATE OF BIRTHis required if an applicant is travelling with a minor. If the birth certificate is issued not by EU member state competent authorities, it must have legalisation or Apostille stamp on it and it must be translated into Polish or English (if issued in other languages) by certified translator.

Additionally:

WORKING VISA type D:Work permit issued by Voivodship Office (Urz?d Wojewódzki) in Poland.
Employment without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. Work visas are issued for multiple entries and can be valid for as long as the work permit is valid, but no longer than one year (365 days). Work visas are issued only by a Polish Consul in the consular office corresponding to the place where the applicant has his/her legal permanent residence.

Sources

https://udsc.gov.pl/en/
https://udsc.gov.pl/en/cudzoziemcy/obywatele-panstw-trzecich/chce-osiedlic-sie-w-polsce/zezwolenie-na-pobyt-staly/dla-malzonka-polskiego-obywatela/
https://dublin.msz.gov.pl/en/consular_information/visas/long_stay_visa/

AtoZ Serwis Plus Reviews Ritu Ranjan Routray for Poland Immigration Services

I, Ritu Ranja Routray applied for an Application Programmer Job, and I got my work visa for Poland. It was challenging to start the application process from my home country, however, AtoZ Serwis Plus always had the answer. AtoZ Serwis Plus was most informative and reassuring at times due to my unusual circumstances. I had heard of others ‘going it alone’ but always seemed to be hassled with one process or another. AtoZ Serwis Plus guide and give follow up on each step, provide offer letter followed by work permit submission proof then providing work permit invitation with other required documents to process for the visa. I just sat back basically and let the AtoZ Serwis Plus guide me along. I can’t describe how it felt when my Work Permit was granted. I was ecstatic – it meant I could forge ahead with our plans. Jack and Lukasz were a pleasure to deal with always friendly and supportive. I really liked her personal approach and they never minded me ringing for updates and always answered any questions that I had. My visa advisor Adam Mazur sent me a lovely card and it was a pleasure doing business with him.

Ritu Ranjan Routray,
IT Specialist, Application Programmer,
Warsaw, Poland

Raghul Gandhi Ellappan Reviews AtoZ Serwis Plus for Poland Immigration Services

I, Raghul Gandhi Ellappan, came in contact with AtoZ Serwis Plus through my friend who has gone to Poland through them. I had no plans initially. But, when my friend settled and started working in Poland on a very attractive salary, then I seriously thought of meeting the AtoZ Serwis Plus Counselor who explained the process and I initiated my file with them.
From the first consultation, Adam and his team provide me with the best and most professional service. Jack even replied to my email on weekend, as an urgent matter. I have unpredictable issues during my visa application. Adam and Jack discussed with me and worked out a plan for the issue. In between my visa processing, the AtoZ Serwis Plus team always delivers the best solution for my issue. I am very satisfied with my visa outcome and best wishes to AtoZ Serwis Plus in the future. I got the Job in my Field in IT with a very handsome salary package and all thanks to AtoZ Serwis Plus.

The good news is that I got my visa now for Poland. They have complete knowledge of all visa categories. Thanks once again team AtoZ Serwis Plus. Really appreciate the help from Adam and Jack,
With that all said, if you have any help regarding visas, Immigration Services, Jobs, please contact AtoZ Serwis Plus.

Ritu Ranjan Routray,
IT Specialist, Application Programmer,
Warsaw, Poland

5 Solid Reasons To Choose Poland For Studies

Why Study In Poland?

Poland provides a high quality of Polish education system. The country has a history of 650 years in the education system and Warsaw university is an example of its system being the number one top coder international IT ranking.

Polish doctors, engineers, architects, and IT specialists are highly acclaimed by the recruiters worldwide. Poland is the best country to study engineering and IT courses.

There are around 457 universities in Poland and universities like Warsaw University of Technology, Jagiellonian University, and the University of Gdansk are great universities in Poland, who are also well-respected in the academic and scientific world.

5 Reasons To Study In Poland

1. High-quality universities

Poland has more than 450 universities where bachelors and as well as master courses are being taught in English, German and Dutch. The universities have huge research centres as well as outstanding experts from a wide array of fields. There are top 3 universities in Poland which every student look into:

Top 3 Universities In Poland

1. University of Warsaw

Overview

University of Warsaw, established in 1816, is Poland's largest and finest university and a leading research centre, offering numerous programs of studies and specializations within the fields of Arts and Humanities, Social, Physical, Life Sciences as well as Engineering and Technology. The University employs over 7'200 people, including over 3'500 academic staff and it educates over 42'000 undergraduate and graduate students, 2'900 Ph.D. students and almost 2'700 non-degree post-diploma students, not counting the UW Open University students of all ages, including children.

The high level of scientific research, as well as its connection with diversity and attractiveness of teaching methods determine the indisputable first position of the University in the country and its good reputation worldwide recognized also by prestigious international rankings. Currently, there are 21 faculties and almost 30 other academic and research units, including the Centre of New Technologies and University Technology Transfer Centre. The University of Warsaw cooperates actively with over 1000 foreign and national institutions and collaborates with 531 partners from 73 countries within direct cooperation agreements. The level of internationalization makes the University of Warsaw one of the leading academic institutions in Central-Eastern Europe.

University of Warsaw belongs to the global community of universities and accepts its universal aims, but its name is strongly bound up with the capital of Poland. Thus, the University plays a special role, combining universal techniques of communication and knowledge of universal significance with maintenance of respect for the historical and cultural identity of the region and state. In response to the challenges arising from the transformation of the country, the new position of Poland in Europe and the world and the education of knowledge-based society, University of Warsaw defines its mission as follows:

1. The basis of the University’s activity is the unity of teaching and research – the university brings together scholars from a variety of disciplines, being a place of diversity of scientific research and inter-generational multifaceted knowledge transfer.

2. The mission of the University within society is to guarantee access to knowledge and acquisition of skill to all who are entitled – the University of Warsaw generates knowledge and teaches skills that ensure high professional qualification and proper fulfilment of public roles of its alumni, combined with the development of their personalities.

3. The civic mission of the University is the formation of those elites who, in their activities, will serve the imperio rationis rather than the ratione imperii – the University is a community of dialogue, exchange of views, clash of arguments and openness to new ideas and concepts always bound up with respect for diversity and personal dignity, regardless of political, ideological and religious differences.

4. The cultural mission of the University is a synthesis of universal and local values. The University cultivates in harmony and symbiosis many different disciplines, combining advanced techniques with research on cultures and identities. The University of Warsaw mission was approved by its Senate and binds all members of its academic community.

2. Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University is a public higher education institution first founded in 1364. With 4,063 academic teachers and almost 500 distinguished professors, JU provides more than 100 professionally focused course areas in the most notable fields. The university provides full-time and part-time courses in over 80 fields of study.

3. Adam Mickiewicz University

Overview

Adam Mickiewicz University in Pozna? is one of the top three Polish universities. Its reputation is founded on tradition lasting over 405 years, the outstanding achievements of the faculty and the attractive curriculum offered to students. The 16 faculties and independent departments of AMU offer opportunities to study in over 55 major fields. In recent years the educational offer has become increasingly diverse.

The University recognizes its role as a strategic social partner in Central Europe, and therefore aspires to contribute to the region’s economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability. The University prides itself on its achievements and aligns its principles with those of the Great Charter of European Universities. It promotes pro-European ideas and actively participates in the international academic community, seeks to implement joint research and educational programs. It aims to strengthen ties with the European Union Member States and embarks on new initiatives conducive to cooperation with the countries of Europe. Among its more than one hundred honorary doctors are Nobel Prize winners: Maria Curie-Sklodowska, Wis?awa Szymborska, Javier Solana.

AMU in numbers: over 3,000 faculty members including over 750 professors and associate professors, more than 150 visiting lecturers, over 43 000 students including over 800 incoming students from abroad, 60 post-graduate non-degree programs of study, nearly 300 regular courses on a variety of subjects taught in English, and some in French and Spanish (among others); over 550 research projects funded by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education and other science agencies and participate in 40 international research projects. Moreover, the university has entered into about 250 partnership agreements with academic institutions all over the world and is a member of many research international groups and collaboration and mobility networks (Santander Group or Compostela).

Mission and Vision

The mission of the University is to advance knowledge through high quality research and teaching in partnership with business, the professions, public services and other research and learning providers. The University is a centre of academic excellence, where research and teaching are mutually sustaining, and where the context within which research is conducted and knowledge is sought and applied, is international as much as regional and national. The University continuously extends and updates research programs and contents of study curricula, with special emphasis on their interdisciplinary and international nature.

2. Low Tuition Fee

Apart from Germany, Poland has many universities which are under state and has the lowest tuition fees. In comparison to other countries in Europe like the Netherlands or Finland, Poland stands for economic studying and living.

The tuition fees start from 1500 Euro per year and go higher till 3000 Euro. Also, the cost of living is very low. The student dormitory room starts from 100 Euro. A shared flat cost is around 300-400 Euro.

Also, the transportation cost is also very low. Poland has a very good network of public trains where you only have to pay 25 Euro for whole day roaming tickets.

3. Fast-growing Economy

Poland is an emerging country in Europe and has acclaimed popularity among students. Moreover, the country is best for living, studying and culture is quite vibrant. Apart from that, according to the European Commission’s forecast, Poland’s GDP was around 5.1% in 2018 which has been increased since 2004.

4. Great Culture And Environment

Poland culture is known for its achievements and heritage all around the world. There are a lot of festivals, book fairs, sports and music concerts that happen in the country. The country is welcoming to all international students. Also, Poland hosts the football championships.

5. No Language Barrier

There are many English courses available for international students, so you don’t have to speak Polish. In addition to that, more than 450 universities are providing approx 3000-5000 courses in English. What else we need?

Final Thoughts

We saw 5 reasons to study in Poland by which it is proved that Poland is truly a capable country to give you quality education, a good job, security, low cost of living and accommodation.

It is a good country to consider your studies if you think France, Netherlands or Italy is expensive for you. Poland is especially good for engineering and aircraft courses. Moreover, you don’t need a high IELTS score so you can definitely enter into any bachelors or master courses in Poland.

Foreigners are entitled to the right of working in this country. This can be done by obtaining a working visa in Poland or another document that allows them to be employed on the Polish territory, but it can vary based on the nationality of the foreigner, as the citizens of specific countries (such as the member states of the European Union) do not have to apply for documents that will grant them the right to work in this country.

Our immigration lawyers in Poland can present the main categories of persons who are legally required to apply for a working visa and can also represent them during the legal formalities involved in the process. In the case of those that need a working visa for Poland, the application should contain the type of work permit that the person needs here or the written statement of the employer interested in hiring foreign workforce.

What types of work permits does a foreigner need in Poland?

The work permits that can be obtained under a visa for employment purposes in Poland vary based on the duration of the employment, the type of function the person will have in a company and other relevant matters. Those who are required to apply for a visa should first verify the requirements they should meet for one of the following work permits:

• Type A work permit – available for those who become employees of companies that have their registered office in Poland, issued based on an employment contract;
• Type B work permit – available for foreigners who will have a board member function and who will reside in Poland for at least six months in a period of 12 months;
• Type C work permit – available for persons who will work in Poland in a subsidiary or a branch office of an international company, for at least 30 days in a calendar year;
• Type D work permit – applicable to those who are delegated by a foreign employer to work in Poland in the export services on a temporary basis;
• Type E permit – this type of permit can be issued to foreigners who want to be employed in Poland and who do not fall in any of the above four options.

Starting with the 1st of January 2018, the Poland immigration legislation provides a new type of work permit, available for seasonal work. The permit is issued at the request of a local employer, and foreigners should be aware of the fact that seasonal work in this country can only be performed if they are the holders of this type of permit; our immigration lawyers in Poland can provide in-depth information on other particularities of this document.

What should a foreigner know on the employment process in Poland?

As a foreigner who wants to be employed in Poland, one should know that the issuance of the work permit is a procedure that involves the employer when one has found a suitable job opportunity. The work permit itself only grants the right to work here and when applying for a working visa in Poland, specifically for employment purposes, the person will also receive the right to live here, as per the regulations of the Poland migration rules.

In this particular case, the first step is to secure a job opportunity with a local employer and then to request the issuance of the work permit, which is done by the company that will employ the foreigner. The specific criteria that foreigners must respect when applying for a working visa in this country are prescribed by the Polish Office for Foreigners. With regards to the demand for work permits in Poland, the European Commission has presented the following information:

• in 2018, Polish authorities issued 328,000 work permits to foreigners moving to Poland from 125 countries;
• the number of work permits that were issued in 2018 increased by 40% compared to 2017;
• most of the work permits were requested by men, who accounted for 77,2% from all the employment permits issued in 2018;
• when referring to the nationality of the foreigners, most of the work permits were requested by Ukrainian citizens (72,5%);
• the 2nd most important group of foreigners was represented by Nepalese (6,1%).

It must be noted that the citizens of the European Union (EU), as presented above, do not need any type of document for employment purposes, and this is available for the citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Persons who have the status of refugees in Poland also do not need relevant papers in order to work here.

The Polish authorities have made certain exemptions from the Poland migration rules for the citizens of Moldova, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine and Russia, who benefit from easier access to the local labor market. It must be noted that they do not need to apply for a work permit, as long as they work in Poland for 6 months in a 12 months period. Other exemptions can apply, and we invite you to contact our immigration lawyers for personalized assistance on the need of obtaining a working visa in Poland.

Persons moving to Poland can request the professional services provided by immigration lawyers, who are specialized in various branches regulating this field. This is highly recommended, as the legal procedures through which a person can immigrate to Poland can vary based on the nationality of the citizen.

The Poland immigration law covers numerous aspects, regulating the procedures available for those who want to permanently relocate here, for those who want to work here for a given period of time or study in this country, but it also regulates the legal aspects through which a person can immigrate here when seeking for asylum. Considering that there are numerous steps involved in these procedures, as foreigners, it is best to be represented by our team of immigration lawyers in Poland.

What are the basic immigration services available in Poland?

Our team of immigration lawyers in Poland is prepared to provide legal assistance and legal representation to natural persons relocating here for various purposes, to their families, to foreign businessmen who want to start a business activity in this country or to local companies interested in hiring foreign employees. Some of the basic immigration services we can provide are presented below:

obtaining a work permit for persons who are citizens outside the EU and for other categories of persons;
applying for a residence permit – it can be issued for employment purposes or for family reunification purposes and it is available for both EU and non-EU citizens;
applying for visas and assisting persons with legal advice on the embassy procedures;
legal assistance in registering with the local authorities, which is required for all foreigners working and living here;
assisting in obtaining various documents and the legalization of such documents as per the Polish law.

If you want to immigrate to Poland, our team of immigration lawyers is ready to assist you.

How can we assist you in obtaining a residence permit in Poland?

One of the most requested documents for Poland immigration is the residence permit, which represents a type of document that provides the right to reside in this country as a foreigner. In order to obtain this document, the applicant has to prepare several papers that will be processed by the local authorities in a given period of time (the process can last several months).

Our immigration lawyer in Poland can offer information on the types of documents you should prepare in this case. Our team can guide you through the registration steps and can also assist you in other legal matters related to the residence permit. For example, our lawyers can assist with legal advice on the procedures one must follow upon the expiration of the document or when the person needs to make various changes on his or her residence permit (such as the modification of the address).

We can also advise on the formalities one should meet with the local authorities based on the nationality of the applicant (which are divided between EU and non-EU citizens) and we can represent our clients in obtaining a residence permit for the family members of those relocating to Poland.

Obtain a Polish visa with the help of our immigration lawyers in Poland

The law in Poland provides the possibility of applying for a visa as a foreigner arriving from specific countries. EU citizens do not need to apply for any of the visas prescribed by the national laws, but citizens outside the EU should first verify if they must apply for a visa or if they qualify for an exemption (the citizens of several countries outside the EU benefit from the right or arriving here for specific purposes without the need of applying for a visa, given the agreements signed by the Polish authorities with their respective partners).

Currently, Poland provides three main categories of visas: the A-type visa (a visa specially designed only for airport transit), the C-type visa (known as the Schengen visa), and the D-type visa (the national visa). The A-type visa can be used only for the purpose of transiting the Polish national territory when arriving in this country during an airport transit. In other words, the foreigner must have this document when traveling to another destination and, during his or her journey, the person must stop here for another flight connection.

The A-type visa cannot be used for moving to Poland and it is a restrictive type of visa, as it only allows the foreigner to stay in one of the Polish airports where the flight connection is booked. This document is required only for certain categories of foreigners, presented in Annex IV of the Community Code of Visas; you may request more information on this type of document from our immigration lawyer in Poland.

In case you intend to immigrate to Poland, you should know that the Schengen visa (the C-type) is available as two basic documents: the Uniform Schengen visa, which grants the right of visiting all the Schengen member states, and the Schengen visa with limited territorial validity, which is issued for specific Schengen states or for only one Schengen state. Regardless of the number of countries the foreigner wants to visit, it must be noted that the visa can be issued for a maximum period of 90 days in a total 180 days period.

The D-type visa can be used as a way of moving to Poland for a definite period, as this document is issued only for stays that are longer than 90 days. However, its validity cannot be longer than one year, but the applicant has the right of applying for an extension of the visa for an additional year. This can be done as long as the initial purpose of stay is maintained. The legislation which provides the legal framework for this type of visa is given by the EU Regulation No 265/2010.

Who can obtain the EU Blue Card in Poland?

The EU Blue Card is a legal document that offers the opportunity of accessing the employment market in all the EU member states, Poland included. This document is designed only for employment purposes and it can be used as a way of moving to Poland in the case of foreigners who are citizens of countries outside the EU.

Persons who are interested in working in Poland, which is now one of the top EU markets where foreigners prefer to find a job opportunity, should be aware that this document can be obtained only by persons who have a higher professional qualification. Foreign applicants can have multiple benefits, including the right of bringing here their close family members. If you want to immigrate to Poland with the purpose of working in this country you should know more details about the EU Blue Card. Some of the basic characteristics of the EU Blue Card issued in Poland are the following:

the minimum salary that can be offered to EU Blue Card holders in Poland was increased starting with 11th February 2019;
the minimum salary a Polish employer must give to an EU Blue Card holder is of PLN 6,877.55;
this accounts for an increase of 7,3% compared to the previous financial quarter;
the obligation to pay this minimum salary to a EU Blue Card holder is applicable only in the case of persons who have applied for this document starting with 11th of February 2019 or after this date, but also in the case of persons who had pending applications at that moment;
it must be noted that the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card accounts for 150% of the average national salary, so it can represent an important incentive for foreigners moving to Poland.

The Poland immigration rules that apply to the EU Blue Card stipulate that the foreigner can obtain this document as long as he or she is the holder of a university diploma. The person can have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree or, if these conditions are not satisfied, then he or she must have been working for at least five years in his or her respective field when seeking employment in Poland. Please mind that the right of moving to Poland for employment purposes in this case is bound by having a real employment offer from a Polish employer or an employment contract.

What is the data on the number of foreigners living in Poland?

The Poland migration data is measured by the Polish Statistics Office and it takes into account, of course, only the persons who have obtained valid immigration documents for the purpose of living and working into this country. Although numerous nationalities can be found here, the highest rates of foreigners are from the following countries: Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Germany. With regards to the number of foreigners, the following data is available:

at the level of 2010, there were 97,080 foreign citizens living here, out of which 28,450 were from Ukraine;
in 2012, the number of foreigners increased at 111,971, out of which 34,303 were represented by Ukrainian citizens;
in 2014, the immigration rate further increased, reaching a total of 175,066 foreign persons;
in 2014, the number of Ukrainian citizens living in Poland increased at 40,979;
in 2015, the country accounted for more than 200,000 foreigners (211, 869);
in 2016, the total number of foreigners increased at 266,218, while the number of Ukrainian citizens increased as well, reaching 103,457.

Those who are interested in moving to Poland should be aware of the fact that the local institutions charge various fees for the issuance of specific immigration documents. The government fees can range from less than EUR 25 for work permits to EUR 100 for residence permits. Please address our immigration lawyer in Poland for advice on the procedures applicable for the immigration document you are interested in.

Residency in Poland is granted based on the period in which the person intends to stay in this country. Thus, the Polish legislation distinguishes between temporary and Poland permanent residence permits. The first step for foreigners moving to Poland is to apply for temporary residence permits, which are issued if the duration of the stay in this country is of at least three months.

The temporary residence permit is granted as long as the foreigner can prove that he or she has a reason to stay in this country, related to family matters, work or studies. Those interested in obtaining residency in this country should know that this type of permit is issued for a maximum period of two years and, upon the expiration on the permit, the holder can renew it for two additional years. More information on the steps involved in the issuance of the residency permit in this country can be provided by our team of immigration lawyers in Poland.

How can one apply for a temporary residence permit in Poland?

The first step for Poland immigration in the case of those who want to obtain a temporary residence permit is to file for an application with the consulate in the country where the person currently resides. In other words, the application must be made prior to moving to Poland, but there are exceptions from this, applicable to foreigners who are already in this country and who may apply for a temporary residence permit with a Polish regional office in charge with this procedure.

The temporary residence permit represents a document which grants a foreigner the right of living in this country and moving from a region to another and, in order to obtain it, the person is legally required to provide information on the current social and financial situation. This means that the applicant must provide documents attesting that he or she has a place to live in Poland, is or will be employed in this country and has sufficient financial means to cover the costs of living here.

What is the procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit?

The Poland permanent residence permit grants the right of living in this country for an indefinite amount of time. However, in order to qualify for this type of document, the applicant must have been living in Poland for at least five years at the moment when he or she applied for the issuance of this type of permit.

There are several documents that must be submitted in this case and they can also vary based upon the legal status of the person (married to a Polish citizen, the holder of a Pole’s Card, the person has a Polish origin and others). Depending on your personal situation, our team of immigration lawyers in Poland can offer legal assistance and can guide you through all the steps.

However, it is necessary to know that all applicants have to submit documents which attest the fact that they meet the necessary requirements to qualify for the Poland permanent residence permit. The application can be made in person with the Governor’s Office in the region where the person lives or it can be made on an online platform developed by the Office for Foreigners.

What is the current data on residence permits issued in Poland?

In the last few years, Poland has been one of the EU countries that issued the highest number of residence permits. At a EU level, in 2018, there were issued a total of 3,2 residence permits for non-EU citizens, which marked an increase of 0,4% compared to the situation of 2017. Numerous foreigners preferred moving to Poland, as stated by the Eurostat data, presented below:

in 2018, Poland was the country which issued 20% of the total residence permits granted at a EU level, accounting for 635,000 documents;
Poland was chosen as the main market to seek employment as a foreigner, considering that it issued the highest number of employment permits (it accounted for 328,000 permits or 37% of all the employment permits issued in the EU);
the highest number of residence permits at a EU level, measured by nationality, was granted to Ukrainian citizens, accounting for 527,000 persons;
out of these, 78% applied for residence permits in Poland in 2018;
the preference for moving to Poland was also observed in the case of citizens from Belarus, as 92% of those relocating to EU applied for Polish residence permits (from a total of 138,000 persons).

For more information on how to apply for a Poland permanent residence permit or a temporary one, you can refer to our team of Poland immigration lawyers, specialized in numerous branches of immigration law. We can also represent foreigners who want to start a business here and who want not only to invest in this country, but also to relocate here on a long-term basis.

As a foreign person wishing to study in Poland, one can apply for a student visa. The need to obtain a Poland student visa will depend on the nationality of the applicant; for example, the citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not have to apply for a visa when moving to Poland for study purposes, but they will need to register their residency after living here for a period of minimum three months (or 90 days).

Students who are citizens of countries outside the EU and the EEA will generally be required to apply for a Poland student visa, following the standard application procedure. Below, we will present the main aspects foreign students should take into consideration, but you can also rely on the services of our immigration lawyer in Poland for extensive information regarding this matter.

What are the basic requirements when applying for a Poland student visa?

As a non-EU or non-EEA student interested in moving to Poland for study purposes, it is necessary to verify the process for the issuance of the visa prior to registering to a local university, as the visa must be obtained before arriving here. One of the first conditions for obtaining a Poland student visa is to have finished secondary education and to have a certificate attesting this. Other basic requirements are the following:

• the applicant must have a baccalaureate diploma recognized at an international level or at a European level;
• if the secondary education certification is only recognized in the country where the person graduated, then the document must be legally recognized by a Polish diplomatic mission, as per the Poland migration law;
• the applicant must prepare a Poland student visa application form;
• he or she must have a valid passport that has a validity date which is at least three months longer than the date at which the person will depart Poland;
• he or she must have an official letter of acceptance issued by a Polish university;
• the person must add a CV and the diplomas and certificates obtained in his or her country.

Besides these, the applicant must provide evidence on having proficiency of the language in which the courses will be held in Poland. Having health insurance is also necessary and the complete application file must also contain the proof that the person paid the visa application fee. The person must provide information on his or her accommodation in Poland as well.

Given the fact that the student will enroll in studies that will have a duration of more than three months, he or she should also verify the conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit. With regard to this matter, you can easily obtain in-depth information from our immigration lawyer in Poland.

How many foreign students are in Poland?

Studying in Poland as a foreign student has become more and more attractive in the last decade, considering the growing numbers of foreign persons interested in tertiary education here. Although the majority of foreign students arrives from EU countries, there are numerous students from outside the EU, in which case the Poland student visa will be needed. Concerning the number of students interested in studying here, we present the following:

• in 2015, Poland had 46,101 foreign students from 158 states;
• in 2018, the number of foreign students increased even more, reaching 72,743 persons;
• in the academic year of 2017-2018, the share of foreign students accounted for 5,63% of all the students enrolled in Polish universities;
• the number of foreign students moving to Poland has been constantly increasing since 2005 when a new education program was launched by the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland;
• in the period of 2000-2005, the country accounted for less than 10,000 foreign students.

How can one obtain a residence permit in Poland?

As mentioned above, a foreign student applying for a Poland student visa will also have to apply for a residence permit. The permit is issued for a period of 15 months in the case of those enrolled in university studies and it can be renewed for a period of up to three years.

In order to obtain a residence permit, the student must provide information on his or her current address in Poland, the purpose of stay, the proof on having sufficient financial means and health insurance. Other documents can be required and, in this case, and you can contact our immigration lawyer in Poland for more details. You can also address to our lawyer for in-depth information on how to apply for a Poland student visa, as well as for any other matters related to Poland immigration law.

The legislation in Poland does not provide for a visa specifically designed for tourism purposes, but the available categories of visas allow the possibility of being issued for the purpose of traveling to Poland or to other Schengen countries, but the applicant must provide a set of documents attesting the fact that the visa will be used for this purpose and not another one.

Currently, Poland migration legislation provides three basic categories of visas and the procedures that must be followed by the nationalities who are legally required to apply for an immigration document of this kind are presented in a list prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Foreigners moving to Poland for a short period of time or those who simply want to travel here can be required to apply for one of the following: the A-type visa, the C-type visa and the D-type visa.

These documents are designed to accommodate the traveling needs of foreigners, based on the time spent on the Polish territory, but also on the nationality of the applicant. The Poland tourist visa is not required in the case of the citizens of the European Union (EU), as they benefit from the right of free movement at the level of the entire EU. However, other categories of persons may be required to apply for this document and our immigration lawyers in Poland can present the main categories of foreigners that must have this traveling document.

What is the most suitable document for a Poland tourist visa?

The most suitable document will depend on the duration of stay and the nationality of the holder. For example, the A-type visa represents a document that only allows the holder to stay in the international transit area of an airport in Poland, provided that the traveler must get to another country through a Polish airport. This is, however, required in the case of the citizens included in the Annex IV of the Community Code of Visas, which can be detailed by our immigration lawyers in Poland.

As a general rule, the most suitable document available for a person who wants to visit Poland is the C-type visa, which provides the right of traveling here for a period of up to 90 days during a 180 days period. Considering that the purpose of the stay is for traveling only, this is the most recommended type of document, as stays longer than 90 days in this country create additional obligations, such as applying for a short-term residence permit (the D-type visa is issued for stays with a period longer than 90 days).

The C-type visa is divided into two main categories – the Poland migration law gives the right of applying for a Uniform Schengen Visa, a document that can be used for traveling in all the Schengen member states, Poland included. In order to have the right of traveling in all the Schengen states, one must specifically apply for this particular type of visa.

The other C-type visa is the Schengen Visa with limited territoriality. Thus, persons who are only interested in obtaining a Poland tourist visa can apply for this document. Still, the applicants must know that the C-type visa with limited territoriality allows the selection of more than one Schengen country. When applying for a Poland tourist visa, the document can be used only for this purpose.

The legislation stipulates that a person can apply for an extension of the document, but the extension can be granted for the same purpose for which the document was issued in the first place. Thus, when arriving here for traveling purposes, the document cannot be used as a way of moving to Poland.

What is the current situation of the tourism industry in Poland?

The tourism industry in Poland developed in the last few years, and the number of foreign visitors also expanded, regardless if they have arrived here with a Poland tourist visa or without a required travel document. Foreign tourists arriving in Poland usually prefer to book their accommodation at various types of establishments that operate in the hotel system (hotels, motels). In 2018, the tourism industry had the following characteristics:

• in 2018, Poland had 11,076 tourist accommodation units, accounting for 798,700 beds;
• the country accounted for a total number of 33,9 million tourists and 88,9 million overnight stays;
• the number of foreign tourists accounted for 7,1 million in 2018;
• compared to 2017, this number represented a slight increase, as in that year, there were 6,8 million foreign visitors;
• the highest rate of foreigners visiting Poland was represented by German citizens, accounting for 34,2% of the foreign visits.

The Poland migration numbers reported by the Polish Border Guard show that the nationalities that are most interested in arriving here for various purposes, such as travel, work or relocation are Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians and British persons. Persons who want to apply for a travel visa in this country are invited to contact our immigration lawyer in Poland. Our attorney can represent foreigners regardless of their nationality and can also help them moving to Poland on a long-term basis.

One of the visa types that can be obtained by foreigners moving to Poland for a short period of time is the Schengen Visa. The document can allow the applicant the right of free movement at the level of all the Schengen member states or it can provide limited access, to a country, such as Poland, or to few countries included in the Schengen area. Those wishing to apply for a Poland Schengen visa can request information from our immigration lawyers.

What types of Schengen visas can be obtained in Poland?

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Schengen visa, which is known as the C-type visa, is divided into two categories of visas. One can apply for the Uniform Schengen Visa, which grants the right of movement in all the Schengen member states for a maximum of 90 days during a 180 days period, or for the Schengen Visa with Limited Territorial Validity.

With regards to the maximum period of time allocated in the case of the latter Poland Schengen visa, it must be noted that the same characteristics are applied, as it is the case of the Uniform Schengen Visa, the main difference between the two being that the visa with limited territoriality can provide the right to Poland migration for a given purpose or it can be extended to the right of visiting several Schengen states.

How can a foreigner apply for a Poland Schengen Visa?

There are certain obligations a foreigner must meet when requesting a visa. Not all visa applications will be accepted by the local authorities and, in order to make sure that the application will pass the initial processing, it must contain all the documents required under the applicable law.

One of the main requirements is to have a traveling document, which, in this case, is represented by the passport. It must be noted that the issuing and expiration dates of the document are of high importance also. As such, foreigners must be aware that their passport must be issued during the last 10 years prior to their visa request and it must be valid for at least three months after the date of the visa expiration.

The foreigner must complete and sign the visa application form, which contains personal information on the applicant, his or her family relations with citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and the type of passport the person has (diplomatic, service or ordinary passport), the proof that the person has paid the visa application fee, as well as photographs.

When applying for Poland immigration through a Schengen visa, which grants the right to short-term stays in this country, the foreigner must be aware that the issuance is bound by the proof of having a travel medical insurance with a minimum value of EUR 30,000 and the document must be recognized at the level of all the Schengen states.

More than this, the applicant must make the proof of having enough financial means used for covering the cost of living in the given period (this visa can’t be used for employment purposes). The visa application form has to provide clear information on the place where the person will live in Poland, a document that will show the purpose of the stay, but also clear evidence that the departure of the foreigner will take place prior to the expiration of the document.

Please be aware that the legal requirements can vary based on the nationality of the applicant and for detailed information on other documents that can be required in this situation, we invite you to request the assistance of our immigration lawyers in Poland, who are prepared to provide personalized advice.

How many Schengen visas were issued in Poland?

The Poland Schengen visa has one of the highest demands at the level of the Schengen states. From the total Schengen states, of 26, Poland represents the 8th most important jurisdiction with regards to the issuance of the Schengen visa. Below, we present the following data (on the issuance of visas in 2017):

• in 2017, all the Schengen member states issued a total of 14,6 million visas for short-stays;
• Poland received in 823,101 applications for uniform Schengen visas;
• from this number, the Poland Schengen visa was granted to 789,343 persons;
• most of the Schengen visas issued by Poland were for multiple entry purposes (585,240 visas);
• from the total of visas issued here, the multiple entry visas accounted for 74,1%.

For more details on the Poland migration requirements applicable in the case of Schengen visas, as well as information on the institutions involved in this process, we invite you to contact our lawyers. Foreigners can also address our team of immigration lawyers in Poland for advice on how to apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit.

Obtain a D-type National Visa for Poland

Visas in Poland are issued based on the duration of stay. The local legislation distinguishes between short-term stays visas and long-term stays visas. The D-type national visa in Poland represents a document for long-term stays (which are, however, limited to a given amount of time). The document is considered a visa for long-term stays due to the fact that is issued for visits longer than 90 days in a 180 days period.

The D-type national visa can be used for multiple entries in this country, that have a total duration of at least 90 days. There is not any legal distinction from a single stay of minimum 90 days or from multiple entries which account for more than 90 days. Still, foreigners who want to become holders of this type of document have to know that the validity of the document is of maximum one year.

Our immigration lawyers in Poland can offer information on the nationalities that must have a D-type national visa when arriving here.

What documents must one prepare for the issuance of the Polish D-type visa?

Upon the preparation of the application for the D-type visa, foreigners should first verify all the documents they should submit. The Poland migration law mentions a set of standard documents that must be presented when applying for this document, but additional papers may be needed based on the nationality of the applicant. The set of standard documents is comprised of the following:

• the persons’ passport and the visa application form, signed and completed as needed;
• the proof of the payment of the visa fee and a recent photograph of the applicant;
• a travel medical insurance with a value of at least EUR 30,000;
• documents attesting the purpose of the visit and evidence with regards to the person’s accommodation conditions – this is compulsory even when moving to Poland for a short period of time;
• documents showing that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to live in Poland;
• a document showing evidence on the date when the foreigner will leave Poland (this date must be prior to the visa expiration date).

The Poland immigration procedures are made in such a way that the application form can be processed in a fast manner. For example, a D-type national visa in Poland can be processed in a period of only 6 days since the moment in which the application was made correctly and the visa application fee was paid. Still, in practice, the local authorities may require additional information on various papers submitted by the applicant, in which case, the visa application procedure may increase to 30 days.

When applying for a D-type national visa for Poland, foreigners should address to a Polish diplomatic mission (consulate or embassy) operating in their region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland has created a portal for visa applications where foreigners can make an appointment with the Polish representatives, and where they can observe the most suitable diplomatic mission they should contact.

What are the main purposes for the issuance of the Polish D-type visa?

The visas available in Poland, including the D-type visa, are issued based on the regulations of the Act on Foreigners of 12 December 2013; additional Poland immigration regulations will apply here and we recommend you to request more details from our lawyers. This type of document offers the possibility of staying in Poland for a determined period of time, but it also provides its holders the right of free movement in the Schengen area, as per the regulations of the European Commission.

The available law stipulates that the C-type visa and the D-type visa can be issued for a wide range of reasons and the reason for the issuance of each visa will be marked with a sticker on the visa document. Some of the basic reasons foreigners can invoke when requesting a D-type national visa for Poland, marked by numbers, are the following:

• 01 – the visa is issued for the purpose of visiting the country;
• 02 – issued for the purpose of visiting family members or friends living in Poland;
• 03 – the document is issued when the applicant will participate in a sports event;
• 04 – the document is issued for business purposes in Poland;
• 05 – it provides the right of working in this country for a period of maximum 6 months, under specific situations prescribed by the Poland migration law.

In total, there are 23 legal grounds (including the ones presented above) for which a person can request the issuance of a visa in this country. The document can be requested when the foreigner is involved in a teaching or research activity, but it can also be obtained if a foreign citizen needs medical treatment in Poland.

It can be used as a way of moving to Poland, but only in very specific situations (family member of an EU citizen, family member of a repatriate, etc.). We invite you to contact our immigration lawyers in Poland for legal advice on how to obtain the D-type visa.

Obtain a Working Holiday Visa for Poland

Amongst the numerous types of visas Poland has made available for foreigners, one can also apply for the working holiday visa. The working holiday visa in Poland is an immigration document that can be used only by the nationals of countries with which the Polish authorities have signed an agreement concerning this type of visa and it is addressed to young persons who are interested in working and traveling in this country; you can find out more details on how to apply for this visa from our immigration lawyer in Poland.

What are the eligibility requirements for a working holiday visa in Poland?

Those who want to apply for a working holiday visa in Poland must know that this type of visa is addressed only to the citizens of countries such as Australia, Canada or New Zealand and Japan. If the nationality requirements are met, then the person is entitled to the right of moving to Poland for employment purposes and this right can be granted for up to one year. Other basic eligibility requirements are mentioned below:

• the applicant of a working holiday visa in Poland must have an age between 18 years old to 35 years old;
• the person must have a valid passport and a return ticket (or a proof of having sufficient financial funds for purchasing a return ticket);
• the applicant must also have a travel medical insurance with a value of minimum EUR 30,000, as per the Schengen laws and Poland migration rules;
• the person should also be able to demonstrate that he or she has sufficient financial means for living here;
• when one applies for a working holiday visa in Poland, he or she must also complete a visa application form and pay the visa application fee.

What are the rights granted by a working holiday visa in Poland?

A working holiday visa in Poland grants numerous rights to its holder. Besides the right of moving to Poland for up to one year, the holder of the visa will also be able to be hired in Poland for the duration of the visa without the need of applying for a work permit.

The holder of the visa can participate in programs created for professional development and thus, it can be used by a wide category of young professionals such as students or post-secondary graduates. The working holiday visa in Poland can also be requested by those who want to participate in training and internships in Poland or it can be used as a work and travel program, in which the participant can both work and travel in this country without completing any additional legal steps.

It must be noted that the visa grants the right of visiting all the Schengen states, as Poland is a member state of the Schengen zone. You can find out more information on the rights you have when traveling in the Schengen zone on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

What is the primary source of law for foreigners in Poland?

Persons moving to Poland who are planning to relocate here for a short-term basis or on a permanent basis benefit from the provisions of the Act on Foreigners, which represents the primary source of law. The Act regulates the rights and obligations of all categories of foreigners who relocated to Poland; our immigration lawyer in Poland can offer in-depth details on the applicable law, but you can find out below some of the highlights of this legislation:

• the Act on Foreigners was amended on April 27, 2019 on matters referring to foreigners arriving here for scientific research, studies or internships;
• the amendment implements into the Poland migration law the Directive (EU) 2016/801(2);
• the Act stipulates that student mobility is defined as the mobility of a student in the EU space for a period of maximum 360 days and it refers to students or doctoral candidates;
• under the Poland immigration law, short-term mobility refers to a period of maximum 180 days spent in Poland in any period of maximum 360 days;
• long-term mobility refers to a period of more than 180 days spent in this country.

Persons applying for a working holiday visa in Poland should consider that they must have a prior engagement under the form of a contract or an agreement with a Polish employer or Polish education institution in order to participate in this visa program. This is necessary in the case in which the applicant wants to enter an internship program in this country.

However, a person can also participate in this program without a prior offer if the applicant wants to apply for a work and travel program. We invite you to contact our immigration lawyer in Poland for more details on how to obtain a visa in this program. Our lawyer can present the documents required when applying for a working holiday visa in Poland.

Persons who are considered refugees can obtain asylum in Poland. The main institution which is in charge of the asylum-seeking procedure is the Office for Foreigners which has, amongst others, this attribution. The Office for Foreigners can issue the protection status to foreign refugees, withdraw this status in certain situations and provide social care for those in need of asylum in Poland.

Persons who are seeking asylum in this country can address our immigration lawyer in Poland for legal advice on the steps they should complete with the local authorities. Our lawyer can present the legislation regulating this immigration branch and can also present the rights a refugee has when moving to Poland.

What is the process of obtaining asylum in Poland?

The first aspect asylum seekers should know is that they must file an application which is, in practice, submitted to the Border Guard of Poland. The Border Guard will then send the respective application to the Office for Foreigners, which will process the document. Provided that a refugee is held in detention, it must be noted that the Poland migration law stipulates that the person has the right to apply for asylum from detention as well.

The legislation provides the option of applying for asylum in Poland by post. It is also worth knowing that the Border Guard cannot refuse any application made by a refugee; this power is given only for the representatives of the Office for Foreigners. Thus, all the border applications will be processed. Please be aware that once the request for obtaining asylum in Poland is made, the Border Guard is entitled to take the applicant’s travel document, which will be submitted along with the application to the Office for Foreigners.

In the meantime, the refugee will receive a temporary identity document, which is valid on Polish territory for a period of 90 days. It is also necessary to know that the process of obtaining asylum in Poland can take approximately 6 months, and it can increase up to 15 months in complicated legal cases.

Refugees interested in moving to Poland for obtaining asylum should know that they will be asked to participate in an interview, in which a translator will be made available, as the foreigner has the right of participating in an interview held in his or her native language.

Delays in interviews can appear in practice based on the native language of the foreigners and the availability of a suitable interpreter of the respective language. We also mention that such interviews will be recorded through audio or video devices, as per the Poland migration regulations.

What are the rights of asylum seekers in Poland?

An asylum seeker is a refugee who benefits from a set of rights that are prescribed by the Geneva Convention of 1951. The main institution which handles the rights of refugees as per the regulations of the Geneva Convention is the United Nations Refugee Agency.

According to the Poland migration law, a refugee is entitled to live freely on the Polish territory, but he or she can also use the centers for persons seeking protection, which are made available by the local authorities. A refugee is also entitled to work in this country, and this can be done while the application for asylum in Poland is still pending. You can find out more details on other rights refugees are entitled to from our immigration lawyer in Poland.

What is the data on asylum seekers in Poland?

Currently, there are approximately 5,500 refugees living in Poland. Most of them come from the former USSR countries. Ukrainians are also an important ethnic group, but persons from Georgia, Syria, India, Algeria, and others have also applied for asylum in Poland. With regards to the issuance of the right of being a refugee in Poland, the following are available:

• in 2019, the average time for the issuance of the asylum in Poland was of 152 days;
• the shortest processing of an application lasted 1 day, while the longest took 2,023 days;
• at the end of 2019, the Office for Foreigners had a total of 3,364 pending cases;
• the applications of Syrians moving to Poland as refugees are generally processed in a shorter period of time, of 108 days;
• provided that the refugees obtained a negative answer from the Office for Foreigners, they are entitled to an appeal made in a period of 14 days since the issuance of the decision.

Persons who are seeking asylum here are invited to contact our immigration lawyer in Poland for professional assistance on any legal matter related to asylum and the rights of refugees. Our lawyer can present the rights and obligations refugees have, as per the international conventions signed by Poland.

The process of moving to Poland from Australia is comprised of several steps that should be first verified by the Australians relocating to this country. Depending on the duration of the stay, different papers must be submitted with the Polish authorities and various forms should be completed.

The Poland migration rules stipulate different regulations based on the duration of stay and this is why it is of high importance to study the applicable regulations or to request legal information from our immigration lawyer in Poland. However, Australians must have a valid passport regardless of the duration of their stay or the purpose of the visit.

What are the requirements for short-term stays in Poland?

In the case of those moving to Poland from Australia for a short-term period of time, which under the Polish law is defined as any visit with a duration of less than 90 days, there aren’t any visa requirements that must be met. The passport is necessary when the foreigner arrives from another Schengen state and the Polish authorities will no longer require the foreigner’s visa.

Still, it must be observed that even when moving to Poland from Australia for traveling purposes or visiting family members or friends, Australian citizens should have a passport that has a validity period three months longer than the date at which they will depart the Schengen area.

Do long-term stays require a visa for Australian citizens?

Yes, all Australian citizens interested in moving to Poland for long-term stays (defined as visits longer than 90 days) must apply for a visa. Considering that the duration of the stay is of minimum 90 days, this will also imply that the foreigner will have to apply for a residence permit, which is required for all foreigners moving to Poland for at least three consecutive months.

In this case, a person moving to Poland from Australia should apply for a D-type visa (national visa). The document grants the right of living here for a period of maximum one year and it also provides the opportunity of traveling to all Schengen states. Our immigration lawyer in Poland can present the steps Australians should follow for the issuance of the document, and you may find below some of the basic requirements:

• a visa application form signed and completed with the required information;
• a valid passport and the proof of payment for the issuance of the visa;
• travel medical insurance that must have a minimum value of EUR 30,000;
• information on the purpose of the stay and the accommodation arrangements made by the applicant;
• proof of having sufficient financial funds for moving to Poland for the respective period and other documents, as per the provisions imposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland.

Can Australians obtain Polish citizenship?

Yes, Australians are eligible for obtaining Polish citizenship, as it is the case of other nationalities relocated to this country. Thus, those moving to Poland from Australia on a permanent basis can verify the conditions prescribed by the Ministry of Interior and Administration, as there are several ways of acquiring Polish citizenship, which are prescribed by the Polish Citizenship Act, as follows:

• foreigners moving to Poland from Australia can become Polish citizens after 3 years of uninterrupted residence in this country (living as a permanent resident);
• persons who have been living for at least 2 years under a permanent residence card and who are permanent residents;
• persons who have been living here for at least 2 years and who have been married for at least 3 years to Polish citizens;
• persons who have been living in Poland for at least 2 years and who have obtained residence permits based on their Polish descendants;
• additional options are available under the Article 30 Section 1 of the Polish Citizenship Act, as well as under Article 20 Section 2.

If a person moving to Poland from Australia, who is an Australian national, gets married to a Polish citizen, and if the couple has children, the child will be entitled to Polish citizenship, regardless if the birth takes place on Polish territory or elsewhere.

The Poland immigration legislation provides additional rights for gaining Polish citizenship. Australians interested in permanently moving to Poland from Australia are invited to address our lawyer for advice or legal representation on the steps they should expect during this process. Please contact our immigration lawyer in Poland for assistance on any of the immigration procedures applicable to foreigners.

The Poland migration rules depend based on the nationality of the foreigners relocating here, and this is why the regulations can vary to a great extent. Some foreigners may need a visa, while others can be exempted based on these aspects. Persons moving to Poland from Canada will, for example, need a visa for stays with a duration longer than 90 days.

The issuance of the document can be granted to Canadian citizens for a wide range of reasons, employment included. The document can also be used as a legal document for those interested in moving to Poland from Canada on a short-term or long-term basis (in the latter case, the permanent residence permit will be issued).

How can young persons move to Poland from Canada?

Young Canadians have the possibility of participating in the Youth Mobility Program, a program which is available for persons with ages between 18 to 35 years old and which grants the right of working here or participating in various internships. This program is available for those moving to Poland from Canada on a definite period of time, as the visa is issued for a period of one year; our immigration lawyer in Poland can assist with in-depth information on the main qualifications young Canadians should have when applying for this program.

In order to enter the Youth Mobility Program, Canadian citizens should apply for a D-type visa (also known as the National Visa), a document that provides the right of moving to Poland for a period of minimum 90 days to maximum one year.

Having a national visa implies the fact that the person will be moving to Poland from Canada for a longer period of time, and this means that the document will also provide a temporary residence permit (the visa applicant will not have to go through additional procedures) since this document is needed once a foreigner stays here for at least 90 days.

Persons moving to Poland from Canada under the Youth Mobility Program can become employees in a local company in their field of studies, participate in trainings or internships or acquire professional development provided that they are students or post-secondary graduates. The visa can be used as a way of discovering the local culture and visiting the country while having the right of working here.

It must be noted that this type of program does not require Canadian citizens to apply for a work permit, a procedure which is generally compulsory for the standard visa application when an employment relation is established between a foreigner and a local business; our immigration lawyer in Poland can offer more details on how to apply for a work permit.

Prior to moving to Poland from Canada, Canadian citizens should have a valid passport that is issued by the Canadian authorities. The formalities for having a valid passport must be completed by the visa applicants prior to actually starting the visa application procedure, as when this is started, the document must be presented as a part of the application file. For this country, the passport requirements are established by the Government of Canada.

What are the visa requirements in Poland?

Considering that those moving to Poland from Canada will stay here for a longer period, we will present below some of the basic requirements one must meet for the issuance of the national visa. There are minimum conditions that must be met, such as:

• the passport of a Canadian citizen moving to Poland must have an expiration date of at least 3 months longer than the date at which the visa expires;
• the applicant must provide 2 photos (passport standard size);
• if the return ticket is not yet purchased at the moment of the application, the person must make proof that he or she has sufficient financial means to purchase it – the minimum amount is established at PLN 2,500 (or EUR 565);
• the person moving to Poland from Canada must also have medical travel insurance with a minimum value of EUR 30,000;
• provided that the foreigner simply applies for a national visa (outside the Youth Mobility Program), then he or she must have an employment contract signed with a local employer for a period of minimum 1 year.

Can Canadians benefit from simplified visa procedures in Poland?

Yes, those who plan on moving to Poland from Canada can benefit from simplified visa application procedures (besides the simplified procedures available under the Youth Mobility Program). For example, if they are family members of citizens of the European Union (EU), they can apply for a visa under the regulations of the Directive 2004/38/EC. You can contact our immigration lawyer in Poland for additional information on how to apply for a visa as a foreigner who is a family member of an EU citizen.

Our immigration lawyer in Poland has the necessary expertise to provide expat services to foreigners relocating in any of the Polish regions for employment or for other associated matters. Our lawyer can assist with advice on the documents one needs to prepare upon his or her arrival in this country, as well as with in-depth information on the procedures that should be completed when applying for a specific immigration document.

Our lawyer is ready to offer extensive details on the civil law a foreigner should respect once he or she relocates here and can present all the rules addressed to foreigners, such as the steps for registering with the local authorities, registering for taxation when developing a taxable activity and other matters that can of interest for those moving to Poland for a definite or indefinite period of time.

What is an expat in Poland?

An expat, or an expatriate, designates a person who resides in a different country than in which the person was born. The term expat is generally a synonym of the term immigrant, but there are certain differences associated with the usage of it. In the large category of words related to migration, the word immigrant generally defines a person who is interested in moving to Poland or to another country with the purpose of residing in the new foreign country on a permanent basis.

On the other hand, the term expat defines a person that relocates to a foreign country for a definite period of time, and who does not have the intent of living in that country on a permanent basis. Moreover, the term expat shows that the respective foreigner is interested in going back to his or her home country after a certain period of time spent abroad.

It must be noted that the term expat is frequently associated with professionals moving to Poland, with skilled workers or with artists, but it can also include persons who relocated here as a decision of their employers (universities, corporations, non-governmental organizations). It also defines retirees choosing to relocate to a foreign country for a given period of time.

How can our immigration lawyer in Poland assist expats?

Given the fact that the term expat is generally associated with employment matters, our immigration lawyer in Poland is ready to assist foreigners with professional advice on all the types of employment permits foreigners can obtain here. Considering that foreigners applying for employment in this country will spend a longer period of time here, our lawyer can offer information on the residence permits prescribed by the national legislation.

Our lawyer can present the procedures foreigners must follow based on their nationality; foreigners can also benefit from professional assistance on how to apply for a visa in Poland. The most common type of visa that can be selected when arriving here for a longer period of time is the D-type visa, which grants the right of staying here for more than 90 days. However, this document is applicable only in the case of expats arriving from countries that are outside the European Union (EU).

How can an expat obtain an EU Blue Card in Poland?

An EU Blue Card is a type of document that provides the possibility of working in any of the EU states to those who are highly skilled in their field of expertise and who have obtained a diploma in the said field. According to the European Commission (EC), the EU Blue Card applicant must have a real employment offer from an employer in the country of interest.

The person must also have applied for a residence permit or a visa document, depending on the nationality of the foreigner. Those interested in Poland migration, in this case, must be aware of the aspects presented below, referring to the minimum salary level, the issuance of the document, its costs and others:

• the costs for the issuance of the EU Blue Card is of EUR 111 for the initial issuance;
• the applicant must have an employment contract with a validity of at least 1 year;
• the Poland migration rules for EU Blue Cards stipulate that the document can have a validity of up to 2 years;
• the renewal of the EU Blue Card will cost EUR 119 and the replacement of a valid document will cost EUR 12;
• foreigners should know that the general duration of the issuance of the document is of 30 days.

Starting with 11th of February 2019, the Poland immigration law was modified for this type of document and now its holders benefit from a higher salary, which was increased by 7,3% and which represents 150% of the average national salary. Persons who want to receive more details on the types of expat services they can benefit from are invited to address our immigration lawyer in Poland.

The Polish legislation does not prescribe a straightforward system that can lead to citizenship by investment in this country. The only way to obtain citizenship here is by applying for a residence permit (at first, a short-term residence permit and then for a permanent residence permit) and live in this country for the required period of time that can allow a person to be qualified for the proceedings applicable to Polish citizenship.

Investors moving to Poland will thus have to apply for a temporary residence permit that will allow them the right to live here and start the business activity they are interested in carrying out. Upon the expiration of the document, they can apply for a permanent residence permit, through which they will be entitled to the Polish citizenship in a given period of time; our team of immigration lawyers in Poland can assist with information regarding the application procedure.

What are the conditions for citizenship by investment in Poland?

Foreign businessmen who want to relocate to this country and to apply for Polish citizenship can do so in specific conditions. First, they need to invest at least EUR 100,000 in a business that will then be evaluated as being profitable. The annual turnover the company is expected to generate is of at least EUR 15,000, these financial aspects being the basic legal requirements for applying for Polish citizenship by investment. Other aspects foreign businessmen should take into consideration are the following:

• the legislation for Poland immigration regarding citizenship stipulates that the foreign investor must have lived in this country for at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit prior to applying for citizenship by investment;
• the person must be the holder of a residence card and must have a profitable business in Poland (and pay taxes accordingly);
• the investor must have lived in Poland on a continuous basis, with the mention that breaks are allowed, as long as the overall period of not living here is less than 10 months;
• the applicant for citizenship by investment in Poland must have a stable source of income, which can refer to income from dividends, income from work contracts and other types of sources;
• proof of having a stable place to live, such as the long-term rental contract or the proof of property ownership in Poland;
• the command of the Polish language is also necessary – the minimum requirement is B1 level.

Foreign businessmen starting a business in Poland can register any of the legal entities that are prescribed under the Polish legislation, such as corporate entities (limited liability company or joint stock company) or partnerships. Information and assistance on the business environment in this country can be obtained from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, an agency which can also help foreign businessmen.

What are Poland’s most important investment partners?

Poland provides a set of attractive advantages for foreign investors from its strategic geographical position, to its large labor market and special economic zones. Currently, Poland has a very stable economic market and it ranks, at a global level, as the 40th economy for its business climate (in a study carried out by the World Bank – 2020 Doing Business). Related to foreign investments in this country, we present the following:

• in 2017, the country’s main foreign investor was Germany, accounting for 20,2% of all the investments;
• the United States of America accounted for 11%, while the 3rd most important partner was France (9,8%);
• the 4th top investor was the Netherlands (8,8%), while the 5th was the United Kingdom (5,8%);
• foreign investors moving to Poland preferred the manufacturing sector (31% of all the investments);
• the financial and insurance activities represented the 2nd most important activity (20,5%).

It must be noted the Poland immigration rules stipulate that a foreign person can have dual citizenship after obtaining citizenship by investment or through other means. However, in the case of foreign investors who want to maintain their basic citizenship, it is advisable to verify the legal requirements of their home country, as they may be required to forfeit the respective citizenship upon the approval of a new citizenship in a foreign country; our team of immigration lawyers in Poland can offer more information on such requirements.

As a general rule, investors from European countries can maintain the first citizenship, but there are few exemptions from this. Investors who need more information on the process of obtaining Polish citizenship by investment can address to our team of immigration lawyers in Poland for professional advice and legal representation.

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American citizens can relocate to Poland if they wish to do so. However, for this to happen, they have to go through various immigration steps imposed by the Polish authorities. Prior to moving to Poland, American citizens should apply for a specific visa, but exemptions from this rule are available based on a diplomatic exchange of notes signed between Poland and the United States of America (USA) in 1991.

The order of the procedures for Poland immigration is the following: verify if you, as an American citizen, must apply for a visa, verify the type of visa you require (Poland issues two basic types of visas, for short-term stays and for long-term stays), submit the necessary paperwork and then wait for the issuance of the document.

This will allow the person, if the visa is needed, to enter this country for a given period of time. If the visa is issued for a period of maximum 90 days, the purpose of the arrival in Poland will be considered a short-time stay, be it for traveling, business, studies or otherwise.

If the visa is issued for a period longer than 90 days and up to a year, then, according to the Polish law, the respective person should apply for a residence permit in this country and our team of immigration lawyers in Poland can assist with advice on the steps involved in this procedure.

How can American citizens apply for Polish visas?

The procedure starts by applying for a visa with the Polish consulate or embassy operating in the region where the American citizen lives, which can be found in large cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and others. As presented above, the Polish legislation prescribes two types of visas addressed to American citizens: short-term visas, issued for a period of up to 90 days (Schengen visas A and C) and the long-term visa, issued for a period of minimum 90 days and up to 365 days (National Visa D).

Regardless of what type of visa the person has obtained for Poland migration, if the stay in this country will be prolonged, it will be necessary to apply for a residence permit, in most of the cases. American citizens who are the holders of a Polish visa can also request the extension of the visa, but only for specific legal reasons. For example, in the case of a National Visa D, the extension can be granted only once, if the below conditions are met at the same time:

• the issuance is justified by a personal or professional reason of the applicant;
• the person can’t return to his or her home country due to humanitarian reasons;
• the extension is requested based on unpredictable events that were not taken into consideration at the moment in which the person applied for a visa;
• the person will apply for an extension only for the declared purposes and no other reasons can be identified;
• there aren’t any legal grounds for which the extension can’t be granted under the Polish law.

How can one apply for a long-term stay visa in Poland?

The long-stay visa application must be made with the Consular Office operating in the USA. In order for the application to be processed, the applicant must submit all the required papers, and this is why is it very important to verify the required conditions. If the paperwork satisfies the requirements imposed in Poland, then the person will complete an online form. Additional information can be obtained from the Office for Foreigners.

However, it is also required to print a hard copy and bring it in person to the Consular Office, this being an important step for the process of Poland immigration. The application can be processed in a period of 15 days and a person can legally apply for a visa within three months prior to his or her visit to Poland. Our immigration lawyers in Poland can offer more details on other steps involved in the process.

How many foreigners live in Poland?

Poland has one of the highest inward migration rates registered at a European level. Moving to Poland has become increasingly attractive for numerous nationalities, European and otherwise. In 2019, Poland reached a new record level of foreigners living in this country (in an analysis that took into consideration the persons who have a permanent residence permit). The following data is available:

• the Office for Foreigners declared the country has approximately 400,000 foreigners relocate here on a permanent basis;
• a large proportion of the foreigners living here arrive in this country for work related purposes, most of whom are persons with an age below 40 years;
• almost 50% of all the foreigners living here on a permanent basis are from Ukraine;
• there are approximately 200,000 foreigners from Ukraine, out of which 72,000 arrived in the last 2 years;
• currently, approximately 60% of the persons who have received a permanent residence permit in Poland are men.

We invite you to address to our team of immigration lawyers in Poland for more information on the visa application process as an American citizen relocating here. We can also assist with professional advice on the procedures applicable when requesting a short-term or a long-term residence permit.

Considering that the United Kingdom (UK) decided to leave the European Union (EU), a structure to which Poland has been a member state since 2004, the manner in which a British citizen can now move to Poland from UK is also in the process of being modified.

British citizens moving to Poland from UK will benefit from the free movement rule applicable to EU citizens up until the 31st of December 2020, when the transition period ends, as per the regulations of the Withdrawal Agreement, which stipulates that EU citizens, including UK citizens, will benefit from the same rights.

However, persons who want to move to Poland from UK must know that the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement allow them to stay, live, work or study in this country or in other EU countries as long as such persons have legal documents attesting their residency in EU member states. Our team of immigration lawyers in Poland can provide in-depth legal assistance on the procedures that will be imposed once the transition period ends.

How can a British citizen move to Poland from UK?

Persons who have not yet moved to Poland and who want to relocate to this country must register with the local authorities, which means that they will have to apply for a residence permit. This is legally required in the case in which the foreigner is interested in moving to Poland for a period longer than three months. The procedure is handled through the Department of Foreigners operating in the region where the person lives.

Currently, British citizens who want to move to Poland from UK will follow the same rules applicable to EU citizens relocating from one EU country to another. For this purpose, foreigners should prepare the following:

• an application form for the registration of residence of EU citizens;
• a travel document used to present the identity of the person (the original document);
• documents stating that the person has sufficient financial means to live in this country and others.

The types of documents can vary based upon the specific of a given case.

How many British citizens live abroad?

The UK is seen as a country that has attracted a large number of immigrants from countries around the world. A large proportion of these persons are citizens of the EU. However, it must be noted that numerous British citizens have migrated to other EU countries, as only a part of them decided to move to Poland from UK. With regards to this subject, a study of the United Nations (UN) has revealed the following immigration trends:

• approximately 1,3 million citizens born in the UK have migrated to EU countries;
• in 2010/2011, approximately 900,000 British citizens had a long-term residency in other EU member states;
• in 2011, only a small share of British citizens living outside the country chose to move to Poland from UK, as this country ranked as the 20th market where one could find British immigrants;
• however, the statistics provided by the UN for 2017 showed a very different image, as Poland became the 8th most preferred immigration destination for British citizens;
• in 2017, the British community in Poland accounted for approximately 40,000 persons.

How can a British citizen obtain a residence permit in Poland?

The procedure for Poland immigration in the case of UK citizens who are considering to move to Poland from UK and who want to obtain a residence permit is the same as in the case of other citizens. The Polish law provides two types of residence permits, created for short-term stays and for long-term stays. The residence permit for short-term stays is known as a temporary residence permit and it can be issued for a period of two years; at the end of this period, the person can renew the document.

The other type of permit, issued for long-term stay, is the permanent residence permit, a document that can be granted only to foreigners who have lived in Poland for a period of minimum 5 years. The document can also be granted to the children of those who are the holders of permanent residence permits, who were born during the document’s validity. This document can be granted to the below-mentioned categories of persons as well:

• persons who have are the holder of the Pole Card;
• UK citizens who have a Polish origin and who intend to move to Poland from UK;
• UK citizens who are married to Polish citizens and who have been married for at least three years;
• the above-mentioned condition is fulfilled only in the case in which the applicant has lived in Poland for at least two years at the moment when he or she applied for permanent residency;
• the document can be provided to asylum seekers as well, or to persons moving to Poland for humanitarian reasons.

Please note that the issuance of the immigration papers can last up to several months, considering that Poland has a large number of applicants. We invite you to contact our immigration lawyers in Poland for additional information on this subject and for legal representation on the procedures that will be imposed after the transitional period between the UK and the EU ends.

Money in Poland - a quick guide to Polish currency

While electronic payments are widely used in Poland, it is always good to carry some cash with you when travelling around the country. Here is everything you need to know about the currency of Poland.

The Polish zloty

Although Poland is a member state of the European Union, it has not joined the euro area yet. The national currency of Poland is the Polish zloty (symbol: z?) which is divided into 100 groszy (symbol: gr). Currently there are nine denominations of coins in circulation (1 gr, 2 gr, 5 gr, 10 gr, 20 gr, 50 gr, 1 z?, 2 z?, 5 z?) and six denominations of banknotes (10 z?, 20 z?, 50 z?, 100 z?, 200 z? and 500 z?).

As you might have noticed, Polish banknotes come in different sizes - the higher the value the bigger the note - and feature the portraits of famous Polish rulers, including Mieszko I (the first historical ruler of Poland), King Boleslaw I the Brave (the first king of Poland) or King W?adys?aw II Jagie??o (the founder of the Jagiellonian dynasty). On the obverse side of each banknote, in the bottom left-hand corner, you can find a geometric symbol (a square, circle, diamond, plus sign or a triangle) - these tactile marks help blind and visually impaired people to tell denominations apart.

The coins and banknotes that are used in Poland today were first put into circulation in 1995, as a result of the redenomination process. The post-communist Poland was struggling with very high inflation rates in the early 1990s and a lot of citizens jokingly referred to themselves as “millionaires” because the average monthly salary was around PLN 5.3 million in 1994 (and a loaf of bread cost about PLN 7,500!). In 1995, the Polish parliament passed an act which introduced the new zloty, the equivalent of 10,000 old zlotys, and the old currency lost its monetary value.

What are the average exchange rates for Polish zloty (PLN)?

Exchange rates*
EUR 1	PLN 4.49
GBP 1	PLN 4.98
USD 1	PLN 3.66

*as of January 2021, Narodowy Bank Polski

The 500-zloty banknote was introduced in Poland only a few years ago - would you like to find out more about it?

Do you ever hear a Polish saying or a proverb and find it confusing but oddly inspiring? Today we are taking a look at our favourite Polish “words of wisdom”. See if you know them all!

Nie od razu Kraków zbudowano (Kraków was not built in a day) - this one may sound familiar to your ears. Neither Rome nor Kraków was built in a day, which can only mean that success takes both time and effort and rarely, if ever, happens overnight.

Nie ma tego z?ego, co by na dobre nie wysz?o (There is no loss without some gain) - as a similar English saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining”. We need to try and make the best out of difficult or unpleasant situations in life, looking for the positive aspects of failures which may not be apparent at first glance.

Gdyby babcia mia?a w?sy, toby by?a dziadkiem (If grandma had a moustache, she would be a grandpa) - the proverb probably comes from a known Yiddish expression “If grandma had a beard, she would be a grandpa”. Both sayings suggest that there is no point in considering purely hypothetical scenarios. Apparently, Italians use another (arguably the funniest) version of this proverb: “If my grandmother had wheels she would be a bicycle”. Which one do you like best?

?piesz si? powoli (Make haste slowly) - a literal Polish translation of the Latin oxymoron “Festina lente”. It is used to convey that you should act in a deliberate manner instead of rushing through tasks. Decisions made in haste or under pressure will often lead to mistakes.

Ka?dy jest kowalem swojego losu (Everyone is the smith of their own fortune) - whether you are the smith or the architect of your life, remember that it is you who needs to take action in order to achieve your goals.

Po?yjemy, zobaczymy (We will live, we will see) - a very common Polish expression used to say “time will tell how the situation plays out”. Similar to the English “wait and see”.

Jako? to b?dzie (It will all work out somehow) - one of the most beloved phrases in Poland is sometimes considered to be a Polish take on “hygge”. Poles like to think that no matter what happens in the future, everything will somehow work out in the end. Maybe we will need to use our improvisation skills to get through difficult times but we will succeed eventually!

Will 2021 be better for us all? Let's hope so! There is not much we can predict about the coming year, but the one thing we know for sure is that Poland will have thirteen public holidays in 2021. Check the upcoming public holiday dates below.

Take a look at the table below to schedule your days off and make the most of your annual leave next year. As you can see, some holidays will fall on a Thursday, so you may take one day leave and enjoy a four-day-long weekend. You'd better start planning your free time already!

Not sure how much annual leave you are entitled to by law in Poland? Click here to learn more about your rights as an employee in Poland.

Which of the holidays below do you celebrate in your countries? Visit our "Bank holidays" tag and see how to join in the celebrations in Poland next year.

**Public Holidays in Poland in 2021**
Date	Day	Holiday
1 January	Friday	New Year's Day
6 January	Wednesday	Epiphany
4 April	Sunday	Easter Sunday
5 April	Monday	Easter Monday
1 May	Saturday	Labour Day
3 May	Monday	Constitution Day
23 May	Sunday	Pentecost
3 June	Thursday	Corpus Christi
15 August	Sunday	The Assumption of Mary / Polish Armed Forces Day
1 November	Monday	All Saints' Day
11 November	Thursday	Independence Day
25 December	Saturday	Christmas
26 December	Sunday	Second Day of Christmas

Salaries in Polish BPOSSC sector Devires 2021 salary guide

What salary can you expect in the Polish business services sector? To find out, take a look at the latest salary guide published by the recruitment company Devire.

As indicated by Devire, the business services sector in Poland has shown resilience during the crisis and swiftly adapted to the ‘new normal’ by shifting to work-from-home models. Despite the current market uncertainty, salaries in the industry have remained steady compared to 2019. According to the report, the sector’s ability to adapt to changes is likely to attract even more talent to BPO/SSC companies - what skills should you have to get a job in one of them?

Apart from technical abilities, the so-called soft skills (such as flexibility, self-motivation, commitment, continuous learning, organizational and teamwork skills) are becoming increasingly important in the BPO/SSC industry. Fluent speakers of foreign languages - especially English and German, French, Spanish or Italian - are invariably sought after by employers but the industry is also seeing a higher demand for Nordic languages. It is also worth noting that professionals who are proficient in one or more foreign languages can expect to be rewarded with bonus payments by their companies.

The tables below present monthly salary estimates for the BPO/SSC sector in 2021. More industries and job positions are to be found in the Devire report.

Position	Minimum (gross PLN)	Maximum (gross PLN)	Optimum (gross PLN)
Junior AP / AR Accountant	4,200	5,200	4,500
AP / AR Accountant	5,100	6,600	5,500
Senior AP / AR Accountant	6,500	7,900	7,400
AP / AR Team Leader	8,800	12,500	11,000
AP / AR Manager	13,000	17,400	15,500
Junior GL Accountant	4,600	5,600	5,000
GL Accountant	5,800	7,800	6,900
Senior GL Accountant	7,500	9,800	8,300
GL Team Manager	11,500	15,000	13,500
GL Manager	14,500	19,500	17,000

Junior Customer Service Specialist	3,900	4,400	4,200
Customer Service Specialist	4,600	5,800	4,900
Senior Customer Service Specialist	5,500	6,500	5,900
Customer Service Team Leader	7,400	9,800	8,200
Customer Service Manager	10,000	14,500	12,500

Junior Back Office Specialist	3,900	4,900	4,500
Back Office Specialist	5,100	6,500	5,700
Senior Back Office Specialist	6,400	8,000	7,000
Back Office Team Leader	7,400	10,000	8,700
Back Office Manager	10,000	14,500	13,500

Language proficiency bonus:

Language	Minimum (gross PLN)	Maximum (gross PLN)
French / German	750	2,000
Italian / Spanish / Portuguese	600	1,500
Dutch / Scandinavian languages	900	2,300
Czech / Slovak	800	1,300
Hungarian	750	1,600
Russian	500	1,000

Source: Devire salary guide 2021

Poland, which is situated east of Germany, is a member of the European Union. Poland offers business investors who want to start a business in the country a temporary residence.

In order to be eligible for a temporary residence permit, it effectively allows the investor to set up a business operation and prove that they produce at least EUR 15,000 of income a year. Multiplying the revenue of EUR 15,000 will contribute to more temporary investor residence permits. As a business, investors can invest in real estate. The foreigner can apply for permanent residence in Poland after 3 years of holding the temporary permit. After 3 years of permanent residence, an alien can apply to become a citizen of Poland at the discretion of the government, citizenship by investment is also possible. It is not a straightforward procedure, but investors who invested more than EUR 1 million in the Polish economy have been able to obtain expedited naturalization in the past. With visa-free travel to the U.S. and freedom of movement in the European Union, the Polish passport is one of the best in the world.

Poland Business Investor

Some foreigners can develop and carry out business activities exclusively in the form of:

limited partnership – more information on registration, conducting, and obligations resulting from this form of business activity is available here->
limited joint-stock partnership – more information on registration, conducting, and obligations resulting from conducting this form of business activity is available here->
limited liability company – more information on registration, conducting, and obligations resulting from conducting this form of business activity is available here->
joint-stock company – more information on registration, conducting, and obligations resulting from conducting this form of business activity is available here->

For more information on the procedure of legalization of residence on the basis of conducting economic activity visit->

Note: A foreign national who wishes to set up one of the partnerships or companies referred to above does not have to legalize his stay in Poland and apply for a work permit in Poland. Such a foreigner is the owner of a business and does not have to reside physically in Poland; for instance, he can register a company through the Internet. The individual who is actually going to conduct business activity in Poland is, for in

Members of the family of foreign persons to whom international agreements apply and who can take up a business activity in the form of a limited partnership, limited joint-stock partnership, limited liability company, and joint-stock company, holding a residence permit for an unspecified period, may undertake and conduct business based on the same principles as those foreigners.

Family members holding a temporary residence permit, granted in connection with the arrival or presence in Poland in order to reunite with the foreigners’ family (who hold a residence permit for a specified time and conduct business activity on the basis of an entry in the register of economic activity made on the reciprocity principle) may undertake and conduct business on the same principles as those foreigners.

Good to know: People who are interested in doing business in Poland can contact the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), which provides training courses for entrepreneurs and organizes post-graduate studies.

“Our purpose is to provide information, so feel free to contact us if you need more. If you need professional help, let us know, and we will direct you toward a trusted expert in your area.”

foreigners-find-it-easier-to-change-jobs-in-poland

Even the ruling party in Poland knows that there will soon be a real breakdown (if it has not yet happened) in the operation of the Foreign Office.

Power? Bossernaker, Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, is responsible for the production of new changes to the Foreigners Act. It can also be said, with almost 100 percent confidence, that by the end of 2020 everybody will be on their own.

What are foreigners waiting for?

The first and most important issue is to simplify the process for securing job and residency permits (residence cards in Poland). In particular:

- no requirement to have a guaranteed place of residence and a source of permanent and regular income in order to obtain a permit for temporary residence and work in favor of the minimum wage requirement;
- it will be possible to change job and employer without changing the residence card;
- change in the number of fees for the exchange or reissue of documents;
- extension of the categories of workers who will be able to change jobs freely without having to submit a new application for a residence permit;
- simplification of family reunification procedures;
- simplification of the process of obtaining a temporary residence and work permit for foreigners who will work in industries strategically important for the Polish economy.

Moreover, it is planned to shorten the processing time for applications for temporary residence and work to 60 days (in the case of a complete application). It is expected that the appeal will take 90 days to be processed. Story? Possible, but not for everyone.

Those who receive a negative decision will not be delighted. The draft act provides for the abolition of the provisions extending the period of leaving the territory of the Republic of Poland, as well as the period of voluntary return specified in decisions on forced return of a foreigner. The personal presence of foreigners while submitting the applications will be voluntary. However, applications for temporary residence submitted before March 14, 2020, will be considered under an accelerated and simplified procedure.

Surprisingly, however, the draft provides for changes in the document circulation procedure between the voivodeship and the services providing information about foreigners. Now the circulation of documents can be done in electronic form. A lot of progress!

From the above, we can draw one conclusion: for those who came to Poland legally to work, it will be much easier and easier to obtain a residence card in Poland. So much for the topic ... For those who want to consciously stay after a negative decision, these changes will not do any good.

changes-to-the-polish-labour-law-from-1-january-2021

On 1 January 2021, changes to the labour law will come into force. The most important of these are:

1. Minimum wage increase

The minimum wage for persons working under an employment contract will be 2,800.00PLN gross per month.

2. Increase in the minimum hourly rate for a person working under a contract of the mandate;

The minimum hourly rate for persons working under the contract of the mandate will be 18,30PLN gross. In the case of contracts based on monthly amounts, this creates an obligation to keep records of working hours.

3. Holiday allowance

Companies that have less than 50 full-time employees as of 1st January 2021 are obliged to pay holiday allowance. However, until 31.01.2021, they may waive this obligation or reduce the amount of the benefit by informing the employees in writing within the aforementioned period.

The holiday allowance in 2021 amounts to 1,550.26PLN gross (full-time equivalent). The benefit is paid once a year to each employee, provided that at least one part of their annual leave lasts at least 14 consecutive calendar days.

4. Corporate Social Benefits Fund (ZFSS)

Companies that have 50 or more employees as of 1st January 2021 are obliged to set up a Corporate Social Benefits Fund (ZF'S). However, the company may resign from establishing the Social Benefits Fund by publishing this information in the work regulations and informing the employees thereof. We would like to remind you that the changes in the regulations come into effect 14 days after their publication. In 2021 the deduction concerning the Corporate Social Benefits Fund for a full-time employee will amount to 1,550.26PLN gross.

5. The obligation to report contracts for specific tasks to ZUS

On 1 January 2021, a new regulation comes into force which imposes an obligation on employers to report contracts for specific tasks to ZUS. It can also be expected that ZUS will control these contracts for specific tasks. Here you can find more details about it: LINK.

6. Statutory holidays in 2021

1st January 2021 (Friday) – New Year

6th January 2021 (Wednesday) – Epiphany

4th April 2021 (Sunday) – Easter

5th April 2021 (Monday) – Easter Monday

1st May 2021 (Saturday) – Labour Day

3rd May 2021 (Monday) – 3 May Constitution Day

23rd May 2021 (Sunday) – Pentecost

3rd June 2021 (Thursday) – Corpus Christi

15th August 2021 (Sunday) – Assumption of Mary

1st November 2021 (Monday) – All Saints’ Day

11th November 2021 (Thursday) – Independence Day

25th December 2021 (Saturday) – Christmas Day

26th December 2021 (Sunday) – Boxing Day

We would like to remind you that according to the regulations in force, employers are obliged to grant employees a paid day off, within a particular timescale, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday.

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the inquiry form on the AtoZ Serwis Plus website.

***

This circular is non-binding material and serves the function of supplying general information. The details given are not legal, tax, or management advice and do not substitute for particular advice. The information in this circular is given, after careful processing, without any promise of the accuracy, current existence, or completeness of the information. The material in this circular is not ideal as the primary basis for action and, in particular, situations, cannot substitute real guidance. The writers' or AtoZ Serwis Plus' responsibility is exempt. If needed, we kindly ask that you contact us directly for a binding consultation. The substance of this circular is the intellectual property of and is copyright protected through, AtoZ Serwis Plus or its partner companies. Users of this information can, exclusively for their own purposes, import, print, and copy the content of the circular.

the-obligation-to-notify-the-polish-social-insurance-institution-zus-about-contracts-for-specific-ta

From 1 January 2021, the regulation setting out new template forms of notification of concluded contracts for specific tasks shall come into force.

This regulation was introduced as a result of amendments to the Act on the social insurance system imposed by the Anti-Crisis Shield 1.0. As a result of these changes, there arises a new obligation for the contribution payer to notify the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) about contracts for specific tasks by sending the special notification form (RUD).

The main purpose of the amendments to the provisions of the Act on the social insurance system is to enable ZUS to verify the existence of the social security obligation of persons performing contracts called contracts for specific tasks. Moreover, as can be read in the Regulatory Impact Assessment attached to the draft regulation, the number of payers to whom the draft regulations refer amounts to 2,091,930. However, as the Ministry emphasizes, the number of payers who will be obliged to notify contracts for specific tasks is unknown, as until now there has been no register of such contracts.

Who is affected by the changes?

The new obligation will apply to a person who is not in an employment relationship, i.e. who is not employed on the basis of an employment contract, appointment, election, nomination, or cooperative employment contract and does not provide work under a contract for specific tasks for the employer with whom he or she is bound by a contract of employment.

RUD from specification

Information on concluded contracts for specific tasks will be stored by ZUS on the account of the contribution payer´s account, and according to the draft of the RUD form, the legislator will require the following data:

Identification data of the contracting party ordering the performance of a specific work (tax number – NIP, National Business Registry Number – REGON);
Data of the contractor (personal identity number – PESEL, first name, surname, address);
Information on concluded contracts for specific tasks (date of conclusion, commencement, and completion of the contract for specific tasks, subject of the contract).

According to the regulations, the notification shall be made within 7 days from the date of concluding a specific task contract.

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the inquiry form on the AtoZ Serwis Plus website.

Your AtoZ Serwis Plus Team

***

Company owners need to follow the Polish Labor Code when recruiting workers in Poland.

This legal document regulates the relationship between the employer and the employee and lays forth the principles for job arrangements, remuneration, working time, and workplace health and welfare problems to be started and terminated.

In Poland, the employment process starts with the selection of a legal form for collaboration with new workers. The basic form of work arrangement is an employment contract in Poland. This contract binds the two parties by establishing responsibilities for the boss, granting the employee some promises.

Some of the roles and obligations of the workers are: doing the job as decided by the employer, performing the job in person, and being supervised by the employer; employees in Poland are entitled to monthly social security and remuneration.

Relevant details should be in the job contract. With job contracts and business registration in Poland, our company incorporation specialists in Poland will help you.

Types of contracts for jobs in Poland

For all sides to test whether an employment arrangement can be mutually beneficial, an apprenticeship contract is advantageous. It can be concluded and terminated by warning for a period of 3 months. Job contracts are primarily used for seasonal jobs for particular tasks and they specify the specified work to be done during the period of the deal.

The most popular type of limited-duration contracts is fixed-term work contracts in Poland. The parties can select the length of the contract as they wish and, under special circumstances, termination is necessary, as provided for in the agreement. A substitute job contract is a contract of short length signed in the absence of another worker (for example, a maternity leave).

Perhaps the most beneficial for workers is the indefinite term work arrangement because it ensures flexibility. This form of contract may be terminated upon notification and the duration of notice is contingent on the employee's seniority.

Job situations in Poland

The regular working time can not exceed 8 hours a day in Poland and overtime remuneration is usually given to workers. Polish workers are entitled, according to seniority, to 20 or 26 days of annual leave.

The Polish population is trained and skilled, but business owners have the option of hiring foreign workers in Poland. EU and EEA nationals and Swiss citizens may work without a work permit provided by Poland. For more information on the legal grounds for recruiting foreign employees in Poland, our business incorporation specialists in Poland will help you.

If you want to start a business in Poland, please contact our agents for company formation.

why-poland-is-one-of-the-best-places-to-outsource-developers

When you hear of IT outsourcing, do you think of India or China? Incorrect! As the top IT outsourcing destination, India has overshadowed other countries for a long time, but there are better alternatives.

Eastern Europe and destinations like Poland would be the best bet, whether you are a tiny or big fish on the market looking to recruit a full-stack production team. So, read this article if you are searching for the right tech house for the outsourcing of your IT project!

Poland has one of the world's fastest-growing economies, which underlines the fact that it is a stable IT outsourcing country. The Polish start-up scene is rising all the time. As a result, more and more people are involved in emerging technology and prefer IT studies, which has led to a spike in the amount of qualified hired skilled engineers. It is no wonder that many businesses outsource their production of mobile apps to tech houses in Poland.

Poland is now Central and Eastern Europe's most lucrative IT market. We reclaimed our freedom in 1989, but we have become an economic superstar in Central Europe in such a short period. Check out why the top spot to outsource production is Poland.

5 reasons why Poland is the top destination for web creation outsourcing

1. Low costs and efficiency of high code

It's no wonder that any corporation, regardless of whether it's a start-up or a major organisation, is looking for a high-quality software development company to partner with that won't break the bank. Although it is never inexpensive to produce technical apps (even if outsourced), Polish production teams have a lot to offer. Under the European Union, which is because of the lowest labour rates. You can locate and employ highly skilled Polish developers for under $ 3,000 a month, according to the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL). If you can see, for $30,000 - $40,000 a year, a world-class and accomplished developer can be working. In Berlin or London, aspire to do it, not to mention in Silicon Valley, where you have to spend over $100,000 a year. Multiply it by 20 to 30 developers and there is a lot of money to play with.

At this point, there is a high possibility of coping with one of the most popular IT outsourcing dilemmas - whether to contract a software house for your project or to hire an in-house team of programmers. In this case, you should take into account the real cost of hiring a software developer, which in many circumstances is much higher, especially if you wish to have a full-stack development team. Outsourcing a particular project, then. What's more, low costs do not mean low quality of programming - Polish programmers are one of the greatest software developers in the world, in the other sections of this essay I will take a closer look at this.

2. Small Cultural Difference

One of the largest advantages of outsourcing a development process to Poland is the fact that there's nearly no cultural gap. English is a standard in Polish schools, so our programmers usually speak English very well. Also, a lot of software houses provide English courses to their teams (it's also one of the job perks at AtoZ Serwis Plus). As a consequence, in the EF English Proficiency Index 2018, Poland is ranked 13th in the world for English skills (we're getting ahead of countries like Switzerland or South Korea), so you need not be scared of contact issues.

We actually watch more American and English TV series than Polish series, to be honest, because we have a Western culture at our fingertips. It's a strong mix; no wonder that, when it wants brainy devs, Silicon Valley hits Poland.

OK, you're right, you're willing to outsource India or China much cheaper. But those who have already attempted to do so will possibly argue that cultural disparities are much greater than in Poland and also have a negative effect on successful product and code distribution management.

3. Skilled Programmers

As I mentioned before, Poland is still considered an emerging market. It wasn’t until the fall of the Soviet Union that we've opened up to the (also tech) world. But it does not mean that we are some muggles! Polish software houses give their dev teams a chance to work with some of the world's best IT companies, In multicultural settings, and (according to ABSL 66 per cent of people working in large IT services companies are employed by foreign enterprises). In the case of Merixstudio, we can literally make it stick. Only look at our portfolio of a dozen ventures we have been doing for offshore customers.

Poland has one of the best programmers in the world, and according to the HackerRank report, only Russian and Chinese developers are ranked higher. When looking for the right destination you should focus on finding the best software developers, and Poland can provide them. It speaks for itself.

4. Education of the First Class

According to GUS, there are almost 70KIT students in the 2017/2018 academic year (Central Statistical Office in Poland). More than 13,000 new experts graduate from Polish technical universities annually. These figures indicate that it is possible to name Poland the next app development centre that is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.

Moreover, Poland, with more than 72,000 foreign students choosing Poland in 2017/2018, is becoming an increasingly popular study destination. The top-notch Polish universities, as you can see, recruit ambitious young people from all over the globe. It's because of their outstanding reputation and our country's low cost of living.

What's more, the QS University Rankings include Warsaw University of Technology, and it is ranked 18th among Emerging Europe and Central Asian universities. It ranks among Europe's leading technological institutes and is one of the largest providers of technical education in the country.

To keep it short, one of the reasons why businesses and startups plan to outsource their production to our country is the talent pool in Poland.

5 Location

Poland has become an IT centre and outsourcing destination has to do with its location, one of the key factors. The geographical location of Poland is advantageous; it helps both consumers and developers to pursue alternatives in a relatively short period.

Outsourcing from the UK or Germany to Poland means almost no variations in the time zone since it is just one hour (or none). Therefore, all initiatives can be arranged in the same way when it comes to nearshoring, which streamlines the process of growth. What's more, Poznan, situated in the Merixstudio, is just a 3-hour drive from Berlin, This makes it a perfect venue for German firms to shore up their IT ventures.

You can ask "that's great, but I'm from the US - what about that?". Just think that overlap in the working day will be even bigger when you decide to hire a development team from India. Not to mention cultural barriers you will undoubtedly be faced. It's a maximum 9 hours difference between Poland and the US - it’s not that bad, isn’t it. What’s more, the time difference also can be beneficial for your projects, as it provides constant development. How is that even possible?

It's easy - remote teams would supplement each other's work in multiple time zones. For starters, it can be transferred to the QA team who has just started working when a job is finished at the end of the workday. So, as you can see, even though IT outsourcing has such drawbacks, you can turn them into its advantages by behaving carefully.

The greater contact is the near location and conflicting working hours. This implies less agitation, rapid response and acceleration of the phase of growth.

Why outsource your IT projects to Poland?

Poland is often considered a software house in Europe. And being a great IT outsourcing destination is one, but not the only reason for that. Polish developers by gaining skills and combining them with an Agile approach have become partners for the most advanced corporations and startups. Companies from all over the world come to Poland for numerous reasons. Flexibility and the talent pool of young devs are some of the most significant among them. In addition to their great experience, because of their exceptional leadership abilities, they are employed by foreign corporations.

If you plan to invest in the Polish App Development Team, you can be confident that you will be able to concentrate on your company while receiving a high-quality digital product.

Poland's IT market is continually rising. This reality, combined with low labour costs and skilled programmers, produces many excellent market prospects that can only help both start-ups and established businesses.

why-you-should-choose-poland-for-it-outsourcing

Choosing an IT outsourcing service provider is a serious decision because if you end up making a wrong move, it can have a huge effect on your company, for better or for worse.

So, how can this kind of error be avoided? You will want to concentrate on companies from a nation renowned for their outstanding outsourcing services, This is known to be the ideal place to do business, and its developers are considered to be one of the finest in the world. Which is the country? Poland, one of the top outsourcing destinations for app development.

What exactly makes Poland such a common IT outsourcing location that is admired worldwide? We have prepared a list of the top 10 reasons for Poland's preference of outsourcing, so keep reading!

IT outsourcing: an introduction

Next, we need to specify just what outsourcing is. In short, outsourcing of software production consists of hiring a third-party company's resources to realise specified works. It is worth noting that the production of applications is among the most often outsourced resources.

Why do corporations want to outsource the production of technologies abroad? That may be for a number of reasons:

scarce IT talent pool in their country,
lack of required skills inside the company,
high cost of employing, training, and retaining in-house teams of software developers,
high cost of contracting a local software development company,
a temporary need to support their developers’ work with body leasing,
software developers are needed just for a single project,
the company’s core business is not IT, so it’s not reasonable to form an in-house software development team.

Simply put, cutting costs and the need for specialized IT expertise that the organization needs are the key reasons for exporting software production to other countries.

Nearshoring and offshoring: what is the difference?

These two terms often get confused, so it’s worth taking a moment to explain the difference. Nearshoring and offshoring are two models of outsourcing. Nearshoring means contracting the services of a company from a nearby country. It can be located in a neighboring country or the same region, for instance, in the case of Western European countries a common nearshoring destination is Poland, The high level of professionalism and smooth contact is primarily due to (no time zone difference, no long distances, etc.). When it comes to offshoring, in a remote country on a foreign continent, the facilities are contracted, mostly because of the cheaper prices. A common offshoring destination are Asian countries, but Poland can be a great option too, for example for companies in the US.

Why companies choose IT outsourcing?

Companies can save a large sum of money by exporting software production to other nations, and can then be allocated for other reasons, such as researching alternative sources of income and creating new goods. It's also a safe choice because software development is not the main activity of the company and it is not an option to build an in-house team of engineers.

TOP 10 Reasons to choose IT outsourcing in Poland

As we have written before, the key to successful outsourcing is the first phase of choosing the right provider. IT outsourcing company must become a reliable business partner, delivering outstanding software that will allow your company to excel. So what is the recipe for finding the right match? Software production providers from Poland have proved to be one of the strongest in the world in recent years. Exactly why? Ok, let's hop into the list of reasons why IT outsourcing to Poland is the best possible decision, without much ado!

1. Highly ranked outsourcing destination

Poland regularly features in global studies as one of the best outsourcing destinations, and its promise is confirmed by industry insights. For themselves, the figures speak:

The best outsourcing destination in Europe according to A.T. Kearney Global Services Location Index
The second most attractive outsourcing country according to KPMG
According to Statista, in 2021 the turnover in the IT-outsourcing services market in Poland is projected to reach a staggering 2,311.7 million dollars
The outsourcing sector in Poland in the last decade grew three times faster than in India (source: McKinsey).

source: https://www.mckinsey.com/report

2. Extensive pool of one of the best developers in the world

Poland's app engineers are among the world's brightest. To be exact, in the HackerRank competition (the so-called 'Programming Olympics'), they place 3rd. More and more young and skilled developers graduate every year and find jobs in Poland's tech outsourcing firms. There are currently 160,000 persons working in outsourcing centers, according to McKinsey, In outsourcing centers, there are now 160,000 workers working, a figure that will grow to 600,000 jobs by 2025.

3. Strong work ethics

Poles are considered to be hard-working, persevering, committed to their work, and have an adventurous spirit that inspires them, even in the hardest times, to look for a solution. A good sense of ownership helps them to offer genuinely exceptional facilities that meet standards.

4. High level of education

It is estimated that in Poland 40,000 ICT students graduate every year, which means that plenty of talent join the IT sector annually. STEM education in Poland is widely believed to be at a very high level. Moreover, young Poles are definitely not monolingual and proficiency in English is common: Poland ranks 13th among 88 countries in the global EF English Proficiency Index. Graduates often speak other European languages very commonly, such as German, French or Spanish.

5. Constant growth and a stable economy

You can also take into account the country's economy when doing business in a foreign country, even though you are not spending, but instead contracting services. And there is little to be concerned about in the case of Poland. Growth stays stable in the world and appears not to be impacted by global crises.

6. Data protection law compliance

Polish tech providers, as part of the European Union, are up to date with stringent data protection and personal data management requirements. For Polish creators, manoeuvring inside the maze of rules, regulations, and legislation is not an issue.

7. Best value for money

In contrast to Western IT firms, recruiting a top-performing Polish outsourcing firm can be shockingly economical. The reduced prices do not impact the efficiency of the service, however. Outsourcing software development to Poland is the guarantee of receiving a top-notch code within your budget.

8. Location and time zone

Urgent afternoon phone calls? Frequent on-site sessions with the client? Companies from European or Middle East countries will have zero problems with that if they choose Polish outsourcing vendor. This means easy and flexible cooperation that is almost out of reach to Chinese or Indian outsourcing companies, for instance.

9. No cultural gap

Polish people can get along very well with other Western nationalities as part of European culture, as they have the same values, cultural references, etc. Although it may seem insignificant, in fact, fruitful partnership and sustainable relationships must be formed.

10. Tech-savvy and innovative

Poland is home to an ever-increasing number of creative technology start-ups, which are rising at an incredible pace and performing successfully in the demanding markets of the US and Western Europe. There have been some of the smartest modern-day solutions invented here, and there will certainly be more.

AtoZ Serwis Plus: IT Outsourcing company in Poland

If you’re looking for a reliable partner, we encourage you to take a look at our services. We are a Polish IT outsourcing company with years of experience and numerous successful projects carried out for leading global brands. Recently, we’ve made it to the list of top Eastern European software development companies of 2020 by DesignRush.

AtoZ Serwis Plus provides multinational customers with consulting facilities for product creation, offering software that involves the use of cutting-edge technologies: Blockchain, Cloud Storage, Big Computer, Data Analytics, and innovative methodologies such as DevOps or Agile. We specialize in various vertical industries, such as FinTech, Healthtech, Automotive, E-commerce, and several more.

Learn what our experts and teams of developers can do for you – get in touch with us!

why-pick-poland-as-your-next-destination-for-work

Do you consider Poland your next step in your career? We believe that this is an amazing idea, and we're going to tell you why you should come to this lovely country.

According to FTSE Russell, Poland has joined the group of 25 most mature economies in the world and ranks 8th as the strongest country for female jobs. As a second language in the country, the nation has one of the highest concentrations of English and there are a lot of career openings for multilingual. That sounds pretty impressive, huh? Let's just learn more.

Before dreaming about travelling to the nation that saw the birth of Chopin, Pope John Paul II, Marie Curie and Robert Lewandowski, these are just some questions to consider. It is a huge undertaking and also a daunting job to prepare, move, think about how to get your family and match your former life in a pair of suitcases. You want to make sure it pays off for all of this work. Poland is an enticing destination and here are the five reasons for making it your next destination for your work.

Located in the Heart of Europe

Poland, in Europe, is in a wonderfully central place. From here, without wasting so much money and time driving, you can comfortably visit your friends and family abroad or go to several nearby destinations on a weekend away.

If you want to visit it's interior instead, you can find a wide and increasingly modern transport network comprising of express routes, motorways and high-speed trains linking all the major cities.

The International Great Society

Poland has a developed economy and one of the world's most vibrant markets. It has the sixth-largest economy in the European Union by GDP (PPP). Many large multinational firms are selecting Poland to invest and open their foreign hubs, welcoming candidates from all over the globe. With the growing interest of top foreign businesses, the IT industry has expanded a lot in recent years.

Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Katowice, Lodz and Poznan are the most famous cities where you will have a chance to work for a multinational business.

Are you a professional or are you just getting your career started? Poland gives more than you thought to young people. For your first experience, the companies tend to provide training, guide you through the difficulties and help you choose your future career path. Employers are versatile enough to support you do this if you wish to match your degree with the current work because if you are accepted as a professional, as part of the corporate frameworks of multinational organisations, you will be able to quickly move to another country.

No Barriers to Language

Maybe you're nervous about the language barrier. It is something that ex-pats experiences going overseas with and of us. Worry less and investigate further! For multilingual individuals, the work market in Poland is very enticing. Nevertheless, many Polish people speak English as their second language at a very high standard.

There are several foreign businesses hunting for speakers of English, French and German. We appreciate that you don't want to be excluded from social life, even if you don't need the Polish language at work. A number of colleges and universities offer free Polish lessons for foreigners!

Lower Living Cost

Poland is a relatively inexpensive place to live compared to other European countries, but, of course, prices are highly dependent on the city. The cost of living in Poland is 40% lower than it is in the UK, but even though the wage does not look as high as in other countries in Northern Europe, you still get a lot! Warsaw, the most luxurious city in Poland to live in, For around €700 a month covering all (rent, food, transportation...), you can always get about, helping you to save the majority of your paycheck for your future trips around Poland or neighbouring countries.

Good Treatment for Health

The healthcare scheme in Poland is based on an all-inclusive system of insurance.
Health insurance is provided by the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, a federally supported health care scheme that is free for all working residents and their families.

However, the use of private healthcare in Poland is very common and, along with resettlement packages, most companies provide private benefits for ex-pat workers and their families.

For any taste, activities

With a number of various styles of music, film, visual arts and theatre, Poland has a diverse cultural and entertainment life. For example, in Warszawa, if you like live music, there are a number of activities and performances happening during the year. There are around 280 arts festivals taking places in different cities across the country.

Are you just a lover of nature? You're not going to be disappointed! There are so many lovely green parks where you can chill during the summertime or go on a real trip with a lot of hiking trails in Karkonosze National Park. Will you enjoy snowboarding and skiing? Visit Poland's winter capital, Zakopane.-Zakopane. For local skiers all over Europe, it was known as the Ski Mecca and don't forget to try a popular hot beer with cloves and honey to feel comfortable and cosy.

As you will see, heading to Poland has many advantages. We suggest that you find out the career openings that Poland has to offer and start applying if you're ever curious about it!

We have made it easy for you to find your dream career at Europe Language Careers, so that you can challenge yourself, discover a new world, create a highly valued network and experience a new adventure!

filipino-domestic-help-why-are-filipinos-the-worlds-most-wanted-cleaners

The labor market for third-party domestic helpers is very competitive. Poles often decide more and more frequently to employ a person who can take care of their house.

It is assumed that this is a form of sign of social status, but for several reasons, they prefer a housekeeper. Filipino housekeepers are among the most requested since it is claimed that the women of this country are the world's best cleaners.

The career of domestic help is becoming more and more famous

Poles are recruiting more and more domestic support. In a term, she relieves the owners of these tasks. The housekeeper assists with sweeping and cooking. For different purposes, the decision to employ a housekeeper is made—some explain that the time expended on cleaning may be spent doing their work or enjoying time with their family or spouse. Others are not likely to "cover" such large areas by themselves, possessing large rooms. There are several explanations, but everybody demonstrates that the housekeeper's career is becoming extremely common, and any doubts or inhibitions related to hiring a housekeeper are a thing of the past.

Filipino domestic help: rewards of recruiting Filipinos

The Philippines is a nation in Southeast Asia, lying in the Pacific Ocean on the Philippine archipelago. It is a developing country with the principal sectors of the economy being agriculture and manufacturing. Rice, coconut, and maize crops are of utmost significance in terms of agriculture. The development of livestock is predominantly pig and poultry farming. In industrial output terminology, Agri-food manufacturing, garment, and clothing production, the electronics industry, and the production of accessories and car components are the most important.

Filipinos are often known to be smiling and optimistic about life. They are friendly, far from the dispute, very hard-working, attentive, and faithful. Poles are cherished, considered rich and wealthy by them, which is why they happily come to our country for jobs. In Poland, they feel comfortable because it is a nation that is spiritually very close to the Philippines. Catholicism is the dominant religion there, as in our region. There is also no language barrier between Poles and Filipinos, as any inhabitant of the Philippines is fluent in the official language of the region, English.

For the above factors, among other things, domestic assistance from the Philippines, as well as the recruiting of workers from that country in other positions, has recently become so common in Poland.

Filipinos are the world's most wanted cleaners,

In the Philippines, where wealth is incredibly poor, young people take advantage of working overseas. For them, it is a very good source of money. In Poland, Filipinos mainly take care of the home, cook meals, as well as take care of infants.

They don't have very high expectations, they respond very well to the conditions in Poland, they are very hard-working and resourceful, happy and free of dispute, like all workers from the Philippines. Filipinos are very warm and women of the family. This is part of the ethos of the Filipinos who insist that family should always come first. They are cool, do not complain, are really accountable, and eagerly take care of the home. In their home country, many Filipinos have higher education as well.

Domestic assistance from the Philippines is very common in the world. It is very popular in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, the Czech Republic, the United States, and, for some time now, in Poland as well.

Domestic Filipino Help - How to Recruit?

The possibility that she will be at work for a long time is a very major bonus of recruiting a Filipina. It is not so quick to abandon or change, driving almost 10,000 kilometers to take up jobs. They all apply to the hiring of a Filipino woman as a housekeeper. It can, however, be taken into account that the process for attracting and recruiting Filipino staff is very difficult. Awareness of the laws regulating their imports is very significant, and the foundation of their legal work in Poland is knowledge of Filipino law.

The Jobs Agency of AtoZ Serwis Plus specializes in hiring workers from the Philippines. It's better to turn to experts if you indicate your ability to employ them.

a-philippine-nanny-superb-childcare-and-learning-english

In most countries in the world, English is spoken by individuals. English speakers are the standard nowadays. Hence, learning English from an early age is now very attractive for girls.

Parents have sought a compromise such that their children have the ability to communicate with the language as early as possible on a regular basis - they are employed by a nanny from the Philippines. Why is it an exceptional childcare facility, like learning English? We're illustrating.

Along with learning English, childcare - why is it so popular?

There are also items that relate to the idea that children at early age should have contact with the English language. Absolutely anywhere - on the streets, in restaurants, or in stores - we can hear this language. In most countries in the world, it is used by people and English speakers are the standard nowadays. That is why learning English from an early age has become very attractive and trendy for kids. They then absorb it much better and quicker, thereby learning a valuable potential talent.

Experts remember that the earlier a child continues to learn a foreign language, the better. From birth to the age of 12, children are the most successful at learning information. Parents who care about how to give their kids a good start in the future, from the very early years of their lives, concentrate on their language education. They find a great option for the kids to have the ability to communicate in English as early as possible on a regular basis - they hire a Philippine nanny. Very commonly, such a person looks after the child, teaches him the language, and organizes extra events for the child as well. Thanks to the babysitter speaking in English, From an early age, the infant is conscious of the foreign language.

Why do you hire a nanny from the Philippines?

Month by month, the market for nannies using a foreign language is rising. Taking care of a child along with learning English is becoming increasingly common among parents who understand how necessary it is nowadays to be able to use this language. The results of such homeschooling are incredible, so parents more and more frequently mark "only with English" in ads while searching for treatment for their children.

One may wonder, though, why would a Filipino nanny be the best solution? Ok, Filipinos are very familiar with English. It is their official second language. In addition, this country's women are still very sweet, smiling, kind, and open to the world. They are very cool, do not appear to quarrel, and are extremely accountable as well. Filipinos come with many children from Catholic backgrounds, where the family is often put first. This is attributable to the history of the Filipino people.

In a tradition that values many values, Filipinos are taught - they are obedient, conciliatory, hard-working, kind, sympathetic, and do not have too high standards. They are not feminized, they honor the individual and they do not slip into male positions. They are really loving, too, and they want to take care of the house every day and cook. They have the initiative, you have nothing to call for because they don't feel like domestic hens. Also, Filipinos are considered the world's most caring people.

How to hire a nanny from the Philippines?

The Philippines is a poor country, so the ability to work abroad is also used by young women from there. For them, it is a very good source of money. Filipina is a really effective option for childcare along with learning English. This is backed by the fact that many Filipinos in their nation have higher education. In order to accomplish their goals in life, Filipino women are considered to work hard.

POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) - a government employment department - manages labor migration in the Philippines. In order to bring an employee from the Philippines to Poland, the recruiting and job process should be taken into account as being very difficult. It is associated with the processing of a variety of papers that have to be legalized. Awareness of Filipino law is also important in this situation. It is better to contact the AtoZ Serwis Plus Employment Agency, which specializes in hiring workers from this region if you demonstrate your willingness to hire Filipino employees.

EU citizens

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area do not need a visa to enter Poland. However, they have to apply for a temporary residence permit after their arrival in Poland.

Non-EU citizens

Non-EU citizens need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival in Poland. In order to apply for a student visa, candidates need to receive an acceptance letter from the University College of Enterprise and Administration in Lublin which can be issued once all the application documents are submitted.

Please note that visa policies can vary depending on the country and an acceptance letter might not be sufficient to obtain a visa in some countries.

For studies in Poland, you need a national D-type visa.

The national D-type visa entitles the holder to:
– stay in the territory of Poland throughout the period of its validity;
– additionally, move within the territory of other Schengen states for up to three months within a half-year period.

Make sure that you request a multiple-entry visa. You will need it if you want to participate in the Erasmus+ program at one of our partner universities abroad or do a traineeship at a chosen foreign institution (read more about the international long and short-term student mobility programs here).

What documents do you need when submitting a D-type national visa application?

1. Travel document.
2. Completed and signed visa application form.
3. Biometric photo.
4. Visa fee.
5. Health insurance.
6. Supplementary documents confirming:
– the purpose of the visit,
– possession of sufficient funds to cover the cost of entry, stay, and departure from the territory of Poland;
– the necessity of staying in the territory of Poland for more than 90 days within a half-year period.

Please note that the types and number of supplementary documents may differ depending on the consular office. In this connection, we advise you to contact the relevant consulate to obtain full information concerning the documents needed when submitting a visa application.

Detailed information on other requirements to obtain a student visa may be found on the official website of the embassy of the Republic of Poland in your country of residence.

If you can show that you are staying in Poland for more than 3 months in order to work, research or for family reasons, you can get a temporary residence (karta pobytu) in Poland (e.g. marriage to a Polish citizen).

Permission for temporary residence is normally granted for a maximum of 2 years. A residency permit can then be renewed every subsequent two years.

An application for temporary residence should be submitted to the appropriate consulate of the Republic of Poland, normally that in your current country of residence. Foreign citizens already in Poland may apply directly to the appropriate regional office of a provincial governor.

A residence permit acts as your documentation for legal residence during your stay in Poland and allows you to travel to and from Poland. If you are relocating to Poland with your family, you and your partner, plus any children who will be relocating with you, will all need to apply for residence permits. You will need to provide proof of accommodation, employment, and the ability to cover you and your family’s costs during your stay in Poland.

Poland Residence Permit Option - Investment EUR +150 (Complete Under one Roof Solution)

IMPORTANT: POLAND RESIDENCE is very difficult to achieve at the moment due to long waits and multiple refusals by the Government in 2018.

Note: In 2018, the Polish method has improved in many respects and for foreign employees, it has been very stringent. However, Poland still issues, on many bases, 1 year 2 year & 3-year residency permits to non-EU residents. We welcome you to our office for thorough discussions. We do, however, have some details on the most common and successful alternative that most ex-pats find acceptable in non-EU countries.

SECTION 1: Description OF PROGRAM: How It Operates

Poland offers a multi-based 1 year 2 year & 3-year residency permit to non-EU residents. We include some detail on the most basic and successful alternative that most expatriates find acceptable.

Option 1: By setting up a business in Poland - If you have a genuine idea and intention to start and operate a business in Poland, we can assist with the entire process of setting up or buying a running company. Note that if this company does not carry out the business activity for six months or more, it may not be easy to obtain a residence permit. Chat directly with our Polish specialist to address this option and how we can help resolve the policy and complexities of a Polish residency permit in this option.

Option 2. Study in Poland - You can obtain a residence permit for studying in Poland. Such course should ideally be of minimum one-year duration or preferably a university degree course. Talk to us about this option if you wish to study in Poland. Most students who finish a university degree in Poland have great chances of long term settlement in Poland for obvious reasons that may include learning the Polish language, then finding a job in Poland or starting a business, or even based on a genuine marriage that may happen due to a student's long terms stay and interaction with Polish citizens while being a student. So there are many possibilities.

Note: There are a variety of other choices and purposes for receiving a residency permit from Poland, such as for humanitarian reasons. However, we can only discuss those cases on a personal basis at our office in Poland.

SECTION 2: POLISH RESIDENCY'S Advantages

Poland is part of the EU and the Schengen region. A 2-3 year residency permit opens many doors for serious individuals with some talents, language skills and business plans, ability to make an effort, and, of course, financial savings. For those who want to come to Poland for additional long-term settlement arrangements and invest in small companies, this is a perfect option.

Poland is a powerhouse economy of Eastern Europe. Polish companies are competitive and the Government supports the businesses by allowing foreigners to come and take up jobs that cannot be filled by Polish citizens.
It is good for families - It is possible to bring along family members. Notice that it may incur extra costs and will entail proper preparation from the outset to include your family in your Poland Residence permit application.

Free children's education.
Emergency Care Sponsored by Free State
Free language course in Polish
Low housing and general living costs

Flexibility - In accordance with your sponsor company and on the basis of your position in the company, it could be possible to fly regularly between Poland and other Schengen countries and abroad. You might be employed in Poland, or you might be more enterprising and start up your own small company in Poland. While the work permit limits you from working with another employer other than the one that supported you, by being a member, you will still start a new business on the side and might also have other partners in the business.

In every other Schengen country, you will find a job and move your citizenship to that country without leaving Europe. The prospect of becoming a corporate associate in an organization based in other Schengen countries is also probable. But this opportunity should really be used by someone with a business plan and some financial backup to develop and turn this alternative into a long-term settlement solution in the EU.

Poland is a good place to set up enterprises and to have a strong economy. The nice range for restaurants such as Chinese, Thai, Indian fast food, vegetarian, herbal, etc. You should look at starting up several enterprises and expanding out into other Schengen states eventually.

SECTION 3: INVOLVED COSTS

After getting your residency permit and a long list of costs, AtoZ Serwis Plus provides a Complete Kit including Schengen Visa advice + Find appropriate sponsor business + Legal assistance with Immigration Procedure + Assist with house searching + Tax and accounting support.

Upon prior arrangement with proper ID and supporting financial records, the information shall be given to legitimate consumers. AtoZ Serwis Plus partners with trustworthy and professionally running firms to try to provide a long-term alternative for our consumers, not just a TRC plastic card that could be revoked every six months.

Since my blog is becoming more popular, people are starting to ask questions.

One of the most popular is:

If I register a business, can I get a temporary residency permit to start my business here in Poland?

And the answer is;

It depends

If the aim of a foreigner’s stay in Poland is to conduct business activity in the country through a Polish company, a temporary residence permit for the purposes of conducting business activity may be granted subject to the following conditions:

a) the foreigner has health insurance (which means that you have to apply for public health insurance – in single-member LLC it is obligatory to apply for it as a sole shareholder)

b) the foreigner has a source of stable, regular income sufficient to cover his own living costs and those of family members supported by him (in 2015, this threshold is 514 PLN per family member or 634 PLN in the case of a single-person household. Documents confirming stable income may be, for example, an employment contract, a contract of mandate, etc.)

c) the foreigner has obtained the consent of the competent authority to work in a certain position or in a specific profession if the obligation to obtain such consent is required by law;

d) the foreigner has a guaranteed place of residence in Poland (you must register your place of residence incompetent authority and obtain a certificate).

Moreover, the company run by the foreigner should meet the following requirements:

in the fiscal year preceding the submission of an application for a temporary residence permit issued for the purpose of conducting business activity its revenue was not lower than 12 times the average monthly remuneration for the third quarter of the year preceding the submission of the application, as announced by the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in the voivodeship where the seat of the company is located or where the foreigner resides or it has employed for an indefinite period of time and on a full-time basis at least 2 Polish citizens or foreigners who have the right to undertake work in Poland without a work permit, for a period of at least 1 year preceding the submission of the application for a temporary residence permit; or
it should prove that it possesses the means and conditions required to meet the criteria specified above in the future, or that it conducts activities that will allow it to meet these criteria in the future through actively contributing to an increase in investments, transfer of technology, the introduction of beneficial innovations or the creation of new workplaces.

What does this legal mumbling mean?

You need to prove to Polish authorities that you have got enough money and resources to run your business and to make it profitable in the future. In fact, 5000 zlotys of share capital is usually not enough. Polish LLC is a good way to get a residence permit in an EU country but you must meet special conditions.

In case of any questions please feel free to contact me.

what-is-the-pesel-number-and-why-do-you-need-it-in-poland-to-run-your-business

What is the numeric PESEL?

The national identifier number in Poland is PESEL (Polish: Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludnoci, Universal Computer System for Population Registration). It consists of eleven digits for each registered individual that is unique. Why do these things?

Why do I need PESEL for the Polish management of companies?

Any Polish corporation has had to enroll itself in a new registry called Central Registry for Beneficiary Owners since the end of 2019. If the company fails to comply with this responsibility, it will be fined. You would be allowed to apply by electronic means using an e-signature in order to access the Registry.

How to procure PESEL?

If you are a foreigner residing in Poland, you can register your residency by automatically receiving a PESEL number in such a case. If you are unable to register your residency, and a PESEL Number is requested by another entity, request an application by yourself or by using attorney services.

The procedure is described on a Gov site.

With our help, you will be able to do it remotely.

Just contact me.

poland-visa-and-residence-card-a-quick-guide-for-indians

Q1. How I can apply for Polish Visa?

Useful links for visa application:

https://newdelhi.mfa.gov.pl/en/consular_information/visa_information/

http://www.migrant.info.pl/home.html

Additional slots for all visa types are opened in the thee-konsulat system twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3 PM (IST).

For Visa interview: You can see the following posts in our Facebook group:

Q2. How to apply for a residence card?

Polish Migration Forum (Polskie Forum Migracyjne) has prepared a very nice step by step FAQ please see that file here.

You can also read FAQs about TRC here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Polandian/permalink/10161673541640061/

Q3. I came to Poland on a tourist Visa. Can I get a TRC?

In most case not. More details about TRC you can find on the website https://udsc.gov.pl/en/cudzoziemcy/obywatele-panstw-trzecich/chce-przedluzyc-swoj-pobyt-w-polsce/zezwolenie-na-pobyt-czasowy

Understand the basics first. TRC is issued on few bases as work, business activity, studies and education, researcher, residence with family. If you got a job you apply for a work permit and based on WP you apply for TRC. A work permit is required for each employer, you cannot work on the same work permit with any other employer. Remember changing job = changing work permit.

Attention: There are many fraud agents. They all come on such fake work permits earlier and trying to bring more people to recover their costs. Recently the Polish government becoming more and more stringent in issuing TRC’s. So if you do not have a valid work permit before coming here think twice. It can be risky

A warning against dishonest agents and info on all official fees. In Polish but there is also an attached file with the English translation below. It's from Urz?d Wojewódzki.

https://mazowieckie.pl/pl/dla-klienta/cudzoziemcy/aktualnosci/37103,Ostrzezenie-przed-nieuczciwymi-posrednikami-i-tabela-oplat-Information-on-fees-a.html?search=2001476&fbclid=IwAR2cubhMtZFQAILxPdP8RJF8Wo9M5Q5PvMPek_6lk6WfUBHiRPKYoTXF4rI

Q4. I need a Polish to Hindi or a Hindi to Polish translator for document translation.

If you need a sworn translator (not only Hindi, any language) you can find information on the Ministry of Justice website, just select city and search

https://arch-bip.ms.gov.pl/pl/rejestry-i-ewidencje/tlumacze-przysiegli/lista-tlumaczy-przysieglych/index.html?fbclid=IwAR3CVKR6dRZZzfyy0JKQGMcUzo77J2izRQE7HK76dObJB9sNNiwfSASDxrc

Q5. What to do in case of losing the temporary residence card/Karta pobytu?

If stolen: go with your Police report and decision papers, passport, meldunek (domicile ) to your foreigner's office. Nominal payment for new Card and it’s issued in about a months time

If lost: just write a letter addressing the foreigners office, attach your decision papers, passport, meldunek ( domicile ). Hand deliver this. Nominal payment for a new car and it’s issued in about a months time.

If stolen/lost and needed urgently :

1. Write a letter defining the urgency + all the above and hope you will get it.

2. Secondly in the rarest of cases, serious urgencies you can also get a stamp from the Foreigners office on your passport which will allow you to leave The EU and go back home but won’t let you return. Then you will need to reapply in your country’s concerning consulates.

Q6. I lost my passport with a Polish visa in it.

Step 1: Inform the Nearest Police Station.

Step 2: You should go to the Indian Embassy in Warsaw and submit an application for a new passport. See this link: https://www.indianembassywarsaw.gov.in/eoi.php?id=Pass

Step 3: Apply for a replacement visa in your urz?d wojewódzki (voivodship office). You should have a new passport and a confirmation that you reported a loss of the previous one. A copy of your lost visa would be much useful.

Q7. How can I get PR in Poland?

It is not easy to get PR in Poland unless you speak Polish or if you are married to a Polish citizen. How to get PR in Poland you should be staying in Poland for at least five years on the basis of Karta Pobytu and And you must pass the B2 level of Polish language certificate. add more details: https://udsc.gov.pl/en/cudzoziemcy/obywatele-panstw-trzecich/chce-osiedlic-sie-w-polsce/zezwolenie-na-pobyt-staly/

Q8. How can I settle in Poland?

To settle in Poland you need to apply for a permanent resident permit. For more details please see the section on how to get PR in Poland.

Q9. How much is Poland visa fees?

Poland visa fee as of 2020 is as follows:

Short-term visa (C) : 6800 (80 €)

Short-term visa (C) children 6-12 years: 3400 (40 €)

Long-term visa (D) 6800 (80 €)

https://www.vfsglobal.com/Poland/India/Visa-fees-at-glance.html

Q10. How can I get an appointment in Poland embassy in Delhi?

Getting an appointment for Polish Visa can be tricky many times and many people have difficulty in getting an appointment. But we still recommend not to fall into the trap of agents who will cheat you by saying that they can get you an appointment. We recommend going through the official process. You can apply for Poland Book an appointment to visit the Visa Application Centre through:

https://secure2.e-konsulat.gov.pl/

https://www.vfsglobal.com/Poland/India/how-to-apply.html

If you have difficulty in getting an appointment we recommend you to email or call Embassy officials for help.

Q11. Is it easy to get PR in Poland?

Q12. How long do you have to live in Poland to become a citizen?

The path to polish citizenship is very long and difficult. First, you must get a permanent residence. The permanent residence you can apply only after five years of residence in Poland and after passing the B1 level of polish language certificate. Once you have a permanent resident card you are eligible to apply for citizenship. So to summarize, getting polish citizenship will take around 7 years.

Q13. Can I apply for a Polish passport?

You can apply for a Polish passport only if you are a polish citizen please see the section on how to get polish citizenship.

Q14. Is Poland a safe country to live in?

Poland is considered a very safe and friendly country to study and live in according to statistics and is one of the safest countries in the European Union. Polish citizens are very well known for their hospitality.

Q15. How can I get permanent residency in Poland?

Q16. Is there work in Poland?

There are various job opportunities for foreigners in Poland. Finding a suitable job in Poland can take some time especially if you don't know the Polish language. If you know the Polish language and you have the right skills and experience, yes there is work in Poland and you may find it.

Q17. Can you immigrate to Poland?

Indian citizens who want to immigrate to Poland need to apply for a work permit and Visa/ residence apartment.

Q18. Is it easy to get citizenship in Poland?

No, the path to polish citizenship is very long and difficult. First, you must get a permanent residence. The permanent residence you can apply only after five years of residence in Poland and after passing the B1 level of polish language certificate. Once you have a permanent resident card you are eligible to apply for citizenship. So to summarize, getting polish citizenship will take around 7 years.

Q19. What do Polish people look like?

The general look is lighter hair and eyes and high cheekbones and often sharp noses this is a typical slave look.

Q20. How do I get a blue card in Poland?

For a blue card, you need to fulfil two requirements: 1. You should have a work contract for highly qualified employees with a duration of at least one year. 2. You must meet a minimum salary threshold that is around 5,000 PLN.

Q21. Who is eligible for a blue card?

For a blue card, you need to fulfil two requirements: 1. You should have a work contract for highly qualified employees with a duration of at least one year. 2. You must meet the minimum salary threshold that is above 5,000 PLN.

Q22. What is a blue card in Poland?

The blue card is an approved EU-wide work permit allowing highly-skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in 25 of the 27 countries within the European Union.

Q23. How long does it take to get permanent residency in Poland?

It can take a minimum of 5 years with knowledge of Polish if you want to get PR in Poland. More details can be found here: https://udsc.gov.pl/en/cudzoziemcy/obywatele-panstw-trzecich/chce-osiedlic-sie-w-polsce/zezwolenie-na-pobyt-staly/

Q24. How can I get PR in Poland by investment?

Poland offers temporary residence to business investors that want to start a business in the country. It basically requires the investor to set up the business activity and demonstrate that they generate at least 15,000 EUR of income a year to be eligible for a temporary residence permit.

Q25. How can I settle from Poland to India?

You need to find a job. Please see the section on how to find a job in Poland.

Q26. How can I move to Poland from India?

You need to find a job. Please see the section on how to find a job in Poland.

Q27. How many immigrants are in Poland?

As per government statistics: https://migracje.gov.pl/en/statistics/scope/poland/type/statuses/view/tables/year/2019/

Approximately 0.5 million residence permits under different categories were issued in 2019. There can be around 1-2 million foreigners living in Poland at any given time.

Q28. Is it easy to get a Poland visa?

In the current scenario unless you are coming to study in a ranked university or for a job in a multinational company it is not easy to get a visa.

Q29. How do I get a Polish work visa?

To work in Poland you need to find an employer who is ready to apply for you a work permit. Please read ours are frequently asked questions on how you can work in Poland and how you can find a job.

Q30. My baby is born in Poland will he/she get Polish citizenship?

No, unless one of a parent is a Polich citizen.

how-to-apply-in-poland-for-an-international-university-in-2021

Poland has become wild! With such a long tradition of opposition movements, fighters and real-life Phoenixes, there are few countries like this in Europe that lift more from their own ashes.

It comes as no surprise that Poland has become one of the most popular destinations for international students worldwide, given the culture and unity the Poles have with everyone entering their country, as well as the low living costs and the multitude of universities.

Polish universities to consider for your studies

Polish universities are really cheap, compared to the rest of Europe. Some of the best are:

University of Wroclaw, in Wroclaw
Cracow University of Economics, in Cracow
Poznan University of Economics and Business, in Poznan
University of Gdansk, in Gdansk
The Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, in Wroclaw

Prepare to apply

Your first concern should be the VISA. Poland is a member of the European Union, so EU/EEA students don’t need a VISA. Meanwhile, non-EU/EEA students should read about it and start preparing the necessary documents and setting appointments as soon as possible.

Consulates and embassies will handle your paperwork, and the website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will help you with your Polish VISA if there are questions or you don’t understand the instructions.

Where to apply for a Polish Master’s degree?

To apply for a Polish study programme, you need to access the university’s page and follow the steps there. Unlike other countries, Poland doesn’t have a centralised website where you can make a general application, which you can then send to multiple universities. You will have to work for it, so the rewards will feel even better in the end.

You can check the StudyInPoland website, where you can find frequently asked questions, information about life in Poland, and other things you should consider before moving there. Also, they have a list of featured universities on their homepage, so you could easily find phone numbers, programmes, e-mails and information about each of them.

Language requirements for a Polish university application

Seeing how the application documents for both VISA and your Master’s programme require proof of your English language proficiency, you should invest time and effort and ace one of the following tests:

IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
C1 Advanced

Required application documents

General application documents

There is a list of minimum requirements that all students have to meet in order to get into a Master’s programme. This list includes:

a matriculation certificate or equivalent document
a Bachelor's diploma
an English proficiency test

Also, the most common admission documents required by Polish universities are:

undergraduate diploma or an official replacement (issued by the university)
CV with the details about the school and professional career (optional)
one academic reference and one personal reference
filled-in application form
4 passport-size photographs
copy of the ID
proof of English language proficiency (unless your previous degree was taught in English)
the medical certificate with no contraindication for studying
proof of paying the admission fee

Specific entry requirements

If you opt for a Master’s programme in the department of Arts, Physical Education, Teaching, Medical or Technical universities, you will have to take an additional aptitude test.

Also, depending on the programme, other documents might include:

certified secondary school certificate or an official replacement issued by the candidate's high school
a supplement to the undergraduate diploma or a copy of your Bachelor’s thesis

University application deadlines in Poland

In most cases, the academic year at Polish universities consists of 2 semesters of 15 weeks each.

Beginning of October: Fall semester starts
Mid-February: Fall semester ends
Mid-February: Spring semester starts
End of June: Spring semester ends
Beginning of July – end of September: summer vacation

As far as application deadlines are concerned, they vary from university to university. Here are some common deadlines:

Application deadlines for EU/EEA students: mid-September (the latest)
Non-EU/EEA students: mid-July to mid-August (the latest)

Final steps after receiving the university acceptance letter

Firstly: Woohoo! You got in!

Secondly: Let’s make a shortlist of things you should prepare and the errands you need to run once you get there.

As an EU/EEA student, you won’t need a VISA, but no matter what country you come from, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit, as your Master’s degree will surely be longer than three months.
Don’t forget to call your university’s International Relations Office and get more information on the more practical aspects, like coming to Poland, medical care and insurances, your driving license, and more.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, for the VISA you’ll need (or at least it's highly recommended) to get medical insurance in your home country or immediately after you arrive. If you don’t have this covered, you will have to pay every health service you will get and that will rack your bill to a substantial sum.
For EU/EEA students: you’re not off the hook: get your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or else you won’t be eligible for free health insurance.

polish-business-visa-and-company-formation

The majority of our clients, especially from the Middle East and Gulf countries, frequently ask us about their first steps in Poland.

They have, what is perfectly understandable, concerns and ask how should they start. Do we have to start from company formation – they ask – or should we have to apply for a Schengen visa first and only after obtaining a Schengen visa can we register a business in Europe?

The answer to this question is maybe easier than they expect. Definitely, without the visa, the LLC company in Poland is partially useless for the person, who wants to live here and personally manage the company. Schengen visa and full access to the other member states of the European Union (not only Poland, as using Schengen business visa you can travel to 27 European countries) are important factors for people to choose Poland as their target point in EU.

What you must know is that having a registered Polish LLC company before you start the visa application process is highly recommended.

Why do I have to open the company in Poland first and apply for the visa in the second step?

As we have extensive knowledge and experience about the practice of Polish consulates in the Middle East, we can give you the most reliable answers.

What you must know is that Polish consular officials must be provided with proof of real cooperation between you and your Polish business partner and a pure statement from your side is not enough, just as well as a simple invitation from a Polish company. What is needed is solid evidence of real cooperation. That is why you need to show in the Polish consulate the documents of an already registered company in Poland, and – by consulate request – provide information about contracts and business relations with other Polish companies so the visa application will be considered more genuine. We can help you with that.

From our side, we will also provide a government confirmed invitation letter and officially signed and stamped hotel booking to even exceed the consulate's expectations.

During the visa application process, you will need to show that you have a basic knowledge about Polish economy, history, and culture, and be prepared for visa interview and frequently asked questions For your convenience we prepared a special learning kit, which we send to you as we would like you to feel most comfortable at the visa interview.

If you are considering business emigration to Poland you surely ask yourself what professions are sought after in Poland.

Our foreign clients often ask us what object of their company’s activity will be the best solution for them. While looking not only from a market perspective but also from a business immigration point of view we offer a very simple answer

You should do whatever you feel strong at.

We discovered that our clients are very resourceful people and often skilled in a field where Polish competition is weak.

Here you will find the 10 most wanted professions in Poland.

Engineers
Skilled manual workers
Technicians
Drivers
Sales Representatives
IT professionals
Chefs / Cooks
Project managers
Machine Operators
Employees of accounting and finance.

All that being said it is important to know that Poland is still developing and many foreigners come to make here not only big business but also find a place for their smaller enterprise. Maybe you will be next?

blue-card-what-kind-of-document-it-is-and-how-to-receive-it

What is Blue Card?

Blue card is a document established by the Council Directive allowing qualified non-EU workers to stay and work in the territory of any UE Member State except Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Blue card

A foreigner who intends to work in Poland in a profession requiring high qualifications can apply for a temporary residence permit if he complies with the following conditions:

He needs higher professional qualifications obtained as a result of:

gain five years of professional experience at a level comparable to the level of higher education,
qualifications attested by evidence of higher education qualifications,

Present the county commissioner’s information about the result of the labor market test.

The labor market test is a procedure for obtaining information on the situation on the local labor market, confirming the lack of employment opportunities for a given position of a Polish citizen or EU citizen. This means that a foreigner may obtain a work permit from a given employer if it turns out that among persons registered in the Labour Office there are no such ones that can meet the employer’s requirements.

Note! In some cases, when applying for a temporary residence permit to work in a highly qualified job, there is no requirement to obtain information from the county commissioner about the result of the labor market test.

A labor market test is not required, for example in the following cases:

the work to be carried out is included in the list of deficit professions, included in the governor’s regulation;
the employer applies for an extension of the work permit for the same foreigner and in the same position;
nursing and caring work or as a home help for individuals in the household;

has a contract of employment or a civil law contract concluded for a period of at least one year,
present qualifications and documents needed to perform work, in the case of regulated professions,
has documents confirming the possession of higher professional qualifications,
has health insurance,
has the consent of the competent authority to work in a specific position, to pursue a profession of to conduct another activity, if the obligation to obtain such consent prior to the conclusion of the agreement is required by law;
The amount of the minimum annual gross remuneration required for granting the permit may not be lower than the equivalent of 150% of the average salary in Poland,
has a place of residence in Poland,
has permission to perform work or start a business if it is required.

During the first two years of residence in Poland on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of performing work in a highly qualified job:

a foreigner may not start work with another employer than the one specified in the permit;
the foreigner can not change the position on which he is employed;
a foreigner can not be paid lower than those specified in the permit – without changing this permission.

The foreigner attaches to the application for a temporary residence permit – Annex 1 and Annex 2 completed by the employer, in which the conditions for his employment are indicated.

The permit to stay for the duration of its validity entitles you to stay in Poland and work on the terms set out in it. This permit is granted for a period longer by 3 months from the period of performing work, but not longer than 3 years, with the possibility of applying for another permit.

On its basis, the Foreigner receives a Residence Card with the annotation “EU Blue Card”.

Conditions that you have to meet:

you submit your application for a temporary residence permit personally, no later than on the last day of your legal residence on the territory of the Republic of Poland;
you can only collect your residence card in person;
fingerprints will be taken from you to issue a residence card;
documents should be submitted in Polish in originals or in photocopies together with originals for inspection;
to documents in a foreign language should be prepared translations into Polish, made by a Polish sworn translator.

The permit is issued to work for a specific employer on specific terms. The change of employment conditions within two years of obtaining the permit requires the notification of the office that issued them. The notification should take place within 15 days. A change of employer requires a new permit. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the withdrawal of the permit.

What documents do you have to submit?

2 copies of the application for a temporary residence permit completed in accordance with the instructions, with 2 annexes,
4 current color photographs,
valid travel document (2 photocopies, originally available for inspection),
confirmation of payment of stamp duty,
labor market test or information justifying lack of a need to present the labor market test,
employment contract, outwork contract, or a civil-law agreement concluded for a period of at least 1 year
documents confirming higher professional qualifications
document confirming having health insurance
information on the annual gross remuneration specified in the contract

Note!
Documents can be submitted only personally, during a stay in the territory of Poland.

Sources:

https://mazowieckie.pl/

http://www.migrant.info.pl

apply-for-poland-visa-information-in-india

General Information:

VISA type-D can be provided for people who are planning to stay on the Polish territory for more than 90 days in total (one or more visits) during a year starting from the day of the first entry.

Long-term VISA type-D gives a right:

to stay on the Polish territory till the expiration date of VISA;

to move on the territory of the other countries-members of the Schengen Agreement not more than 90 days during every 180-day period starting from the day of the first entry.

VISA TYPE	VISA FEE IN INR	VISA FEE IN EURO
Long-term visa (D)	7200	80 €

The above-mentioned Visa Fee should be paid in cash.

VFS Service charge:

Along with the visa fees, there is a service charge of INR 757/- (All VFS’s service charges are inclusive of Goods and Service Tax –SGST @ 9% and CGST@ 9%)) is applicable per visa application and is paid in cash.

Please Note:

The applicable visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. The same is subject to change without notice.
The Visa fee and service charges are non-refundable in case the visa is refused.
There is an optional courier facility available at Rs. 595/- (Inclusive of Goods and Service Tax –SGST @9% and CGST@9%) per application/passport.

Documents Required ;

Documents checklist

Photo Specifications :

Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

Please provide one recent photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, which should not have been used previously in the passport. The photograph should be in color and:

Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap, or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background]
Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. A photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the center.

Processing Time :

Please note as per the instructions received from the Embassy minimum processing time is 14 Calendar days (It may further get delayed depending on the case).

In some exceptional cases, the processing time can be prolonged up to 30 days.

Kindly note if an application is submitted in the Satellite center, it may take up to 48-72 hours in transit to New Delhi. All the applications received from Satellite centers will be sent to Embassy on the next working day.

Processing time will start including the date of submission of application at VFS.

Application Form :

National Visa Form

Handwritten application forms are not allowed

Jurisdiction To Apply

New Delhi

Applicants should submit their applications to the relevant Visa Application Centre according to their place of residence. Jurisdiction of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Poland in New Delhi covers the Visa Application Centers (VACs) in:

New Delhi,
Kolkata,
Chandigarh,
Jaipur,
Bhopal.

The above-mentioned VACs accept visa application forms from:

India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi (NCR), Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal),
Afghanistan,
Bangladesh,
Bhutan,
Maldives
Nepal,
Sri Lanka.

Please note: As per the instructions received from The Embassy of the Republic of Poland from 03 February 2020 all the applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives can only apply for their visa applications (National Visa) from New Delhi vfs center.

Mumbai:

Jurisdiction of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai covers the VACs in:

Mumbai,
Ahmedabad,
Bangalore,
Chennai,
Hyderabad.

The above-mentioned VACs accept visa application forms from India (Andhra Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands).

There are two most common ways of doing work in Poland: on the basis of an employment contract and on the basis of civil law agreements. Only people working in workplace arrangements are subject to the provisions of the Polish Labor Code and other acts pertaining to labour law. Legally, persons doing work under civil law arrangements are not deemed to be workers.

An employee undertakes, by forming an employment arrangement, to perform work of a specified kind for the benefit of and under the direction of an employer, in a position and at a period specified by the employer. Around the same time, in exchange for remuneration, the company undertakes to hire the employee. It should be stressed that work is known as employment on the basis of an employment arrangement under the terms referred to above, irrespective of the name of the contract signed between the parties.

Job contracts cannot be replaced by civil contracts where the performance of the above-mentioned working standards remains unchanged.

how-to-appeal-in-the-trc-process-against-a-negative-decision

Negative decision can be issued to any person.

No one can guarantee you a positive decision. Nobody at all.

If you have received an unfavorable verdict, you have 14 days to appeal it from the moment you pick up the letter.

Otherwise, you have 30 days to live in the country.

And yes. The current coronavirus pandemic situation in Poland in 2021 makes your stay legal until its termination.

Translate negative decisions, or ask a Polish friend to help. Did it?

Ok. Now, let's check what is your reason for rejection and how to appeal.

Missing documents.

You have delayed with documentation or your papers were not following the requirements of the Office of Foreigners.

University or Employer is blacklisted.

Your application is connected with them and now they are not passing through the system to be accepted by Immigration Office.

Illegal stay.

Did you submit the case on the basis of a previous appeal case that was finished before the new submission? Or maybe you submitted documents late?

Police couldn't check your residence or workplace.

They couldn't identify your address in their system.

No strong reason to stay in Poland.

You didn't prove the progress of work, study, or business.

Not agree with the decision?

You have the right to submit an appeal and fight till the end. For that, you have to prepare an appeal letter with all the needed arguments.

To make appeal accepted you can even write a single phrase in the middle "~~Nie zgadzam si?~~" (which means that you do not agree). But if you want to get a positive decision at the end of the process - you have to describe your position in full, showing the articles which were broken by Immigration Office, attaching all the needed proofs.

Of course, it will be much more efficient if you will ask AtoZ Serwis Plus to help you with the preparation of the appeal.

How long the appeal can be considering?

It very much depends on a type of TRC. People can normally wait from 1.5 months and till...infinity

Just imagine that some people are waiting for the final decision since 2016.

The chance of a positive decision after the appeal is 100 times higher after the appeal process.

Your status portal will not be working till a final decision will be issued. You will get it by post and an SMS about card collection will come to you or your lawyer.

Just take care very precisely about documents which were the reason for the refusal. Submit all, better 2 times. Call them and ask if they have received the documents after 1 month from the appeal day.

poland-minimum-salary-updates-announced-for-2021

Key Points

Poland has announced minimum wage updates for local hires and civil contract workers in 2021
Changes take effect January 1, 2021
Minimum wages will increase to PLN 2,800 per month for local hires
Minimum wages will rise to PLN 18.3 gross per hour for civil contract workers
Current, pending, and new applications must adhere to the new minimum wage mandates

Overview

Poland has updated its minimum salary levels for 2021. The new wage requirements take effect on January 1, 2021. Minimum wage levels will increase for local hires and civil contract workers.

What are the Changes?

The changes only apply to locally hired employees. EU Blue Cards and Intracompany Transfer (ICT) permits have separate minimum wage thresholds.

For local hires, the minimum wage will rise to PLN 2,800 gross per month, which is an increase of 7.7% from the minimum wage of PLN 2,600 gross per month in 2020. For civil contract workers, the minimum wage will increase to PLN 18.3 gross per hour from PLN 17 gross per hour. This is a 7.6% increase from 2020.

Regardless of category, foreign workers must have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in Poland.

What Should Employers and Applicants Know?

The new minimum wage requirements affect all permit holders. Current permit holders must have their minimum wage adjusted to meet the forthcoming requirements on January 1, 2021. Pending and new applications must also conform to the new minimum wage standards on January 1, 2021.

Employers should note that allowances and benefits are not included in minimum salary calculations for local hires. Employees must be paid in PLN, and they must be on the local payroll.

When a foreigner has a visa that allows him to work legally on the territory of the Republic of Poland, changing employers does not necessitate the acquisition of a new visa.

It is not the same for a holder of a residence and work permit who is residing in Poland. If the foreigner's job changes, he must also apply for a new residence and work permit.

To work legally it is necessary to obtain a work permit or another document authorizing to perform work. A document from a previous employer is not enough!

A foreigner does not have to take any extra action if the basis of legal work is his work permit, while

the new employer has to obtain a work permit for the foreigner and execute a contract with him in writing,
the former employer should settle with the employee and return his copy of the work permit to an adequate voivodeship office.

If the foreigner resides in Poland and works under a common residence and work permit, he must contact the voivode in the event of a potential job loss (which must be reported within 15 working days), as well as a change in position (he has to apply for a new common residence and work permit within 30 days from the day he lost his job).

If a foreigner has a residence and work permit issued on the basis of working as a shop assistant at ABC Sp. z o.o. and wishes to change positions (for example, to shop manager), he must notify the voivode who issued the residence and work permit within 15 working days. In both cases, a new residence and work permit must be obtained. or leave this company and start working for XYZ Sp. z o.o.

A change in the common residence and work permit is only possible if you work for a temporary employment agency. In other cases, it is necessary to obtain a new common residence and work permit.

Valid on March 2021
Minimum wage with effect from January 1, 2021
Minimum wage with effect till December 31, 2021
The amounts are in Polish Zloty.
The amounts are before tax.

	Per month	Per hour
National Minimum Wage	PLN2,800.00	PLN18.30

Working Hours

The "minimum wage" Act mentions "full monthly working time", without specifying any number of hours. According to Polish labor law, the working time should not on average exceed eight hours per day and 40 hours per five-day-long working week; a weekly working time, including the overtime hours, should not exceed 48 hours (Art. 129, §1 & Art. 131, §1).

Definitions

Poland has a government-mandated minimum wage. No worker in Poland should be paid less than this minimum pay rate.
Employers in Poland who do not pay the Minimum Wage may be subject to punishment by the government of Poland.

More Information is Available AT

Minimum Wages Around the World (English)
Minimum Wages News
Minimum Wage and Labour Law
About the Minimum Wages Database (English)
This page is maintained by Twojezarobki.com and Wageindicator.org, 2021

jobs-in-poland-for-international-students-2021-atoz-serwis-plus.jpg

According to new government regulations, it is now easier for international students to find part-time work in Poland.

Actually, international students travel to far-flung locations for the sake of education. It is the pursuit of knowledge and zeal for higher education that drives them to places where they can find better opportunities.

At the same time, students must cover the costs of their studies. Furthermore, students must adhere to a basic standard of living. Part-time jobs are required for students to solve these issues. According to the new rule, students do not need to request special permission. However, a resident card is required to apply for a part-time job. Furthermore, non-EU students are free to work during the months of July, August, and September. The following is a follow-up discussion for students looking for part-time work in Poland:

Part-Time Jobs 2021 in Poland for International Students

International students are allowed to apply for part-time jobs and can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. Students must inform their parents that their first priority is to obtain an education. However, if they are having difficulty covering their study and living expenses. The students will then be encouraged to take on part-time jobs.

It is not a big deal for a student to go over budget while living in Poland, a European country. This is due to the large currency difference. The top and bottom countries in terms of offering part-time and permanent jobs to foreign students and other foreigners are as follows:

Warsaw
Krakow
Wroclaw

2021 Part-Time Internship in Poland

Poland, as we have discussed in previous discussions, is a welcoming country for international students. The concept of the fact that Poland is not only the best in terms of offering part-time jobs. However, it also provides students with internship opportunities.

During the summer vacation, students are permitted to pursue part-time and full-time internship opportunities. Part-time internships are the most common, and they are unpaid. At the same time, there are some paid internship opportunities available through some companies.

What advantages do a part-time job and an internship provide?

The following are the specific advantages of part-time work and internships for international students:

While studying in Poland, you can learn budgeting skills by working part-time.
Part-time jobs allow you to earn money to help pay for your studies and living expenses.
While working part-time, you can make valuable connections with employers that will help you in the future. Working with foreigners can provide you with an exceptional level of communication.
You can gain experience while studying at the same time.
The internship provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the study program you are following or pursuing.
The internship can help you and your employer build a good working relationship.
These connections will provide you with more opportunities in the future.

Types of Students Jobs In Poland

Students can find the following types of part-time jobs while studying in Poland:

Customer services jobs
Booksellers at a bookshop
Delivery boy
Library assistant
Teacher assistant
Language teacher
Translator
Freelancer
Volunteer
Restaurant job
Waiter job
Gas shop jobs
Marketing jobs
Jobs in bars

How to Find Work in Poland While Studying?

You have the impression that Poland provides job opportunities for international students. After reading the preceding discussion, you have confirmed the rules and regulations of part-time jobs and internships, and you have also become familiar with the time period provided for you to work or earn.

We also provided a comprehensive list of jobs available to students while studying in Poland. But you still have the problem of figuring out how to get a job. Your inquiry is valid. So, here are some pointers to help you find the best ways to find a part-time job:

We will now proceed to your college or university's supporting department. This is due to the assistance provided by the supporting department in locating potential opportunities for deserving students. They can find on-campus opportunities for you as well as off-campus opportunities for you.
Investigate the internet. There are numerous opportunities available on the internet.
For this purpose, you can make contact with your senior students. They have gained a lot of experience and can share it with you in order to help you find potential solutions.
You must join the native people's friendship circles and seek their assistance. This is because they are aware of their country's overall standard of living.
Students can find work in cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. So, try to plan a trip to one of these cities.

the-21-best-universities-in-poland-for-the-academic-year-2021-2022-atoz-serwis-plus.jpg

Poland is an exciting country to study in for international students, and Polish universities have had increasing success in international university rankings in recent years.

The University of Warsaw (the country's largest) and Jagiellonian University in Cracow (the countries oldest, dating back to the 14th century) are Poland's top-ranked universities.

The Polish higher education system's specialized universities of technology and medical schools are one of its strengths. These institutions provide world-class education at affordable tuition rates.

Top-ranked universities in Poland

University	QS Ranking 2021	THE Ranking 2021	ARWU Ranking 2020
Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (UAM)	801	1001	801
AGH University of Science and Technology	801	1001	701
Cracow University of Technology	801	1001	–
Gdansk University of Technology	801	1001	801
Jagiellonian University	326	501	401
Lodz University of Technology	801	1001	–
Medical University of Silesia	–	–	901
Medical University of Warsaw	–	801	901
Nicolaus Copernicus University	801	1001	–
Poznan University of Technology	801	–	–
Silesian University of Technology	801	1001	–
SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities	–	1001	–
University of Gdansk	801	1001	–
University of Lodz	801	1001	–
University of Silesia in Katowice	–	1001	–
University of Warsaw	321	801	301
University of Wroclaw	801	1001	–
Warsaw University of Life Sciences	–	1001	–
Warsaw University of Technology	511	1001	801
Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences	–	1001	–
Wroclaw University of Technology	801	1001	–

How does the university ranking system work?

The QS World University Rankings are one of the most important and widely cited rankings. The QS ranking heavily relies on its academic survey, which polls thousands of academics around the world about the reputation of universities.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (abbreviated THE Rankings) compile a wide range of statistics. Citations (how frequently a university's research is referenced elsewhere) are given equal weight to teaching quality, research excellence, and research impact.

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities (often just Shanghai Ranking, or ARWU) focuses on research output and quality, as measured by the number of published and cited scientific papers and the number of staff or alumni receiving the Nobel Prize or Fields Medal.

Study in Poland Poland

For international students, Poland is an exciting and modern destination. Tuition fees in the Eastern European country are modest, and the cost of living is extremely low, despite the high quality of instruction.

Relevant links

200-jobs-are-now-easier-to-obtain-in-poland-atoz-serwis-plus.jpg

Before the summer, it will be easier for Polish employers to hire a foreigner in nearly 200 professions. What does this mean for aspiring expats?

The Polish Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy is developing new rules for the employment of foreign workers in Poland. The task at hand is to present a list of professions that will be exempt from the requirement of conducting a labour market test in Poland. The new rule will affect potential employees from all over the world, and not just in the most labour-intensive industries, such as construction, but also nurses, doctors, and engineers.

What exactly is a labour market test?

The new procedure will reduce the time required for formalities, but experts warn that more work is needed to eliminate additional complications. Even if Polish employers are not required to demonstrate that there are no unemployed people in Poland willing to do the jobs, they may still be required to obtain a work permit for their foreign workforce. According to reports, the process of obtaining one is becoming increasingly difficult. Due to overcrowding in local job centres, some employees are now waiting up to six months for their permit to work in Poland. Nonetheless, reducing the amount of paperwork in the 200 jobs will help cut the wait time by up to three weeks.

Which jobs should be added to this advantageous list?

truck drivers
bricklayers
concreters, steel fixers and similar
roofers
excavator operators and similar
engine drivers and crane operators
welders
locksmiths
construction electricians
electrical technicians
electrical engineers
industry & manufacturing engineers
nurses (without specialisation or in the course of)
doctors (with the second level specialisation or already a title of medical specialist)
programmers
IT systems analysts
database designers and administrators
designers of net apps and multimedia
IT system development specialists

job-search-poland-experience-peruvian-student

When you go to Poland for studies, after a while you could start thinking about getting a job or internship to start your professional development. And this is definitely worth it! This experience enables you to gain first-hand exposure to working in the real world. It also allows students to harness the skills, knowledge, and theoretical practice they learned in university. You can acquire endless amounts of education in your life, however, that knowledge doesn't always translate to the working life.

It is a great choice to start your working experience in Poland. The Polish economy is becoming more competitive and socially responsible. Last year, twice as many foreign companies registered in Poland than five years ago, including investors from Silicon Valley. The Polish economy is rated as the 6th economy in the European Union. Since 1989 the country's GDP per capita has grown by 135%. Thanks to a strong economy, a wide range of investment incentives, and comprehensive government support, Poland has become one of the most attractive investment destinations where, according to calculations, profit from invested foreign capital can be three times higher than in other European countries.

Poland also offers professional development opportunities to foreign students. The Digital Ambassador from Peru Paula tells us about her experience of looking for a job in Poland. Paula chose Poland as a study destination because she found it as the opportunity to be in Europe, to have a high-level education in English, to be surrounded by the other international students, and to be able to boost her professional career into a higher level. She has mentioned that this choice changed her life, made her more independent, and taught to think internationally.

When did you start looking for a job?

I first started looking for a job when I was in the middle of my 3rd year of studies. I decided that I want to gain some professional experience and check the job market in Poland. As I speak Spanish, looking for a job did not take a lot of time. In Poland, there are a lot of people who want to learn this language. I brought my CV to the recruiter of the language school in Katowice and was accepted as a Spanish and English teacher.

Generally, If you come to Poland, language tutoring is always a good option. I know many foreign students who have been teaching Polish people English, Russian, Italian, Spanish… In addition, many international companies that cooperate with different countries are looking for native speakers to lead discussions on their native language.

To conclude, I would like to recommend you to start your professional development during the studies. Thus, after graduation, you have not only a university diploma, but also professional experience.

What is your job now?

When I moved to Kraków, I have received an internship in finance operations at Royal Dutch Shell. It has been an amazing experience - I learned many things in a big corporation and I met many incredible people. After the internship, I was offered an indefinite contact. I am extremely happy to work in an international company when I am only 20 years old just after graduation. Sometimes it sounds unreal, but this market offers real opportunities for development. The working conditions are definitely better than they could be in my homeland.

What would you recommend to the students looking for a job in Poland?

I think it is great to start working in Poland, I saw there are many opportunities for foreigners especially if you know languages. You will always find something, there is a piece of cake for everybody. I would recommend every student to make effort in the university, study a lot, and have good grades. Maybe it sounds banal, but that is what recruiters nowadays look for. It is always an advantage to have volunteering and leadership experience in your CV.

During the interview be yourself and let the recruiter know that you are really interested in the work you apply for. The online platform that could help you find a job are:

Pracuj.pl
Linkedin
Glassdoor

In addition, you can always ask locals to help you searching for a job. Connections are always crucial!

At the end of the interview, Paula mentioned that she feels happy being right here at very this time. She repeated that Poland is an amazing place to start your career.

If you would like to read the tips on studying the Polish language from Indonesian student follow this link:

https://www.atozserwisplus.pl/blog/indonesian-student-shares-experience-of-learning-polish

Learning languages broadens the outlook and makes our inner world richer. When we learn the Polish language, we learn more about its history and culture, mentality, habits, and rules. This is definitely useful during your studies in Poland.

In fact, learning any language is always worthwhile, it keeps your brain active and opens up new pathways in your brain. Polish is a Slavic language so learning it will open up a whole new array of languages, Russian included. As our Digital Ambassador Yolanda from Indonesia mentioned “I have a lot of fun exploring Central European lands, because sometimes I can catch the same words in different countries, for example, in the Czech Republic I even ordered a meal using the Polish language”.

Knowledge of languages will always help you with getting a job. And the Polish language is not an exception. Poland is a country with a thriving economy. That is why this language is in demand at companies that target the European market. Moreover, the Polish language can be classified as quite rare. Not many people speak this language. This means that there could be a competition for a candidate who knows Polish.

Jeffrey Hanafie, The Digital Ambassador of Poland from Indonesia has shared with us his experience of learning the Polish language from a zero level. Now Jeffrey is taking his Master’s degree in Robotics at the Warsaw University of Technologies. He chose Poland as his study destination because the Polish government offered him a full scholarship that covers his tuition fee and living expenses. Jeffrey believes that having a Master's diploma in Poland made by European standards will bring him a very bright future. Jeffrey mentioned that he loves the standard of the universities here. The scoring system is very fair and transparent both for the professor and for the student.

Could you please describe your story about learning the Polish language?

Since I am the awardee of the ?ukaszewicz scholarship, it is obligatory to take the one year of the Polish language course. I have been taking my Polish language classes every day in Krakow. I am thankful for my Polish language course, and now I am super happy that I can understand the Polish language, and jump in the conversation of the natives. I can actually understand what people say. As per my experience, Polish people are super excited when foreigners can speak the Polish language. My Polish is far away from perfect, but Polish people really appreciate the way I try and express myself. If you ask me how difficult for me as Asian to learn the Polish language, I would say it is extremely difficult, because there are no similarities between our languages. I spent more than 1 week learning how to pronounce perfectly numbers from 1 to 10 in the Polish language. However, I have ended my language preparation course with good memories and emotions.

Do you have any funny stories connected with your misunderstanding of Polish?

When locals talk, they pronounce words in a super-fast way. When they talk to me and I don’t understand them, my answer is going to be “Tak, Tak, Tak” … and that is silly, because I don’t understand what I agree with.

What could you recommend for beginners who just start learning the Polish language?

In my opinion, patience and effort are the most crucial parts of learning the Polish language. I recommend you decide on a simple, attainable goal to start with so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. The more you invite a foreign language into your daily life, the more your brain will consider it something useful and worth caring about. Use every opportunity to get exposed to the new language. A funny thing like resetting the language on your phone can help you learn new words right away. Find native speakers near you. Or search for foreign penpals or set up a language tandem online, where two volunteers help one another practice their respective languages. And most important, do not worry about making mistakes.

Below you can find an online course made for foreigners to learn the Polish language from zero level which Jeffrey strongly recommends you:

https://navoica.pl/courses/course-v1:Politechnika_Bialostocka+PB_SJO_002+2020_01/about

the-power-of-student-card-in-poland-where-can-you-get-discounts

We have gathered the information on the student discounts in Poland. Check it out!

1. Traveling is cheaper

Students who travel by passenger trains have a discount of 51% for a single ticket and 49% for a monthly ticket. Students traveling by public buses can also benefit from a 49% discount. Public transport passengers with a valid student ID pay exactly half of the fare rate for the ticket.

2. Discount for students at PKP (railway)

When choosing a trip by train, the student can count on a 51% discount.

Plan your trips in advance! Students who purchase a ticket in advance will receive an additional discount as part of the "Super Promo" or "Earlier Cheaper". Students who find the cheapest "Super Promo" ticket for a journey

from Warsaw to the Tri-City, Kraków, or Katowice will pay only 24 Zloty
from Warsaw to Wroclaw will pay 29 Zloty
from Warsaw to Jelenia Góra will get the ticket for less than 39 Zloty

After the cheapest tickets have been sold out, students can count on discounts (30,20 or 10%) as part of the "Earlier Cheaper" offer. In this case, the amount of the discount depends on the moment of purchasing the ticket.

24 zlotys for the Pendolino train trip from Warsaw to Krakow ... what a great offer :)

3. Ryanair student discount (for Erasmus Student Network members)

Students with an ESN card can buy air tickets at Ryanair with a 15% discount and take 15 kg checked-in baggage for free. To take advantage of the discount, you have to register an ESNcard at Ryanair.com.

4. Culture and recreation

By showing your student ID, you will pay less in theaters, museums, and galleries. Discounts rarely reach as high as 50%, but even a small discount will allow students to participate more often in cultural events. Private companies also seem to understand that studying is a hard time for young people`s wallets. Therefore, it is worth asking about student discounts at cinemas (both small and in multiplexes) or at amusement parks.

In some museums, visiting may even turn out to be completely free. For example, in Warsaw, you can visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for free on Sundays, the Zach?ta Art Gallery for free on Thursdays, or the permanent exhibitions of the National Museum for free on Tuesdays.

Cinema City

Cinema City offers quite substantial student discounts. In Krakow prices for students range from 16 Zloty to 18 Zloty (a normal ticket costs around 25 Zloty). In addition, there is a promotion called "Cheaper on Wednesday".

Multikino

Students can purchase tickets with discounts. The cost of the ticket depends on the price list of a particular cinema.

Aqua Parks - student discounts

Most of the water parks in Poland offer students cheaper tickets. Although it must be admitted that, unfortunately, not much cheaper ... For example:

Aqua Park Wroclaw: student ticket for 2 hours - 22 Zloty (instead of 27 Zloty)

Krakow Aqua Park: student ticket for 2 hours - 34 Zloty (instead of 38 Zloty)

Aqua Park Sopot: student ticket for 1 hour - 25 Zloty (instead of 30 Zloty)

Apple Student Discount

If you use an iPad or MacBook, remember about the discount offered by Polish imports. As part of the educational discount, students and teachers can get a 12% discount on the purchase of an Apple computer and a 10% discount on the purchase of an iPad.

Spotify: 50% discount for students

Spotify offers 9.99 Zloty instead of 19.99 Zloty for a monthly premium subscription for students. To activate the promotion, you should provide your university's details in the verification system. The promotion is valid for 12 months.

Restaurants

Many restaurants (especially chain restaurants) offer discounts for students. So sometimes, instead of avoiding places that seem inaccessible to your student budget, check their websites and see if you can find a discount for yourself.

The Sphinx restaurant chain came up with an interesting initiative. They offer a special "Student Menu" available upon showing your student ID.

Bookstores

Academic textbooks are a considerable expense. That is why many students avoid bookstores and use photocopied materials. Large bookstores often offer a discount of several percent if you show your student ID.

9. Banks

It also happens that some financial institutions offer bonuses to students and young people. These are mainly student accounts and special credit cards for young people. When choosing a student financial product, we can often count on slightly more favorable conditions.

Current bank promotions for students:

mBank: 100 Zloty for opening an account, card payments, and using the mobile application
PKO BP: refunding of up to 50 Zloty per month for card payments in restaurants
ING: 100 Zloty bonus for opening an account and card payments

Ask for a discount!

Even if you are in a place that you are not convinced of, whether it offers cheaper tickets for students, ask about it. It happens that private companies, although they do not display information about discounts for students, offer cheaper tickets when you show your ID card. Just try!

Photos by Juan Encalada, Brooke Cagle, Priorat Hospitality, Markus Winkler, Igor Miske, Darwin Wegher via Unsplash.com

Poland is a country in Central Europe that is officially known as the Republic of Poland.

It has a temperate seasonal climate and is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, covering a total area of 312,696 square kilometers (120,733 square miles). Poland is the European Union's sixth most populous member state, with a population of nearly 38.5 million people. Warsaw is Poland's capital and largest city. Kraków, ód, Wrocaw, Pozna, Gdask, and Szczecin are among the other major cities.

The Baltic Sea, Lithuania, and Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast border the country to the north, Belarus and Ukraine to the east, Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south, and Germany to the west. The article continues with a concise overview of Poland's most beautiful cities.

10. Bydgoszcz

Bydgoszcz is a city in northern Poland, on the Brda and Vistula rivers. With a city population of 350,178 and an urban agglomeration with more than 470,000 inhabitants, Bydgoszcz is the eighth-largest city in Poland. It has been the seat of Bydgoszcz County and the co-capital, with Toru?, of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999. Prior to this, between 1947 and 1998, it was the capital of the Bydgoszcz Voivodeship, and before that, of the Pomeranian Voivodeship between 1945 and 1947. Located in the historical region of Kuyavia, it is then on the list of 10 Best Cities of Poland Tour.

The city is part of the Bydgoszcz–Toru? metropolitan area, which totals over 850,000 inhabitants. The beautiful city is the seat of Casimir the Great University, the University of Technology and Life Sciences and a conservatory, as well as the Medical College of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru?. It also hosts the Pomeranian Philharmonic concert hall, the Opera Nova opera house, and Bydgoszcz Airport. Due to its location between the Vistula and Oder rivers, and the watercourse of the Bydgoszcz Canal, the city forms part of a water system connected via the Note?, Warta, and the Elbe with the Rhine and Rotterdam.

9. Lublin

Lubin is one of the 10 best cities on the Poland Tour. It is the ninth-largest city in Poland and the second-largest city of Lesser Poland. It is the capital and the center of Lublin Voivodeship with a population of 339,682. Lublin is the largest Polish city east of the Vistula River and is about 170 km to the southeast of Warsaw by road. One of the events that greatly contributed to the city’s development was the Polish-Lithuanian Union of Krewo in 1385. Lublin thrived as a center of trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the route between Vilnius and Kraków; the inhabitants had the privilege of free trade in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

The Lublin Parliament session of 1569 led to the creation of a real union between the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, thus creating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Lublin witnessed the early stages of the Reformation in the 16th century. A Calvinist congregation was founded and groups of radical Arians appeared in the city, making it an important global center of Arianism. At the turn of the century, Lublin was recognized for hosting a number of outstanding poets, writers, and historians of the epoch.

8. Szczecin

Szczecin is a city on the Oder River in northwest Poland. It’s known for its 19th-century Way Chrobrego, or Chobry Embankment, and the renovated Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, now a cultural center. The vast St. James Cathedral has a 14th-century triptych, stained-glass windows, and a tower with city views. Nearby is the Gothic Old Town Hall, hosting The National Museum’s exhibitions on Szczecin’s history and culture. Eighth on the list of 10 best cities of Poland tour, there are many beautiful tourist attraction of Szczecin.
The National Museum also displays Pomeranian art in The Museum of Regional Traditions. Modern Polish artwork is housed at the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art. Beneath the train station is the concrete tunnels of Underground Szczecin, a former bomb shelter built in the 1940s, with war-themed tours. The Philharmonic Hall is a spacious, contemporary glass structure meant to resemble ice crystals. West of the city center, the leafy Central Cemetery has a striking central chapel and monuments to victims of WWII.

7. Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. This place is sixth on the list of the 10 best cities in Poland.

The mine’s former hoist shaft tower offers panoramic views of a beautiful city in Europe. Nearby, Spodek is a distinctive 1971 sports and concert venue resembling a flying saucer. Consisting of 3 enormous bronze wings, the Silesian Insurgents’ Monument commemorates 3 uprisings against the German authorities after WWI. The Museum of Katowice History includes original furnishings from its 1908 building, along with exhibits detailing the city’s past. A branch of the museum in nearby Nikiszowiec re-creates the everyday lives of workers who lived in the district. Vast Silesia Park has a planetarium, a zoo, and an ethnographic park with centuries-old buildings.

6. Lodz

Lodz a Beautiful city of Europe is in central Poland, known as a former textile-manufacturing hub. Its Central Museum of Textiles displays 19th-century machinery, fabrics, and handicrafts linked to the trade. Once a factory, the restored Manufaktura complex is now a lively culture and arts center. Nearby is the grand Poznanski Palace, home to the City Museum, with artwork and objects depicting the history of lod?.

The long, pedestrianized Piotrkowska Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and monuments to the city’s most prominent citizens. These include a statue of theater director Leon Schiller and the bronze Tuwim Bench, honoring poet Julian Tuwim. Housed in a 19th-century palace, the Museum of Cinematography has multimedia displays and cinema equipment focusing on the history of Polish filmmaking. West of the center is the Botanical Garden, with decorative and medicinal plants, plus a Japanese garden and a palm house. The city is well known among travelers looking for the best cities of Poland tour.

5. Poznan

Poznan is a beautiful city of Europe on the Warta River in western Poland. It’s known for universities as well as its old town, with Renaissance-style buildings in Old Market Square. Pozna? Town Hall houses the Historical Museum of Poznan, with exhibits on the city. The town hall’s clock features mechanical goats that butt heads at noon. The Gothic and baroque Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is built on an island called Ostrów Tumski. This beautiful European destination has got the fifth position on the list of top 10 best cities of Poland tour.

The cathedral’s Golden Chapel is home to the crypts of Polish rulers Mieszko I and Boleslaw the Brave. Just beyond the town center, the neo-Romanesque Imperial Castle features a throne room and a courtyard with a lion fountain. The nearby Monument to the Victims of June 1956 (Pomnik Ofiar Czerwca 1956) commemorates a Communist workers’ uprising. The art deco Palm House has a greenhouse, tropical plants, and an aquarium. Citadel Park’s slopes mark the last stand of the Nazi stronghold in 1945 and now feature soldier memorials and 2 army museums. Lake Malta is known for the floating Malta Fountain and an indoor ice-skating rink.

4. Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a city on the Oder River in western Poland. The beautiful city of Poland is known for its Market Square, lined with elegant townhouses and featuring a modern fountain. Also on the square is the Gothic Old Town Hall, with its large astronomical clock. Nearby is the Panorama of Raclawice, a painting depicting the 1794 battle for independence. The Centennial Hall auditorium, with its giant dome and tall spire, lies across the river.

In the city center, the White Stork Synagogue contains a museum detailing the Jewish history of the town. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has towering twin spires and multiple chapels, including the 18th-century Electoral Chapel. Nearby, the botanical garden is home to greenhouses, an alpine garden, and an arboretum. The Wroclaw Fountain features colorful water displays set to music and lights. Close by is Szczytnicki Park, with its manicured Japanese garden and the wooden St. John of Nepomuk church.

3. Gdansk

Gdansk (Danzig in German) is a port city on the Baltic coast of Poland. At the center of its Main Town, reconstructed after WWII, are the colorful facades of Long Market, now home to shops and restaurants. Nearby is Neptune Fountain, a 17th-century symbol of the city topped by a bronze statue of the sea god. One of the most beautiful cities of Europe is also a center for the world’s amber trade; boutiques throughout the city sell the ossified resin.

On Solidarity Square, the European Solidarity Centre tells the story of the shipyard workers’ union that brought down Poland’s Communist regime. Gothic St. Mary’s Church is a massive red brick structure that holds 20,000 people. Along with the Motawa Canal is the National Maritime Museum, which features a restored medieval shipyard crane. The neighboring town of Sopot is a popular summertime resort area, with a wide beach and long pier. Due to this, it has gained the third rank in list of top 10 best cities of Poland tour.

2. Krakow (Cracow)

Krakow, a southern Poland city near the border of the Czech Republic, is known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Its old town – ringed by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – is centered on the stately, expansive Rynek Glówny (market square). This plaza is the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. The beautiful attractions of Krakow make it the second-best city of Poland tour.

On a hill above the Vistula River are Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle, a sprawling Gothic royal palace-turned-museum showcasing European paintings and sculpture. The city’s Jewish history is on view at Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, which is now dotted with hip cafes and bars. Visitors often take day trips to nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi concentration camp memorial and museum, or 327m-deep Wieliczka Salt Mine, with a vast labyrinth of tunnels, chapels, and chambers open to the public for exploration.

1. Warsaw

Warsaw is the most beautiful on Poland Tour. The city is the sprawling capital of Poland, and one of the best European Cities. Its widely varied architecture reflects the city’s long, turbulent history, from Gothic churches and neoclassical palaces to Soviet-era blocks and modern skyscrapers. The city’s Old Town was restored after heavy damage during WWII. Its heart is Market Square, with pastel buildings and open-air cafes. The Monument of the Warsaw Mermaid at its center is the city’s symbol.

The Barbican and defensive-wall fragments are remnants of Warsaw’s medieval fortifications. The Royal Route runs from the vast, rebuilt Royal Castle, where concerts are held, past churches and neoclassical palaces to lavish 17th-century Wilanów Palace, housing royal memorabilia. The Fryderyk Chopin Museum memorializes the famed composer, a Warsaw native. The high-tech POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Warsaw Uprising Museum trace the city’s tragic wartime experience. As Poland’s cultural hub, Warsaw has a thriving nightlife and music scene, both classical and underground.

If you are a non-EU resident who wishes to work in Poland, you must first obtain a work permit. The work permit you receive is only good for one job, and you can only use it to complete the tasks listed on your application form. You would need to apply for a new work permit if you change jobs. A work permit is only valid for three years.

Poland offers five work visa types; these include:

Type A – If you find employment based on an employment contract or civil law contract with an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most popular work permit.
Type B – This work permit is valid if you are a board member and residing in Poland for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
Type C –You can apply for this work permit if you are sent to Poland by a foreign employer for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch office in the country.
Type D – You are eligible for this visa if you are sent by a foreign employer to work in export services on a temporary basis. The foreign employer must not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Poland.
Type E – You can apply for this visa if you are going to take up work-related tasks that do not fall into any of the above four categories.

The procedure for submitting an application:

Your employer is responsible for obtaining a work permit on your behalf. Assume that you have met a willing employer and that your stay has been legalised (either on the basis of a visa you have obtained or on the basis of a residence permit). To obtain a work permit, your prospective employer must complete a work permit application that includes the name of the company you are hiring for as well as your possible job description within this company.

Documents required to be submitted by the employer

A completed application form
Evidence of payment of application fees
Confirmation of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Copies of the applicant’s passport pages with relevant travel information
Evidence that the applicant has health insurance
A deed for the company
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses of the employer
A copy of a contract in accordance with the service being provided by the business in Poland

Your employer is legally obliged to:

Give you the employment contract in writing
Provide you with a translation of the employment contract in your preferred language
Check the validity and make a copy of your residence permit or visa
Notify social security and health insurance institutions within 7 days after the employment contract is signed which gives you access to free healthcare; sickness leave and other social benefits.

Benefits of a work permit

Once you get the work permit for Poland, you can:

Legally work in Poland
Legalize your stay in the country
Do the work defined in the work permit
Sign a work contract with your employer

The processing of the visa should take about 10 to 12 days. Once you have entered Poland on a work permit, you can legally work here.

How AtoZ Serwis Plus Can Help

AtoZ Serwis Plus is one of the leaders in Poland's immigration and visa consulting services. Our teams have worked on thousands of Poland visa applications and we have the knowledge and experience to help you throughout the process. Our services include:

Complete visa application support
Assistance with collecting supporting documentation
Visa Interview Preparation – if required
Updates & Follow-up with the Consulate
Job search assistance if required

According to a study published in 2015 by CEDEFOP, the European Center for the Development of Vocational Training, job growth in Poland is expected to be in the distribution and transportation sector, as well as construction, service, and other industries, up to 2025. According to this study, the best jobs will be available in non-market sectors until 2025.

Professionals in technology, engineering, industry, healthcare, and administration will be in high demand until 2025, according to the work outlook. High-level professionals in these fields are projected to account for 34% of job openings, while service and sales professionals will account for 15%.

If you are considering a career in Poland, you must first determine if your skills are a match for jobs in these fields.

According to the CEDEFOP survey, Poland's job prospects are projected to increase to 15 million by 2025.

Health professionals, business and administration associate professionals, drivers, and mobile plant operators will all be in high demand, according to the survey.

Top ten highest paid jobs in Poland

Profession	Annual Salary
Surgeons / Doctors	Salary Range: from 14,900 PLN to 42,800 PLN
Judges	Salary Range: from 12,500 PLN to 35,900 PLN
Lawyers	Salary Range: from 10,100 PLN to 29,100 PLN
Bank Managers	Salary Range: from 9,540 PLN to 27,400 PLN
Chief Executive Officers	Salary Range: from 8,950 PLN to 25,700 PLN
Chief Financial Officers	Salary Range: from 8,350 PLN to 23,900 PLN
Orthodontists	Salary Range: from 8,050 PLN to 23,100 PLN
College Professors	Salary Range: from 7,160 PLN to 20,500 PLN
Pilots	Salary Range: from 5,960 PLN to 17,100 PLN
Marketing Directors	Salary Range: from 5,370 PLN to 15,400 PLN

Work prospects by industry

According to CEDEFOP's forecast, the sectors with the fastest job growth in Poland would be oil and gas, as well as household goods repair. The human health operations, as well as the accommodation and catering industries, will see the most job growth.

CEDEFOP's projection is for the years up to 2030. It took into account global economic development until May 2019. In 2019, the European economy had been in a continuous growth phase for the seventh year in a row. Short-term economic impact has been created by the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, but long-term factors that will impact job prospects in European countries, such as ageing populations, increased use of automation / artificial intelligence, globalization, resource scarcity, and so on, will continue to be influential.

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When a person decides to relocate to another country to work, he will undoubtedly consider the benefits he will receive as a worker. These are the work advantages to be aware of if you are considering an overseas job in Poland.

Hours of work and paid vacation

In Poland, working hours are 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day. Overtime cannot be more than 48 hours a week or 150 hours a year.

When an employee has been working for less than 10 years, they are entitled to 26 days of annual leave.

The bare minimum wage

The current minimum wage in Poland is 2,600 PLN.

Imposition of taxes

17 percent – up to $85,528 in annual profits

32 percent - annual salary of more than 85,528 dollars

Benefits from the Social Security Administration

In Poland, healthcare is given to beneficiaries through the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, a publicly funded healthcare system. Both staff and their families are entitled to free public healthcare.

Aside from that, private healthcare is very common in this country, and most employers provide private health insurance to foreign employees and their families.

Parental leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave

Women are entitled to 20 weeks of maternity leave, and they can take up to six weeks before giving birth. Women will take maternity leave regardless of how long they have worked for their current employer. Paternity leave is available for a maximum of two weeks.

Aside from that, each parent is entitled to 32 weeks of parental leave, which can be taken by either parent.

Some advantages

Working in Poland also has other advantages, such as its geographical location, which makes it easy to fly to other European countries without wasting a lot of time or money.

The country's standard of living is very good, and foreigners can live comfortably there on a modest salary. It is not necessary to learn Polish to communicate with the locals because English is widely spoken throughout the country.

Many large multinational corporations have established offices in Poland, employing workers from all over the world. This encourages a diverse workforce. The IT industry has grown rapidly in recent years, resulting in more job opportunities.

Companies here have good educational opportunities for young professionals and also assist them in determining their career path.

An EU Blue Card is a work permit that allows eligible non-EU foreign nationals to work in the EU. It allows the holder to join and stay in a specific EU country for the purpose of jobs.

The card makes it easier for highly qualified professionals from outside the EU to join the EU. Its aim is to make procedures easier to follow and to strengthen the legal standing of those already in the EU.

The holder of the permit is allowed to enter, re-enter, and remain in the country that granted it. Their family members are welcome to join them. The holder of an EU Blue Card and their family members have free movement within the EU.

EU Blue card holders are treated equally with citizens of the Member State in which they have settled. However, they are limited to working in the field in which they are interested.

If a third-country national holds an EU Blue Card, he or she can work in another EU member state after 18 months of regular jobs. Within one month of their arrival, he or she must inform the authorities there. This software does not include Denmark, Ireland, or the United Kingdom.

Where Can I Work With an EU Blue Card?

EU Countries Issuing the EU Blue Card

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden

Although the EU Blue Card is recognized by 25 EU member states with the same basic criteria applying for all, there are minor additional criteria set by each member state for its own.

EU Countries Not Issuing the EU Blue Card

Member states that have opted out of the EU Blue Card Directive and as a result do not issue the EU Blue Card are:

Denmark
Ireland
The United Kingdom

Other states in the European Union not issuing the EU Blue Card are the EFTA member states:

Norway
Liechtenstein
Iceland
Switzerland

EFTA member states participate in the single EU market through the EEA agreement while Switzerland operates by a bonding bilateral agreement with the EU member states in regards to free market and the sharing of services.

Who Needs an EU Blue Card?

If you are wondering if you need an EU Blue Card to work in an EU country as a highly skilled, do not rush to apply immediately. There are nationals of some countries are exempt from obtaining this residence permit.

EU Blue Card Eligibility Criteria

Start the application process to get a Blue Card, by checking if you are eligible. When applying for a Blue Card the applicant must meet the following conditions:

Have a Master’s Degree or equivalent.
Have at least 5 years of experience in your field.
Have a work contract or a job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year.
Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country in which you want to work.
For regulated professions: proof that the national legal requirements are met.

In case you lose your job within the first three years under a Blue Card, you will have three months to find another job. Or else you will have to leave the country.

EU Blue Card Requirements

The required documents for an EU Blue Card are as follows:

Application Form. It must be filled by either you or your employer with honest and correct information. Print the form twice and sign both copies at the end.
Passport. Valid for at least 15 more months beyond your planned date to leave the EU. Is must not be damaged. It must have at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix visa, as well.
Copies of important passport pages. These are the first pages with your details and the pages with visa stickers and stamps.
Previous passports. If you have any older passports, you will have to submit them too. If you have more than one old passport then tie them together with a rubber band.
Two photos. They must be identical and meet the ICAO standards. The photos must be in color, with white plain background and taken within the last three months.
Work contract with an EU employer based in the country you wish to work in. It should be signed by all parties involved. It must be valid for at least one year, meeting at least the minimal required wage.
Proof of professional level. A university diploma is required as a proof of professional level. It is compulsory to also show proof of continuous 5 years professional work experience in your field.
- In case of regulated profession – present the acquired certificate.
Up-to-date CV.
Proof of application fee payment.
Proof of health insurance.
Proof that your salary exceeds the average in the hosting state by 1.5 times or 1.2 times for professions in shortage
A written declaration by your employer. This is a document written by your employer stating reasons of employment and the benefits gained by this act. As a sponsor it is sufficient to write a declaration stating that the employee meets all conditions and requirements important to the employer.
Proof of no threat to the public policy, security or health of the hosting state.

*Note: To prepare and gather the required documentation, such as the recognition of qualification or translation of documents and other similar documents, you will need approximately 4-6 months. Some member states may be quicker although you will need to keep this detail in mind when interested to apply.

Application Process for an EU Blue Card

The application process for an EU Blue Card differs from one EU country to another. The Member States are free to decide whether the application for the card has to be made by the third-country national and/or their employer. Most of the member states require candidates to apply by setting appointments at the appropriate Embassies or Consulates in their home countries; few member states offer online applications.

The EU Member States can also set an upper limit of the third-country nationals that can enter their country under an EU Blue Card. The application fee payment for issuance is 140 € while 100 € for the renewal of the EU Blue Card. After handing in the application, you may have to wait for a maximum of 3 months/90 days until processing is complete.

EU Blue Card Application Processing

The maximum processing time for issuing an EU Blue Card is 90 days.

EU Blue Card Validity

The standard period for which a Blue Card is valid, is three years. If your work contract gets extended, you can renew your EU Blue Card accordingly.

If the work contract you have is valid for more than a year but less than three years, then you will be granted an EU Blue Card valid for that period (i.e. 30 months).

After the expiration date of the EU Blue Card, you are granted 3 additional months in order to provide you with a sufficient amount of time to extend or find another job, should circumstances change.

In case you are applying for the EU Blue Card renewal, you should provide a copy of your earlier EU Blue Card

While your application is being processed, which may take up to 90 days to complete, you are allowed to legally work and reside in the hosting state.

What Can You Do With as an EU Blue Card Holder?

Amongst many exceptional advantages gained by becoming an EU Blue Card holder, presented below you may find an overview of the key beneficial components:

Equal work and salary conditions to national citizens,
Free movement throughout EU,
Social rights, including education, economic, cultural, human, health rights,
Family reunification and
Permanent-residency rights.

All benefits except for housing, loans and grants are provided to the EU Blue Card holders.

EU Blue Card holders are allowed to go back to their home countries or other non-EU states for a maximum of 12 consecutive months without losing the EU Blue Card ownership.

You can apply for the permanent residency permit after 33 months of working in the first hosting state, or 21 months if B1 language level knowledge is achieved.

EU Blue Card Rejection Reasons

Your application for a Blue Card may be rejected based one or more of the following:

You have not met the eligibility criteria.
Your application was based on incorrect or false information.
You are considered a threat to public policy, public security or public health of the EU.
A national or EU worker or an already present non-EU citizen could fill the vacancy.
Your employer has been found guilty for employed irregular migrants without documents.
Your home country lacks qualified workers in your sector.

You have the right to appeal against the decision of rejection or withdrawal within three weeks of the decision’s arrival – an attorney can also appeal on your behalf. The hosting states’ competent authorities will determine the court and the time where the appeal may take place. If you do not apply before the deadline, you will be rejected.

How can my family join me in applying for the EU Blue Card?

Depends on whether your family applies at the same time as you. If applying simultaneously then you can include them in your online application. If not, they can fill their own online application.

What will my salary be in the EU member states?

The salary depends mostly on the company you have been admitted to. But, there is the salary threshold which shows the minimum salary that is respected and protected by the law.

Can I get permanent residency through the EU Blue Card?

Yes. You must work for 33 months in the hosting state or 21 months while also earning the B1 language certificate which enables you to qualify for the permanent residency permit earlier. Furthermore, if you work in different EU member states and gather 5 years of work experience altogether then you are a strong candidate for the permanent residency permit.

What happens if I lose my current job while an EU Blue Card holder?

If this happens, then you are allowed to stay unemployed for 3 months in order to find a new job otherwise your EU Blue Card may be withdrawn and you may be asked to leave the hosting country.

What is a Recognized Qualification?

The process of evaluating differences or the equivalency of professional and vocational qualifications obtained in foreign countries compared to the ones obtained within the specific hosting state is known as the Recognition of Qualifications. The intention is to determine whether there are differences in the content and the duration of such qualifications. Such procedures are governed by the Federal Law. The EU directive on the recognition of professional diplomas/qualifications is effective since 2005 and it enables the recognition of EU diplomas while also granting free access into the labor market.

Should there be differences among the training obtained and the one relevant in the hosting state, then compensatory measures set out by the competent authorities must be completed successfully.

For students that have completed their qualification programs in any of the EU member states, there is no need for further recognition of qualifications or compensation measures.

Examination certificates are issued once the compensatory measures in training have been completed.

For obtaining recognition of qualifications, fees range from 200 to 600 €. In case of requirements for translations, notarization, or other documents – charges may rise.

How to compensate your trainings or qualifications?

Regulated occupations

These are occupations that you must have a license, certificate or be registered with a regulatory body/agency in the location you plan to work. These occupations have their own standards of practice and have the authority to self-regulate their professions.

In order to practice occupations regulated by law, such as Craftsmanship, Doctors of Medicine, Dentists, Psychotherapists, Veterinary, Nurse, Obstetrics, Lawyer, Notary, Teacher, Engineer, Medical specialists, and other similar, it is necessary to meet certain standards by undergoing State examinations or Compensatory measures regarding knowledge and professional ethics.

Compensatory measures

Compensation measures refer to the measures recommended to undertake for the recognition procedure to be completed. You may be required to complete an additional training, work experience or exam. More specifically, it refers to the compensation of substantial gaps and significant differences among non-EU trainings and trainings n the hosting EU member state.

Non-regulated occupations

For practicing a non-regulated occupation, you do not need a state license, certificate or registration. You should be educated and/or experienced in order to practice your knowledge and skills. Dual system professions are part of this category since the certificates obtained are both for theoretical and practical trainings.

Dual system professions/occupations

Professions that require learning by doing in both theoretical and practical trainings are considered dual system professions. Also, vocational trainings which require work experience as well as learning are known as such professions.

How to Apply for Qualification Recognition?

For qualification recognition, you must apply from your home country.
First, apply for the license to use the specific title of your profession. You may undertake compensatory measures if significant differences are found. If valued as equivalent, you are free to move on to the labor market right away. Your professional experience will also be considered during the recognition procedure. The significance of your qualification is measured by the content and the duration of courses.

A fee, dependent on specific rules and laws of the hosting state, ought to be paid.

The documents you need when applying:

Identity card or passport,
Training qualification certificate or diploma,
Relevant work experience proof and
Skills (trainings or similar)

Individuals with non-regulated professions are required to provide proof of at least 2 years of correlating work experience.

What is the Integration Agreement?

The Integration Agreement is intended to offer an ease for non-EU citizens by providing language courses and other helpful integration tools in order to enable taking part in the social, economic and cultural life in the hosting state. There are various helpful integration points within each member state on many diverse topics:

Introduction of newly-arrived immigrants and recognized refugees
Civic participation
Indicators
Handbook on Integration European exchange of information and good practice
Mainstreaming immigrant integration
Housing in an urban environment
Economic integration
Integration governance of substantive and methodological topics for exchange
European exchange of information and good practice
Mass media and integration
Awareness-raising and migrant empowerment
Dialogue platforms
Acquisition of nationality and the practice of active citizenship Immigrant youth
Education and the labor market

When applying for the EU Blue Card, except for being a non-EU citizen, several other requirements must be met and the steps to become an EU Blue Card holder vary by category:

Highly-qualified or skilled workers.
Researchers.
Students.
Vocational trainees.
Seasonal workers.
Intra-Corporate Transfers.

Because of emerging labor shortages within Europe, the demand for additional qualified workers has arisen especially in professions where the lack of workforce is more evident, such as:

Mathematics
Informatics
Natural Sciences
Technology
Medicine

The aforementioned professionals have a higher chance of obtaining the EU Blue Card due to lack of candidates and lower annual income, approximately 1.2 times the average salary in hosting country.

Recently, the focus is drawn towards the improvement of policies for the self-employed and entrepreneurs whilst the self-employed individuals, interested in applying for the EU Blue Card, must:

Provide an economic interest that is scarce in the hosting EU member state
The business will have a positive effect in the overall economy of the hosting state
You possess sufficient financial resources to provide for the operation of the business

Also, these candidates must:

Have a successful business experience
Impact employment
Contribute to trainings, research and innovation

Moreover, the independent business must be related to the knowledge gained either in university or by the work experience as a scientist, academic or other highly-qualified occupation.

Citizens of these countries may apply for the EU Blue Card

AFRICA

Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo, Dem. Rep.
Congo, Rep.
Côte d’Ivoire
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Swaziland
São Tomé and Príncipe
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Western Africa
Western Sahara
Zambia
Zimbabwe

ASIA

Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Cambodia
China
China Tibet
China, Hong Kong
China, Macau SAR
East Timor
Georgia
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao PDR
Lebanon
Maldives
Mongolia
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
North Korea
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian territories
Philippines
Qatar
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Sri Lanka
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen

AMERICAS

Belize
Bolivia
Colombia
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Guyana
Haiti
Jamaica
Peru
Surinam
Trinidad and Tobago

EUROPE

Albania
Belarus
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Crimea
Kosovo
Moldova
Montenegro
Macedonia
Russian Federation
San Marino
Serbia
Ukraine

OCEANIA

Fiji
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Melanesia Islands
Micronesia
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu

Citizens of these countries do not need to apply for the EU Blue Card

EU citizens are allowed to stay within the EU for reasons of residency, work, study, or job-seeking for unlimited periods of time without applying for a visa. EU citizens must notify the adequate authorities when doing so.

Whereas, the following are the citizens of countries that do not need to obtain an EU Blue Card in order to enter any of the EU Member States:

The nationals of the following do not have to apply for a Blue Card and obtain one in order to work in an EU country:

EU
EEA
Australia
Canada
Israel
Japan
New Zealand
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
USA
9 Outermost Regions of EU, the nationals of which are not considered part of EU nor subject to the EU law:
- Azores
- Canary Islands
- French Guiana
- Guadeloupe
- Madeira
- Martinique
- Réunion
- Saint Barthélemy
- Saint Martin
25 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) which depend constitutionally on six EU member states:
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- Ascension
- Bonaire
- British Antarctic territories
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Curacao
- Falkland Islands
- French Antarctic & Australian territories
- French Polynesia
- Mayotte
- Montserrat
- New Caledonia
- Pitcairn
- Saba
- Saint Helena
- Saint Pierre & Miquelon Greenland
- Saint Eustatius
- Saint Martin
- South Georgia
- South Sandwich Islands
- Tristan da Cunha
- Turk & Caicos Islands
- Wallis & Futuna

Summary:

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 145,514.22 PLN (7,496.41 PLN) without rent.
A single person estimated monthly costs are 43,461.51 PLN (2,238.99 PLN) without rent.
Cost of living in Poland is, on average, 71.84% higher than in India.
Rent in Poland is, on average, 240.54% higher than in India.

Restaurants		Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	30.00 PLN	20.00-50.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	150.00 PLN	100.00-200.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	22.00 PLN	20.00-25.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	10.00 PLN	6.00-15.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	12.00 PLN	8.00-15.00
Cappuccino (regular)	10.95 PLN	7.00-15.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	5.21 PLN	3.00-9.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	3.85 PLN	2.00-7.00
Markets
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	2.88 PLN	2.30-3.50
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	3.49 PLN	2.00-6.00
Rice (white), (1kg)	4.43 PLN	2.40-6.50
Eggs (regular) (12)	9.14 PLN	6.00-14.40
Local Cheese (1kg)	27.96 PLN	19.00-40.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	18.12 PLN	13.00-25.00
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	36.91 PLN	24.00-50.00
Apples (1kg)	4.14 PLN	2.69-6.00
Banana (1kg)	5.21 PLN	3.99-8.00
Oranges (1kg)	5.86 PLN	3.00-8.00
Tomato (1kg)	7.68 PLN	4.00-12.00
Potato (1kg)	2.82 PLN	1.00-4.00
Onion (1kg)	2.98 PLN	2.00-5.00
Lettuce (1 head)	3.65 PLN	2.00-5.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	2.16 PLN	1.50-3.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	30.00 PLN	20.00-40.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	3.60 PLN	2.50-5.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	5.48 PLN	3.20-10.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	18.00 PLN	17.00-20.00
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	4.40 PLN	3.40-4.40
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	110.00 PLN	100.00-140.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	8.00 PLN	8.00-10.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	3.00 PLN	2.40-4.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	40.00 PLN	40.00-50.00
Gasoline (1 liter)	4.93 PLN	4.40-5.60
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	81,000.00 PLN	78,600.00-92,500.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	86,936.84 PLN	80,000.00-100,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	741.94 PLN	425.00-1,190.00
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.26 z?	0.10-0.30
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	59.35 PLN	40.00-90.00
Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	129.44 PLN	89.00-180.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	67.30 PLN	50.00-80.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	30.00 PLN	25.00-45.00
Childcare
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	1,612.90 PLN	1,200.00-2,000.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	41,521.43 PLN	20,000.00-80,000.00
Clothing And Shoes
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	369.56 PLN	160.00-500.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	166.57 PLN	99.00-210.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	336.85 PLN	220.00-500.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	480.81 PLN	250.00-710.00
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	3,055.16 PLN	2,200.00-4,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	2,261.77 PLN	1,800.00-3,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	6,027.94 PLN	4,400.00-8,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	4,365.30 PLN	3,000.00-5,600.00
Buy Apartment Price
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre	17,050.01 PLN	13,000.00-20,000.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	10,746.62 PLN	9,000.00-13,000.00
Salaries And Financing
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	4,491.60 PLN
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	4.55	2.50-6.00

You undoubtedly want to travel to Poland if you've heard of the stunning Tatra Mountains or the Masurian Lake District. If you're considering travelling to Poland for academic reasons, you should be aware that several of its universities are among the oldest in the world.

In Poland, there are about 400 colleges and institutions that host about 1.5 million students each year. Poland is regarded as an affordable European nation with a rich history and a large number of top-notch university degrees available in English.

Read on to learn everything there is to know about living expenses and tuition for foreign students in Poland.

Tuition fees in Poland

At public universities, both Polish and EU/EEA & Switzerland students do not pay tuition fees for degrees taught in the Polish language. All the other study programmes demand tuition from students. In general, costs vary between:

500 – 6,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s degrees
1,000 – 8,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s degrees

Some degrees in Dentistry and Business (especially MBAs) can cost over 15,000 EUR/year. You’ll also pay more if you enrol at private universities.

Although they are few, you can find free programmes in Poland. They are more common at Master’s level and while some of them are free for all international students, other are only free for EU/EEA citizens. As always, our advice is to check if tuition fees apply to students from your country to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Universities in Poland with affordable tuition fees

Poznan University of Life Sciences
University of Agriculture in Krakow
University of Opole

Universities we recommend in Poland

University of Wroclaw
Warsaw University of Technology
Wroclaw Medical University
Medical University of Lodz
Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan

Student living costs in Poland

Poland is an affordable European country with a pretty stable economy. Living costs for international students vary between 350 – 550 EUR/month. You can adjust your budget depending on the city or area you wish to study in. Larger cities such as Krakow or Warsaw require between 500 – 850 EUR/month.

Accommodation costs in Poland

Housing is important because it represents around 35% of your total monthly costs of living. International students can find accommodation in university residence halls or private rental apartments, which can also be shared.

Student residence halls: 60 – 150 EUR/month. Great for networking with other students, but the conditions can vary from one residence hall to another.
Rent in a shared flat: 80 – 150 EUR/month. Most popular option among Polish students.

Prices are higher if you want to rent an apartment by yourself, especially in a big city. A one-bedroom apartment in Krakow costs around 300 – 465 EUR/month, while Warsaw has prices of 350 – 650 EUR/month.

Other costs associated with accommodation

When you live in Poland, besides rent you will also have some additional expenses which come from the utilities. The basic ones are electricity, heating, water, and garbage and they have total prices of around 155 EUR/month for an 85 square meters apartment.

An additional expense could also be considered the two months deposit that many of the landlords ask when you move into your rental apartment.

Food costs

Food for an international student usually costs 100 – 150 EUR/month. You can save some money if you choose to buy groceries and shop from cheaper supermarkets. Some of the most common ones are Tesco, Auchan, Carrefour, Leclerc, and Lidl.

You can enjoy dinner in an affordable restaurant for only 5 EUR or pay 23 EUR for a three-course meal in an average restaurant for two. A light drink will cost you only 2 EUR.

Transportation costs

Public transport is the main option for students, who pay 50 EUR for a semester pass, which is available for 6 months. Many Polish cities have nice panoramic views and routes, so you can also walk by foot.

If you enjoy transportation by car, like 18% of the students in Poland, you will pay around 1 EUR/litre of gasoline.

Extra study materials

During your study programme, you will need to purchase books, research magazines, and other study materials. These are, in most cases, necessary and they can be purchased even from some universities. However, you are advised to buy them from book stores with old or used products, in order to save some money.

Fast Facts

Located in central Europe
Area: 312,685 sq km
Population: around 38.4 million
Capital: Warsaw (also the largest city)
Borders with Belarus, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine and the Baltic sea
Students will need a minimum of 30,000 PLN (~US$7,820) per year to cover their living costs in Poland.
International tuition fees can reach up to ~US$4,180 per year at public universities.
Poland has a TV channel dedicated to the Pope.
National currency: zloty (PLN)
More winners of the “World’s Strongest Man” competition than any other location
17 Nobel Prize winners
9,300 lakes, 23 National Parks and one desert
90 percent of Poles have completed at least secondary education, the highest score in the EU, along with Czechs, Slovaks and Slovenes.
Polish-born astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was the first person to suggest that the Earth was in fact not the center of the universe.
70 percent of the Nazi extermination camps during WWII were located in Poland, including the three most infamous, Auschwitz, Treblinka and Belzec.

work-permits-in-poland-for-current-job-opportunities-in-skilled-and-low-skilled-categories-2021.jpg

Poland has one of Europe's most developed economies, with a diverse range of work opportunities and income levels. Poland is an excellent choice if you want to advance your career, learn new skills, and earn a good living. Our nation is now one of the most rapidly growing economies in the European Union, so the future looks bright. The labour market is in good shape and continues to improve. According to Eurostat, Poland's unemployment rate in January 2020 was 2.9 percent, down from 3.8 percent in January 2019. This is the second-best result of all EU countries.

How much does a minimum wage in Poland cost?

The legal minimum permissible amount of remuneration for jobs is known as the minimum wage (based on an employment contract). The government determines the lowest possible salary. While not every nation has a minimum wage, it is mostly advantageous to staff. It helps to alleviate poverty and provides some job stability because the employee knows that his or her wages will not fall below a certain amount. It also prohibits workers from engaging in immoral behaviour.

The minimum wage in Poland is set on an annual basis. It was 2,100 pln from January 1 to December 31, 2018. The minimum wage will increase to 2600 gross pln per month in 2019. Increased by 350 pln gross in 2020 (by 15.6 percent). Salary should rise to 4,000 pln by 2024, according to the government's proposal, so salaries should rise every year. Employers in Poland who do not pay the minimum wage will face penalties from the Polish government. Contractors' minimum hourly rate rose from 14,70 gross pln to 17 gross pln. A full-time employee works for 8 hours per day and 40 hours a week. Since the business, organisation, or office may set a different work time, the employee can work his norm, based on a slightly different graphic. If an employee's regular working period is at least 6 hours, he or she is entitled to a 15-minute lunch break, which is included in the working time.

Do you want to move to Poland but aren't sure how much money you'll make?

In Poland, the average salary is determined by the occupation, qualifications, professional experience, level of education, and foreign language knowledge. Earnings vary depending on the city in which the work is performed as well as the size of the business. If you're wondering what it means to have a good salary in Poland, it depends on the type of lifestyle you need. Anything that is higher than the average wage is referred to as a high salary. Remember that even if you start your career in Poland on minimum wage, you will be able to live comfortably because the cost of living in Poland is relatively low in comparison to other European countries.

In Poland, there is a scarcity of specialists in the fields of construction, manufacturing, transportation, catering, healthcare, banking, and information technology. You can make good money in those fields if you have experience.

Warsaw is one of the cities with the best incomes, but it also has a lot of competition on the labour market. According to the Central Statistical Office, the national average salary in the enterprise sector in Poland in 2019 was 5,169 pln gross. Residents of major cities such as Warsaw, Gdask, and Katowice receive the most money in Poland. This is the point at which the average wage approaches 5,000 pln.

The amount of money you make is determined by the market and the demand for jobs.

Average monthly gross salary in the sectors:

enterprise sector – 5,283 pln (1152 Euro)
industry – 5,265 pln (1149 euro)
industrial processing – 5,069 pln (1106 euro)
construction – 5,149 pln (1123 euro)
trade, repair of motor vehicles – 5,043 pln (1100 euro)
transport and storage – 4,721 pln (1030 euro)
accommodation and catering – 3,939 pln (859 euro)
information and communication – 9,083 pln (1982 euro)
real estate market services – 5,440 pln (1187 euro)
administration and support activities – 4,082 pln (890 euro)

Above you can check some examples of average salary in Poland in popular jobs:

Accountant – 4 570 pln – 997 euro
Attorney – 7 140 pln – 1558 pln
Cashier – 2 820 pln – 615 euro
Chef – 3 200 pln – 698 euro
Dentist – 4 500 pln – 982 euro
Programmer – 7 500 pln – 1636 euro
Pharmacist – 5 410 pln – 1180 euro
Secretary – 3 500 pln – 763 euro
Teacher – 3 700 pln – 807 euro
Graphic designer – 4 460 pln – 973 euro
Bricklayer – 3 510 pln – 766 euro
Welder – 4 410 pln – 962 euro
website administrator – 3 890 pln – 848 euro
financial analyst – 6 680 pln – 1457 euro

Poland is proving to be one of Europe's most competitive economies. Young professionals can find plenty of opportunities in big cities, which are also excellent places to start a business. Poland has a high standard of living and is a very secure nation. Furthermore, the offices of the world's largest corporations are located here. IT is, as one would imagine, one of the highest-paying sectors. In the fields of security and process automation, a significant wage increase is also planned.

Poland is a popular tourist destination, but it also attracts a large number of students from around the world who come to study. Our country has a very well-developed higher education system. We offer over 5000 courses, all of which have been approved by the Polish Accreditation Committee. There are over 450 higher education institutions in Poland. University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan are at the top of the rankings. All students from other countries are welcome to study in Poland if they have the required documents, such as a Poland student visa.

If you want to study in Poland, you will need to apply for a student visa after being admitted to your desired university. You will then be able to begin your studies. Apart from presenting the required documents, you will be asked a variety of questions about your plans for studying in Poland and staying in Poland.

Check out our list of sample questions to ask during your study visa interview. They'll still inquire about your academic goals, university preferences, financial situation, and post-graduation plans. Make sure you're prepared so you won't be caught off guard by any questions.

why-is-poland-attractive-to-international-students

The country's attraction is explained through surveys done at Marie Curie-Sklodowska University.

The increasing number of international students in Poland is a trend that has already had a significant impact on the country's higher education system. It also begs the issue of what is making Poland such a popular tourist destination.

Some replies can be found in questionnaires submitted by international students at Marie Curie-Sklodowska Institution (formerly ranked as Poland's most international university by the Perspektywy Education Foundation, a non-profit organisation that promotes and supports education):

1. Poland's high educational level, which is a product of its European traditions and norms, as well as its highly trained academic staff. Another factor is Poland's student-university relationship model, which allows for some flexibility and freedom in shaping the curriculum (for example, after the first semester, students can choose their specialisation, take optional courses, choose their education modules, participate in Erasmus+ student exchanges, and study abroad at a partner university). All of these criteria help Polish university graduates find work across Europe and other parts of the world.

2. A sociable nation-state. International students stated in their questionnaire responses that, despite some unavoidable cultural differences, they received sympathy and kindness from local inhabitants. Although modern Poland is largely homogeneous, its mixed traditions and growing number of foreign residents make international visitors feel at ease.

3. The assistance and care provided to international students. Mentoring programmes and senior student networks at Polish institutions assist newly arriving students in quickly adjusting to life in Poland and studying there. As a result, students may easily integrate, and freshmen and senior students can get to know one another and form friendships.

4. Infrastructure that is student-friendly. According to international students, Poland's cities' infrastructures, as well as the country's universities' infrastructures (such as student housing, classrooms with multimedia tools, and well-equipped labs), make the country an appealing destination to study. Students have access to city bicycle networks, car-sharing systems, and public transportation at a minimal cost. Another popular characteristic noted by students is the wide range of eateries serving cuisine from around the world. Lublin was one of the top ten student-friendly cities in Europe according to American College Magazine in 2016.

5. Affordability of life and education. Poland's cost of living is competitive when compared to Western Europe, making it appealing to both international investors and students. For example, monthly accommodation fees vary from €70-100 (dormitory) to €120-150 (per room in a shared students’ apartment). Monthly food expenses range from €70-90.

6. Poland boasts several natural wonders, such as the Mazury Lake District and the Tatra Mountains, as well as green spaces, nature reserves, natural monuments, and forests, all of which contribute to the country's appeal as a study and settlement destination.

These factors are combining to make Poland more appealing to an increasing number of international students who value the quality of education and service they receive and choose to study there.

For more information about studying in Poland, find out more about the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).

Poland is the most populous country to join the European Union in the twenty-first century.

Many of us have had firsthand experience with the Polish work ethic, either through direct contact with a Polish colleague or through the use of a tradesperson who finished work on time and on budget. Poland is an economic force to be reckoned with, with a population of 40 million people and a strategic location in the heart of Europe.

Poland has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in the old Eastern bloc, with an average household income of around $18,000, thanks to a combination of radical economic reform and pure hard work since the fall of Communism. When you include in the affluence of newly returning émigrés, you have a market that is appealing to any business. What do you need to know about payroll laws and procedures if your company decides to open a branch in Poland?

Accounting as a Subset of Payroll

In Poland, the payroll function is typically regarded as a component of the accounting profession, and payroll is thus typically housed inside finance. Employers with a physical presence in Poland, regardless of size, are obligated to withhold and account for a variety of taxes and levies based on salary. Companies will receive free basic training from the tax and social security authorities, albeit this is normally only available in Polish.

Employers must deduct personal income tax (PIT) from pay at the source, and it is managed by the Urzad Skarbowy (Tax Office). The fiscal year in Poland runs from January 1 to December 31. Poland has a straightforward tax system, with only two rates of taxation: 18 percent and 32 percent for revenues above 85,528 Polish zloty (PLN) (about $23,305). For several years, the higher rate threshold has remained unchanged.

Pay is determined using a simple cumulative system that frontloads the 18% tax rate into the early months of the tax year rather than evenly distributing it throughout the year. This suggests that high-earners' net compensation will be higher in the first quarter of the fiscal year.

Benefits in kind are also included in the tax calculation by use of estimated cash values. Popular benefits routinely provided include private medical insurance and company cars, with the taxation of cars being limited to a cash value assessed on the private use of the vehicle. Social security insurance and a proportion of the separate health care contribution are deductible from taxable income. In addition, all employees are entitled to a small deduction in lieu of the travel costs associated with getting to work. Finally, a flat rate personal tax relief of PLN 46.33 (about $13) per month is deducted before tax is calculated. This allowance is not available to those with incomes exceeding PLN 127,000, but should this be over-awarded through the payroll calculation, the onus is on the employee to correct it on their annual tax return.

Year-End Filings

An annual year-end consisting of two forms must be filed at the end of each tax year. Form PIT-4R shows the total amount of PIT paid to the Tax Office during the year and must be filed by 31 January. In addition, both the Tax Office and the employee must receive Form PIT-11 detailing individual pay, social security contributions, and tax by 28 February. While both declarations are sent to the Tax Office electronically, the employee must still be given a paper copy of Form PIT-11. The forms must be individually signed (rather than having a signature printed onto them), which can be a major logistical challenge if you have hundreds of certificates to complete. All employees are required by law to file an annual tax return by 30 April. This return can be submitted electronically. Employers must remit the tax deducted from salaries to the Tax Office by the 20th of each month.

Social Security

Social security is administered by the Polish Social Insurance Institution, Zaklad Ubezpieczen Spolecznych (ZUS) office. Contributions are compulsory for all employees regardless of age, and continue to be due at the full rate past state retirement age. The system includes a maximum annual earnings threshold that applies to both employee and employer contributions. This is set as 30 times the national average wage, which was PLN 127,890 (about $34,850). Each employee is given a unique identifying number for life by ZUS, known as a PESEL, which the employer should obtain on recruitment. The contribution is assessed for different categories of insurance, as detailed in Table 1.

Each contribution type must be calculated, accounted for, and displayed on payslips separately. In addition, the employee must pay an additional healthcare contribution calculated as 9% of gross pay less ZUS contributions. Paying the contribution entitles the employee and their family to free treatment under the Polish state healthcare system, and insurance contributions are reported to the medical profession via the eWUS system to confirm entitlement to publically funded treatment.

Platnik—Reporting Earnings, Contributions Each Month

A full return of earnings and contributions deducted must be made by the employer each month. This is done electronically using a government-issued software programme called Platnik. In addition, the software is also used to report starters, leavers, and ad-hoc changes such as employee address changes. The return should be made by the 15th of each month, which is also the deadline for making payment of the contributions to ZUS. The remittance must be split and paid to three separate ZUS accounts, according to contribution type.

Employers face a third levy calculated by reference to gross payroll, known as PFRON. The levy is used by the Polish government to provide support services to the disabled. It is payable by all employers once their workforce reaches 25 employees, but the liability can be limited or even eliminated if the company either directly employs registered disabled people or buys goods and services from organisations created to provide employment for the disabled. To eliminate the liability, a company would have to have 6% of its workforce as registered disabled. This practical measure actively encourages the recruitment of disabled workers and is very successful in achieving its aim of increased employment and reduced social exclusion of the disabled. A monthly return detailing the payroll calculation must be submitted. Full details can be viewed at http://www.pfron.org.pl/.

Polish Labour Laws

Poland has a complex series of labour laws designed to favour the employee, particularly regarding termination of employment. Another rule requires employers to pay salary for hours worked either in the month they were worked, or by the 10th of the following month. While this is easy to achieve for those paying a fixed monthly salary it is extremely challenging for those employers that operate payment by the hour and are used to mid-month payroll cut-off points. One large U.K. retailer that recently arrived in Poland has had to move payday from the end of the month to the 10th of the month to comply with this rule. Foreign businesses planning to open in Poland should pay careful attention to local advice regarding the impact of labour laws on the payment of salary, as they may have a major impact on the company’s usual modus operandi.

There are 13 national holidays in Poland (see Table 2).

All these rules apply equally to foreign businesses expanding to Poland, whether the intention is to run a local payroll, send expats to Poland, or a combination of these factors. If only expats are sent, then it is likely that withholding obligations will centre around tax, as the assignee will probably be covered by Form A1 (within the European Economic Area) or Certificate of Coverage (countries with a bilateral agreement on social security with Poland) and remain insured for social insurance in their home country. If the employer has no permanent place of business in Poland then there is no entity for the Tax Office to enforce withholding on. Instead employee tax obligations must be met through payment of tax via a self-assessment system. Providing local professional assistance to help expat employees through this process is likely to be a must for any benefit package.

In summary, if your business is planning to consider opening in Poland, make sure payroll is part of the project team. The requirements can be complex, and are actively policed by both ZUS and the Labour Inspection Office. The salary payment rule might have a significant impact on internal procedures spreading wider than payroll. For example, it could require re-designs to your standard time and attendance system. If all this sounds like a minefield, don’t despair. Fortunately, Poland already has an established market of local payroll providers!

Sources:

This post is dedicated to all of you who live in nations that are not members of the European Union. A work permit and a temporary residency and work permit in Poland are two papers that cause major problems for many non-EU employees. Hopefully, this post will make your move and transition to a new nation a little easier.

I just cover the essentials of both topics in this essay, but I've included links to official and trustworthy sources of information where you may get additional information.

Let’s Start With The Work Permit in Poland

DO you Neew A Work Permit ?

Some expats can work in Poland without a work permit. Check it out on this list.

You will have it easier also if you come from Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine. Learn more here.

Work Permit in Poland

If you wish to come to Poland, you must first legalise your stay and then your work. Your stay is legalised by a visa or a residence permit. When no other conditions apply, a work permit allows you to work legally.

Remember that if you have a tourist, temporary protection, or humanitarian visa, you are not permitted to work in Poland.

Only your potential employer has the authority to apply for a work permit on your behalf. The paper includes your company's name as well as your work title.

That means that in the European Union, and even in Poland, there is no such thing as an open work permit for all types of jobs. Only an employer who has secured a work permit for you can lawfully employ you in the job described in the paperwork. Your new employer must get a new work permit for you if you want to get a second job or change employers (or even positions).

Labour Market Test

A labour market test is one of the most unusual aspects of the process. The purpose of this administrative procedure is to see if there are any unemployed people who could work in your position who are registered with the labour office. Only if there are no suitable, unemployed individuals in the local labour market will your business be permitted to offer you this employment. I haven't heard any complaints about that technique, so it probably isn't a major roadblock for anyone. Please let me know if you know anyone whose work permit has been revoked due to the labour market exam - shoot me a mail or leave a comment here.

You can read more about the labour market test and the exceptional professions that don’t require this test to be conducted here.

Wokr Permit in Poland : Protect Your Rights

Your employer is required by Polish law to follow certain procedures, which you should be aware of. Check the list below to make sure your employer is following all of the rules. If you have any concerns, please contact me and I will locate competent assistance for you.

Your employer must inform you about any progress in the application or prolongation procedures, and about any events or conditions affecting your work permit application process;
The contract offered to you by an employer must be in accordance with the conditions described in the work permit’s application.
The contract you sign must be translated into a language that you can understand.
Your employer must provide you with copies of the documents involving your employment. They must always give you a copy of the work permit.
At least once a year your employer must adjust your salary to the average monthly remuneration published by the Polish official statistical institution.

I hope to publish an article about employee’s rights and duties in Poland in the future so make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so that you don’t miss anything important.

Work Permit in Poland : Continue Your Research

Do you want to learn more about work permits in Poland? Don’t look for information on big international expat websites. It’s better to use official info sources prepared by Polish institutions responsible for foreigners (all of the attached webistes have English language versions):

What’s The Difference Between A work Permit and A Temporary Residency And Work Pemit in Poland ?

Remember when I told you that there’s a difference between legalization of your stay and legalization of your work? The simple rule was that you were responsible for legalizing your stay, so you applied for a visa or a residence permit. And your employer was responsible to apply for a work permit for you. Well, the temporary residence and work permit is a real game changer. It legalizes both your stay and work – two for one.

This time you don’t rely on your employer – you’re the one who must go to the office and apply for the permit.

Document	Applying person
Visa	Employee
Work permit	Employer
Temporary residence and work permit	Employee

You still need to collaborate with your future company though. Your employer has to provide you with the results of the labour market test conducted for the job position that you’ll get and fill out the so-called “Attachment Number 1” which is crucial to start the procedure. They also have to sign a preliminary contract stating that you’ll start working in Poland when your work here is legal. You’ll find the full list of the required documents on the website of the office responsible for issuing your residence permit. For example in Kraków it’s the Voivodeship’s Office in Kraków, and in Warsaw it’s the Voivodeship’s Office in Warsaw.

Right now the offices in Poland are terribly slow and overcrowded and the process takes about 4 months in the easiest cases. You won’t be able to start working until the office issues a positive decision. There are some exceptions though. You can read about them on the websites linked in the “Continue your research section” below.

Whne you Can Get A Temporary Residency and Work Pemit in Poland ?

Let's pretend you've been in Poland on a work visa for a while. The visa is about to expire, but you want to stay. Expats in Poland frequently inquire about the possibility of extending their visas. Visa extensions are an uncommon occurrence reserved for exceptional circumstances. In most cases, you'll need to apply for a temporary residency permit. You can only apply for it once you've arrived in Poland.

Temporary residence permits come in a variety of forms. If you want to work while you're in Poland, you'll need to apply for a temporary residency and work permit.

For How Long in A Temporary Residency and Work Pemit Valid ?

Assume you've been in Poland for a while on a work visa. You wish to stay despite the fact that your visa is soon to expire. Expats in Poland routinely ask about the prospect of their visas being extended. Visa extensions are a rare event and are only granted in extraordinary situations. You'll almost certainly need to apply for a temporary residency visa. It is only possible to apply for it once you have arrived in Poland.

Permits for temporary residence come in a range of shapes and sizes. You'll need to apply for a temporary residency and work permit if you wish to work in Poland.

Temporary Residence and Work Permit in Poland : Continue Your Recsearch

Learn more about the temporary residence and work permit from these addresses:

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What-are-the-benefits-of-working-in-Poland-2021?.jpg

When an individual plans to move abroad to work in another country, he would obviously look at the benefits he would get as a worker. If you are thinking of an overseas job in Poland, these are the work benefits you should be aware of.

Working hours and paid time off

The working hours in Poland is 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day. Weekly overtime is not allowed to exceed 48 hours per week or 150 hours per year.

Employees are entitled are entitled to 20 days of annual leave if the employee has been employed for less than 10 years.

If the employee has been employed for 10 years or more, then he is entitled to 26 days of annual leave.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage in Poland 2021 at present is 2,800 PLN.

Taxes

17% – Annual income up to 85,528

32%- Annual income above 85,528

Social security benefits

While working in Poland, you must contribute to the local social security system. Sickness, disability, old age, and accident insurance are all covered by the country’s social security system. You are entitled to the same benefits as Polish citizens as a result of your contribution.

Healthcare in Poland is delivered to beneficiaries through a healthcare system funded by the public which is called the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia. This public healthcare is free for all workers and their families.

Apart from this, private healthcare is very popular here and most of the employers offer private health insurance to overseas workers and their families.

Each employer usually has a preferred private health care provider and builds a package for their employees with them. You can choose from a variety of company-sponsored plans, ranging from the most basic to those that cover specialized health care, and you can usually insure your spouse and children as well.

Sick leave and pay

For the first 33 days of sick leave in a calendar year, you should be paid at least 80% of your average salary (14 days for those aged 50 or older). Your employer will cover this expense. Following that, the employee gets given a sickness allowance at the same rate of 80% for each day of absence, or 100% in some situations, by the social security system.

Life insurance

It’s a popular benefit that assures a life insurance plan for a set amount of time if offered by your company. Please ensure to check the time period it covers while making your selection. It may last longer than your work with the company, and you may be required to pay full contributions yourself after that.

Maternity, paternity and parental leave

Women are given 20 weeks of maternity leave which they can avail of 6 weeks prior to giving birth. Women can avail of the maternity leave regardless of the length of service with the current employer. Paternity leave can be availed for up to 2 weeks.

Apart from this, parents are entitled to 32 weeks of parental leave which can be availed by either of the parents.

Other benefits

The other benefits of working in Poland include its geographical location, its central location in Europe makes it easy to travel to other European countries without spending much time or money.

The standard of living in the country is quite high and the income for foreigners is quite reasonable to lead a comfortable life. As for communicating with the locals, it is not necessary to learn Polish because English is widely spoken in the country.

Many big international companies have set up base in Poland where they employ people from all over the world. This promotes employee diversity. The IT industry has developed well in the recent past which has increased employment opportunities.

For young professionals, the companies here provide good training opportunities and also helps them establish their career path.

We put comparable positions together to provide diversity in the list and to make it as long as possible. The list would have largely consisted of top-level surgeons if we merely listed the highest pay in descending order.

The following is a list of the highest-paying jobs and the reasons behind their high pay:

1. Surgeons / Doctors

Salary Range: from 14,900 PLN to 42,800 PLN

Surgeons top the list of the highest paying careers due to the critical nature of their job. A surgeon's profession involves high risk and requires extensive knowledge and a long learning path; the necessary ingredients for a high paying career.

high risk job
extensive knowledge
high perceived value
revenue generator

2. Judges

Salary Range: from 12,500 PLN to 35,900 PLN

Judges earn quite high salaries because of the huge responsibilities associated with their job. Deciding people's fates is not an easy task and the high wage is perfectly justified.

high responsibility job
extensive knowledge

3. Lawyers

Salary Range: from 10,100 PLN to 29,100 PLN

The main reason that lawyers earn big wages is because of their high perceived value in the eyes of their clients. A successful lawyer can save/earn you tons of money or can possibly spare you a death sentence.

high perceived value
extensive knowledge
revenue generator

4. Bank Managers

Salary Range: from 9,540 PLN to 27,400 PLN

Being in charge of hundreds of millions in funds and investments with all the associated risks that come along makes managing a bank an extremely critical task worthy of a large salary.

high risk
high responsibility job
huge impact

5. Chief Executive Officers

Salary Range: from 8,950 PLN to 25,700 PLN

CEOs are primarily responsible for the success or failure of complete organizations. Their huge remuneration is due to the vast scope of impact as well as the risks involved.

widespread impact
leadership position
high risk

6. Chief Financial Officers

Salary Range: from 8,350 PLN to 23,900 PLN

Any job that is about managing money automatically qualifies for high pay. CFOs manage budgets, spending, costs, and revenue which directly impacts the operations of the organization.

high risk
extensive experience
high responsibility job

7. Orthodontists

Salary Range: from 8,050 PLN to 23,100 PLN

Orthodontists operate in an industry where people are willing to pay high costs for a service, which directly makes Orthodontists among the best paying jobs.

high cost industry
high level knowledge
high perceived value
revenue generator

8. College Professors

Salary Range: from 7,160 PLN to 20,500 PLN

College professors are among the top-earning and most prestigious careers. Becoming a professor is not easy and requires persistence which is partly why they earn so high.

high level knowledge
high perceived value
revenue generator

9. Pilots

Salary Range: from 5,960 PLN to 17,100 PLN

Probably the only career on the list that involves some kind of excitement, nevertheless; pilots undergo rigorous training programs and they are responsible for the safety of thousands of people every day.

high risk
extensive experience

10. Marketing Directors

Salary Range: from 5,370 PLN to 15,400 PLN

Marketing directors are in charge of increasing the revenue of their organizations. They are directly responsible for generating business and they are well paid for that reason.

revenue generator

Highest Paying Jobs in Finance and Accounting

1 Finance Director(15,600 PLN)
2 Financial Manager(14,900 PLN)
3 Investment Advisor(14,200 PLN)
4 Risk Management Director(12,700 PLN)
5 Economist(12,400 PLN)
6 Tax Director(12,300 PLN)
7 Audit Director(12,200 PLN)
8 Investment Fund Manager(11,800 PLN)
9 Accounting Manager(11,300 PLN)
10 Auditing Manager(11,000 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Business Administration

1 Chief Executive Officer(16,900 PLN)
2 Chairman of The Board(16,400 PLN)
3 Chief Financial Officer(15,500 PLN)
4 Regional Director(15,000 PLN)
5 Executive Manager(13,700 PLN)
6 Chief Corporate Officer(13,600 PLN)
7 Managing Director(13,500 PLN)
8 General Manager(13,100 PLN)
9 Risk and Capital Manager(12,800 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Automotive / Car Industry

1 Regional Manager(14,600 PLN)
2 Automotive General Manager(14,100 PLN)
3 Automotive Branch Manager(11,800 PLN)
4 Automotive Purchase Manager(11,000 PLN)
5 Purchasing Project Manager(10,500 PLN)
6 Automotive Project Manager(10,000 PLN)
7 Auto Parts Manager(9,570 PLN)
8 Automotive Assembly Manager(8,780 PLN)
9 Service Manager(8,440 PLN)
10 Used Car Manager(7,540 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Aviation

1 Aviation Manager(15,800 PLN)
2 Airport Services Manager(15,500 PLN)
3 Airlines Sales Director(15,200 PLN)
4 Aviation Safety Manager(14,600 PLN)
5 Chief Pilot(13,500 PLN)
6 Aircraft Pilot(12,900 PLN)
7 Fleet Controller(12,200 PLN)
8 Airfield Management Specialist(11,600 PLN)
9 Aviation Analyst(10,100 PLN)
10 Aerospace Engineer(9,570 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Banking

1 International Banking Manager(16,900 PLN)
2 Group Branch Manager(16,700 PLN)
3 Bank Regional Manager(16,400 PLN)
4 Bank Operations Head(16,100 PLN)
5 Capital Risk Manager(15,600 PLN)
6 Credit Portfolio Manager(15,400 PLN)
7 Internal Bank Audit Manager(15,000 PLN)
8 Cash Management Manager(14,500 PLN)
9 Online Banking Manager(13,800 PLN)
10 Mortgage Operations Manager(13,500 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Construction

1 Construction Manager(12,900 PLN)
2 Construction Project Manager(12,400 PLN)
3 Construction Operations Manager(11,800 PLN)
4 Site Leader(11,300 PLN)
5 Building Contracts Manager(10,700 PLN)
6 Tender Manager(10,200 PLN)
7 Building Sales Manager(10,000 PLN)
8 Construction Quality Control Manager(9,340 PLN)
9 Purchasing Manager(8,440 PLN)
10 Installation Manager(8,210 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Counseling

1 Psychologist(12,400 PLN)
2 Director of Rehabilitation Services(11,800 PLN)
3 Youth Development Manager(11,300 PLN)
4 Guidance Director(11,000 PLN)
5 Adoption Services Director(10,600 PLN)
6 Mental Health Counselor(10,100 PLN)
7 Supervising Counselor(9,680 PLN)
8 Family Support Specialist(9,570 PLN)
9 Youth Care Counselor(9,450 PLN)
10 Employment Counselor(9,000 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Customer Service

1 Customer Service Manager(10,100 PLN)
2 Service Delivery Manager(9,900 PLN)
3 Regional Account Manager(9,570 PLN)
4 Customer Success Manager(9,230 PLN)
5 Call Center Manager(9,000 PLN)
6 Client Relationship Executive(8,780 PLN)
7 Operations Support Manager(8,440 PLN)
8 Customer Service Executive(6,750 PLN)
9 Customer Service Team Leader(6,300 PLN)
10 Customer Service Advisor(6,190 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Education and Teaching

1 College Dean(14,600 PLN)
2 Dean of Faculty(13,800 PLN)
3 Professor(13,500 PLN)
4 Lecturer(10,700 PLN)
5 Head of School(10,300 PLN)
6 Post Doctoral Researcher(9,850 PLN)
7 Educational Psychologist(9,750 PLN)
8 Academic Manager(9,420 PLN)
9 Clinical School Psychologist(9,190 PLN)
10 Principal(9,000 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Energy

1 Operations Manager(15,800 PLN)
2 Geophysicist(12,600 PLN)
3 Engineering Geologist(12,400 PLN)
4 Exploration Manager(12,000 PLN)
5 Energy Dispatch Director(11,900 PLN)
6 Geothermal Production Manager(11,600 PLN)
7 Mining Project Manager(11,400 PLN)
8 Service Delivery Manager(11,000 PLN)
9 Sustainability Specialist(10,700 PLN)
10 Energy Advisor(10,100 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering

1 Director of Engineering(13,500 PLN)
2 Engineering Production Manager(11,800 PLN)
3 Field Engineering Manager(11,300 PLN)
4 Electrical Engineering Manager(10,100 PLN)
5 Engineering Key Account Manager(9,900 PLN)
6 Engineering Project Manager(9,340 PLN)
7 Mechanical Engineering Manager(9,000 PLN)
8 Engineering Sales Manager(8,780 PLN)
9 Engineering Consultant(8,440 PLN)
10 Chief Engineer(8,270 PLN)
10 Chief Operating Officer(12,700 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Advertising

1 Advertising Sales Director(12,900 PLN)
2 Events Director(12,600 PLN)
3 Advertising Manager(12,000 PLN)
4 Product and Brand Manager(11,800 PLN)
5 Sales Promotion Manager(11,700 PLN)
6 Media Production Manager(10,100 PLN)
7 Media Sales Executive(9,680 PLN)
8 Social Media Manager(9,570 PLN)
9 Digital Media Strategist(9,230 PLN)
10 Advertising Account Manager(9,000 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Architecture

1 Architectural Manager(13,500 PLN)
2 Architecture Consultant(12,900 PLN)
3 Assistant Architectural Manager(12,700 PLN)
4 Facilities and Project Manager(12,400 PLN)
5 Design Manager(12,200 PLN)
6 Landscape Architect(10,500 PLN)
7 Architecture Estimating Manager(10,100 PLN)
8 Architect(9,000 PLN)
9 Architectural Designer(8,550 PLN)
10 CAD Manager(8,440 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Real Estate

1 Portfolio Manager(14,600 PLN)
2 Director of Real Estate(14,100 PLN)
3 Shopping Center Manager(13,500 PLN)
4 Town Planner(13,200 PLN)
5 Property Operations Manager(13,100 PLN)
6 Real Estate General Manager(12,900 PLN)
7 Commercial Leasing Manager(12,800 PLN)
8 Community Development Manager(11,800 PLN)
9 Real Estate Project Manager(11,300 PLN)
10 Property Manager(9,380 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Manufacturing

1 Production Director(12,900 PLN)
2 Director of Manufacturing(12,600 PLN)
3 Industrial Production Manager(12,200 PLN)
4 Oechnology Development Manager(11,600 PLN)
6 Manufacturing Manager(11,300 PLN)
7 Plant Manager(11,000 PLN)
8 Product Manager(10,700 PLN)
9 Shipping Manager(10,500 PLN)
10 Key Account Manager(10,100 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Fitness and Sports

1 Sports Manager(12,100 PLN)
2 Fitness Manager(11,300 PLN)
3 Head Coach(10,700 PLN)
4 Head Gymnastics Instructor(7,310 PLN)
5 Ski Instructor(6,300 PLN)
6 Assistant Coach(6,190 PLN)
7 Swim Instructor(5,960 PLN)
8 Personal Trainer(5,740 PLN)
9 Game Manager(5,510 PLN)
10 Fitness Trainer(5,290 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Hospitality

1 Hospitality Director(14,100 PLN)
2 Hotel Manager(13,500 PLN)
3 Fleet Manager(11,600 PLN)
4 Cluster Director(11,300 PLN)
5 Regional Restaurant Manager(10,700 PLN)
6 Assistant Hospitality Manager(10,200 PLN)
7 Hotel Sales Manager(10,100 PLN)
8 Food Service Manager(9,680 PLN)
9 Restaurant Manager(9,110 PLN)
10 Room Reservations Manager(9,000 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Healthcare

1 Surgeon - Heart Transplant(33,800 PLN)
2 Chief of Surgery(32,600 PLN)
3 Surgeon - Orthopedic(31,500 PLN)
4 Surgeon - Plastic Reconstructive(30,400 PLN)
5I nvasive Cardiologist(30,000 PLN)
6 Surgeon - Neurology(29,100 PLN)
7 Surgeon - Pediatric(26,300 PLN)
8 Urologist(25,000 PLN)
9 Internist(23,400 PLN)
10 Chief of Psychology(22,300 PLN)\

Highest Paying Jobs in Human Resources

1 Chief People Officer(12,400 PLN)
2 Director of Talent Acquisition(11,800 PLN)
3 Human Resources Vice President(11,600 PLN)
4 Human Resources Manager(11,300 PLN)
5 Recruiting Manager(11,000 PLN)
6 Human Resources Development Manager(10,700 PLN)
7 Benefits Manager(9,790 PLN)
8 Labor Relations Director(9,400 PLN)
9 Human Resources Consultant(9,110 PLN)
10 Training Executive(9,000 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Import and Export

1 Import and Export Manager(11,800 PLN)
2 Exports Sales Manager(11,600 PLN)
3 Export Logistics Manager(10,400 PLN)
4 Import and Export Consultant(9,400 PLN)
5 Importation Supervisor(7,880 PLN)
6 Export Logistics Specialist(6,980 PLN)
7 Export Supervisor(6,750 PLN)
8 Logistics Analyst(6,250 PLN)
9 Logistics Administrator(5,960 PLN)
10 Global Forwarding Agent(5,400 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Insurance

1 Risk Management Director(14,600 PLN)
2 Risk Modeling Manager(14,100 PLN)
3 Insurance Manager(13,500 PLN)
4 Insurance Sales Director(12,400 PLN)
5 Policy Change Director(11,800 PLN)
6 Auditing Insurance Manager(11,300 PLN)
7 Loss Prevention Manager(11,000 PLN)
8 Claims Manager(10,700 PLN)
9 Actuary(10,100 PLN)
10 Insurance Program Manager(9,900 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Information Technology

1 Chief Information Officer(12,400 PLN)
2 Online Banking Manager(11,800 PLN)
3 Information Technology Project Manager(11,300 PLN)
4 Enterprise Infrastructure Manager(10,900 PLN)
5 Director of Application Development(10,700 PLN)
6 Chief Information Security Officer(10,500 PLN)
7 Web Security Manager(10,400 PLN)
8 Business Intelligence Consultant(10,200 PLN)
9 Technical Project Manager(10,000 PLN)
10 Information Technology Sales Manager(9,900 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Law and Legal Services

1 Supreme Court Judge(22,500 PLN)
2 Administrative Law Judge(20,300 PLN)
3 Crown Prosecution Service Lawyer(19,100 PLN)
4 General Counsel(18,000 PLN)
5 Litigation Attorney(16,900 PLN)
6 Legal Services Director(16,300 PLN)
7 Judge Advocate(15,800 PLN)
8 Attorney(14,600 PLN)
9 Legal Executive(13,500 PLN)
10 Corporate Counsel(10,700 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Marketing

1 Brand Director(14,100 PLN)
2 Chief Marketing Officer(13,500 PLN)
3 Brand Manager(12,900 PLN)
4 Marketing Manager(12,400 PLN)
5 Chief Product Officer(12,200 PLN)
6 Search Marketing Strategist(11,000 PLN)
7 Market Development Manager(10,700 PLN)
8 Product Manager(10,500 PLN)
9 Digital Marketing Manager(10,300 PLN)
10 Trade Marketing Executive(10,100 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology

1 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Lead(18,000 PLN)
2 Pharmaceutical Manager(16,900 PLN)
3 Molecular and Cellular Biologist(16,000 PLN)
4 Medical Affairs Director(15,200 PLN)
5 Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Manager(15,100 PLN)
6 Bioinformatics Scientist(14,600 PLN)
7 Pharmaceutical Research Scientist(14,500 PLN)
8 Pharmaceutical Sales Manager(14,100 PLN)
9 Clinical Research Manager(13,800 PLN)
10 Pharmacy Manager(13,500 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Public Relations

1 Head of Public Relations(12,700 PLN)
2 Public Relations Manager(11,300 PLN)
3 Director of Communications(10,800 PLN)
4 Head of Communications(10,500 PLN)
5 Marketing Communications Executive(10,200 PLN)
6 Public Relations Executive(9,900 PLN)
7 Media Relations Specialist(9,340 PLN)
8 Communications Project Manager(9,000 PLN)
9 Investor Relations Officer(7,880 PLN)
10 Government Relations Officer(7,030 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Procurement

1 Supply Chain Director(14,100 PLN)
2 Procurement Manager(13,500 PLN)
3 Distribution Manager(12,900 PLN)
4 Warehouse Manager(11,800 PLN)
5 Vendor Manager(10,700 PLN)
6 Wholesale Buyer(10,100 PLN)
7 Supply Chain Analyst(9,570 PLN)
8 Purchasing Supervisor(9,000 PLN)
9 Inventory Control Manager(8,780 PLN)
10 Demand Planning Manager(8,440 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Quality Control

1 Quality Director(12,400 PLN)
2 Quality Control Manager(11,800 PLN)
3 Quality Assurance Executive(11,300 PLN)
4 Six Sigma Black Belt(9,750 PLN)
5 Product Quality Leader(8,890 PLN)
6 Approval Team Manager(8,810 PLN)
7 Quality Assurance Supervisor(8,530 PLN)
8 Quality Trainer(8,350 PLN)
9 Assistant Quality Manager(8,100 PLN)
10 Quality Control Analyst(7,710 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Sales

1 Wholesale Manager(16,300 PLN)
2 National Sales Manager(15,800 PLN)
3 Sales Director(14,600 PLN)
4 Sales Executive(13,500 PLN)
5 Sales Manager(12,900 PLN)
6 National Account Manager(11,800 PLN)
7 Head of Direct Sales(11,300 PLN)
8 Head of Retail(11,000 PLN)
9 Corporate Sales Manager(10,700 PLN)
10 Relationship Manager(10,400 PLN)

Highest Paying Jobs in Telecommunications

1 Telecommunications Manager(12,400 PLN)
2 Sales Director(11,800 PLN)
3 Chief Technology Officer(11,300 PLN)
4 Telecommunication Service Delivery Manager(9,380 PLN)
5 Telecommunication Solution Architect(8,910 PLN)
6 Telecommunication Consultant(8,680 PLN)
7 Telecommunication Project Manager(8,440 PLN)
8 Telecommunications Analyst(8,350 PLN)
9 Telecommunication Technical Manager(8,250 PLN)
10 Access Operation Team Leader(7,970 PLN)

Have you received a job offer in Poland? Congratulations! All you have to do now is sign a few documents and schedule an appointment with your doctor. What should you know about pre-employment medical examinations in Poland?

The referral

All employers in Poland are required by law to arrange a medical assessment for their new hires before they start a job under a contract of employment. The aim of such an assessment is to prevent work-related injuries and to ensure that the successful candidate is physically fit to perform their duties, i.e. that they have no underlying medical condition that would put them at increased health risk in the workplace. That is why you should receive a medical referral from your future employer once you have accepted the job offer.

What can you expect at the doctor’s office?

At the doctor’s

Occupational health assessments can vary greatly depending on your industry, occupation or even job position. Office workers, for example, spend most of their time in front of computer screens, which is why they are referred to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. If you happen to have a vision defect, an ophthalmologist will give you a prescription for glasses which can be partly reimbursed by your employer. Some professions (e.g. teachers) may require an ENT (otolaryngology) examination to diagnose any potential hearing problems or voice disorders. Those who may come into contact with respiratory irritants at work (dusts, fumes, chemicals etc.) will likely undergo a spirometry test to rule out any breathing disorders and reduce the risk of occupational respiratory diseases.

All soon-to-be employees are also required to receive a general health assessment, which usually includes a blood pressure test and a brief health survey - you can expect the doctor to ask you a few questions about your medical history, prescribed medications or any long-term health conditions. Depending on the type of work you will be doing, the check-up may also involve a range of other examinations e.g. a blood test, heart screening or mental health assessment. However, there is no need to worry if you are not sure how to prepare for your appointment - all the necessary details will be provided to you in advance by the employer.

If you can safely carry out your duties, you will receive a certificate of fitness for work at the end of your appointment. Remember to submit the document to your employer afterwards.

Periodic health checks

The pre-employment or preliminary health assessment is not the only one you can expect during your professional career in Poland. Any person who works under a contract of employment is required to undergo routine health checks, even if they do not change job positions or employers. The frequency of such check-ups usually depends on the occupation and the doctor’s recommendations.

are-you-looking-for-polish-workers-well-assist-you-in-locating-the-best-prospects.jpg

We can swiftly locate suitable individuals for each opening at AtoZ Serwis Plus Group, thanks to our 12 years of recruiting experience. We have the necessary resources, knowledge, our network of websites for locating applicants, and, most importantly, a positive reputation among candidates and employers due to our collaboration since 2009.

From which countries do we hire workers?

Workers from Poland

We assist foreign businesses in promptly locating candidates from Poland to work in the EU and other countries.

Our regular customers include employers from Sweden, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Finland, and other countries.

Based on the recruiting order, we discover workers from Poland for various positions for them, ranging from finding manufacturing workers, builders from Poland, bartenders, servers, cooks, confectioners, truck drivers, and Polish IT specialists (programmers, testers). We are willing to work together in the recruitment of employees with a variety of qualifications.

What are the advantages of Polish workers over others?

During many years of working overseas, Polish employees have established themselves as hardworking, responsible, dependable, and skilful. Employers are pleased with Poles' work in other countries, and there is a high demand for Polish workers.

Poles' work in Iceland, in particular, exemplifies the best characteristics of a Polish worker. Poles comprise the largest group of migrants who have significantly contributed to the country's economy. They assimilated into Icelandic society and provided a positive picture of Polish workers abroad.

In addition to their excellent qualifications, Polish employees benefit from Poland's participation in the European Union, the lack of work permits in other EU nations, and a high average level of English. It just takes a few days to identify a suitable applicant from the application procedure to arrival in another nation.

Would you be interested in finding an employee from Poland? Fill out a short questionnaire, and we will be happy to contact you, tell you about the details, and discuss other issues. Click Here

How quickly can I find a Polish employee?

If an employer urgently needs to hire a Polish, we will help immediately. How do we go about doing it?

Steps of hiring an employee from Poland:

Contact us by questionnaire or email
Together with the employer, we determine the needs of the employer (which employees from Poland the employer is looking for) and the conditions of cooperation
The next step is signing a cooperation agreement with AtoZ Serwis Plus Group
Quick search for an employee with powerful AtoZ Serwis Plus Group HR tools
Coordination of the potential candidate with the employer
Arrival of a Polish employee to work abroad in the country of the future employer

Employees from Asia

In addition to Polish labour, we also hire workers from Asia to work in Poland.

We have much experience working in Poland with workers from the Philippines and Indonesia.

The videos below show you how our agency's recruitment process works.

Eastern European workers

Since 2009, we have employed employees from Eastern Europe in Poland. Workers from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, India, Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and other nations are present.

NOTICE!

Because employing workers from Eastern Europe and Asia outside their home countries necessitates additional permits, visas, and other documents, which takes time and is not always resolved positively by government institutions in different countries, we only hire workers from Eastern European and Asian countries to work in Poland.

To work in other EU countries, we help employers find workers from Poland. Are you interested in Polish workers? Contact us!

On July 1st, 2021, the method of registering and updating data in the National Court Register has changed. Submitting update and registration documents for companies is currently only online via the Court Registers Portal (PRS): https://prs.ms.gov.pl/. Consequently, the National Court Register resigns from the paper method of submitting documents in favor of the complete transfer of this procedure to the Internet.

In order to be able to sign prepared documents, create them, submit them with or without the participation of intermediaries, it is necessary to set up an account with PRS, have a trusted e-PUAP profile or a qualified signature and a PESEL number. We would like to point out that at the moment, updating and registration documents for the National Court Register cannot be submitted in paper when going to the office.

For more information, please write to us at info@atozserwisplus.pl. We will be happy to help and send you instructions on how to set up an account on the PRS portal.

More than a third of the professionals surveyed by the recruitment company Devire said they would choose to work in a corporation (an option picked by 35 per cent of respondents), rather than a medium-sized company (chosen by 20 per cent of professionals), a small enterprise (8 per cent of responses) or a start-up (7 per cent of responses). Only 3 per cent of those surveyed said they would opt for a freelance career - half as much as in 2019-20. As observed by Micha? M?ynarczyk, CEO of Devire, the pandemic-induced crisis may have prompted more professionals to search for stable, long-term career opportunities, which are usually associated with big corporations:“Large companies have well-defined organizational structures, transparent processes and offer greater employment stability than start-ups or smaller enterprises''.

The respondents were also asked to share their opinions on companies with foreign capital. As it turns out, nearly one-third of Polish professionals would favour a job with a foreign-owned corporation rather than a Polish one - the option was picked by 28 per cent of respondents this year, as compared to 21 per cent in 2019-20. A Polish corporation would be chosen by 11 per cent of Poles (12 per cent last year), while 62 per cent of respondents said the company’s country of origin did not matter to them (5 percentage points less than last year).

When asked about the nationality of their dream employer, a lot of professionals said they would want to work for an American company (37 per cent of responses) or a German one (19 per cent). A number of respondents would favour a Swiss employer or a British one (10 per cent and 9 per cent respectively). A French company would be a preferable choice for 3 per cent of Poles.

Data science is one of the most promising and exciting fields of study in IT and finance world. Considering the rapid development of information technology and the growing dependence of business on big data analysis, the demand for specialists in this industry will be exponentially growing in the future.

Nowadays, everything around us generates some sort of data – computers, telephones, watches, all kinds of sensors, and for some time now even refrigerators and washing machines. According to IBM’s estimates, 90% of data existing today in the world was produced just in the last 2 years. Today, data is the key to success, in every business. Data science has become a critical success factor for many businesses due to the unprecedented scale of data growth and structural development, as well as the entirely new ways in which we analyse and use information.

Financial analytics is increasingly using unstructured non-financial data, relying on an innovative and creative approach to researching existing data sets and creating new models that take into account unconventional sources. Consequently, data science is playing an increasingly important role - as an interdisciplinary science that includes a systematic and professional approach to researching data sets, applying and creating tools for their analysis and drawing conclusions based on industry-specific know-how. Although data science is closely related to big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, it is not limited to these areas. Today’s data science specialists widely use analytical and statistical solutions derived from economics and computer science.

There are many interesting examples from the world of data science, such as an analyst who took a closer look at the credit card fraud and concluded that its structure resembled the process of DNA sequencing. By exploiting analogies between these seemingly separate phenomena, he managed to create a model that significantly reduced losses from the credit fraud. It is this kind of thinking that’s one of the main driving forces in the area of ??data science, says Krzysztof Czarnecki, Financial Controller and Head of the Financial Accounting and Controlling EMEA team at UBS.

Thus, data science is one of the most quickly developing and prospective fields of business analysis, influenced by the changing technical possibilities and modern forms of work organisation. Taking into account the very fast development of information technology and the growing dependence of businesses on big data analyses, the demand for specialists in this industry will just be growing.

Most companies have access to the so-called "data opportunity" – vast sources of data covering most elements of business activity and diverse connections between them. It is crucial for the organisation to have a team of data science experts who will draw accurate and valuable conclusions based on this extensive and unstructured source, says Krzysztof Czarnecki.

Being able to identify major business opportunities for usage of machine learning and other programming tools along with ability to provide comprehensive explanation and overview to senior stakeholders is considered to be one of the biggest challenges of working as a data scientist.

The growing role of specialists in this area is related to increasing need for skillful communication with decision-makers and senior management in the organisation. Data scientists must be able to translate a complex data analysis language into a comprehensible and attractive business language, which will allow developing a business case and achieving a significant impact on decisions made by the organisation - from decisions relating to the development of individual products to decisions determining corporate strategy, adds Krzysztof Czarnecki.

Data science specialists – who are they?

Data science specialists are expected to have well-developed analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is crucial to be able to quickly learn new programming tools and use them in the context of complex data sets in order to draw meaningful conclusions from data analysis. Correct interpretation and impactful presentation of the results is also very important.

Financial literacy may be necessary in certain roles. On the other hand, in teams more closely related to IT, the main requirement is the ability to think like a programmer, which allows you to quickly learn new tools, says Krzysztof Czarnecki and adds, Curiosity is also very important – the desire to find the very source of a given problem, the factors that cause data irregularities and correlations in data set.

Data science teams employ people with very diverse educational backgrounds, well reflecting the fact that this is a relatively young field, in which specific skills and competences are the most important, and not necessarily the type of studies completed. You can join the team at virtually any stage of your career - right upon graduation or even while still studying (as an intern), or after gaining some experience in other areas of finance and IT. The overall skills of creating and applying statistical and mathematical models to data sets, as well as previous experience in financial analysis and project work, are highly appreciated by recruiters.

Career paths

The development path for data science specialists depends on their individual interests and skills. Data science, both in finance and IT, is associated with a very broad range of opportunities. As Krzysztof Czarnecki points out, there are many teams working in this area at UBS, whose daily tasks and responsibilities are very diverse. They can be, for example, related to statistical modelling, implementation of machine learning solutions, programming, financial analysis or substantive validation of data models and their subsequent presentation to the business people.

At UBS, the data science employees can specialise in a specific area of ??knowledge as part of an expert path (the so-called Subject Matter Expert or SME) or assume leadership and managerial roles in teams, says Krzysztof Czarnecki.

Due to working in a dynamic industry that is constantly developing, continuous training and following new trends is of key importance.

About UBS

UBS provides financial advice and solutions to wealthy, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. UBS is the largest truly global wealth manager, and a leading personal and corporate bank in Switzerland, with a large-scale and diversified global asset manager and a focused investment bank. The bank focuses on businesses that have a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital efficient, and have an attractive long-term structural growth or profitability outlook. Our UBS offices in Poland are located in Krakow and Wroclaw. To read more visit: ubs.com/poland

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hays-salary-guide-for-poland-in-2021-financeinformation-technologyhuman-resources

Finance specialists will continue to be in demand in 2021, according to Hays, because companies will need to retain good financial control and robust liquidity in the aftermath of the COVID-19 issue. Some roles, such as chief accountants and tax managers, are expected to enjoy salary hikes of up to 10%, according to experts. Flexibility, digital literacy, and the capacity to quickly adapt to technology changes will become increasingly vital for finance professionals in terms of capabilities.

Unsurprisingly, demand for IT specialists will remain high in 2021, as more firms engage in new technology to propel their organisations forward, and as a result, IT prices are unlikely to decrease. Big Data developers and DevOps engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and any IT occupations that play a vital role in digital transformation initiatives are expected to have the most compensation rises in the IT industry.

Salary levels in the HR industry will generally remain stable from 2020. Labor law experts, as well as HR, payroll, and talent acquisition specialists, may expect the largest pay increases (up to 10-15%), according to Hays. Change management abilities and the capacity to adapt HR processes to response to changing business needs will be in high demand in the HR market.

The table below presents Hays monthly salary estimates for finance, IT and HR professionals in 2021. For more industries and job positions please see Hays Poland Salary Guide 2021.

Area	Minimum	Optimum	Maximum
Accountancy & Finance	(gross PLN)	(gross PLN)	(gross PLN)
Head of Controlling	15,000	18,000	25,000
Financial Controller (with team)	12,000	15,000	18,000
Financial Controller (independent position)	10,000	13,000	15,000
Chief Accountant	13,000	18,000	25,000
Senior Accountant	7,000	9,000	12,000
Accountant	6,000	7,000	8,000
Junior Accountant	4,000	5,000	5,500
Analyst/Senior Financial Analyst	7,000	10,000	14,000
Business Analyst	10,000	12,000	14,000
Junior Analyst	5,500	6,000	6,500
Internal Audit Manager	16,000	20,000	25,000
Auditor/Senior Internal Auditor	9,000	16,000	20,000
Debt Collection Manager	12,000	14,000	16,000
Debt Collection Specialist	5,000	6,500	7,500
Credit Controller	8,000	10,000	12,000
IT
Java Developer	11,000	15,000	19,000
.NET /C# Developer	11,000	13,000	16,000
C/ C++ Developer	9,000	11,000	13,000
Big Data Developer	14,000	17,000	19,000
Front-End Developer	11,000	13,000	14,000
Mobile Developer	11,000	14,000	17,000
Automation Tester	10,000	13,000	15,000
Business/ System Analyst	13,000	16,000	19,000
IT Project Manager	12,000	17,000	20,000
Network Administrator	11,000	13,000	16,000
Infrastructure Manager	16,000	19,000	23,000
3rd Line Support	11,000	13,000	16,000
2nd Line Support	8,000	9,500	11,000
Security Manager	20,000	27,000	35,000
Security Consultant	13,000	17,000	23,000
Infrastructure Security Specialist	15,000	17,000	19,000
Applications Security Specialist	14,000	18,000	20,000
DevOps Engineer	14,000	17,000	19,000
Cloud Engineer	14,000	17,000	19,000
Human Resources
HR Consultant	7,000	9,000	10,000
HR Specialist	6,500	8,000	9,000
Learning and Development Specialist	6,000	7,500	8,500
Compensation and Benefits Specialist	7,500	10,500	12,500
HR and Payroll Specialist	7,000	8,000	10,000
Talent Acquisition Specialist	6,000	7,500	8,500
Recruitment Specialist	5,500	7,000	8,500
Junior HR Specialist	4,000	4,500	5,500
HR Assistant	3,500	3,800	4,000
HR Analyst	6,000	8,000	10,000

eurostat-despite-covid-19-polands-unemployment-rate-remains-low

Poland had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union prior to the outbreak of the epidemic. The COVID-19-induced crisis has thrown the economy into disarray, but according to Eurostat, unemployment in the country is close to pre-pandemic levels.

Prior to the start of the epidemic, Poland had one of the lowest jobless rates in the European Union. The economy has been thrown into chaos by the COVID-19-induced crisis, but according to Eurostat, unemployment in the country is close to pre-pandemic levels.

In February 2021, almost 16 million men and women residing in the EU were anticipated to be unemployed, accounting for 7.5 percent of the EU labour force (up from 6.5 per cent in February 2020). When compared to the same period previous year, Poland's unemployment rate stayed constant.

However, a closer examination of the numbers reveals that the pandemic has disproportionately affected young people, with the jobless rate for persons under 25 in Poland reaching 9.6% in 2020. It has risen by more than 5 percentage points this year, reaching 14.8 percent. The young unemployment rate in the EU was 17.2% in February 2021, according to Eurostat. Germany (6.1%) had the lowest number of jobless adults aged 18-25, while Spain (39.6%) and Italy (39.6%) had the most (31.6 per cent).

the-university-of-economics-in-cracow-has-begun-offering-a-degree-programme-in-global-business-servi

The BPO/SSC industry is one of Poland's fastest-growing industries, with almost 350,000 people employed in over 1,500 business service centres around the nation. As a result, the Cracow University of Economics has teamed up with ABSL to offer Poland's first degree programme training students for a job in the industry.

To meet the demands of the changing labour market, the three-year degree programme will offer courses in three thematic areas - International project management, Business Intelligence and Brand management - and focus on teaching key digital, finance and analytical skills for the workplace of the future. During the course of the programme, students will also have a chance to learn transferable soft skills (such as change management, openness to new experiences, ability to express one’s opinions or English language fluency) and complete an internship at one of the leading international corporations who have partnered with the project. As expressed by Piotr Dziwok, President of ABSL (The Association of Business Service Leaders), the BPO/SSC industry is a perfect career choice for aspiring business leaders:

For those who are just beginning out in their careers, our business sector is a fantastic area to work. It's an excellent opportunity to get expertise and grow in an international setting with a wide range of nationalities and languages spoken by staff. You will also have the option to advance your career worldwide here. One out of every five employees working in the BPO/SSC industry are students or recent graduates under the age of 26.

The degree programme will be taught in two languages, Polish and English, and lead to a degree of licencjat (Bachelor’s degree) in Global Business Services.

The city of Kraków boasts the highest number of people employed in the BPO/SSC sector in Poland. According to ABSL, over 77,000 professionals worked in one Kraków’s business services centres in 2020.

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There are just a few days left to apply for a scholarship under the “EU4Belarus: Solidarity with the people of Belarus” programme. If you haven’t heard about it yet, read on to find out more.

The European Union invites Belarusian students to apply for EU4Belarus – SALT (Support for Advanced Learning and Training) scholarships, under the EU4Belarus: Solidarity with the people of Belarus” programme. What are the eligibility criteria?

The scholarship is available to Belarusians who are already studying at Polish, Czech, Lithuanian or Latvian universities or will begin their studies in the academic year 2021/22 or 2022/23, and meet one of the following conditions:

They were forced to leave Belarus due to political repression following the 2020 presidential election and protests
They experience financial difficulties or have insufficient means of support
They have a disability

The beneficiaries of the scholarship will be granted EUR 450 a month (paid from September to June) throughout the entire period of study. Additionally, they will receive a one-time reimbursement to cover their travel expenses.

The application deadline is 6 September 2021

To learn more and submit your application, please visit: eu4belarus.info

The EU4Belarus – SALT scholarship programme is delivered in partnership with the governments of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic and funded by the European Union as part of the “EU4Belarus: Solidarity with the people of Belarus” programme which has been implemented in response to the political crisis in Belarus. It aims to provide support for Belarusians in four key areas: civil society and independent media, youth, small and medium enterprises, and health.

how-to-apply-for-a-work-permit-in-poland-in-2022

If you are a non-EU citizen who want to work in Poland, you must first obtain a work permit. The work permit you receive is only good for one job, and you can only use it to complete the duties listed on your application form. You will need to apply for a new work permit if you change jobs. A work permit is only valid for three years.

Poland offers five work visa types; these include:

Type A – If you find employment based on an employment contract or civil law contract with an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most popular work permit.
Type B – This work permit is valid if you are a board member and residing in Poland for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
Type C –You can apply for this work permit if you are sent to Poland by a foreign employer for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch office in the country.
Type D – You are eligible for this visa if you are sent by a foreign employer to work in export services on a temporary basis. The foreign employer must not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Poland.
Type E – You can apply for this visa if you are going to take up work-related tasks that do not fall into any of the above four categories.

Application process

In case you have succeeded in getting a job offer in Poland, then your employer has to apply for a work permit on your behalf.

An employer must conduct a labor market examination before initiating an application for a foreign work visa. The goal of this test is to see if any Polish citizens or other EU citizens are qualified to fill the role. These people take precedence over foreign nationals.

If no qualified job seekers are available, the employer can apply for a work visa on your behalf.

The employer must include documents confirming that the following conditions are met with the application:

Conditions of employment meet all applicable employment regulations, including articles of the Labor Code.

According to the Voivodeship Office, remuneration should not be 30% lower than the average monthly wage.

Documents required to be submitted by the employer

A completed application form
Evidence of payment of application fees
Confirmation of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Copies of the applicant’s passport pages with relevant travel information
Evidence that the applicant has health insurance
A deed for the company
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses of the employer
A copy of a contract in accordance with the service being provided by the business in Poland

Employees should be informed that their work permits are only valid for the duration of their employment with the company that applied for them. If they decide to change jobs, their new employer will have to file for a new permission.

Your employer is legally obliged to:

Give you the employment contract in writing
Provide you with a translation of the employment contract in your preferred language
Check the validity and make a copy of your residence permit or visa
Notify social security and health insurance institutions within 7 days after the employment contract is signed which gives you access to free healthcare; sickness leave and other social benefits.

Benefits of a work permit

Once you get the work permit for Poland, you can:

Legally work in Poland
Legalize your stay in the country
Do the work defined in the work permit
Sign a work contract with your employer

The processing of the visa should take about 10 to 12 days. Once you have entered Poland on a work permit, you can legally work here.

in-poland-there-are-various-types-of-labour-contracts

In Poland, there are various types of work contracts (their features) Every foreign citizen living in Poland who want to work lawfully must first sign an employment contract with the employer.

There are some strict requirements that an employment contract must meet. This contract should indicate the parties (an employer and an employee), the type of contract, the date of conclusion, as well as the following points:

the type of work (job title, functions and description of employee responsibilities)
the place of work
the wage according to the type of work (the contract indicates a gross wage)
the wage specified in the contract with a full-time person cannot be lower than the minimum wage
the start date of work - if it is not defined in the contract, then it is considered that this is the day of signing the contract
the working time and the wage rate.

When drawing up an employment contract, it is also necessary to remember some rules:

an employment contract cannot contain less favorable regulations than those specified by the Labor Code

An employment contract gives the employee the rights that the civil contract does not give, i.e.:

the ability to improve qualifications
receiving remuneration for the duration of illness
the record of the length of service
determines the rules for termination of the contract
defines the rules for overtime pay.

Under these agreements, contributions for medical, social insurance and tax deductions are paid. All employees, both Polish and foreign nationals, have the same employment rights. The term of employment based ona contract for a specified period is included in the length of service.

The employer is required to register a new employee with the Social Insurance Board (ZUS) and send him for a medical examination within 7 days of starting work.

The employment relationship contained in the employment contract is governed by the Labor Code.

Important! The contract must be concluded in writing no later than the start date of work.

Types of employment contracts in Poland

Umow? o prac? (Employment contract)
Umowa zlecenie (Commission contract)
Umowa o dzie?o (Specific-task contract)
Umowa zlecenie z podmiotem gospodarczym (Commission contract with an economic entity)
Umowa o praktyki studenckie i absolwenckie (Student and postgraduate internship contract).

The Polish Labor Code clearly states the rights and responsibilities of an employee. If the employee does not speak Polish at a sufficient level, then the employer has to provide him with a translation of the document in an understandable language.

Types of employment contracts (Umow o prac?)

An employment contract for a probation period

The purpose of this type of contract is to enable the employer to verify the qualifications of the employee and understand whether this employee is suitable for a particular job. On the other hand, such a contract allows the employee to become more familiar with working conditions.

The contract for a probation periodcan be concluded for no longer than 3 months. It is prohibited to conclude the second contract for a probation periodimmediately after the first one has expired if the second contract is supposed to give the same position to the same employee.

The validity period of the contract ends within the period for which the contract was signed. The contract may be terminated prematurely by the consent of both parties and cannot be terminated unilaterally.

A fixed-term employment contract

This type of contract is signed for a period that suits both parties. It can be extended twice, the third extension of such a contract automatically transfers it into the status of an indefinite contract (does not apply to the part-time contracts and temporary work agreements).

A contract concluded for a fixed term is dissolved at the end of that term. The contract can be terminated prematurely by the consent of both parties and cannot be terminated unilaterally (unless the employee has worked for the employer for less than 6 months or this possibility has been specified in the contract).

An employment contract for a specified task

This type of contract is signed only when the parties cannot precisely define the date of the work performance.

The duration of the employment contract depends on works performance.

There is a possibility to conclude that type of employment contract twice, the third extension of such a contract automatically transfers it into the status of an indefinite term employment contract (does not apply to the part-time contracts and temporary work agreements).

The contract is terminated automatically upon completion of the tasks set (described in the contract). The contract can be terminated prematurely by the consent of both parties and cannot be terminated unilaterally.

An employment contract for an indefinite period

This type of contract is concluded to create a long-term labor relationship between the employee and the employer. There is no contract term. The contract can be terminated unilaterally by both the employer and the employee or by agreement of both parties.

Ways to terminate an employment contract

By agreement of both parties – an employment contract can be terminated by the consent of both parties that signed the agreement on a joint decision to terminate the employment relationship. According to this reason, it is possible to terminate the employment contract at any time, subject to the mandatory preservation of the term of work under the Polish Labor Code (termin wypowiedzenia). The initiator of the signing of this agreement can be any of the parties.

Unilaterally with the preservation of the term of work in accordance with the Labor Code of Poland (rozwi?zanie umowy o prac? za wypowiedzeniem) – at the initiative of either party to the contract. This option to terminate the employment contract applies to the following types of employment contracts: for an indefinite period; for a probation period; for a certain period if such a condition was described in the contract or the employee has been working for less than 6 months.

Notice period (termin wypowiedzenia)

An employment contract for a probation period: up to 14 days - 3 business days;more than 14 days -7 business days; from 3 months - 14 business days.

A fixed-term employment contract (umowa na czas okre??ony): 2 weeks.

An employment contract for an indefinite period: 2 weeks if the employee has been employed for less than 6 months; 1 month if the employee has been employed for more than 6 months; 3 months if the employee has been employed for at least 3 years.

The termination of the contract

Unilaterally without the notice period in accordance with the Polish Labor Code (rozwi?zanie umowy o prac? bez wypowiedzenia) - both parties can terminate the contract on this basis.

The employer can terminate this type of contract due to the following reasons:

The fault of the employee (the employee has committeda serious breach of his duties; the employee has committed a crime that makes further employment on the same position impossible; the employee has losta capacity to work due to his own fault).
At no fault of the employee (in case of illness: the employee is absent from work for 3 months, having previously worked less than 6 months; the employee is absent due to illness longer than he has worked for the employer, receiving compensation for this; in other cases if the employee is absent for more than a month).
An employee can terminate an employment contract with an employer without explaining the reason if: the work performed is harmful to the employee’s health and this is confirmed by amedical certificate; the employer has seriously violated its basic responsibilities towards the employee. In this case, the employee has to receiveremuneration for the duration of the work (termin wypowiedzenia).

An employment contract (Um?w? o prac?)

Features:

An employee is subordinated to an employer: the employee clearly fulfills the working hours that are specified in the contract.
An employment contract must be made in writing; in the case of an oral contract, the employer has 7 days for the written confirmation.
The termination of the contract is carried out in accordance with the Labor Code.
Social advantages (overtime pay, vacation, maternity leave, etc.).
The employer is obligated to issue a certificate of employment to the employee.
Working time is counted towards the total length of service, which affects the amount of the future pension.
All disputes between the employer and the employee are resolved in the court. If the initiator of the dispute is an employee, he does not pay the court costs.

A commission contract (Um?w? zlecenie)

Features:

No subordination relationship. The employee determines the work schedule at his discretion, but at the same time, the employer can give instructions, and a certain time frames for the work can be determined.
The voluntary contract form.
The termination of the contract is possible at any time.
The remuneration is made only for hours worked.
The social payments in ZUS are not made. They can be paid if it was prescribed in the contract.
The employer is not obligated to issue a certificate of employment to the employee.
Working time is not counted towards the total length of service.
All disputes between the employer and the employee are resolved ina civil court.

A specific-task contract (Um?w? o dzie?o)

This is the use of the intellectual property for a short time. For example, to write a program, develop a complex technical device, or compose a song.

The contract may not specify time limits, but only volumes. However, if necessary, work execution periods are determined.

Features:

No subordination relationship. The flexibility and independence in the actions.
The voluntary contract form.
The termination of the contract is possible at any time.
The one-time payment after work is completed.
Social payments are not made.
The employer is not obligated to issue a certificate of employment to the employee.
Working time is not counted towards the total length of service.
Protection of the interests of both parties is not possible, since this form of contract is not specified in the Civil Code.

The student and postgraduate internship contract (Umowa o praktyki studenckie Iabsolwenckie)

The student and postgraduate internship contract is issued by the educational institution and concluded with the employer.

Features:

A flexible or strict schedule of professional duties.
Duration of the internship.
The scope of the work responsibilities.
The employer, for its part, has the right to complete the student’s practice only with the permission of the administration of the educational institution. This is only possible in cases where the trainee does not cope with his duties or violates discipline (being late, etc.).
The amount of wages (the remuneration is two times less than the minimum wage in Poland) or its absence determines the educational institution.
Social contributions are made in ZUS.
The contract can be concluded with two employers at once.
The employer is not obligated to issue a certificate of practice to the employee, this can be done only at the personal request of the trainee.

Violation of the labor rights

In case of violation of the labor rights, the employee can file a complaint with the State Labor Inspectorate (Pa?stwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP) and/or the Labor Court (S?d pracy). It is only possible if the employee has concluded an employment contract (Umów o prac?)!

The employee has to provide all evidence of a violation of the labor rights by the employer in writing.

As a rule, the employee (applicant) does not pay the costs for examining his complaint by these institutions.

The State Labour Inspectorate (Pa?stwowa Inspekcja Pracy) is an organ, whose activity includes supervision and inspection of the observance by employers of labor law (Labor Code), including verification of the legality of the employment. PIP also checks employers.

Poland's most in-demand jobs in 2021-2022

Are you considering relocating to Poland and want to know if your skills and experience will be in demand? Let's see which professionals are in high demand in the Polish labour market.

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy commissions the yearly Occupational Barometer study, which gives short-term labour market forecasts for Poland. According to the latest report, many industries in Poland will face increasing talent shortages in 2020 as a result of a variety of social, economic, and environmental factors such as low unemployment rates, unfavourable working conditions (e.g., low pay, working weekends), and young people's reluctance to pursue certain careers. According to experts, the following jobs will be the most difficult to fill in 2020:

Poland's most in-demand jobs in 2021-2022

Construction: construction workers, steel fixers and concrete placers, sheet metal workers, roofers, pavers, carpenters, masons and plasterers, HVAC/Gas fitters , heavy equipment operators, finishing process engineers;

Manufacturing: machine tool operators, woodworkers and carpenters, welders, machinists, electricians, electromechanical engineers, apparel workers;

Transport: bus drivers, LGV drivers, tractor unit drivers;

Catering: cooks, bakers;

Healthcare: doctors, nurses and midwives, physiotherapists, massage therapists and carers;

Services: hairdressers;

Finance: bookkeepers and accountants, especially professionals with foreign language skills.

As regards low-demand jobs, the survey have found that economists are the only "surplus occupation" in Poland, meaning there are more potential employees than currently available positions in the market.

Source: Occupational Barometer 2020

TOP-10 In-Demand Jobs in Poland 2021

there-are-ten-compelling-reasons-to-work-in-poland

Every year, millions of people leave their native countries in search of fortune, love, or a lucrative job in a foreign country. Their motivations are as varied as their destinations. This post will mostly focus on the professional aspects of migration and why Poland is such a wonderful destination to work and live.

Economy

During the last few years, the Polish economy has grown, and this trend has continued to this day. As a result, businesses are investing more and creating new employment on a daily basis. People can take advantage of this opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge and advance their careers.

Location

Poland is not only surrounded by European Union member states, but it is also located in the heart of Europe. Furthermore, due to its location on the Baltic Sea, the country boasts excellent infrastructure, including highways, railways, and airways, as well as a seaport. There are numerous links and simple ways to travel to cities and countries throughout the world.

Costs of Living

Despite the fact that Poland is a member of the European Union, it is located in Eastern Europe, where living costs are cheaper than in other western European countries. At the same time, living standards are lower than in any other Western country, however this is changing as the economy improves.

International environment

Many foreign corporations flock to Poland because of its favourable location and improving economy. In the country, a number of corporations have offices or even headquarters. People from outside Poland, as well as Poles, now have more opportunities than ever before to work in an international setting and gain new experiences while in Poland.

Low unemployment

In recent years, Poland's unemployment rate has progressively decreased, and it now stands at roughly 3.9 percent. Furthermore, the forecast indicates that the percentage will remain around 4% in the coming years.

Safety

In general, Poland has a low crime rate. People feel safe walking around cities at any time of day or night. In 2019, Numbeo ranked Poland as Europe's 15th safest city (15 out of 39). Poland is a wonderful place for families with children because of its low crime rating of 30.09. Furthermore, natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are rare in the country.

Culture and History

Poland's history is extensive, interesting, and unusual, whether it is due to its absence from the world map for 123 years or its significant involvement in World War II. While in Poland, visitors can learn about the country's history and how it has influenced today's society, culture, and economy. Despite the fact that Poland's culture has been impacted by many other countries, the country has managed to develop its own traditions and way of life as a result of its location and history. Every region of Poland has a unique storey to tell and is well worth exploring.

Language

Despite the difficulty of learning the Polish language, outsiders should not be concerned about connecting with others. Poles have a high level of English proficiency. Poland ranked 11th (out of 100) in the general rating and 9th in a European comparison in 2019, with an EF English Proficiency Index of 63.76.

Hospitality

Poles are friendly and caring people. One of their top priorities is the well-being of their guests, friends, and families. Everyone is always received with joy and open arms. One will feel at ease and integrate fast, and there will be no need to be concerned about being left out.

Landscape and Nature

Poland is a low-lying country in comparison to other European countries. This country's territory is 300 metres above sea level, and it boasts a diverse range of stunning scenery, excursion locations, and recreational regions. The Baltic Sea and the Masurian Lake District are located in the north, and they not only attract thousands of tourists each year, but they are also quite popular among locals. This area transforms into a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders, or welcomes families to enjoy a family adventure in the snow-covered towns. You can also go sightseeing and discover wonderful towns such as Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk, among others.

Is Poland appealing as a place to work and live? Do you want to learn more or do you need assistance finding work in Poland? Get in touch with a member of our team! At Atoz Serwis Plus, we speak a variety of languages and are always accessible to supply you with all of your questions and are delighted to assist you!

trc-and-a-work-permit-will-be-easy-to-obtain-in-poland

Yesterday, the Polish Sejm passed legislation altering the rules for authorising foreigners' stay and work in Poland.

Importantly, the new procedures will cover TRC cases that are already pending.

What important changes are coming soon?

in accordance with the new regulations, the catalog of circumstances that do not require a change of a temporary residence and work permit will be expanded !!!
extension of the period of admissible work on the statement from the Labor Office (o?wiadczenie) to 24 months !!!
resignation from the residence requirement
resignation from the requirement to have a stable source of income (residence card)
obligation to receive remuneration for an amount not lower than the minimum salary applicable in Poland
it will also be easier to apply for the Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka)

A temporary special regulation is also established, allowing for a simpler procedure for issuing a temporary residence and work permit for actions started before January 1, 2021 and still continuing on the date the draught act enters into force.

So if you submitted your application for TRC in Poland before January 1, 2021, the provisions of this Act also apply to you!

The new provisions of the act are to enter into force 14 days after their publication in the Journal of Laws.

As soon as the act appears in the Journal of Laws, we will inform you about its details and individual provisions.

This page contains a national calendar of all 2020 public holidays. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates.

Date	Day	Holiday
1 Jan	Wed	New Year's Day
6 Jan	Mon	Epiphany
12 Apr	Sun	Easter Sunday
13 Apr	Mon	Easter Monday
1 May	Fri	Labour Day
3 May	Sun	Constitution Day
31 May	Sun	Whit Sunday
11 Jun	Thu	Corpus Christi
15 Aug	Sat	Assumption Day
1 Nov	Sun	All Saints' Day
11 Nov	Wed	Independence Day
25 Dec	Fri	Christmas Day
26 Dec	Sat	2nd Day of Christmas

employee-leasing-staff-leasing-for-the-benefit-of-business

What is employee leasing and how does it work?

Employee leasing, also known as staff leasing, is a service in which one company (usually a temp agency) lends its employees to another company for a set period of time or for a specific task. The employer is the one who starts the firing of employees, and the firing of employees requires the employee's written approval.

Employee leasing in the form of temporary labour

Employee leasing is most commonly discussed in the context of an employment agency. On the basis of a temporary employment contract, a TEA employee is dispatched to conduct work for a specific User Employer. In this scenario, we're dealing with a three-party employment arrangement, with the Temporary Employment Agency, the User Employer, and the Temporary Employee as the participants.

The recruitment and employment procedure is the duty of the employment agency with which the company has signed an employee leasing contract in the case of temporary work, unlike in the case of employee leasing between two organisations without the involvement of the TEA.

Employee leasing is appropriate for industries with strong seasonality, as well as during unexpected peaks in demand, when large numbers of personnel must be sought and hired in a short period of time, or during crises, when costs must be cut fast. Making the workforce more adaptable allows you to respond rapidly to changing economic trends.

Costs of employee leasing

From the standpoint of the User Employer, the use of temporary personnel allows for budget optimization and the reduction of fixed employment costs. The hiring of foreigners under civil law contracts, where the expenses of employment are much lower than a similar contract for Polish workers, is an example. A corporation that uses employee leasing services pays a preset hourly charge to the employment agency for the real worked man-hours. All costs associated with employee recruiting, employment, and settlement are borne by the employment agency, and the User Employer receives a single charge for the service of hiring out personnel.

What are the benefits of employee leasing for businesses?

The following are some of the most frequently mentioned advantages of employee leasing services:

Making the workforce more adaptable - the ability to respond swiftly to market shifts
There is no load on the internal HR department because all HR and payroll issues are handled by the TEA.
Overtime, PFRON, and illness insurance premiums are all being reduced.
Budgeting and control are simple - based on an hourly rate agreed upon with the TEA.
Begin taking use of the employee leasing service. AtoZ SerwisPlus provides comprehensive assistance with the employment process for your organisation.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o provides work in Poland for foreigners from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal India and from other countries. Our company has been operating in the labor market since 2009. Thanks to our experience, we can carry out each set of employees efficiently and quickly.

We select the necessary vacancy considering the characteristics of the applicant and provide information to the candidate about the place of new work. Also, we take on our shoulders organizational issues. Our offer is directed to people who want to continue their professional development in Poland. Also, for people who are planning to move to Poland for permanent residence.

We are the agency that can help you find a decent job. The fact that we are legitimate is proven by the record in KRAZ (Employment Agency Registry) under the number 24244. We cooperate with the employers that need people exactly like you. One of them is our client that you have just read about.

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

job-offers-for-foreigners-in-poland-2022

In Poland, these are the most popular occupations. From the official source, a list of Poland's insufficient professions. The information about the professions comes from the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, notably the document in which the Ministry of Family, Work, and Social Policy agreed on the current list of professions that are insufficient in Poland.

• You will able to obtain more quickly a work permit, due to the fact that for professions from the short list does not require the labor market test document (opinia starosty).
• If you are just going to get work, then it will be an additional argument when talking about salary with the employer.

Important information!

In this list, professions have their own index of 6-digitals or 4-digitals. The difference is between these two kinds is that a 6-digit symbol means that it is the specific name of a profession and specialty, for example, 833101 – a Bus Driver.
The 4-digit symbol means that this is an elementary group which already includes 6-digit names of professions and specialties.

The most popular professions in Poland ?1 – Engineers

Index 2141 – Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers.

A process engineer specialist is a person who is responsible for the creation and development of new assembly and production lines. A production engineer specialist should have higher technical education (production engineering), know English well and be able to use a computer.
These include the following specialties:
• regulatory work engineer (214101);
• engineer organization and production planning (214102);
• maintenance engineer (214103);
• engineer for supply, transportation, and storage (214104);
• technical committee consultant (214,105);
• “Normalizer” (214,107);
• Security Audit Specialist (214,108);
• quality control specialist (214109);
• a product expert (214110).
• Chief Technologist (214111)
• other engineers for industry and manufacturing (214190).
Technological engineer earns in Poland from 3000 to 16000 PLN net per month. Mainly, the salary depends on your specialization.

Index 214912 – Concrete Technology Engineer

Index 214916 – Glass Technology Engineer

The glass technology engineer applies his knowledge of technology in the production of glass, the industrial (constructional, economical, packaging, technical) production of glass, processing, decorating and processing glass.
Glass technology engineer earns in Poland on average for about 6000PLN net.

Index 2151 – Electrical Engineers

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself .

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please fiil this, if you looking for job.

The most popular professions in Poland ?2 – Doctors and nurses

Index 2212 – Medical Specialists (with specialization of II degree or title of specialist)

This includes 90 specializations of doctors with a 2nd degree.
Doctors of the second degree earn in Poland on average 8000 PLN.

Index 2221 – Nurse without specialization or in the process of obtaining specialization

This index includes only one elementary group of nurses with an index 222101.
A nurse without qualifications earns in Poland on an average of 2500 PLN net.

Index 2222 – Specialist Nurses

This index includes 23 specializations.
Specialist nurses earn in Poland on an average of 3000 PLN net.

The most interesting thing is that this profession was included in this list after Poland joined the EU.

The most popular professions in Poland ?3 in the sphere of information technology.

Index 2511 – Computer Systems Analysts

This index includes specializations:

• Telecommunications Analyst (251101);
• consultant on data transmission systems (251102);
• Teleinformation Systems Designer / Architect (251103);
• other computer systems analysts (251190).

Computer systems analysts earn in Poland on average of 5000 PLN net.

Index 2512 – Information Systems Development Specialists

An information systems software development specialist adapts to new requirements, maintains and develops information systems software. This profession is creative and interdisciplinary nature. Such a specialist makes a choice among the software for the tasks performed by the information systems in the company.

Since the work is very responsible employers require a diploma of higher education and work experience from such specialists. And also require knowledge of English to read the documentation.

This index includes:

A specialist in the development of information systems earns in Poland on average of 4500 PLN net.

Index 2513 – Network and Multimedia Developers

This index includes the following specializations:

• Website Architect (251301);
• Designer of multimedia applications, animation and computer games (251302);
• Site Development Specialist (251303);
• The remaining designers of web applications and multimedia (251390).

Network and Multimedia Developers earn in Poland on average of 4,700 PLN net.

Index 2514 – Application developers

This index has the following specializations:

• Application Developer (251401);
• Mobile Application Developer (251402);
• The remaining application developers (251490).

Application developers earn in Poland on average of 4,500 to 7,000 PLN net. The salary depends on the programming method, voivodeship and the company itself. The junior mobile application development specialist earns from 3200 to 4600 PLN net. The specialist has a salary from 4,500 to 7,000 PLN net. A senior application developer earns from 6300 to 10500 PLN net. Higher or lower salaries are considered non-market.

Here is the link on the source of information on salaries.

Index 2519 – Unclassified computer analysts and developers

This index includes the following specializations:

Software testers and other unclassified specialists earn in Poland from 4,500 to 17,000 PLN net.

Index 2521 – Designers and database administrators

This category includes specialists:

• Database Administrator (252101);
• Database Analyst (252102);
• Database Designer (252103);
• Other designers and database administrators (252190).

Designers and database administrators earn from 2,900 to 8,300 PLN net in Poland at market rates.

Index 2522 – System computer administrators

This index includes the following specializations:

• Computer Systems Administrator (252201);
• The administrator of integrated control systems (252202);
• The remaining administrators of computer systems (252290).

System computer administrators earn in Poland from 2,700 to 7,200 PLN net.

Index 2523 – Computer Network Specialists

Computer networking specialists have the following specializations:

• Computer Network Analyst (252301);
• Systems and computer networks engineer (252302);
• The remaining experts in the field of computer networks (252390).

Computer network specialists earn in Poland from 2500 to 8700 PLN net.

Index 2529 – Unclassified specialists in databases and computer networks.

This index has 4 elementary groups:

Unclassified database and computer network specialists earn in Poland from 4100 to 8100 PLN net.

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself. On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please fill this, if you looking for a job.

The most popular professions in Poland ?4 – Technicians

Index 3112 – Construction techniques

This index includes the following specializations:

• Specialist in the deduction of the cost of construction (311201);
• Construction Technician (311202);
• Technician Architect (311203);
• Construction Technician (311204 );
• Specialist who possess the methods of water construction (311205);
• Road construction technician (311206);
• Specialist who possess the methods of building railways and bridges for trains (311207);
• Specialist in environmental engineering and land reclamation (311208);
• Sanitary equipment technician (311209);
• Specialist who possess the methods of restoration of architectural elements (311210);
• Building inspector (311211);
• Road construction inspector (311212);
• Bridge Inspector (311213);
• Fire Protection Inspector (311214);
• Bridge builder (311215);
• The remaining construction techniques (311290).

Construction technicians earn in Poland on average of 5900 PLN net.

Index 3113 – Electrical Engineering

This index includes the following specializations:

Electrical technicians earn in Poland on average of 4,100 z? PLN net.

Index 3114 – Electronics Engineering and people related to this specialization

This index contains the following specializations:

Electronics technicians earn in Poland from 2400 to 6400 PLN net.

The most popular professions in Poland ?5 – Guardians and social service authorities

Elementary group 341201 – Assistant disabled person.
Elementary group 341202 – Senior guardian.
Elementary group 341203 – Guardian in the house of social assistance.

Guardians earn in Poland on average of 1,800 PLN net. Salary depends on many indicators.

The most popular professions in Poland ?6 are construction specialists and repair specialists.

Index 7112 – Bricklayers

This index has the following elementary groups:

Bricklayers earn in Poland from 1,700 to 2,700 PLN net per month. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7114 – Concrete and Concrete Mixers

This index contains the following specializations:

• Concrete worker (711401);
• Concrete mixers (711402);
• Specialists in fuel (711403);
• Armature worker (711404);
• The remaining concrete and concrete mixers (711490).

Concrete and concrete mixers earn in Poland from 1900 to 2900 PLN net per month. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7115 – Carpenters and concrete mixers

This index has the following specializations:

Carpenters and concrete mixer earn in Poland from 2000 to 3200 PLN net per month. Also, the salary may be more. Our agency Worksol provided vacancies for carpenters at 3700 PLN net per month. In general, wages depend on skills, firm and voivodship. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7116 – Road construction workers

Road construction workers are divided into the following specializations:

• Crawler (711602);
• Assembler of railway pavements (711603);
• Specialist in the supervision of the state of sidewalks, paths and engineering structures ( 711605);
• Road Layer (711606);
• The rest of the road construction workers (711690).

Road construction workers earn an average of 2000 PLN net.

Index 7121 – Roofers

The index has only one elementary group – a roofer (712101).
Roofers earn in Poland from 2100 to 3000 z? netto per month

Index 7122 – Flooring specialists, parquet layers and tilers

This group is divided into the remaining elementary groups:

Flooring specialists, flooring and tilers earn in Poland from 2000 to 4800 PLN net per month for the market. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7123 – Plasters and related professionals

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Plaster Specialists Earn in Poland from 1800 to 3700 PLN net per month.

Index 7124 – Insulation installers

This group is divided into the following specializations:

• Installer of building insulation (712401);
• Mechanic for insulation resistant and anti-corrosion (712402);
• Industrial insulation installer (712403);
• Heat Insulation Specialist (712404);
• The remaining narrow specialization specialists (712490).

Insulation installers earn in Poland from 1900 to 3200 PLN net per month.

Index 7131 – House painters and building cleaning workers

This group is divided into the following specializations:

House painters earn in Poland on average of 3300 PLN net per month.

Index 7212 – Welders and related specialties

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Welders and related specialists earn in Poland from 2,900 to 4,500 PLN net. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market. Our vacancies for welders with rates from 18 to 30 z? net per hour.

Index 7222 – Locksmiths and related specialties

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Index 7411 – construction and related electricians

Specializations:

• Electrician Electrical Systems (741101);
• Electrician light signs (741102);
• Electricians (741,103);
• Electrician at a construction site (741104);
• Other electrics (741190).

Electricians earn in Poland from 2300 to 4000 PLN net per month. Our vacancies for electricians.

The most popular professions in Poland ?7 – Drivers and machinists

Elementary group 833101 – Bus driver.

Index 8332 – Truck Drivers

Specializations:

• Tanker driver (833201);
• The driver of the truck tractor (833202);
• Truck driver (833203);
• The rest are truck drivers (833290).

Index 8342 – Equipment Operators for Earth Works

Specializations:

Equipment operators for earthworks earn in Poland from 2,400 to 4,100 PLN net per month.

Index 8343 – Machinists and operators of material handling equipment and related products

Specializations:

• The driver of the docks (834301);
• Machinist hoists in the mines (834302);
• The driver of the cableways, lifts and gravity slides (834303);
• The driver, serving the device for filling and emptying tanks (834304);
• The driver of specialized railway lifting equipment (834305);
• Operator linotype levers (834306);
• Winch Mechanical Operator (834307);
• The operator of the movable bridge (834308);
• Conveyor operator (834309);
• The operator of belt conveyors (834310);
• Gantry crane operator (834311);
• Operator for gateways, dams and pumping stations (834312);
• The operator of the equipment of cargo bunkers (834313);
• Operator tower belt conveyor (834314);
• The operator of a wagon dump (834315);
• Roadway crane operator (834316);
• The operator of the crane in the form of (834317);
• Other machinists and operators of hoisting-and-transport and related machinery and equipment (834390).

Machinists and operators of handling equipment earn in Poland from 2,800 to 5,300 PLN net per month.

The most popular professions in Poland – Conclusion

These specialists can obtain a work permit without information from the headman. When you get a job on the specialization which is listed above, remind your employer that he does not need the headman’s information to make you a work permit. It will save your time. Or maybe you already have one of these qualifications? Don’t work like a handyman. We advise you to fill out this form. We will contact you immediately as soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications. Remember to point out as much information about yourself as you can.

New jobs are provided primarily to people who fill out this form.

Information was taken from official public sources, as well as from our data and observations.
You can check the qualification of professions and specializations on the site – KZiS

In this movie, our experts are talking about the work permit type A in Poland.

Types of work permits

The voivodeship invitation

International workersneed to have the appropriate visas and work permits in Poland, in line with the immigration laws. It is compulsory to have secured employment authorizations for foreign employees,funded by a licensed entity. Poland isconsidered inflexible in visa arrangements for immigrants, and permits will be granted if only no fitting Polish applicantmay be sourced for a vacancy.

TRC is issued on a few bases as education, research, work, business activity, residence with family. If you found a job you request a work permit and based on WP, you apply for TRC. The work permit is necessary for each company; you cannot work on the same employment permit with any other firm. Keep in mind thatchanging a job means changing work permits.

If an individualwants to live and work in Poland legally, he should have awork visa invitation. Such a document is anannual state employment visa that belongs to the D 07 categorywith a voivodship invitation.A voivodeship invitation to employment means that the candidate has a legitimately confirmed offerto work within the country’s territory. The precise registration place is specified in the invitation. Essentially, it is the hosted individual’saddressand the address of the company.

The voivodeship invitation gives the individual the following benefits:

A foreigner has the legal right to reside and work in Polandfor anentire year;
The visa holder has the legal right to stay in Schengen zone for 90 days twice a year;
Relating to the dependency of the consul to voivode, an individual will not be denied a visa document.

Note! The holder ofthe voivode invitation is freed from the consular fee. Visa D 07 annuls Schengen and Polish visas issued earlier. That is whya foreign citizen should write a special statement of dissolution when submitting documents.

Schengen Visa C or D (Business visa)

It is vital to geta Schengen visa to visit the European country for business purposes. To be able to work in the EU, you need to submit the necessary documents. The essential data for Schengen work visa application are as follows:

– Copy of itinerary containing confirmed air ticket and reservation, financial means during their stay; for example, bank statements, income records or sponsorship declaration form from relatives in a Schengen country;

– 2 copies of the completed registrationform;

– Valid passport;

– Evidence that the immigrant has sufficient means forsustenance;
– Health care insurance;

– Document from the corporationproviding work in Poland;
– Visa fees for a visit, not over 90 days (C visa) — 60 EUR or (over 90 days) — 99 EUR.

The visa categoryis dependent on the period of stay– C visas are for the period under 90 days while D visas are for a periodof more than 90 days.A business visa can be changed to an employment visa.

Job vacancies for registration and for work in Poland

Career prospects in Poland are promising. Recent OECD economy surveys show that the country’s labor market is booming.There are various jobs available for international residents who are considering Poland as a work destination. Indeed, it is now one of the largest business process outsourcing/shared services centers (BPO/SSCs) in European Union.

The majority of the country’s workforce is in the services sector, jobs available for non-citizens include jobs at factories in Poland and driver positions:

Meat slicer
Meat carver
Meat Cleaner
Meat cutting conveyor worker
Worker for the packaging of meat semi-finished products
Consumer goods packing conveyor
Mushroom picking worker
Poultry slaughter worker
Poultry farm worker
Pig farm worker
Animal care and breeding worker
Strawberry harvesting worker
Apple harvesting worker
Agricultural product sorting worker
Shopping center cleaner
Mason
Concrete worker
A carpenter
Worker — road builder
Roofer
Tiler
Plasterer
Workers insulations
Construction artist
Welder
Locksmith
An electrician
Bus Driver — Cat D
Truck driver – Kat S
Bus driver — Cat V
Truck driver — Cat C + E

How AtoZ Serwis Plus Can Help

Complete visa application support
Assistance with collecting supporting documentation
Visa Interview Preparation – if required
Updates & Follow-up with the Consulate
Job search assistance if required

In Poland, any foreigner has the option of obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). This document verifies one's identity and allows them to stay in the nation for a limited time.
A resident card (TRP) allows you to cross the country border several times without having to apply for a visa.

Types of TRP in Poland

Because it is now feasible to apply for a TRP immediately upon arrival in Poland, immigration to Poland has recently become more prevalent.

In Poland, there are numerous different forms of TRP:

documents-entitling-a-foreigner-to-work-in-poland

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT

Detailed information on the temporary residence and work permit is available in the TEMPORARY STAY / RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT tab.

WORK PERMIT

A work permit is a document that entitles a foreigner to work legally in Poland, provided that the foreigner has a basis of residence enabling them to perform work in accordance with the regulations.

Note! A foreigner may not perform work in Poland, even if they have a valid work permit, if they are staying on the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of:

- a visa issued for the purpose of tourism, arrival for humanitarian reasons, due to the interest of the state or international obligations;

- a temporary residence permit granted due to circumstances requiring a short-term stay of a foreigner on the territory of Poland (Article 181 (1) of the Act on foreigners).

The permit specifies the entity entrusting the performance of work to the foreigner and the position or type of work to be performed by the foreigner. Therefore, work is considered legal only if the foreigner performs the work indicated in the permit.

This means that if a foreigner is to perform work under other conditions than those specified in the permit (including a different position), the employer must obtain a new permit.

The permit is valid for the period for which it was issued. The expiry date of the permit is stated on the document.

A work permit is required in the case of taking up employment on the basis of both employment contracts and civil law contracts.

The entity entrusting the work (the employer) applies for a work permit for a foreigner.

The permit is issued by the voivode competent for the seat / place of residence of the employer.

We can distinguish the following types of work permits:

TYPE A - obtained in the case of a foreigner who will perform work in Poland on the basis of an agreement with an entity whose seat or place of residence, or a branch, plant or other form of organized activity is located in Poland.

TYPE B - is obtained in the case of a foreigner who will perform work consisting in performing a function in the management board of a legal person entered in the register of entrepreneurs or being a capital company in organization, or in connection with running the affairs of a limited partnership or limited joint-stock partnership as a general partner, or in connection with granting them a procuration for a total period exceeding 6 months in consecutive 12 months.

TYPE C - obtained in the case of a foreigner who will perform work for a foreign employer and will be posted to the territory of Poland for a period of more than 30 days in a calendar year to a branch or plant of a foreign entity or a related entity.

TYPE D - obtained in the case of a foreigner who will perform work for a foreign employer without a branch, establishment, or other form of organized activity on the territory of Poland and will be posted to the territory of Poland in order to provide a temporary and occasional service (export service).

TYPE E - obtained for a foreigner who will perform work for a foreign employer and is posted to the territory of Poland for a period of more than 30 days within consecutive 6 months for a purpose other than for the type B, C, D permits.

TYPE S - obtained for a foreigner who will perform work in the scope of activities specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of December 8, 2017. (i.e. activities causally related to agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, or catering and accommodation).

An employer who employs a foreigner is obliged to:

- check, before the foreigner starts work, whether they have a valid residence permit,

- make a copy of the residence permit and keep this copy for the entire period of work by the foreigner,

- conclude a written contract with a foreigner under the terms of the work permit,

- present a translation into a language that the foreigner understands before signing the contract,

- provide the foreigner with one copy of the work permit in writing,

- inform the foreigner about activities undertaken in connection with the procedure for granting or extending a work permit and decisions on issuing, refusing to issue, or revoking a permit,

- if the foreigner does not start work within 3 months from the initial validity date of the work permit, stops to work for a period exceeding 3 months, ends work earlier than 3 months before the expiry of the work permit, the employer must inform the voivode within 7 days.

Note! An employer who employs a foreigner on the basis of a work permit has the same obligations towards them as towards a Polish citizen.

- reporting within 7 days from the date of commencement of work to social and health insurance and monthly and timely payment of contributions of an appropriate amount to the Social Insurance Institution (if required by the type of contract - primarily an employment contract and a mandate contract, it does not apply, for example, to a specific task contract),

- calculating, collecting, and paying advances for income tax (the method of tax settlement depends on the tax residence of the employed foreigner),

- compliance with the provisions of the Labour Code.

DECLARATION OF ENTRUSTING THE PERFORMANCE OF WORK TO A FOREIGNER

The declaration on entrusting the performance of work is entered into the register of declarations by the poviat labour office competent for the seat or place of permanent residence of the employer, if:

- the foreigner is a citizen of the country specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy on the countries to whose citizens certain provisions on the seasonal work permit and provisions on the declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner apply;

- the work of the foreigner is not related to the activity of the entity specified in the regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of December 8, 2017 / provisions on seasonal work;

- the period of work specified in the submitted declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner and the periods of work performed on the basis of the declarations entered in the declaration register amount to a total of no longer than 6 months within the next 12 months, regardless of the number of entities entrusting the foreigner with work;

In matters that do not require explanatory proceedings, the poviat labour office enters the declaration on entrusting the performance of work to a foreigner in the declaration register or the starost refuses to enter the declaration in the declaration register no later than within 7 working days from the date of receipt of the declaration, and in cases requiring explanatory proceedings - no later than within 30 days from the date of receipt of the declaration.

Note! If the foreigner has been employed for a period of not less than 3 months on the basis of a declaration and the employer has submitted an application for a work permit for this foreigner at the same position under an employment contract before the end of the work date indicated in the declaration, and the application does not contain formal deficiencies or formal deficiencies have been corrected on time, the work of a foreigner on conditions not worse than those specified in the declaration entered in the declaration register is considered legal from the date of expiry of the declaration to the date of issuing a work permit or delivery of a negative decision in this matter.

The above also applies to a foreigner for a temporary residence permit (referred to in art. 114 par. 1 of the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners) in order to continue employment with a given employer.

SEASONAL WORK PERMIT

The permit is obtained by an employer who intends to employ a foreigner for activities specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of December 8, 2017.A seasonal work permit is issued for a specified period, it may not exceed 9 months in a calendar year.

In the case of a foreigner who entered the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a visa issued for the purpose of performing seasonal work or under the visa-free regime in connection with an application for a seasonal work permit entered in the register of applications, this period is counted from the date of the foreigner's first entry into the territory of the Schengen area countries in a given calendar year.

If the application for a seasonal work permit concerns a foreigner who stays on the territory of the Republic of Poland on a different basis which may be related to the right to work, the permit may be issued for the period of legal stay, but not longer than for a period of 9 months within a calendar year, calculated together with the periods specified in the previously issued seasonal work permits for the foreigner.

A seasonal work permit is issued by the staroste competent for the seat or place of residence of the entity entrusting the performance of work to a foreigner.

The procedure for obtaining a work permit differs depending on whether the foreigner is in Poland or abroad.

If the foreigner is in Poland on a basis that can be related to the right to work, the employer submits an application for a seasonal work permit to the staroste competent for the seat or place of residence of the entity entrusting the work to the foreigner, and the staroste issues a decision within 7 days or up to 30 days if a clarification proceedings are required.

If the foreigner is abroad and will apply for a visa issued for the purpose of performing seasonal work, or intends to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland under the visa-free regime, the employer shall submit an application to the staroste competent for the seat or place of residence of the entity entrusting the performance work for a foreigner, and the staroste enters the application in the register of applications for seasonal work and issues a certificate of entry of the application within 7 to 30 days. Then the employer submits the certificate to the foreigner, and the foreigner obtains a visa issued for the purpose of performing seasonal work or enters the territory of Poland under the visa-free regime in connection with the application for a seasonal work permit entered in the register of applications. A foreigner may start work on the day on which the employer presents to the competent staroste:

1) a copy of a valid document entitling the foreigner to stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland;

2) information about the foreigner's accommodation address during the stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Extension of the permit

If a foreigner entered the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a visa issued for the purpose of performing seasonal work or under the visa-free regime in connection with the application for a seasonal work permit entered in the register of seasonal work applications, the staroste may issue an extension of the seasonal work permit in order to continuation of seasonal work by a foreigner for the same entity entrusting work to a foreigner or for the purpose of performing seasonal work for another entity entrusting work to the foreigner.

If the foreigner stays on the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a document other than a visa issued for the purpose of performing seasonal work or under the visa-free regime, without connection to the application entered in the register of applications for seasonal work, the staroste refuses to initiate proceedings to extend the seasonal work permit.

The extension of a seasonal work permit is issued for a period which, together with the period of stay of the foreigner for the purpose of performing seasonal work, counted from the date of the first entry into the territory of the Schengen area countries in a given calendar year, is not longer than 9 months in a calendar year.

A seasonal work permit is issued if:

1) the amount of remuneration that will be specified in the contract with the foreigner, shall not be lower than the remuneration of employees performing comparable work in the same amount of time or at a comparable position;

2) the entity entrusting the performance of work to the foreigner attached the information from the staroste about the inability to meet the employer's staffing needs based on the registers of the unemployed and job seekers or about a negative result of recruitment organized for the employer to the application for a seasonal work permit.

Information from the staroste is not required if:

During the 3 years preceding the submission of the application for a work permit, the foreigner graduated from a university based in Poland or another EEA country or the Swiss Confederation, or is a participant in doctoral studies conducted in Poland;
The foreigner has been legally residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland for 3 years preceding the submission of the application for a work permit and the stay has been uninterrupted;
The foreigner is a citizen of one of the following countries: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine.

The fee for applying for a seasonal work permit is PLN 30.

Source URL : https://www.migrant.info.pl/Documents_entitling_a_foreigner_to_work_in_Poland.html

poland-simplifies-the-application-process-for-residency-and-work-permits.jpg

The long-awaited change to Poland's Foreigners Act will take effect on January 29, 2022. The new regulations are intended to make obtaining residence and work permits in Poland easier for foreigners. Here are the most important changes to be aware of.

Procedures for submitting an application

Applicants for temporary residence and work permits will no longer be required to demonstrate that they:

they have a source of stable and regular income, sufficient to support themselves and dependant family members,
they have a place of residence in Poland (i.e. proof of accommodation such as rental contract).

All applications for temporary residence and work permits must be processed and decided within 60 days after receipt of all required papers. Applications that have not yet been determined and were submitted before January 1, 2022, may be reviewed under an expedited method.

Employment conditions

Furthermore, the new legislation will stipulate that a foreigner's monthly remuneration cannot be less than the Polish minimum wage, regardless of the person's working duration or contract type. It's also worth mentioning that foreign workers won't have to apply for new work permits if they:

their job title changes but the scope of duties remains the same or
if they work longer hours while receiving proportionally higher pay.

Declaration of an employer's intent to hire a foreigner

Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, or Ukraine will be eligible to work in Poland for a maximum of 24 months after signing a "Declaration of intent to employ a foreigner" (Owiadczenie o zamiarze powierzenia wykonywania pracy cudzoziemcowi). It's a big shift because previously, the document could only be granted for a period of no more than 6 months during the next 12 months.

For more detailed information on the amendment, please visit the website of the Polish Office for Foreigners.

warehouse-work-responsibilities-and-salary-in-poland

Are you considering starting a warehouse job in Poland? The good news is that there are plenty of job openings in this region! See what a warehouse worker's job entails and how much money you can expect to make in this field.

What is it like to work at a warehouse?

A warehouse worker's responsibilities mainly involve the storage and release of items, as well as the quality and quantity control of the commodities received and the ability to handle the materials acquired. A worker working in this profession should be aware that the labour is largely manual. As a result, it is beneficial to have strength and good health.

What are the requirements that must be met?

You don't have a post-secondary education? It makes no difference in this job! A high school diploma or technical school diploma is usually sufficient. You should expect to be required to participate in specialised training for a certain position before beginning employment. What about'soft talents,' as they're known? Good organisation and the ability to work with others will come in handy when working in a warehouse. Many companies will value your ability to be systematic, resourceful, and diligent.

Check what earnings you can count on!

The wages of warehouse managers reach up to 14,000. PLN gross! The highest salaries for such positions can be obtained in the ?ódzkie, Mazowieckie, ?l?skie and Ma?opolskie voivodships. What about other employees? Most of them receive earnings in the range of 2.8 - 4.2 thousand. gross.

New job opportunities

Where can the industry anticipate to develop in terms of employment? The Wielkopolskie voivodship is currently constructing the most warehouse space, followed by the Lodz voivodship and the Mazowieckie voivodship. If you're looking for work in these areas, make sure to see what companies are hiring right now.

Visit www.atozserwisplus.pl for more information. On our platform, you'll find a variety of interesting and current career opportunities! Work in a warehouse is also connected.

poland-has-the-second-lowest-unemployment-rate-in-the-eu

Poland had the second lowest unemployment rate in the European Union in December 2021, according to Eurostat data.

Last December, the average EU unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, down from 6.5 percent in November 2021 and 7.5 percent in December 2020. According to Eurostat, the European Union's unemployment rate was roughly 13.6 million by the end of 2021. In terms of youth unemployment, the number of unemployed EU residents under the age of 25 declined to over 2.7 million, a 385,000 decrease over the same period in 2020.

According to Eurostat, Poland had the second-lowest unemployment rate in the European Union in December 2021, at 2.9 percent (down from 3.4 percent the year before). Unemployment among persons under the age of 25 had also decreased, with the country's youth unemployment rate dropping from 14.6 to 11.9 percent in a year, much lower than the EU average (14.9 percent) at the end of last year.

The Czech Republic, which topped the rankings with a jobless rate of 2.1 percent, has the lowest number of unemployed persons in the EU. Spain and Greece, on the other hand, had the biggest number of unemployed persons among all EU member nations, with unemployment rates of 13.7% and 12.7 percent, respectively.

People between the ages of 15 and 74 who are jobless, have actively sought work in the previous four weeks, and are available to start work within the next two weeks are defined as unemployed by Eurostat.

Every year, over 3 million Poles move abroad to work on a temporary basis. Is it worthwhile to look for seasonal work in another country? What are the benefits and drawbacks? This is a topic that we're going to investigate further!

Seasonal work in another country

In the summer, Poles frequently visit Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Better working conditions and higher income are the most common reasons for temporary emigration. What do our countrymen do the most? They mainly labour in the fields of gardening, harvesting, and production.

Seasonal employment in Poland

Seasonal job is always easiest to come by in vacation spots like the beach, the mountains, or Masuria. As a result of the outbreak, an increasing number of Poles have decided to remain in the country, many of whom are concerned about unforeseen changes in regulations. According to research, up to 34% of people gave up or decided not to go abroad for seasonal work this year.

How do you go about looking for a seasonal job?

Of course, the most convenient method is to use the Internet! Use the www.atozserwisplus.pl portal as an example. However, before submitting your application, consider which seasonal employment will be the most suitable for you. If you wish to travel overseas, assess your ability to communicate in a foreign language. Do you employ it on a fundamental or perhaps communicative level? This is crucial information for your prospective employer to know! Perhaps you're seeking for work in Poland? Check to see what kind of profits you might expect in a particular location. Are you considering a career in gastronomy? Make sure you have the Sanepidowo book before you go.

Poland had the second lowest unemployment rate in the European Union in December 2021, according to Eurostat data.

Source: Eurostat

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IT Contractors in Poland – Why you should try it and its benefits

Companies in the United States and the United Kingdom wishing to expand should seriously consider outsourcing IT employees rather than hiring in-house. IT contractors are becoming more attractive than regular workers as the number of individuals working from home increases as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. IT employees are seeking remote work for a variety of reasons, including flexibility and work-life balance.

IT contractors, on the other hand, do not have a one-sided benefit. Companies can also gain greatly by hiring IT professionals from nations like Poland, which are regarded for having the greatest IT workers in the world. The following are five reasons to hire IT contractors in Poland.

1. It’s cheaper

Companies in the United Kingdom and the United States are obligated to pay IT contractors from Poland less per hour than they would pay full-time IT employees in their respective countries. Companies don't have to pay taxes or benefits like paid time off when they hire IT contractors. Companies usually facilitate licenses and certifications for their personnel, whereas IT contractors do not. IT contractors are still less expensive in long-term projects that can last a year.

2. Flexible

IT contracting also provides businesses with unrivaled flexibility. Hiring an IT contractor is a better option for companies that are growing or have seasonal initiatives. Employers must pay their employees as long as they are employed. Contract employees are exempt from this rule. Payment is usually contingent on work availability.

3. Quick solution to emergency recruitment needs

You may quickly employ a contractor in Poland to handle your company's IT needs. An IT contractor will come in handy if you suddenly lose an IT employee for whatever reason and don't have the time to recruit normally. The same is true at peak seasons when a company need additional personnel for a limited time.

4. Managing uncertainty

In unpredictable times, remote workers are a wonderful method to handle recruitment processes and their ramifications. Contractors are better than permanent staff for companies that don't want to make large financial expenditures and want to control risk.

5. Best way to test for specific skills

IT contractors are also highly suggested by firms that require highly specialized personnel to accomplish highly specialized jobs. Companies might use contractors to ensure they are working with actual specialists before committing to long-term recruitment. IT contracting is also an excellent approach to try out different IT jobs.

How to hire IT contractors in Poland: IT recruitment agency benefits

Let's focus on how to hire IT contractors now that we've established why organizations should hire them. There are a number of options for hiring a contractor in Poland or other nations with highly experienced IT workers. Companies can, for example, choose to headhunt for talent or rely on internal referrals. An IT recruitment agency, on the other hand, is the finest way to hire.

IT recruiting providers can match companies with the right personnel in a matter of minutes. They are able to connect potential specialists with the hiring needs of individual firms since they maintain huge networks of highly skilled and experienced IT workers. The leading IT recruitment companies in Poland have a pool of the most qualified IT workers from every industry.
Thorough contractor screening: IT recruitment providers also help businesses lay the basis. Companies don't have to worry about finding qualified IT workers if they make sure they only have accredited IT professionals in their pool. Only the greatest and most dependable IT specialists are vetted and recommended by the leading firms.
IT recruiting agencies can help highly specialized companies looking for professional IT skills find the perfect fit between existing opportunities and potential prospects. Furthermore, because of their extensive network of skilled talent suitable for all types of projects, recruiting firms have a greater staffing success rate.

Are you searching for the most trusted IT recruitment agency in Poland? Try our It contracting and staffing services for dedicated IT talent, short-term IT talent, and remote IT talent in Poland.

UK and USA companies keen on expanding their IT teams can use AtoZ Serwis Plus It recruitment to hire IT contract staff and save the time and headache of setting up local entities in Poland. We offer on-demand services. Companies shouldn’t slow down or halt operations due to sick or vacationing employees.

We also offer complete client satisfaction. The recruitment agency doesn’t stop until you hire a contractor in Poland that matches the needs of your company perfectly! You can also get customized pricing. Contact Us NOW!

Best Talent Match, Faster Role Fulfillment, Custom Pricing

It is the right talent that makes the difference between success and failure for any organisation. When it comes to finding the right talent for your IT and contract hiring needs, we can help you with our on-demand strategic staffing solutions.

IT Staffing and Contracting for a Wide Range of Project Demands

We are specialised providers of:

Dedicated IT Talent
Remote IT Talent
Short-Term IT Talent

Flexible Contracting Services for Agile Scaling

Contract hiring saves money and delivers on-demand knowledge for the success of your project. Our contract staffing approach ensures that you have the right personnel at the right time, resulting in maximum project efficiency and production.

Why Our Services?

Address Demand Faster – We tap into our vast network of qualified and experienced IT and contract professionals to find the right match for your hiring needs. We can drive the desired results at a faster rate than others.

We can aptly address any project requirement, from IT and network to software and hardware. Our contract talent pool consists of professionals from across sectors, including financial, banking, healthcare, research, marketing, sales and more.

Our faster access also means that we can cater to on-demand staffing of any strength. Whether you want a few specialists or a larger talent group, we can fill the required gap with speed and efficiency.

Exact Talent Match – As a company with a higher rate of staffing success, our talent network is ever-increasing. We have accredited and experienced people with the required skillset for core, non-core and ad hoc projects.

We have access to IT specialists and contracting professionals across skills, which means we have exactly the right talent to match your project needs.

On-Demand Backup – Do not let lack of resources slow down your projects. We can provide resource backup following sickness or vacation.
Thorough Screening – Our candidates are thoroughly vetted by us so that you get only the best and reliable IT and contracting professionals.
Customised Pricing – We create customised packages according to your hiring needs.
Complete Client Satisfaction – Consistency in our service quality has earned us our clients’ trust.

We are involved in every step of the hiring process, from screening to post-service improvements. You get a partner that is as invested in your success as you are.

Get in touch with us and find out more about our IT Staffing and Contracting Services.

Poland offers five work visa types; these include:

Type A – If you find employment based on an employment contract or civil law contract with an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most popular work permit.
Type B – This work permit is valid if you are a board member and residing in Poland for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
Type C –You can apply for this work permit if you are sent to Poland by a foreign employer for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch office in the country.
Type D – You are eligible for this visa if you are sent by a foreign employer to work in export services on a temporary basis. The foreign employer must not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Poland.
Type E – You can apply for this visa if you are going to take up work-related tasks that do not fall into any of the above four categories.

Application process

Your employer is responsible for obtaining a work permit on your behalf. Assume you've found a willing employer and your stay has been legalised (either on the basis of a visa you have obtained or on the basis of a residence permit). To obtain a work visa, your potential employer must complete a work permit application that includes the name of the firm you are recruiting for as well as your future job description within this company.

If you are offered a job in Poland, your company is responsible for obtaining a work permit on your behalf.

Before submitting an application for a foreign work visa, a firm must undertake a labour market analysis. The purpose of this test is to determine whether any Polish or other EU residents are qualified to fill the position. These individuals are given priority over foreign nationals.

If there are no qualifying candidates available, the business might apply for a work visa on your behalf.

With the application, the employer must attach documents demonstrating that the following conditions are met:

All applicable employment rules, including provisions of the Labor Code, are met in terms of working conditions.

The Voivodeship Office states that remuneration should not be less than 30% of the average monthly wage.

Documents required to be submitted by the employer

A completed application form
Evidence of payment of application fees
Confirmation of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Copies of the applicant’s passport pages with relevant travel information
Evidence that the applicant has health insurance
A deed for the company
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses of the employer
A copy of a contract in accordance with the service being provided by the business in Poland

Your employer is legally obliged to:

Give you the employment contract in writing
Provide you with a translation of the employment contract in your preferred language
Check the validity and make a copy of your residence permit or visa
Notify social security and health insurance institutions within 7 days after the employment contract is signed which gives you access to free healthcare; sickness leave and other social benefits.

Benefits of a work permit ( Once you get the work permit for Poland, you can)

Legally work in Poland
Legalize your stay in the country
Do the work defined in the work permit
Sign a work contract with your employer

The processing of the visa should take about 10 to 12 days. Once you have entered Poland on a work permit, you can legally work here.

Why work overseas in Poland?

There are many reasons to look to Poland as a good work overseas destination. These include –

· Among the most developed economies in the world

· Strong economic position within Europe

· Ranked among the best countries for female workers

· A lot of opportunities for skilled foreign workers

· A high rate of English used as a second language

· Centrally located, well-connected to the rest of Europe

· Great international community

· No language barrier, many international companies in Poland seek English, French, and German speakers

· A low cost of living, when compared to other European countries

· Great healthcare system

Industries facing skills shortage – accounting and finance, IT, engineering, and sales.

How to get a job in Poland?

To work overseas in Poland, you can either –

· Apply through a jobs portal, or

· Find work through a multinational company that has offices in Poland.

GoldenLine, Poland’s LinkedIn equivalent, provides an easy way to look for jobs in Poland.

How AtoZ Serwis Plus Can Help

Complete visa application support
Assistance with collecting supporting documentation
Visa Interview Preparation – if required
Updates & Follow-up with the Consulate
Job search assistance if required

AtoZ Serwis Plus

We are a certified Temporary Employment Agency entered into the Polish Register of Employment Agencies (KRAZ) under the number 24244,.
We have been in the temporary employment business since 2009. We are specialised in services for people seeking employment and for companies seeking to acquire new staff.

What is a voivodeship invitation in Poland and how to obtain it?

Every year, an increasing number of Ukrainian labour migrants leave the country to work in other countries. They must get a work visa, which is provided through a work invitation from a foreign employer, in order to be officially employed. Depending on the length of stay abroad, many types of visas are available.

A provincial visa is required if you plan to work in Poland for at least one year. Prior to that, you should consider how to issue a provincial work invitation in Poland. Working in Poland on a provincial invitation ensures you receive a provincial visa and allows you to stay in the country legally and for an extended period of time. However, few people in Poland understand what a voivodeship invitation is and how to get one.

A provincial invitation is a document that indicates a foreign employer's intention to hire a long-term employee from another country. The validity of a provincial invitation is one year. We'll show you how to send a provincial invitation in this article.

How to get a voivodeship invitation?

To understand how to obtain an invitation to a voivodeship, you must first understand which documents are required and who is responsible for drafting such an invitation. An invitation to work for a foreign worker is issued by the employer or an intermediate company, according to the law. For this, the following documents must be prepared.

application for a work permit for a foreign worker;
Identity document of the employer or his representative
Criminal record certificate of the employer;
Proof of source of income and possibility of high wages;
an extract from the KRS
Copies of the national and international passports of foreign workers
Written confirmation of the ownership of the flat (in case of providing the place of residence to the employee)
a labour market study confirming the fact that there are no other candidates for the vacancy among citizens of the Polish Republic;
a receipt of stamp duty payment.

Below is an example of how a voivodeship invitation may look like in the old and new version.

How long does it take to issue a voivodeshis invitation and how long is it valid?

You must wait for the voivodship's decision after the employer submits the documentation to the institution. The time it takes to issue a voivodeship invitation is determined by Poland's authorised authorities. It usually takes one to two months. The provincial visa has a one-year validity period. A provincial visa can be extended for a duration of three years. If you do not change jobs, you will not need to send out a new invitation.

"You can find out whether the invitation is ready at the Public Registry Office. Once you have it, you should apply for a visa at your local visa application centre"

What documents are required and how much does it cost?

Before you start collecting documents for your visa application, you should consider the following costs

paying for the invitation letter (approx. 100 PLN);
Purchasing an insurance policy that will cover you for the period of your stay abroad. In your case it is one year (from PLN 150) ;
paying the visa fee.

In order to obtain a voivodeship visa, you will need to prepare the following documents:

an official provincial invitation from a foreign employer;
completed questionnaire provided by the visa application centre;
Original and copy of a certificate of health insurance covering a period of stay abroad (from one year);
2 photographs 3,5\4,5;
original and copy of state and international passports.

The visa application centre is obliged to check all documents and ensure that they are original. Before submitting the documents, it is advisable to find out how to check the provincial invitation and the company of the employer you are doing business with.

How to check the voivodeship invitation?

Ukrainians who would like to know how to check the status of voivodeship invitation should visit the Polish website stat . gov . pl, where you can find full information about the employer's company. You may also check the status of your company at the Polish registry websites:

Krajowy Rejestr Agencji Zatrudnienia (KRAZ) - a national registry of all active employers and recruitment agencies.

If you do not know the Polish language and have difficulty translating, you can check the employer's company on the AtoZ Serwis Plus website. All you have to do is enter the 10-digit KRS or NIP number. These numbers provide comprehensive information on the employer's company and its operations in Poland.

NIP is a company identification number. You can use it to check if your employer is a fraudster. NIP in Poland are tax numbers that are assigned to individuals who pay premiums. Others are exempt from this number.

KRS is a number in the registry of companies or legal persons. If you know the KRS number, you can check whether the employer is an offender and not an insolvent person.

If the search engine returns no results after entering KRS or NIP numbers, the employer is not entered in the state register. It is a reason to doubt the legitimacy of the employment and the trustworthiness of the employer.

How do I find a job in Poland with a Voivodeship invatation?

If this is the first time you are going to work abroad, you should find an employer who will provide you with a job or contact a recruitment agency that will help you find a vacancy from verified employers. A list of vacancies can be found on the AtoZ Serwis Plus portal.

"Some Ukrainians think that once they obtain a voivodeship visa, they can change jobs and employers during their stay in Poland. However, this is not the case. If you are not satisfied with your terms of employment and you decide to leave your employer, your visa is revoked. If you want to get another job, you will have to go through the visa procedure from the beginning and wait again for your work permit for at least two months"

Employment on a voivodeship visa has a number of advantages and peculiarities. The advantage is that it is issued on the basis of an invitation for one year and not for six months. If the voivod agrees to issue the invitation, the embassy is obliged to issue the visa to the employee.

However, one of the peculiarities is that the process of obtaining a visa can be lengthy and costly. Not every employer is prepared to spend their time to prepare and submit the documents.

If this is the case, you can contact AtoZ Serwis Plus staff. We provide online help at all stages of the employment process and only work with reliable employers who are prepared to issue an invitation. This enables you to save time and money and be assured of formal and long-term employment.

Types of Polish work visa

Here is the list of the work visas for which individuals can apply:

Type A: One has to choose this if your employer has a registered office in Poland.
Type B: The work visa is valid only if you are a board member living in the country for more than six months in twelve months.
Type C: If you have been sent to the country by any foreign employer for a period exceeding 30 days for the employer’s branch or subsidiary office.
Type D: This visa allows you to live in the country only if your employer has sent you to work in export services.
Type E: Choose this visa if your reason for entering the country for work is that you don’t fall under the above four visas.

Requirements for applying

Your employer is bound to give you the following requirements before you apply for a Polish work visa:

Written employment contract along with a translated copy of the contract in your preferred language
Check your residence permit or visa
Register under social security and health insurance institutions in less than seven days to avail yourself of free healthcare, sick leaves, etc.

Arrange a checklist of requirements for a Polish work visa

The requirements needed for a Polish work visa are as follows:

Application form with proof of payment of the application fee
Health Insurance copy
Salary receipts of the employers
Deed of the company
The Legal status of the applicant

How can AtoZ Serwis Plus assist you?

AtoZ Serwis Plus will provide the services listed below to get a Polish work visa:

Counseling: Get AtoZ Serwis Plus’ free counseling services.
Job services: Avail of AtoZ Serwis Plus’ job search services to find jobs in Poland
Reviewing requirements: AtoZ Serwis Plus reviews all your requirements for a Polish visa
Application process: We also help in completing your application process
Requirements checklist: AtoZ Serwis Plus also helps you in arranging the requirements for a Polish work visa

Willing to work in Poland? Talk to AtoZ Serwis Plus, the Poland’s no. 1 overseas immigration consultant.

Provider of recruitment and talent acquisition services

I'm looking for the perfect partner!

What We Do

Connect People with the Right Jobs for Them

"Our goal is to comprehend the demands of the candidate and deliver the best solution for both the future employee and the company."

Recruitment with Languages

Our services are primarily directed at students and graduates from all European countries who are making their first professional steps or who are seeking a shift and a new work environment.

Recruitment Process Outsource – RPO Model

We can take over a portion of the entire recruitment process to allow you to focus on your primary business. We provide cost-effective solutions in a variety of areas, including job analysis and design, recruitment and selection, interviews, onboarding, and more.

Recruitment for IT

We have a dedicated sourcing staff that can locate any candidate profile across various platforms and social media channels. In other words, we are not solely relying on our database to discover applicants, nor are we passively awaiting their CV.

We match top talent with top companies!

We specialise in competent, professional, and talented recruitment as well as HR consulting.

Our organisation is made up of a group of devoted individuals who have been trained and experienced in providing applicants with a wide range of advisory and personal services tailored to their specific needs. Due to the current drastic changes in employment around the world, we primarily target our services at students and graduates who are taking their first steps in the professional world or who are searching for a shift and a new professional environment.

Our mission is to comprehend the demands of candidates and deliver the best solution for both the employee and the business.

We recruit candidates in several sectors, ranging from Customer Service, Accountancy, HR, Technical Support to Insurance, Sales, Logistics, IT, Finance, etc…

Throughout Europe, we work with firms in the IT, telecommunications, manufacturing, finance, consulting, and FMCG sectors.

Our goal is to establish a global specialist recruitment firm with a well-diversified and profitable fee structure. Additionally, our operational focus areas outline how we operate the business on a day-to-day basis in reaction to market developments as they occur.

We are always striving to find the best match between a candidate's qualifications and the needs of our clients." AtoZ SerwisPlus is a website dedicated to helping people find work.

How to work in Poland according to your qualification?

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

what-is-the-best-way-to-find-a-trucking-job-in-poland.jpg

We can currently see significant labour outflows in Poland, as well as a scarcity of personnel such as drivers, welders, workers, plumbers, and builders. It occurs because many Poles seek work in other EU countries, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, which provide enticing employment opportunities.

The most conscientious drivers are Ukrainians.

Ukrainian drivers are in high demand in Poland because they are willing to work for a low wage that does not suit native Poles. Ukrainians pride themselves on being dependable, industrious, and dedicated employees. As a result, employers pay close attention to them, and Ukrainians are said to account for up to 90% of all foreigners in Poland.

Working for a foreign employer is far more advantageous than working for a Ukrainian corporation. A new modern car, a solid salary, and comfortable working conditions are all possibilities.
Employment overseas is a time-consuming procedure, so if you're dead set on landing a job in Poland, you'll need to prepare all of the essential documentation. So, where do you begin if you're a skilled driver who has never worked outside of the United States?

Category "C" and "E" driver's licences

Not only is "Jacket" crucial, but so is your previous work experience. Only those drivers who have worked on domestic and neighbouring country roads for at least three years are eligible to work on international roadways. It ensures that the driver is aware of traffic restrictions and will not lose bearing on the congested route.

International Driver's License

Foreign driver's licences must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). This must be obtained from an issuing agency in your native country before to travel.
There are no driving tests that must be passed. This foreign document is issued based on the driver's licence that is currently available. Why is it required? The Ukrainian driver's licence does not meet the requirements of other countries' legislation or the international driver's licence. They are not totally translated into Latin, and there is also a lack of the important information (the residential address, growth, colour of eyes).

Card for a digital tachograph (chip)

The card is required for the driver's identification. Also, while operating a vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph, for data storage about his work and rest hours.
The driver's licence is issued in a single copy to the motorist for a duration of three years. For application filing, a copy of the passport, the driver's certificate, and a photograph are required. It is better to do so in the nation where you will be staying the longest, as the card will be valid for 3-5 years there, whereas the card will only be valid in Poland for the duration of the visa or residence permit. Aside from that, you'll need roughly a month to prepare for it.

You will be able to pass courses on freight transportation or the ADR certificate in Poland (wiadectwo kwalifikacji zawodowej). The courses span a few days and are valid for a period of five years.
Pay attention: you won't be able to find a legal employment unless you pass these courses.

International route experience (from 2 years)

Many famous organisations with high wages frequently place an emphasis on international driving expertise (from two to five years). As a result, be prepared to start looking for work in a tiny company with a lesser wage.

Language skills in a second language

The international driver must have a basic understanding of foreign words and phrases that he employs frequently. And, of course, you should be able to construct simple sentences.
With a straightforward state language to study, Poland draws foreigners. But, in terms of career advancement, knowing English is also vital – you will be involved in cargo transportation throughout the European Union, which entails a pay increase of €1500-2000.

If you already have all of the necessary documents or are just getting started on your job search in Poland, now is the time to act!

How to work in Poland according to your qualification?

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

There are a plethora of work openings in Poland for Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam) labour migrants. All job openings differ in terms of the field and type of work, as well as the requirements that the business presents to the candidate. You can apply for jobs in manufacturing, warehouses, or the food business if you don't have any work experience or necessary talents. However, if you have a valid driver's licence and at least some driving experience, you may be able to get work as a driver in Poland. We'll discuss how to obtain a job as a driver in Poland, how to get a job as a truck driver in Poland without experience, and international driver jobs in this post.

Taxes and Salary Levels

Poland's wage structure differs significantly from that of Ukraine. Working as a driver in Poland will obviously earn you significantly more money than working in Ukraine in a similar role. Foreigners are eligible for a minimum wage that ranges from $600 to $1200.

Professionals with low compensation include waiters, janitors, security guards, and others.

There are three groups of the most in-demand occupations for which Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam) migrants might apply:

specialists with advanced qualifications;
handymen;
specialists with certain skills or vast experience.

In Poland, working as a truck driver falls within the last group. You'll need a driver's licence and experience driving heavy vehicles to acquire a job in this area and drive an automobile. That is why Polish drivers earn a lot of money: a monthly salary of up to 7000 PLN per month.

The amount of taxes depends on the level of salary and for an international driver it is 17%.

What are the driving requirements?

In Poland, drivers can work in taxis, buses, and trucks, among other modes of transportation. Each type of driver has its own set of requirements. The larger the vehicle, the more classifications and permits you'll need to get a driver's job in Poland.

Cab drivers have the lowest standards. To get a job, you'll need a valid driver's licence, a valid licence, and at least a basic understanding of Polish.

A job as a bus or truck driver is significantly more difficult to come by in Poland. You must receive a category of truck driver's licence, a driver's card for the tachograph, and convince the company that you have prior truck driving experience before applying for a job. If you plan to operate a truck that weighs more than 3 tonnes, you'll need to have additional training, paperwork (Code 95), and a certificate of competency.

"It is important to note that becoming a truck driver is not an easy job. A candidate for this position should be aware of the lengthy hours he will be on the road, as well as the absence of adequate housing quarters and irregular working hours."

How can you acquire a job as a truck driver if you have no prior experience?

It is possible to work as a truck driver in Poland without any prior experience. Given that some firms need candidates to complete an internship before applying for a job, the greatest thing you can ask of a candidate is that they produce all required paperwork and credentials. And, because you can acquire a job as a driver without any experience, you should be aware that the pay will be slightly lower than that of experienced drivers. But how can you get a job as a truck driver if you have no prior experience? We propose gaining at least some driving experience in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam) and finding work through an international job portal. This way, you'll be able to notify the boss right away that you've never driven a big truck before, and the position will be assigned to you based on your qualifications.

How to Become a Polish Minibus Driver

Before applying for a job as a minibus driver in Poland, you must first receive the relevant category as well as a driver's licence. If you plan to work in Poland for more than six months, you must obtain a Polish driver's licence or have your Ukrainian driver's licence changed. The majority of employers demand that you know Polish, however you should double-check this criterion with each employer.

Is it necessary to know a foreign language?

Although it is possible to work as a truck driver in Poland without learning the language, you will need at least a basic understanding of English if you want to work as an international driver. When it comes to trips inside the country, the employer expects a basic understanding of the Polish language at the time of hire.

What is your work schedule like?

The sort of vehicle a driver works on determines his or her work schedule. Cab drivers can work in the evenings as well as during the day. Their working hours are entirely dependent on them. Working in a cab is typically thought of as an evening part-time employment by most migrant workers.

"In Europe, a truck driver's working day can run anywhere from 10 to 12 hours, with rest time in between. Although the working day may not be rationed in some situations, overtime is always paid by the employer. As a result, people who desire to earn more can take advantage of this chance."

Working on international routes

Poland will always need long-haul drivers, as this country is the largest exporter in Europe. Because of the shortage of drivers among Poles, Poland actively recruits drivers abroad from other countries. The main requirements are a valid passport, open categories B, C, E, as well as the availability of the following documents:

tachograph chip card;
ADR (not an obligatory document, but it may increase the number of possible job offers and influence the level of salary offered). Usually such courses last a little over a week;
Code 95 (?wiadectwo kwalifikacji zawodowej);
Medical certificate (Orzeczenie lekarskie);
psychotests for the driver (Badania psychologiczne kierowcy).

How to get a job as a driver in Poland

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

In Poland, these are the most popular occupations. From the official source, a list of Poland's insufficient professions. The information about the professions comes from the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, notably the document in which the Ministry of Family, Work, and Social Policy agreed on the current list of professions that are insufficient in Poland.

The most popular professions in Poland No 1 – Engineers

Index 2141 – Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers.

A process engineer specialist is a person who is responsible for the creation and development of new assembly and production lines. A production engineer specialist should have higher technical education (production engineering), know English well and be able to use a computer.
These include the following specialties:
• regulatory work engineer (214101);
• engineer organization and production planning (214102);
• maintenance engineer (214103);
• engineer for supply, transportation, and storage (214104);
• technical committee consultant (214,105);
• “Normalizer” (214,107);
• Security Audit Specialist (214,108);
• quality control specialist (214109);
• a product expert (214110).
• Chief Technologist (214111)
• other engineers for industry and manufacturing (214190).
Technological engineer earns in Poland from 3000 to 16000 PLN net per month. Mainly, the salary depends on your specialization.

Index 214912 – Concrete Technology Engineer

Index 214916 – Glass Technology Engineer

The glass technology engineer applies his knowledge of technology in the production of glass, the industrial (constructional, economical, packaging, technical) production of glass, processing, decorating and processing glass.
Glass technology engineer earns in Poland on average for about 6000PLN net.

Index 2151 – Electrical Engineers

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself .

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please fiil this, if you looking for job.

The most popular professions in Poland No 2 – Doctors and nurses

Index 2212 – Medical Specialists (with specialization of II degree or title of specialist)

This includes 90 specializations of doctors with a 2nd degree.
Doctors of the second degree earn in Poland on average 8000 PLN.

Index 2221 – Nurse without specialization or in the process of obtaining specialization

This index includes only one elementary group of nurses with an index 222101.
A nurse without qualifications earns in Poland on an average of 2500 PLN net.

Index 2222 – Specialist Nurses

This index includes 23 specializations.
Specialist nurses earn in Poland on an average of 3000 PLN net.

The most interesting thing is that this profession was included in this list after Poland joined the EU.

The most popular professions in Poland No 3 in the sphere of information technology.

Index 2511 – Computer Systems Analysts

This index includes specializations:

• Telecommunications Analyst (251101);
• consultant on data transmission systems (251102);
• Teleinformation Systems Designer / Architect (251103);
• other computer systems analysts (251190).

Computer systems analysts earn in Poland on average of 5000 PLN net.

Index 2512 – Information Systems Development Specialists

An information systems software development specialist adapts to new requirements, maintains and develops information systems software. This profession is creative and interdisciplinary nature. Such a specialist makes a choice among the software for the tasks performed by the information systems in the company.

Since the work is very responsible employers require a diploma of higher education and work experience from such specialists. And also require knowledge of English to read the documentation.

This index includes:

A specialist in the development of information systems earns in Poland on average of 4500 PLN net.

Index 2513 – Network and Multimedia Developers

This index includes the following specializations:

Network and Multimedia Developers earn in Poland on average of 4,700 PLN net.

Index 2514 – Application developers

This index has the following specializations:

• Application Developer (251401);
• Mobile Application Developer (251402);
• The remaining application developers (251490).

Here is the link on the source of information on salaries.

Index 2519 – Unclassified computer analysts and developers

This index includes the following specializations:

Software testers and other unclassified specialists earn in Poland from 4,500 to 17,000 PLN net.

Index 2521 – Designers and database administrators

This category includes specialists:

• Database Administrator (252101);
• Database Analyst (252102);
• Database Designer (252103);
• Other designers and database administrators (252190).

Designers and database administrators earn from 2,900 to 8,300 PLN net in Poland at market rates.

Index 2522 – System computer administrators

This index includes the following specializations:

• Computer Systems Administrator (252201);
• The administrator of integrated control systems (252202);
• The remaining administrators of computer systems (252290).

System computer administrators earn in Poland from 2,700 to 7,200 PLN net.

Index 2523 – Computer Network Specialists

Computer networking specialists have the following specializations:

• Computer Network Analyst (252301);
• Systems and computer networks engineer (252302);
• The remaining experts in the field of computer networks (252390).

Computer network specialists earn in Poland from 2500 to 8700 PLN net.

Index 2529 – Unclassified specialists in databases and computer networks.

This index has 4 elementary groups:

Unclassified database and computer network specialists earn in Poland from 4100 to 8100 PLN net.

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself. On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit. Please fill this, if you looking for a job.

The most popular professions in Poland No 4– Technicians

Index 3112 – Construction techniques

This index includes the following specializations:

• Specialist in the deduction of the cost of construction (311201);
• Construction Technician (311202);
• Technician Architect (311203);
• Construction Technician (311204 );
• Specialist who possess the methods of water construction (311205);
• Road construction technician (311206);
• Specialist who possess the methods of building railways and bridges for trains (311207);
• Specialist in environmental engineering and land reclamation (311208);
• Sanitary equipment technician (311209);
• Specialist who possess the methods of restoration of architectural elements (311210);
• Building inspector (311211);
• Road construction inspector (311212);
• Bridge Inspector (311213);
• Fire Protection Inspector (311214);
• Bridge builder (311215);
• The remaining construction techniques (311290).

Construction technicians earn in Poland on average of 5900 PLN net.

Index 3113 – Electrical Engineering

This index includes the following specializations:

Electrical technicians earn in Poland on average of 4,100 z? PLN net.

Index 3114 – Electronics Engineering and people related to this specialization

This index contains the following specializations:

Electronics technicians earn in Poland from 2400 to 6400 PLN net.

The most popular professions in Poland No 5 – Guardians and social service authorities

Elementary group 341201 – Assistant disabled person.
Elementary group 341202 – Senior guardian.
Elementary group 341203 – Guardian in the house of social assistance.

Guardians earn in Poland on average of 1,800 PLN net. Salary depends on many indicators.

The most popular professions in Poland No 6 - are construction specialists and repair specialists.

Index 7112 – Bricklayers

This index has the following elementary groups:

Bricklayers earn in Poland from 1,700 to 2,700 PLN net per month. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7114 – Concrete and Concrete Mixers

This index contains the following specializations:

• Concrete worker (711401);
• Concrete mixers (711402);
• Specialists in fuel (711403);
• Armature worker (711404);
• The remaining concrete and concrete mixers (711490).

Concrete and concrete mixers earn in Poland from 1900 to 2900 PLN net per month. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7115 – Carpenters and concrete mixers

This index has the following specializations:

Index 7116 – Road construction workers

Road construction workers are divided into the following specializations:

Road construction workers earn an average of 2000 PLN net.

Index 7121 – Roofers

The index has only one elementary group – a roofer (712101).
Roofers earn in Poland from 2100 to 3000 z? netto per month

Index 7122 – Flooring specialists, parquet layers and tilers

This group is divided into the remaining elementary groups:

Flooring specialists, flooring and tilers earn in Poland from 2000 to 4800 PLN net per month for the market. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market.

Index 7123 – Plasters and related professionals

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Plaster Specialists Earn in Poland from 1800 to 3700 PLN net per month.

Index 7124 – Insulation installers

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Insulation installers earn in Poland from 1900 to 3200 PLN net per month.

Index 7131 – House painters and building cleaning workers

This group is divided into the following specializations:

House painters earn in Poland on average of 3300 PLN net per month.

Index 7212 – Welders and related specialties

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Welders and related specialists earn in Poland from 2,900 to 4,500 PLN net. Higher or lower wages are considered non-market. Our vacancies for welders with rates from 18 to 30 z? net per hour.

Index 7222 – Locksmiths and related specialties

This group is divided into the following specializations:

Index 7411 – construction and related electricians

Specializations:

• Electrician Electrical Systems (741101);
• Electrician light signs (741102);
• Electricians (741,103);
• Electrician at a construction site (741104);
• Other electrics (741190).

Electricians earn in Poland from 2300 to 4000 PLN net per month. Our vacancies for electricians.

The most popular professions in Poland N0 7 – Drivers and machinists

Elementary group 833101 – Bus driver.

Index 8332 – Truck Drivers

Specializations:

• Tanker driver (833201);
• The driver of the truck tractor (833202);
• Truck driver (833203);
• The rest are truck drivers (833290).

Index 8342 – Equipment Operators for Earth Works

Specializations:

Equipment operators for earthworks earn in Poland from 2,400 to 4,100 PLN net per month.

Index 8343 – Machinists and operators of material handling equipment and related products

Specializations:

Machinists and operators of handling equipment earn in Poland from 2,800 to 5,300 PLN net per month.

The most popular professions in Poland – Conclusion

These specialists can obtain a work permit without information from the headman. When you get a job on the specialization which is listed above, remind your employer that he does not need the headman’s information to make you a work permit. It will save your time. Or maybe you already have one of these qualifications? Don’t work like a handyman. We advise you to fill out this form. We will contact you immediately as soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications. Remember to point out as much information about yourself as you can.

New jobs are provided primarily to people who fill out this form.

Information was taken from official public sources, as well as from our data and observations.
You can check the qualification of professions and specializations on the site – KZiS

In this movie, our experts are talking about the work permit type A in Poland.

Do you wish to discover a job that matches your qualifications in Poland? Don't work as a low-wage employee! We recommend that you complete this form. We will contact you as soon as a vacancy matching your requirements and credentials becomes available. Tell me everything you know about yourself. On average, four employers fill out an application to find employees every minute on our page. The majority of them are seeking for people with advanced degrees. We offer fresh job openings first and foremost to those who complete this survey. We also provide work permits. Please fill this, if you looking for a job.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Types of employment contracts in Poland(their features)

Every foreign citizen living in Poland who want to work lawfully must first sign an employment contract with the employer.

An employment contract must adhere to certain rigid guidelines. The parties (employer and employee), the type of contract, the date of completion, and the following items should all be included in this contract:

the type of work (job title, functions and description of employee responsibilities)
the place of work
the wage according to the type of work (the contract indicates a gross wage)
the wage specified in the contract with a full-time person cannot be lower than the minimum wage
the start date of work - if it is not defined in the contract, then it is considered that this is the day of signing the contract
the working time and the wage rate.

When drawing up an employment contract, it is also necessary to remember some rules:

an employment contract cannot contain less favorable regulations than those specified by the Labor Code

An employment contract gives the employee the rights that the civil contract does not give, i.e.:

the ability to improve qualifications
receiving remuneration for the duration of illness
the record of the length of service
determines the rules for termination of the contract
defines the rules for overtime pay.

Contributions for medical, social insurance, and tax deductions are paid under these agreements. All employees, including Polish and foreign nationals, are entitled to the same benefits. The length of service includes the term of work based on a contract for a specific period of time.

The employer is required to register a new employee with the Social Insurance Board (ZUS) and send him for a medical examination within 7 days of starting work.

The employment relationship contained in the employment contract is governed by the Labor Code.

Important! The contract must be concluded in writing no later than the start date of work.

Types of employment contracts in Poland

Umowa o prace (Employment contract)
Umowa zlecenie (Commission contract)
Umowa o dzielo (Specific-task contract)
Umowa zlecenie z podmiotem gospodarczym (Commission contract with an economic entity)
Umowa o praktyki studenckie i absolwenckie (Student and postgraduate internship contract).

The Polish Labor Code clearly states the rights and responsibilities of an employee. If the employee does not speak Polish at a sufficient level, then the employer has to provide him with a translation of the document in an understandable language.

Types of employment contracts (Umow o prace)

An employment contract for a probation period

The goal of this form of contract is to allow the employer to verify the employee's qualifications and determine whether or not the person is suited for a specific position. On the other side, such a contract allows the employee to gain a better understanding of the working environment.

A probationary contract can only be signed for a duration of three months. If the second contract is designed to deliver the same position to the same employee, it is prohibited to conclude the second contract for a probation term immediately after the previous one has expired.

The contract's validity term is limited to the time period during which it was signed. The contract may be cancelled early with both parties' approval, but it cannot be terminated unilaterally.

A fixed-term employment contract

This contract is signed for a period of time that is convenient for both sides. It can be extended twice more; however, the third extension immediately converts the contract to an indefinite contract (does not apply to the part-time contracts and temporary work agreements).

When a contract for a specific period of time expires, it is dissolved. The contract can be cancelled early with both parties' approval, but it cannot be terminated unilaterally (unless the employee has worked for the employer for less than 6 months or this possibility has been specified in the contract).

An employment contract for a specified task

This type of contract is signed only when the parties cannot precisely define the date of the work performance.

The duration of the employment contract depends on works performance.

An employment contract for an indefinite period

Ways to terminate an employment contract

Unilaterally with the preservation of the term of work in accordance with the Labor Code of Poland (rozwi?zanie umowy o prace za wypowiedzeniem) – at the initiative of either party to the contract. This option to terminate the employment contract applies to the following types of employment contracts: for an indefinite period; for a probation period; for a certain period if such a condition was described in the contract or the employee has been working for less than 6 months.

Notice period (termin wypowiedzenia)

An employment contract for a probation period: up to 14 days - 3 business days;more than 14 days -7 business days; from 3 months - 14 business days.

A fixed-term employment contract (umowa na czas okreslony): 2 weeks.

The termination of the contract

Unilaterally without the notice period in accordance with the Polish Labor Code (rozwi?zanie umowy o prace bez wypowiedzenia) - both parties can terminate the contract on this basis.

The employer can terminate this type of contract due to the following reasons:

The fault of the employee (the employee has committeda serious breach of his duties; the employee has committed a crime that makes further employment on the same position impossible; the employee has losta capacity to work due to his own fault).
At no fault of the employee (in case of illness: the employee is absent from work for 3 months, having previously worked less than 6 months; the employee is absent due to illness longer than he has worked for the employer, receiving compensation for this; in other cases if the employee is absent for more than a month).
An employee can terminate an employment contract with an employer without explaining the reason if: the work performed is harmful to the employee’s health and this is confirmed by amedical certificate; the employer has seriously violated its basic responsibilities towards the employee. In this case, the employee has to receiveremuneration for the duration of the work (termin wypowiedzenia).

An employment contract (Umowa o prace)

Features:

An employee is subordinated to an employer: the employee clearly fulfills the working hours that are specified in the contract.
An employment contract must be made in writing; in the case of an oral contract, the employer has 7 days for the written confirmation.
The termination of the contract is carried out in accordance with the Labor Code.
Social advantages (overtime pay, vacation, maternity leave, etc.).
The employer is obligated to issue a certificate of employment to the employee.
Working time is counted towards the total length of service, which affects the amount of the future pension.
All disputes between the employer and the employee are resolved in the court. If the initiator of the dispute is an employee, he does not pay the court costs.

A commission contract (Umowa zlecenie )

Features:

No subordination relationship. The employee determines the work schedule at his discretion, but at the same time, the employer can give instructions, and a certain time frames for the work can be determined.
The voluntary contract form.
The termination of the contract is possible at any time.
The remuneration is made only for hours worked.
The social payments in ZUS are not made. They can be paid if it was prescribed in the contract.
The employer is not obligated to issue a certificate of employment to the employee.
Working time is not counted towards the total length of service.
All disputes between the employer and the employee are resolved ina civil court.

A specific-task contract (Umowa o dzielo)

This is the use of the intellectual property for a short time. For example, to write a program, develop a complex technical device, or compose a song.

The contract may not specify time limits, but only volumes. However, if necessary, work execution periods are determined.

Features:

No subordination relationship. The flexibility and independence in the actions.
The voluntary contract form.
The termination of the contract is possible at any time.
The one-time payment after work is completed.
Social payments are not made.
The employer is not obligated to issue a certificate of employment to the employee.
Working time is not counted towards the total length of service.
Protection of the interests of both parties is not possible, since this form of contract is not specified in the Civil Code.

The student and postgraduate internship contract (Umowa o praktyki studenckie Iabsolwenckie)

The student and postgraduate internship contract is issued by the educational institution and concluded with the employer.

Features:

A flexible or strict schedule of professional duties.
Duration of the internship.
The scope of the work responsibilities.
The employer, for its part, has the right to complete the student’s practice only with the permission of the administration of the educational institution. This is only possible in cases where the trainee does not cope with his duties or violates discipline (being late, etc.).
The amount of wages (the remuneration is two times less than the minimum wage in Poland) or its absence determines the educational institution.
Social contributions are made in ZUS.
The contract can be concluded with two employers at once.
The employer is not obligated to issue a certificate of practice to the employee, this can be done only at the personal request of the trainee.

Violation of the labor rights

In case of violation of the labor rights, the employee can file a complaint with the State Labor Inspectorate (Pa?stwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP) and/or the Labor Court (Sad pracy). It is only possible if the employee has concluded an employment contract (Umów o prace)!

The employee has to provide all evidence of a violation of the labor rights by the employer in writing.

As a rule, the employee (applicant) does not pay the costs for examining his complaint by these institutions.

The State Labour Inspectorate (Panstwowa Inspekcja Pracy) is an organ, whose activity includes supervision and inspection of the observance by employers of labor law (Labor Code), including verification of the legality of the employment. PIP also checks employers.

Social Security

The Act on the Social Insurance System regulates the principles of social insurance coverage and the criteria for calculating social insurance contributions. Employees are required to have pension, disability, health, and accident insurance. Depending on the type of contribution, it is funded in varying proportions by the employer and the employee. Nonetheless, it is the employer's responsibility to compute the amount of the Social Insurance Agency contribution and deduct it from the employee's pay. The employer is also responsible for timely payment of contributions to the Social Security Administration.

Healthcare and Insurances

Employees are entitled to sickness benefits, maternity benefits, an attendance allowance, compensation benefits, and a funeral allowance, as well as damages in the event of bodily injury caused by an on-the-job accident, based on their contributions to social insurance. Employees with health insurance are entitled to use public health care facilities.

Required Leave

Holidays and Annual leave

An employee is entitled to 20 or 26 days of yearly, uninterrupted, paid vacation leave, depending on how many years they have worked. Holiday vacation is awarded on days that are not working days for the employee. The holiday leave may be broken into sections based on the employee's request. However, at least one such portion of the vacation leave shall last at least 14 calendar days in this situation. The employee is entitled to the holiday leave pay that he or she would have received if he or she had been working. In addition to vacation time, the employee is entitled to time off on Sundays and public holidays. In the current calendar year, there are 13 public holidays.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

When a female employee gives birth to one child, she is entitled to 20 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of her duration of service with the company. If you have more than one child, your leave will be proportionately increased. The female employee is only allowed to take up to 6 weeks of maternity leave before the expected due date. Any of the parents may be allowed an extra 32 weeks of parental leave (for a total of 52 weeks of leave due to childbirth). In general, a parent on maternity leave will be paid 100% of his or her basic salary for the first half of the leave and 60% for the second half.

The female employee might relinquish the right to the remaining maternity leave if she has used up at least 14 weeks of it following the delivery. In this instance, the employee - the father who is raising the child – is awarded the remaining, unused maternity leave time upon his written request. In addition, the employee, who is the child's father, is entitled to a two-week paternity vacation.

Sickness and Disability Leave

While an employee is unable to work owing to illness or isolation caused by a contagious disease, the employee retains the right to 80 percent of his or her compensation for up to 33 days in a calendar year, and for an employee over 50 years of age, for up to 14 days in a calendar year. An employee retains the right to 100% of her compensation in the event of illness during pregnancy – within the above-mentioned time frame. If the employee is unable to work for a longer period of time, the Social Insurance Agency will provide illness payments.

In a calendar year, a person with a severe or moderate handicap is entitled to an additional 10 working days of vacation time. After working for one year and being classed in one of the aforementioned degrees of handicap, the person is granted the right.

Other Required or Typically Provided Leave(s)

The employer is obliged to release an employee from work for a period of:

2 days – in the case of the employee’s wedding, birth of a child, or death and funeral of his/her spouse or child, father, mother, stepfather or stepmother;
1 day – in the case of the employee’s child’s wedding or death and funeral of the employee’s sister, brother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandmother, grandfather and other individuals maintained by the employee or under his/her direct care.

There are other special-case leaves as well, such as leave in order to donate blood or plasma, or leave for persons summoned to appear before a court or administrative body.

Pensions: Mandatory and Typically Provided

The present Polish pension system is divided into three sections, known as the pillars. The funds are managed by the Social Insurance Agency in the first pillar. Although the funds are recorded on the insured person's individual account and are subject to valorisation, they are not invested. The second pillar is based on the activities of Open Pension Funds, which are charged with trading and multiplying the fund. Employee Pension Schemes and Individual Retirement Accounts make up the third pillar. The first and second are required, but participation in the third is optional.

The sum of valorized contributions recorded on an individual account of the insured at the Social Insurance Agency, the valorized initial capital, and an average lifetime for women and men are used to determine the first pillar pension. The amount of the pension under the second and third pillars is determined by the funds' investing effectiveness.

At the moment, the retirement age for women is 60 and for men it is 65. Only after reaching this age is it possible to apply for a pension. Bridge retirement pensions for people working in unusual circumstances or performing unusual jobs are the only exceptions. At the age of 55 for women and 60 for males, such people are entitled to pension benefits.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Job Summary:

As a Welder, your primary responsibility is fabricating and assembling metal structures, equipment, and components using various welding techniques. This involves working with diverse materials like steel, aluminium, and stainless steel to create high-quality welds that meet industry standards and project specifications.

Perform welding tasks using MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-cored arc welding techniques.
Fabricate and assemble metal structures and components to meet project specifications.
Work with various materials, including steel, aluminium, and stainless steel.
Ensure the quality and precision of welds, adhering to industry standards.
Maintain a solid commitment to safety protocols and practices throughout welding.
Troubleshoot and adapt to welding-related challenges as they arise.
Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
Familiarity with welding tools and equipment, including their maintenance.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE), including welding helmets, gloves, and safety clothing.
Stay updated with industry advancements and new welding techniques for continuous learning and skill improvement.

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred welding training or certification.
Proficiency in MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-cored welding.
Commitment to safety, physical endurance, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with tools, proper use of PPE, and continuous learning.

We offer:

Employment Options: Direct employment with the client or employment based on a contract of mandate.
Hourly Rate: Earn 25 to 27.94 PLN per hour (Net).
Workload: Expect around 220 hours of work per month.
Commute: Enjoy a free commute to work.
Accommodation: Employer provides accommodation or a monthly housing allowance of PLN 500 gross.
The organisation of the entire visa process
pickup from the airport in Poland. Transfer to accommodation
care of an English-speaking coordinator in Poland, free medical care in Poland, and free workwear.

Benefits of working in Poland:

Diverse Job Opportunities: Various industries with job prospects.
Stable Economy: Relative economic stability.
EU Membership: Access to the EU job market and protections.
Competitive Salaries: Attractive wages in many fields.
Cost of Living: Lower than in Western Europe.
Quality of Life: Access to healthcare and education.
Cultural Experience: Rich heritage and vibrant cities.
Language Advantage: Bilingual skills valued.
Travel Ease: Central location for exploration.
Work-Life Balance: Reasonable working hours and leave.

For the Employer

Are you looking to Hire? Let us help you find the perfect candidates!

Step 1: Fill out the employer's questionnaire. Please provide us with the necessary details about your job requirements and company. We'll use this information to customise our services for you. Fill in the form.

Step 2: Choose the best offer. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we'll prepare a tailored proposal for recruitment, employee leasing, or outsourcing services.

Step 3: Welcome your new employee. We'll utilise our extensive network and resources to find the ideal candidate for your business. Please don't worry; we'll ensure favourable conditions for you and the employee.

Take advantage of exceptional talent for your company. Complete the employer's questionnaire today, and let us handle your hiring needs.

For Job Seeker Registration AS a Welder

If you are looking for a Welder, like our guest, today, we would like you to fill out the application form on our website. After reviewing the details of the completed offer, a representative of AtoZ Serwis Plus will contact you and tell you about all the details. Fill in the form.

How can AtoZ Serwis Plus assist you?

AtoZ Serwis Plus will provide the services listed below to get a European Country work visa:

Counselling: Get AtoZ Serwis Plus’ free counselling services.
Job services: Avail of AtoZ Serwis Plus’ job search services to find jobs in European Country
Reviewing requirements: AtoZ Serwis Plus reviews all your European Country work visa requirements.
Application process: We also help in completing your application process
Requirements checklist: AtoZ Serwis Plus also helps you in arranging the requirements for a European Country work visa
Complete visa application support
Assistance with collecting supporting documentation
Visa Interview Preparation – if required
Updates and follow-up with the Consulate

The AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o website is owned and operated by a private company, AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o (Ul. Ludwika Idzikowskiego 16, 00-710, Warszawa, Poland). Electronic contact: info@atozserwisplus.pl, Phone: +48 729 650 461 Monday - Friday, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Company register Under District court: Sad Rejonowy dla M. St. Warszawy w Warszawie, XIII Wydzial Gospodarczy Krajowego Rejestru s do we go., KRS: 0000770916, REGON:382604058.Value-added tax identification no.: NIP:5252780856 is a private international company unrelated to the UK’s government or the OISC and not a member or agent of the OISC. The content available herein is not and shall not be considered professional or legal advice. We try to keep the information up-to-date. However, some terms on the website, including the immigration eligibility criteria, might sometimes change.

Would you like some advice? So that you know, the information I've included here is for you to review. You'll always need to consult with your legal and tax advisor(s) and follow their guidance. AtoZ Serwis Plus cannot assist with legal or tax matters. The information presented is not specific to any particular company or workforce nor reflects how AtoZ Serwis Plus products are distributed in any jurisdiction. Instead, it is general. AtoZ Serwis Plus makes no representations or warranties regarding this information's accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. It shall not be liable for any losses from using or relying on it. It is your responsibility to exercise caution when using this information.

Disclaimer: atozserwisplus.Pl is a FREE visa database and marketplace for immigration experts. This page's content does not provide legal advice. Before applying, kindly consult an expert.

The majority of foreigners who come to Poland on a work visa eventually want to stay longer and avoid having to return home. This is a natural occurrence that organisations anticipate in order to retain the personnel they require.

Temporary residence card

Then he typically files for a temporary residency permit, also known as a "residence card." This is the most common document used by foreigners to apply for a stay extension in Poland. There are a variety of reasons for temporary residence, the most common of which is, of course, work, which accounts for the majority of applications.

Hundreds of our clients acquire residence cards each year, allowing them to stay and work in Poland for up to three years. This service is provided by our company with a 99 percent success rate.

You can rest assured that entrusting us with such a task will result in a satisfactory outcome.

If, on the other hand, we discover that you lack legal grounds to request for a temporary stay, we will decline to complete this task and will not charge you any needless fees.

Permanent residence and EU resident card

People of Polish ancestry can apply for a permanent residency visa through our organisation. Our experts make every effort to ensure that the candidate is adequately prepared for the Voivode's interview. We supply materials to our clients so that they can learn about Poland's history and culture and thus successfully prepare for an interview.

The scenario is identical with the EU residence permit for long-term residents, which allows non-Polish nationals to live in Poland permanently. It is available to persons who have lived in our nation for at least 5 years without interruption.

Accelerating the issuing of administrative decisions related to the legalization of the stay and work of foreigners

We have been assisting entrepreneurs and foreigners with the issue of obtaining "residence cards" and work permits more quickly since .

We do everything legally, in accordance with the Code of Administrative Procedure and the Law on Administrative Court Proceedings. In the more than 25 instances we've handled, we've been 100 percent successful (as of the beginning of 2020).

The foreigners were able to satisfy all of the rulings, and the Voivodship Office was forced to issue a decision within a court-ordered two-week term and pay the foreigners compensation in the sum of PLN 1,500 on average.

We have been assisting entrepreneurs and foreigners with the issue of obtaining "residence cards" and work permits more quickly since 2009.

In this scenario, our service is aimed at Polish business owners who cannot wait months or even years for a decision. As a result, if you have foreign workers whose cases are pending at the Provincial Office and you need a judgement soon, we are a company that can help.

Polish citizenship

Foreigners living in Poland are frequently asked, "How can you gain Polish citizenship?" We're also quite good at dealing with situations like this.

Our specialists prepare a candidate for citizenship by:

Awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland
Recognition as a Polish citizen

A foreigner who obtains Polish citizenship has full civic rights in Poland (e.g. the right to participate in elections, work in the EU). Obtaining a Polish passport carries with it responsibilities, such as tax duties. When a foreigner obtains Polish citizenship, he or she also becomes a member of the European Union. It is important to remember that only persons who have a B1 level of Polish language knowledge have a chance to earn Polish citizenship.

We would like to introduce our specialists to whom you may entrust your affairs, as we have vast experience in the subject of legalising the stay and work of foreigners.

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The most common approach to prolong your stay in Poland if you arrived on a visa or via visa-free travel is to apply for a temporary residence permit.

We can gladly assist you in obtaining any type of temporary residency permit. The duration of a temporary residency permit might be up to three years. Your reason for visiting Poland will determine the type of temporary resident visa you require:

We are willing to help you obtain any form of temporary residency permit. A temporary residence permit can be valid for up to three years. The sort of temporary residency visa you need is determined by your reason for visiting Poland:

Temporary residence and work permits – for foreigners whose purpose of stay in Poland is work for a specific employer;
Temporary residence permits due to seasonal work – for foreigners who stay in Poland in connection with the performance of seasonal work and wants to extend their legal stay;
Temporary residence permits for the purposes of highly qualified employment (the so-called Blue Card) – for foreigners who intend to work in the so-called profession requiring high qualifications (e.g. engineer);
Temporary residence permit for seconded foreigners – for foreigners who are delegated to work in Poland by a foreign entity;
Temporary residence permits for the purposes of conducting business activity – for foreigners who conduct business in Poland;
Temporary residence permits for students and graduates – for foreigners studying in Poland on full-time studies as well as for foreigners who are graduates of Polish universities who are looking for a job after graduation;
Temporary residence permits for researchers and scientists – for foreigners who are scientists and conduct research in a research unit in Poland or look for a job after their completion;
Temporary residence permits for trainees and volunteers – for foreigners whose purpose of stay in Poland is completion of an internship in an approved unit or participation in the European voluntary service;
Temporary residence permits due to other circumstances – for foreigners whose stay in Poland is justified by other circumstances, e.g.: short-term stay, continuation of education, stay with family, etc.;
Temporary residence permit for foreigners who are victims of human trafficking (including assistance in procedures aimed at confirming the fact of being a victim of human trafficking).

The permanent residence permit is another alternative for legalising your stay in Poland once your visa, visa-free travel, or current temporary residence card expires.

The permanent residence permit is valid for an endless duration, which implies that a foreigner with a permanent residence card can stay in Poland indefinitely without having to apply for additional residence permits. Permanent resident permits are divided into two categories:

Long-term resident's EU residence permit – for foreigners residing in Poland for over 5 years who want to obtain the right to stay indefinitely in Poland;
Permanent residence permit – for foreigners who want to obtain a permanent residence permit, which entitles to an indefinite stay in Poland (applies to among others: a minor child of a Polish citizen, a minor child of a foreigner who has been granted a permanent residence permit or a long-term resident's EU residence permit, spouse of a Polish citizen, person of Polish origin, holder of a valid Pole's Card).

We may also be able to assist you in obtaining Polish citizenship.

If you are a foreigner with a valid residence permit in Poland and want to become a Polish citizen, you can do so by:

Granting Polish citizenship by the President of Poland – the decisions of the President of Poland is discretionary, do not require justification and are not subject to appeal;
Recognition as a Polish citizen – it refers to foreigners, who want to acquire Polish citizenship by way of recognition by the appropriate Voivode and meet the special requirements (e.g. stay in Poland continuously for at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit).

Extra services:

We can also help you with obtaining:

temporary address registration;
PESEL / NIP numbers;
certificate of non-taxation.

If you want to open a business in Poland or you already run a company in Poland, we can offer our assistance in all formalities related to conducting business activities:

registration / suspension / termination of a business activity;
business and investment consultancy;
account keeping;
renting you a virtual office;
reviews and examination of financial reports;
tax consultancy.

You can also count on our help with purchase or sale of a real estate.

Employment legalisation services

AtoZ Serwis Plus offer for companies is support at every stage of legalization of employment:

Audit and indication of possible forms of employment
Legalization consultations with the client and employee
Assistance in obtaining the required permits and declarations
Monitoring of the deadlines of expiring permits and indications regarding the continuation of employment

In addition to supporting the legislative process, we also conduct training in the field of legalization of employment of foreigners.

Legalization of employment documents

The process of legalising employment necessitates the completion of a number of formalities, the completion of paperwork, and the submission of those documents to the proper offices. Foreigners must get appropriate rights to reside in Poland and a work permit in order to engage in legitimate employment, according to Polish legislation.

Legalizing the stay and work of foreigners is a complicated and time-consuming process, which is why we assist entrepreneurs in this process by leveraging the experience of our specialists who have assisted in the legal employment of foreigners in Poland for many years. By entrusting the legalisation process to the AtoZ Serwis Plus team, your company will be able to concentrate on its core competencies. This is your chance to keep your best and most dependable employees.

The AtoZ Serwis Plus service also allows you to tap into the international market as a source of highly motivated, low-turnover staff, including specialists. Thousands of completed projects (including for some of the world's largest and most well-known businesses) and a team of over 30 professionals ensure full service for the legalisation of stay and employee employment for your firm.

Legalization of foreign employees with AtoZ Serwis Plus

Documents and statements

We offer support in the employment of temporary workers based on a declaration of entrusting work.

Work permits

We help to obtain a type A work permit, under which a foreigner may apply for a visa or extend legal work in Poland.

Residence cards

We support companies in the preparation and submission of applications for permanent or temporary residence cards for foreign employees.

Contacts with local offices

As part of the comprehensive service for companies, we deal with contact with provincial offices, starosts and other administrative institutions.

Professional team

Since 2009, the AtoZ Serwis Plus agency has provided job placement services in the manufacturing, logistics, and service industries, employing valuable and motivated temporary workers.

Our consultants are experts in finding candidates from Poland and employees from Ukraine, and we have a large network of Asian business partners who can help us find people from places like India, Nepal, and Thailand.

Work permit for foreigners

We perform all of the requirements required to hire employees from other countries efficiently and swiftly thanks to the automated registration of declarations. We assist citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Moldova, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, the Philippines, and many more countries in legalising work.

We constantly represent the employer's interests, adjusting the type of documents obtained for your staff so that they can work for as long as feasible, knowing the requirements.

A coordinator, who will be responsible for your firm from the start to the finish of the legalisation process, will ensure that frequent and effective communication with your company is maintained.

How to work in Poland according to your qualification?

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Recruitment – recruiting with a one-time fee for employment by the employer of the candidate
Leasing of employees on the basis of the law on temporary work
Outsourcing of services (personnel) – some tasks in the company, the State can entrust you to us (we specialize in the metallurgical industry and road construction)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

An employer can hire a foreigner without needing to get additional documentation (such as a work permit) if the foreigner meets the following criteria:

- has the refugee status granted in Poland;

- has been granted subsidiary protection in Poland;

- has a permanent residence permit issued by Polish authorities;

- has a long-term EU resident's residence permit issued by Polish authorities;

- has a residence permit for humanitarian reasons;

- has a permit for tolerated stay in Poland;

- benefits from temporary protection in Poland;

- has a valid certificate issued by the Office for Foreigners at the request of a foreigner who applies for international protection;

- is a citizen of a Member State of the European Union / EEA / Swiss Confederation or accompanies on the territory of Poland as a family member of such a citizen;

Note! In this case, the definition of a family member is different from the definition of a foreigner's family member provided for in the Act on foreigners. Detailed information on this subject is available in the STAY IN POLAND OF FAMILY MEMBERS OF AN EU CITIZEN tab. Importantly, it is about the very fact of accompanying a foreigner in Poland. The possibility to work here is not conditional on obtaining a residence card of a family member of an EU citizen.

- is a person referred to in art. 19 par. 2-3 of the Act of 14 July 2006 on the entry into the territory of the Republic of Poland, on the stay and departure from the territory of citizens of the European Union Member States and their family members;

- has a temporary residence permit referred to in Art. 114 par. 1 (the so-called uniform permit for temporary residence and work), art. 126 (temporary residence permit in the case of performing a function in a management board of a legal person), art. 127 (the so-called EU Blue Card) or Art. 142 par. 3 (temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting business activity) of the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners;

Note! In the point described above, employment of a foreigner is possible only under the conditions specified in each temporary residence permit. This means, inter alia, that if a foreigner who has already been granted a temporary residence and work permit has contacted the employer, the employer should ask the foreigner to submit a decision. The decision specifies the conditions for issuing the permit. If the permit specifies another employer, then employment of a foreigner will require obtaining additional documents (e.g., a work permit). However, if the permit was issued in connection with the performance of work, but instead of the terms of employment (including the name of the employer / position), the basis for exempting the foreigner from the necessity to have a work permit is indicated, it is possible to employ a foreigner without obtaining additional documents.

- is staying on the territory of the Republic of Poland in connection with the use of short-term mobility of a managerial employee, specialist or intern under the transfer within the enterprise under the conditions specified in art. 139n, a notification of the intention to use short-term mobility by a foreigner par. 1 of the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners;

- is staying on the territory of the Republic of Poland in connection with the use of the short-term mobility of a researcher under the conditions specified in art. 156b, the admissibility of a researcher's short-term mobility, par. 1 of the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners;

- is staying on the territory of the Republic of Poland in connection with the use of student mobility under the conditions specified in art. 149b, the conditions of admissibility of a student mobility on the territory of the Republic of Poland, par. 1 of the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners.

FOREIGNERS EXEMPT FROM THE OBLIGATION TO HAVE A WORK PERMIT

The following are also exempt from the obligation to have a work permit:

- holding a temporary residence permit granted in Poland in connection with:

education during studies (Art. 144 of the Act on foreigners);
other circumstances (Art. 186 (1) (3, 4 or 7 of the Act on foreigners);
reunification with the family (Art. 159 (1) of the Act on foreigners);
getting married with a citizen of the Republic of Poland (Art. 158 (1) (1) of the Act on foreigners) - the fact of being married is also important, it should be verified by the employer when hiring and continuing cooperation with a foreigner;

Note! In the case of a spouse of a Polish citizen (unlike in the case of family members of EU citizens), performing work without the need for obtaining a work permit is possible only after a decision for temporary residence is issued due to getting married with a Polish citizen.

- holders of a valid Pole's Card;

- those entitled to stay and work in the territory of a Member State of the European Union or a country of the European Economic Area not belonging to the European Union or the Swiss Confederation and employed by an employer established on the territory of that country and temporarily posted by that employer to provide services on the territory of the Republic of Poland;

- those in relation to who international or separate agreements allow the performance of work without the need for a permit;

- trainers, participating in professional internships, performing an advisory, supervisory function or requiring specific qualifications and skills in programs implemented under the activities of the European Union or other international aid programs, also based on loans taken by the Government of the Republic of Poland;

- teachers of foreign languages ??who work in kindergartens, schools, institutions, centres, teacher training establishments or colleges, referred to in the regulations on the education system, or in Voluntary Labour Corps;

- members of the armed forces or civilian personnel who perform work in international military structures located on the territory of the Republic of Poland, or who are foreigners delegated to implement arms programs on the basis of contracts to which the Republic of Poland is a party;

- permanent correspondents of foreign mass media who have been granted, at the request of the editor-in-chief of a foreign editorial office or agency, accreditation by the minister competent for foreign affairs, but only in the field of professional journalistic activity performed for the editorial office or agency;

- those performing artistic services individually or in groups lasting up to 30 days in a calendar year;

- those delivering occasional lectures, papers or presentations of special scientific or artistic value up to 30 days in a calendar year;

- those performing work for an entity based in the territory of the Republic of Poland in connection with sports competitions, up to 30 days in a calendar year;

- those performing work in connection with sporting events of international importance, posted by an appropriate international sports organization;

- clergy, members of religious orders or other people who perform work in connection with their religious function, in churches and religious associations and national inter-church organizations, the status of which is regulated by an international treaty, regulations on relations between the State and the church or other religious association, or operate on the basis of an entry in the register of churches and other religious associations, their legal entities or organizational units, and who perform work as part of religious functions in other entities, on the basis of a referral by the competent authority of the church or other religious association or its legal person;

- students of full-time studies in Poland or participants of full-time doctoral studies in Poland;

- students who perform work within the framework of professional internships directed by organizations being members of international student associations;

- students who perform work under the cooperation of public employment services and their foreign partners, if the need to entrust a foreigner with work is confirmed by the competent employment authority;

- students of higher education institutions or students at vocational schools in the Member States of the European Union or countries of the European Economic Area, not belonging to the European Union or the Swiss Confederation, who work under professional internships provided for in the regulations of study or the curriculum, provided that they have been referred for such an internship from a higher or professional school;

- those participating in cultural or educational exchange programs, humanitarian or development aid programs or student summer work programs, organized in agreement with the minister competent for labour matters;

- graduates of Polish upper secondary schools, full-time higher education or full-time doctoral studies at Polish universities, research institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences or research institutes operating on the basis of regulations on research institutes;

- those performing work as research workers in entities referred to in the regulations on research institutes;

- those posted to the territory of the Republic of Poland by a foreign employer, if they retain their permanent residence abroad, for a period not exceeding 3 months in a calendar year, for the purpose of:

- those performing assembly, maintenance or repair works related to any delivered technologically complete devices, structures, machines, or other equipment, if the foreign employer is the manufacturer of them,

- receipt of ordered devices, machines, other equipment, or parts, made by a Polish entrepreneur,

- trainings for employees of a Polish employer who is the recipient of devices, structures, machines, or other equipment referred to in point a, in terms of operation or use,

- assembly and disassembly of exhibition stands, as well as care for them, if the exhibitor is a foreign employer who posts them for this purpose;

- those performing work for Members of the European Parliament in relation to their function;

- those entitled under the terms of legal acts issued by the bodies established under the Agreement establishing the association between the European Economic Community and Turkey, signed in Ankara on September 12, 1963, (Journal of Laws EC L 217 of 29.12.1964, p. 3687; Official Journal of Laws of the EU Polish special edition, chapter 11, vol. 11, p. 10)

Note! The above list does not exhaust all cases in which foreigners may perform work without the need for obtaining a work permit. In case of doubt, we recommend contacting our hotline or analysing the footnotes of the Act on employment promotion and labour market institutions and the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of April 21, 2015 on cases where entrusting work to a foreigner in the territory of the Republic of Poland is admissible without the need for obtaining a work permit.

CITIZENS OF ARMENIA, BELARUS, GEORGIA, MOLDOVA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND UKRAINE

Citizens of the countries are exempt from the obligation to have a work permit for a period not exceeding 6 months in consecutive 12 months, regardless of the number of entities entrusting them with work, on the basis of an agreement concluded in writing, if the poviat labour office registered a declaration of this entity on entrusting the work to a foreigner before the foreigner took up employment.

Detailed information on the declarations is available in the DECLARATION ON ENTRUSTING WORK TO A FOREIGNER t

source url : https://www.migrant.info.pl/Contracts_used_as_basis_for_performing_work.html

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The changes come into force on the 29^th of January 2022.

Changes to work and residency permits:

- No need to present in the proceedings documents confirming the place of residence in Poland (such as lease agreement, notarial deed, confirmation of residence).

- Resignation from the requirement to present a source of stable and regular income in favor of the requirement that the foreigner receives a salary not lower than the minimum remuneration for work, regardless of the working time and the type of contract. In practice, this means that each foreigner applying for a residence and work permit must receive at least the minimum remuneration for work (PLN 3010 gross).

- The possibility to change work and residency permit while changing the employer or work conditions. In practice, it means that the foreigner who changes an employer or work conditions will be able to apply for the change of the decision of his current residency permit instead of applying for a new one. The fee for changing the decision is 220 PLN, which constitutes half of the fee for issuing a new residency permit. To change the decision the foreigner will need to submit an application for changing the work and residency permit. The decision to change the permit will be issued within 60 days.

- The foreigner's obligation to notify the competent voivode about the change of employer will be deemed fulfilled also after submitting the application for a change of the permit, if the application is submitted within 15 days after the termination of the contract with the employer.

- Introduction of a priority path for processing applications for a temporary residence permit for foreigners who intend to perform work in entities strategic for the Polish economy. The minister competent for the economy will define the list of enterprises conducting activities of strategic importance.

- Possibility to obtain a residence and work permit in connection with work for several entities at the same time. In this case, the minimum wage requirement applies to the sum of remuneration received from entities in total.

Changes to residence and work permits in a professions requiring high qualifications (Blue Card)

- In the case of applying for a blue card (Blue Card), the gross salary must be equal to or higher than the average salary in Poland, established one year before applying for it. Previously, the amount of wages was related to the average wage in Poland, established for the year one year before the conclusion of the contract.

Changes to all temporary residence permits:

- Introduction of 60-day deadlines for issuing a decision for a temporary residence permit in the first instance and introducing 90-day deadlines for considering the case in the event of an appeal. In practice, this means that the Voivodship Office should issue a decision on granting a temporary residence permit within 60 days. In the event of an appeal, the Office for Foreigners, i.e. the second instance authority, will have 30 days to examine it.

-The deadline for issuing the decision is counted from the date on which the foreigner submits the application in person or from the date on which he submitted a complete application

Changes to permanent residence permits:

- Extension of the deadline for issuing a permanent residence permit to 6 months. This deadline is twice as long as the current statutory deadline. It should be noted, however, that the average duration of the procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit exceeded 6 months.

Changes to the possibility of obtaining a visa:

- Shortening the time limit for issuing a visa for the purpose of studying, conducting research, internship, volunteering to 30 days from submitting the application and shortening the time limit to 7 days for supplementing the missing documents. This deadline is shorter than the previous 14 days.

- Introduction of a fast-track visa process for a national visa for the purpose of work "5" or "6", available to selected groups of foreigners from countries to be defined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The selection of these groups would be based on the demand of the labor market.

Changes to declarations of intention to entrust work to a foreigner and work permits:

- Changing the period of work on the basis of a declaration of entrusting work to 24 months from the current 6 months;

- The possibility of changing the position while maintaining the scope of duties or increasing the working time with a proportional increase in remuneration without the need to obtain a new work permit;

- Introduction of solutions allowing for the introduction of priority in examining cases for issuing a work permit for employers of strategic importance for the Polish economy. The minister responsible for economy will define a list of entrepreneurs conducting strategic activity.

Simplified procedure for granting residence and work permits:

In addition, the Act on foreigners introduces a temporary regulation providing for a simplified procedure for granting temporary residence and work permits, e.g. by:

- Issuance of temporary residence and work permits for proceedings initiated before January 1, 2021, which on the date of entry into force of the draft act were not completed with the issuance of a decision. In this case, temporary residence and work permits will be issued for a period of 2 years from the date of the decision.

- Temporary residence and work permits issued under a special procedure will not specify the conditions of work performance and the entity entrusting the performance of work. Therefore, the foreigner will be given a one-time freedom to determine the employer himself. However, foreigners will have to submit to the office a declaration of the entity entrusting the performance of work to the office within 60 days from the delivery of the decision.

- Foreigners who submitted applications for a residence and work permit before the announcement of the state of epidemic threat (March 14, 2020) will be exempt from the obligation to appear in person, if the voivodeship office has not sent a summons by the date of entry into force of the amended act. In the case of issuing the first residence card, the prints will be taken upon its collection.

Changes in Pole’s Card

Parent’s or grandparent’s Pole’s card will be considered a proof of meeting the requirements for receiving the Pole's Card

TOP-10 In-Demand Jobs in Poland (2022)

The Polish labour market has been undergoing significant changes in recent years. Poland requires foreign workers to expand its economy, which generates advantageous labour market conditions for immigrants.
The following employees are in short supply, according to research commissioned by the Polish Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy in 2019.
Here is where you can apply.

Thus, below is a list of top 10 professions in Poland

1. Qualified blue-collar employees

In Poland, there are many job openings in the manual labour sector, but locals are not eager to fill them. This group continues to be the most popular among immigrants. Freight movers, unskilled labourers, cooks, and carers all make a good living. Concrete layers, steel fixers, tile layers, engineering structure installers, bricklayers, and plasterers, operators and mechanics of excavation equipment, and finishing works specialists are all in short supply in the construction industry. Machine operators, welding operators, tailors or garment sewing specialists, woodwork specialists, locksmiths, electricians, electrical engineers, and electric fitters are all jobs in the industrial industry.
Agriculture employees are also needed in Poland. Farmers in the provinces are consistently requesting foreigners to work for them on a seasonal basis.

2. Employees in the field of trade

In a variety of fields, the Polish labour market need trade professionals. Sales agents, salespeople, and brand representatives are needed by businesses that sell pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, food, cosmetics, building supplies, tours, and real estate. In addition, there are numerous openings in Polish network supermarkets.

3. Drivers

There are numerous opportunities for drivers. To secure one of these jobs, however, an applicant must first purchase a licence, which is quite costly. There is a severe shortage of bus and truck drivers with an elevating capacity of more than 3.5 tonnes.

4. Technicians, storekeepers

Both workers and supervisors are in limited supply in Polish plants and companies. They require product engineers, workshop managers, laboratory managers, and warehouse managers. One of the most in-demand occupations in Poland is that of a storekeeper. Because the Polish believe the wages paid by Polish companies to be too low, manufacturing HR departments are forced to hire foreigners.

5. Engineers

Engineers are one of the most in-demand professions on the planet. A qualified engineer is almost certain to find work in Poland. Electrical engineers, mechanics engineers, and building engineers are especially needed. Many organisations are willing to hire foreigners with an engineering degree, substantial experience, and a working knowledge of Polish as managers. Polish science is thriving, and the government is investing heavily in research. Biologists, genetic engineers, pharmacists, and chemical and food engineers can all expect to find work in Poland.

6. IT specialists

All Western countries suffer from a scarcity of trained IT professionals. Competent programmers, mobile app developers, and desktop software developers are in short supply in Poland. Programmer is unquestionably one of the most in-demand jobs in 2019. The IT business is always on the lookout for competent professionals, and there are no indicators that this will change in the foreseeable future.

7. Accountants, economists

In Poland's financial and economic sectors, there are numerous job openings. The Polish, on the other hand, claim that the country has a large number of economists. It is not difficult to obtain employment with a Polish company, but it will require some work. Work experience and a working knowledge of Polish are also required.

8. Human resources staff

Poland need a workforce, and recruiting firms in the country require HR professionals. Recruiters, HR specialists, and staff managers are in high demand at many agencies. Employees must have a broad understanding of not only human resources management, but also law, administration, and training.

9. Food industry

In Poland, chefs, pastry chefs, cooks, and bakers will have little trouble finding work.

10. Logistics specialists, warehouse workers

The majority of job openings are for managers and workload managers. Forwarding agents, delivery managers, and transport managers are all positions that deal with the distribution of vehicles for a certain group of commodities.

11. The service sector

A new trend is emerging in Poland as a result of the growing number of international employees: services for foreigners. Hairdressers, cosmeticians, physical therapists, and masseurs with the necessary qualifications will have little trouble obtaining work in the service business.

Work Migration to Poland in 5 Easy Steps

Due to the legal requirements for work immigrants from Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Russia ,India ,Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Ukraine, labour emigration to Poland is becoming increasingly popular each year.

However, the number of immigrants from South Asia and the Middle East who wish to work and live in Poland grew last year. Citizens of these nations successfully meet all of the stringent standards of Poland's state authorities, gaining not only the opportunity to work in Poland, but also the opportunity to improve their family's life. After all, every foreigner who works legally in Poland and follows all of the procedures for legalising his or her stay and activity can help his or her family immigrate to Poland.

1. Is it worthwhile to immigrate to Poland for work now, given the continued growth of the foreign labour market?

Yes, it is worthwhile to immigrate to Poland in 2022 for job! Poland has been rapidly developing in the domains of building, investment, innovation, and other areas in recent years, attracting not only immigrants but also multinational firms and big investments. As a result, each month, the demand for workers on the Polish labour market increases.

Agriculture, construction, tourism, services, and other industries have the largest demand for personnel. Graduates with university credentials, professional experience, and foreign language skills, on the other hand, are welcomed by Polish and worldwide firms.

If you truly want to improve your life and provide a better future for yourself and your family, you should pursue your dream and begin the process of work-based immigration to Poland.

2. Is it possible to immigrate to Poland on the basis of employment? What are the first steps in the process?

Every foreign national who comes to Poland for work or long-term living must legalise not only his stay, but also his activities on Polish soil. However, legal stay in Poland allows you to plan your future in a new nation and receive all potential benefits on an equal footing with Polish residents, and it is not just about the Polish government's tight standards and long useless bureaucratic processes.

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the following five steps for a successful work-based immigration to Poland.

Step 1 – Searching for job in Poland

In Poland, there are numerous options for job seekers. In Poland, you can look for work on your own or with the assistance of a job or immigration agency.

Please be aware, however, that you must exercise caution during your immigration to Poland process because Poland now has a large number of immigration and labour SCAMs. When applying for a job and paying fees for services such as job search assistance, work visas, work permits, TRC in Poland, and so on, check all official information about the agency, law firm, and/or your employer.

Work and/or immigration agencies that help foreigners with searching for real official job in Poland. Some of them also offer foreigners to assist them with all legal matters pertaining to legal formalities in the whole process of preparing necessary documentation for work immigration to Poland Our Polish Lawyer law firm “AtoZ Serwis Plus” also helps foreigners with the whole process of immigration to Poland on various basis like work, studies, business, etc.

LinkedIn – a world-famous social network for business communication and searching for job offers/employees. This social network can be used for both passive and active job search. In addition, this social network can be used as a channel for finding work abroad, since very often large international corporations have job offers there. What is more, a lot of firms themselves are looking for suitable employees there.
Pracuj.pl and Praca.pl are Poland’s most popular job search services with useful employment information and tax calculators.
Gumtree.pl and OLX.pl are popular free ad services where you can find part-time jobs and internships in hospitality, service, reception, call centers, manufacturing, gastronomy and so on.
Absolvent.pl is a website that is suitable for students and university graduates. They offer useful information about job searches and internships, as well as arrange job exhibitions every 6 months.

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Step 2 – Obtaining a work permit in Poland

When you already have a job and work contact in Poland, you can start the process of obtaining a required work permit in Poland. Usually employers make it by themselves, but not always. Sometimes they need the help of law firms in this process, too.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland then you may legally work in Poland only on the basis of 1 of the following work permits:

Work permit in Poland

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy there are 5 types of work permits that can be issued for foreigners in the territory of the Republic of Poland: A, B, C, D, E.

Seasonal work permit (Type S)
Declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner entered in the declaration register
Certificate of entering the application for a seasonal work permit in the register of applications.

Please, take into account that the required type of work permit in Poland depends on your individual situation. For example, it depends on your citizenship, type and period of work contract, employer, job position and etc.

Step 3 – Obtaining a national type “D” work visa to Poland

Based on obtained work permit, invitation from the employer and work contract you can apply for national type “D” work visa to Poland at the Embassy of Poland in your home country.

If you correctly prepared the whole package of required documents, you get your visa to Poland in 15 days.

Step 4 – Your arrival to Poland

Step 5 – Obtaining work TRC in Poland

As soon as you legally come to Poland with all documents listed above, you can apply for Temporary Residence Permit in Poland based on your work if you have the intention and justification of your stay in Poland for more than 3 months (90 days).

Now you can see that the process of work immigration to Poland is not so difficult and long. But you have to spend your time for understanding of the whole bureaucratic process and preparation of required documents by the Polish government.

BUT is it a problem when you can make your dreams come true and immigrate to Europe? Of course, no.

If you need legal assistance and /or discussion of your individual immigration process, then you can always contact us and make an appointment for “AtoZ Serwis Plus consultation in Immigration case” in order to start our effective cooperation.

Our experienced immigration specialists together with our polish immigration lawyer will analyze your case in detail together with all the documents you have and based on this analysis they will advise you and tell you what risks and opportunities you have, how it is better to proceed further in your case in order to immigrate to Poland based on official work in the shortest possible time and comply with all Polish laws regarding the legalization of the stay and activity of foreigners.

designers-and-database-administrators-job-in-poland.jpg

The most popular professions in Poland. List of deficient professions in Poland from the official source. Information about the professions is taken from the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland and more specifically from the document in which the Ministry of Family, Work, and Social Policy decided the current list of professions deficient for Poland. The document is dated 28.06.2018.

In September 2018, it was announced that a simpler version of the permanent residence permit (karta staego pobytu) in Poland would be offered for foreigners. This simplification was intended to apply to foreigners in Poland with weak vocations. Regardless, this post will be beneficial to you in a number of ways, particularly if your career is lacking:

• You will able to obtain more quickly a work permit, due to the fact that for professions from the short list does not require the labor market test document (opinia starosty).
• If you are just going to get work, then it will be an additional argument when talking about salary with the employer.

Important information!

In this list, professions have their own index of 6-digitals or 4-digitals. The difference is between these two kinds is that a 6-digit symbol means that it is the specific name of a profession and specialty, for example, 251905 speech recognition systems specialist
The 4-digit symbol means that this is an elementary group which already includes 6-digit names of professions and specialties.

Designers and Database Administrators

251201 specialist for application development
2513 network application and multimedia designers
2514 applications programmers
251905 speech recognition systems specialist
2521 database designers and administrators

Index 2521 – Designers and Database Administrators

Database administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of company databases. Database administrators' duties include maintaining adherence to a data management policy and ensuring that company databases are functional and backed up in the event of memory loss.

Database Administrator Job Description Template

We are seeking to hire a technically skilled database administrator that is capable of holding positions of great responsibility. In this role, you'll be the first respondent to database problems that arise and carry out periodic maintenance and troubleshooting.

To ensure success as a database administrator, you should be an excellent problem-solver and communicator that is fluent in most data manipulation languages. Ultimately, a top-notch database administrator should have extensive knowledge of the databases under their administration and display sound technical skills and administrative aptitude.

Database Administrator Responsibilities:

Monitoring system performance and identifying problems that arise.
Responding in a timely manner to user-reported errors.
Protecting the database against threats or unauthorized access.
Ensuring that the database is adequately backed up and able to be recovered in the event of memory loss.
Reporting on metrics regarding usage and performance.
Suggesting changes and improvements for database maintenance or protection.
Regularly liaising with IT project managers and database programmers.
Designing databases with both front-end and back-end users in mind.

Database Administrator Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Advanced certification as an MCDBA or MCSD for .NET is advantageous.
A minimum of 3 years' experience as a database administrator.
Proficiency in data manipulation languages, including MS SQL, Oracle Database, Hadoop, or PostgreSQL.
Analytical mindset and good problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Highly organized and responsible.
Capable of working under pressure.
Up-to-date with trends and developments in database administration.

Designers and Database Administrators Average Salary in Poland

A person working as a Database Administrator in Poland typically earns around 7,230 PLN per month. Salaries range from 3,550 PLN (lowest) to 11,300 PLN (highest).

This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Database Administrator salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on many different criteria.

The median, the maximum, the minimum, and the range

Salary Range

Database Administrator salaries in Poland range from 3,550 PLN per month (minimum salary) to 11,300 PLN per month (maximum salary).
Median Salary

The median salary is 7,380 PLN per month, which means that half (50%) of people working as Database Administrator(s) are earning less than 7,380 PLN while the other half are earning more than 7,380 PLN. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
Percentiles

Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of Database Administrator(s) are earning less than 4,920 PLN while 75% of them are earning more than 4,920 PLN. Also from the diagram, 75% of Database Administrator(s) are earning less than 9,520 PLN while 25% are earning more than 9,520 PLN.

Database Administrator Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

The experience level is the most important factor in determining the salary. Naturally the more years of experience the higher your wage. We broke down Database Administrator salaries by experience level and this is what we found.

A Database Administrator with less than two years of experience makes approximately 4,200 PLN per month.

While someone with an experience level between two and five years is expected to earn 5,400 PLN per month, 29% more than someone with less than two year's experience.

Moving forward, an experience level between five and ten years lands a salary of 7,450 PLN per month, 38% more than someone with two to five years of experience.

Additionally, Database Administrator(s) whose expertise span anywhere between ten and fifteen years get a salary equivalent to 9,230 PLN per month, 24% more than someone with five to ten years of experience.

If the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years, then the expected wage is 9,890 PLN per month, 7% more than someone with ten to fifteen years of experience.

Lastly, employees with more than twenty years of professional experience get a salary of 10,600 PLN per month, 7% more than people with fifteen to twenty years of experience.

Database Administrator average salary change by experience in Poland

0 - 2 Years		4,200 PLN
2 - 5 Years	+29%	5,400 PLN
5 - 10 Years	+38%	7,450 PLN
10 - 15 Years	+24%	9,230 PLN
15 - 20 Years	+7%	9,890 PLN
20+ Years	+7%	10,600 PLN

Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value.

Database Administrator Salary Comparison By Education

How do education levels affect salaries?

Displayed below is the average salary difference between different Database Administrator(s) who have the same experience but different education levels.

We all know that higher education equals a bigger salary, but how much more money can a degree add to your income? We broke down Database Administrator salaries by education level in order to make a comparison.

When the education level is Certificate or Diploma, the average salary of a Database Administrator is 5,400 PLN per month.

While someone with a Bachelor's Degree gets a salary of 7,260 PLN per month, 34% more than someone having a Certificate or Diploma degree.

A Master's Degree gets its holder an average salary of 11,100 PLN per month, 53% more than someone with a Bachelor's Degree.

Database Administrator average salary difference by education level in Poland

Certificate or Diploma		5,400 PLN
Bachelor's Degree	+34%	7,260 PLN
Master's Degree	+53%	11,100 PLN

Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value.

Is a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Should you pursue higher education?

A Master's degree program or any post-graduate program in Poland costs anywhere from 37,800 Zloty(s) to 113,000 Zloty(s) and lasts approximately two years. That is quite an investment.

You can't really expect any salary increases during the study period, assuming you already have a job. In most cases, a salary review is conducted once education is completed and the degree has been attained.

Many people pursue higher education as a tactic to switch into a higher paying job. The numbers seem to support the thoery. The average increase in compensation while changing jobs is approximately 10% more than the customary salary increment.

If you can afford the costs of higher education, the return on investment is definitely worth it. You should be able to recover the costs in roughly a year or so.

Database Administrator Bonus and Incentive Rates in Poland

A Database Administrator is considered to be a low bonus-based job due to the generally limited involvement in direct revenue generation, with exceptions of course. The people who get the highest bonuses are usually somehow involved in the revenue generation cycle.

70% of surveyed staff reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 30% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 0% to 4% of their annual salary.

Received Bonus		30%
No Bonus		70%

Learn about the key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a MAG welder job description.

Do you want to discover a job that matches your qualifications in Poland? Work as a competent worker instead! We recommend that you complete this form. We will contact you as soon as a vacancy matching your requirements and credentials becomes available. Tell me everything you know about yourself.

On average, four employers fill out an application to find employees every minute on our page. The majority of them are seeking for highly qualified employees.

New positions are first offered to those who complete this form. We also provide work permits. Please be aware that we only contact selected candidates. If our recruitment specialist does not respond, it means we are unable to hire you.

Job description

MAG welder. Different cities and workplacements in Poland. Companies manufacturing parts of the machine programme such as tipping teailers and all-grip buckets, production of individual machine components for loader wagons, uniwersal spreaders, diet feeders and conveyour belt wagons etc.

We are searching for a reliable, deadline-driven MIG welder to join our team of skilled professionals. The MIG welder's responsibilities include interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate tools and metals, measuring and assembling metal pieces, using cutting tools, determining gas ratios, drilling holes, and monitoring inventory. You should be able to observe health and safety regulations at all times and report any issues to the line manager.

To be successful as a MIG welder, you should demonstrate excellent physical strength and dexterity, as well as superb attention to detail. Outstanding MIG welders are able to interpret written and verbal specifications and stick to deadlines even under extreme conditions.

Position requirements

High school diploma or similar.
A completed apprenticeship or vocational training.
A relevant certificate from a welding association may be required.
Excellent stamina, strength, and dexterity.
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
Sound understanding of welding safety.
The ability to teach would be advantageous.
A willingness to learn and work overtime when required.

We offer

Salary 25-29 zl net/hour with a possibility of growing salary after 3 months of work
Accommodation paid by themselve (we organise it)
Cost of accommodation around 450-500 zl/month (flats, houses)
Around 210 -220 working hours per/month

By applying to us you get :

our care while in the process of recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
support of the legally acting agency, registered in KRAZ: 24244.
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Apply Now

Job description

MAG welder. Different cities and workplaces in Poland. Companies manufacturing parts of the machine programme such as tipping trailers and all-grip buckets, production of individual machine components for loader wagons, universal spreaders, diet feeders and conveyor belt wagons, etc.

To succeed as a MIG welder, you should demonstrate excellent physical strength, skill, and superb attention to detail. Outstanding MIG welders can interpret written and verbal specifications and stick to deadlines even under extreme conditions.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or similar.
A completed apprenticeship or vocational training.
A relevant certificate from a welding association may be required.
Excellent stamina, strength, and agility.
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
Sound understanding of welding safety.
The ability to teach would be advantageous.
A willingness to learn and work overtime when required.

We offer

Salary 25-29 zl net/hour with a possibility of growing salary after three months of work
Accommodation paid by themselves (we organise it)
Cost of accommodation around 450-500 zl/month (flats, houses)
Around 210 -220 working hours per/month

By applying to us, you get:

our care while recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
Constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Do you think you're looking for work? Look no further!

Outsourcing HR and payroll in Poland

Polish social insurance, PIT, and labor law laws are complex and prone to regular modifications, making employment and payroll management a tough and time-consuming operation. As a result, we urge you to entrust us with this obligation and allow us to provide comprehensive HR and payroll outsourcing services for your company. We provide a full variety of payroll calculation and HR administration outsourcing services that are tailored to our clients' specific requirements.

We take great effort to keep the information on your employees private, and we follow all current requirements. A team of qualified specialists provides professional service of the highest degree, continually updating their expertise through means such as many dedicated trainings. Our extensive expertise offering outsourcing services to both small and major overseas firms, as well as the proven solutions we offer, will ensure that your company's personnel and payroll operations are managed in a timely and dependable manner.

The following areas are covered by our payroll and HR services:

Payroll outsourcing:

Registering employer and employees with the social insurance system;
Remuneration calculation for employees regardless of their employment form;
Preparing reports - payroll, pay slips, summaries for bookkeeping entries and all other purposes;
Calculation of social insurance contributions and advance PIT payments, as well as drafting annual and monthly declarations required by current Polish regulations;
Managing employee remuneration payments and arranging transfers to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the tax office or the tax enforcement officer on behalf of the employer;
Assistance in managing cases of foreigners working in Poland and Polish citizens employed by companies without a formal seat in Poland;
Cooperation during inspections by the Social Insurance Institution or the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP).

Human Resources management:

Drafting all kinds of HR documentation related to employment (employment contract, contract termination, annexes and the like);
Maintaining employment relationship documentation (employee's personal files);
Maintaining record of leaves;
Calculating work hours based on time sheets;
Managing leaves and absences of employees; o Keeping track of expiry dates of medical checks and H&S training;
Drafting work rules and other internal documents.

In addition, we provide comprehensive labor law, HR & payroll, and social insurance consulting services. We can gladly assist you with non-standard projects that demand customized solutions and a unique approach to problems your company is facing.

To meet the demands of our clients, all HR & payroll outsourcing services (including report writing) are given in English and Polish.

MIG welder. Different cities and workplacements in Estonia. Companies manufacturing parts of the machine programme such as tipping teailers and all-grip buckets, production of individual machine components for loader wagons, uniwersal spreaders, diet feeders and conveyour belt wagons etc.

MIG Welder Responsibilities:

Selecting, measuring, cutting, and joining appropriate metals to specifications.
Preparing metals and work surfaces to ensure safe and effective assemblage.
Interpreting specifications and blueprints accurately.
Training welding apprentices and mentoring recruits.
Regularly cleaning and inspecting welding equipment and tools.
Operating cranes and other machinery to transport materials to welding worksites.
Determining correct gas ratios.
Testing the strength of each join during and after project completion.
Diagnosing issues and troubleshooting as required.
Liaising with the line manager or supervisor, reporting any issues, and making suggestions for improvement.

MIG Welder Requirements:

High school diploma or similar.
A completed apprenticeship or vocational training.
A relevant certificate from a welding association may be required.
Excellent stamina, strength, and dexterity.
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
Sound understanding of welding safety.
The ability to teach would be advantageous.
A willingness to learn and work overtime when required.

We offer

1344 – 1500 EUR/Month, 8-9 eur/h with a possibility of growing salary after 3 months of work.
Period of contract Starting from 1 year and more
Probation Period 4 months
Work Location Kehra, Harjumaa, Estonia (43 km from Tallinn)
Working hours Mon-Fri 50-60 hours/week
Annual Paid Leave By agreement
Over Time Possible (same rate)
Rest Day Saturday and Sunday
Accommodation Two-three-bedroom flat, 1-2 people in the room.
Airport Pickup
Local Transportation Possible
Medical
Uniform
Salary Gross 1344 – 1500 eur/month

Apply Now

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Electrician to undertake a variety of tasks relating to setting up and maintaining electrical infrastructure. Your job will involve installing electrical wiring in buildings and poles, troubleshooting malfunctions and blackouts and repairing appliances.

Due to the high amount of risk pertaining to this job, electricians must be first and foremost responsible individuals with great attention to safety precautions. The ideal candidate must also be experienced in different kinds of electrical devices and systems.

The goal will be to produce and maintain well functioning electrical connections to Minimise the probability of accidents and Maximise usability of electricity in all facilities.

Job requirements

execution of temporary electrical connections and installations, enabling the implementation of construction works;
execution of electrical installations in buildings in accordance with technical documentation; execution of external electrical installations, teletechnical and lightning protection;
controlling the quality of the work performed on an ongoing basis, including controlling the functionality of the installation, removing faults;
preparation for acceptance and commissioning of electrical installations;
performing post-assembly (acceptance) measurements of electrical installations and the effectiveness of the applied electric shock protection;
performing minor assembly, locksmith and construction works during the installation (post-installation) works;
we require work experience from candidates (we prefer people with any qualifications)
knowledge of the English language will be an advantage
we are especially looking for: upholsterers, seamstresses, welders, CNC operators, turners, CE drivers, bricklayers, plasterers, fixers, pavers, painters, varnishers, electricians
we are also looking for: chefs, hotel cleaners, nannies for children
We also offer work for: packers, production machine operators and unqualified employees with production experience
applicants should have a valid passport for at least 2 years and up to 40 years of age

Additional information

A construction electrician performs and repairs electrical, lightning protection and teletechnical installations in building structures.
A construction electrician is a service profession in the field of electrical, construction and assembly. The aim of the work of a construction electrician is comprehensive implementation (based on design documentation, applicable regulations and rules, technical knowledge) of electrical, lightning protection and teletechnical installations in residential, office and public buildings.
Before the commencement of construction works, the construction electrician, in consultation with the energy distributor, provisionally supplies the construction site by installing a low-voltage switchgear there.
During the entire construction period, the construction electrician makes the necessary changes in the power supply to the construction site, adapting them to the progress and technology of work of the participants in the construction process, in a timely manner and sequence.
The commencement of proper installation works takes place after the completion of construction works. A construction electrician arranges flush-mounted installations before plastering, and surface-mounted installations after plastering.
The installation works include preparatory works: installation routing, preparation of cable routes, forging recesses for switchboards, openings for boxes for electrical equipment and grooves for electrical installation pipes. Then, a construction electrician arranges cables and fixes electrical equipment, performs all external electrical installations, including area lighting and lightning protection.
At the end of the installation work, he describes and marks the electrical fixtures and fittings, and carries out functional tests of the installation (the so-called acceptance tests).
Renovation or modernization works consist of replacing plug-in sockets with sockets with a protective pin, fuses with installation switches, changing – to a three- and five-wire installation, checking with equipotential bonding, installing residual current devices and increasing the cross-sections of cables in order to adapt the installation to higher loads.
Renovation and modernization works in electrical installations are usually performed during the renovation of a building or apartment.
During the execution of works, a construction electrician controls the quality of execution of individual stages of his own works on an ongoing basis and removes identified defects. At the final stage of works carried out by other contractors, he performs post-assembly (acceptance) measurements and tests of the effectiveness of the applied anti-shock protection.

Our offer:

fully legal work in Poland on the basis of a work permit and a working visa
obtaining a residence card on the territory of Poland
remuneration from PLN 22 to PLN 27 / hour net (remuneration depending on skills) (PLN 4,400 – PLN 6,600 per month)
provided accommodation payable in the amount of PLN 500 for the employee
Organization of the entire visa process
pickup from the airport in Poland and accommodation in AtoZ Serwis Plus accommodation facilities
care of an English-speaking coordinator in Poland
free medical care in Poland
free workwear

By applying to us you get:

our care while in the process of recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

We are the agency that can help you find a decent job.

Looking for work? Look no further!

Apply Now

Are you interested in working in Poland? Check out current job openings in Poland for foreigners and native speakers, as well as tips on working and living in Poland.

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Job description

We offer excellent terms to all interested people looking for a job as a manual packer or warehouse worker in Poland. Our company has been operating in the HR market since 2009. During these several years, thousands of people worldwide have started working with us in Poland and Europe. We also invite you to take part in the recruitment process.

We seek a Warehouse Worker to participate in our warehouse operations and activities. The worker's responsibilities include storing materials, picking, packing, and scanning orders. The goal is to increase efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

We offer

Wage rate: 21,50 PLN gross/hour
Two-shift schedule (I 6:30-14:30, and II 14:30-22:30). (Possible work on some Saturdays and over time, the average number of hours per month is about 190)
Free accommodation (obligatory payment for utilities of 200 PLN/month)

Job Responsibilities

packing tops and hangers in cardboard packaging
receipt and delivery of goods in a warehouse
transporting and moving goods inside the warehouse
simple production work
taking care of law and order in the place where activities are performed
ability to work in a team
availability
work in three shifts

Requirements and skills

Proven working experience as a Warehouse Worker
Proficiency in inventory software, databases and systems
Familiarity with modern warehousing practices and methods
Good organisational and time management skills
Ability to lift heavy objects
Current forklift licence (Optional )
High school degree (Optional )

By applying to us, you get:

our care while recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
Constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Job Apply Eligibility Citizen:

Non-EU citizens and EU citizens are eligible to apply for this job.
Employers provide work permits for foreigners.

About AtoZ Serwis Plus

AtoZ Serwis Plus is a reputable and well-known B2C immigration agency providing specialised immigration services since 2009. With company registration offices in Poland, Portugal, Malta, Germany, and Romania and partner offices in various countries worldwide, it offers individualised immigration services to clients globally.

Supported by Polish attorneys and with company registration numbers Regon: 382604058, NIP: 5252780856, and KRS: 0000770916, AtoZ Serwis Plus Sp. z o.o. is a Polish Overseas Career Consultant and is considered one of the largest B2C immigration firms in Europe. It works closely with regulated and licensed immigration lawyers in its offices in Poland and Portugal.

AtoZ Serwis Plus has extensive experience managing international recruitment projects and specialises in providing staffing services. They assist individuals from countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and others in finding employment opportunities in Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Poland, Malta, Portugal, Germany, and other European countries.

Their services cater to individuals seeking professional growth and those looking to relocate permanently to Europe. AtoZ Serwis Plus charges reasonable fees for its services and offers flexible payment options.

Overall, AtoZ Serwis Plus aims to provide high-value immigration services, leveraging their expertise, international network, and partnerships to assist clients in achieving their career goals abroad.

For the Employer

Do you need new employees? Our Immigration agency can assist you in finding the best candidates from various countries, including:

CIS: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
Southeast Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam.
Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
Africa: Nigeria, Algeria, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia.
EU and EEA: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

We take a personalised approach to each of our clients and ensure that we understand your specific needs and requirements for candidates before deciding on the cost of our services. It's a critical step in the recruitment process, and we ask that you fill in all the fields as thoroughly as possible to help us and the job applicants.

Are you looking to Hire? Let us help you find the perfect candidates!

Step 1: Fill out the employer's questionnaire. Please provide us with the necessary details about your job requirements and company. We'll use this information to customise our services for you. Fill in the form.

Step 2: Choose the best offer. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we'll prepare a tailored proposal for recruitment, employee leasing, or outsourcing services.

Step 3: Welcome your new employee. We'll utilise our extensive network and resources to find the ideal candidate for your business. Please don't worry; we'll ensure favourable conditions for you and the employee.

Take advantage of exceptional talent for your company. Complete the employer's questionnaire today, and let us handle your hiring needs.

For Job Seeker Registration

If you'd like to find work opportunities in Europe, please complete the application form on our website. Once you have filled out all the necessary details, our team at AtoZ Serwis Plus will look over your application and contact you to give you more information. Don't hesitate to fill out the form and take the first step towards your new job. Fill in the form.

Would you like some advice? So that you know, the information I've included here is for you to review. You'll always need to consult with your legal and tax advisor(s) and follow their guidance. AtoZ Serwis Plus cannot assist with legal or tax matters. The information presented is not specific to any particular company or workforce nor reflects how AtoZ Serwis Plus products are distributed in any jurisdiction. Instead, it is general. AtoZ Serwis Plus makes no representations or warranties regarding this information's accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. It shall not be liable for any losses from using or relying on it. Please be careful when using this information.

Disclaimer: atozserwisplus.Pl is a FREE visa database and marketplace for immigration experts. This page's content does not provide legal advice. Before applying, kindly consult an expert.

The growing number of foreigners who visit Poland each year demonstrates that it has developed into a desirable European work market. A work permit is required to pursue a professional career in this country. Learn everything there is to know about this document and the other prerequisites.

I need to obtain one if…

... I would like to work in Poland. This document enables any foreigner to work legally in the United States. It's only good for one job, so if you get one, you're legally obligated to use it exclusively for the tasks specified on the application form. You will need to apply for a new work permit if you change jobs. Please keep in mind that this document is only valid for a specific time period, which cannot exceed three years.

Do I even need it?

Not all of the time. There are numerous scenarios for persons interested in working in Poland, but we will focus on the most typical ones. First and foremost, foreigners from the European Union are not required to get work permits (plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland). Individuals with an EU long-term resident card issued by the Polish authorities are also affected. Furthermore, if you have a permanent residence status, you will not be required to obtain any work permits. The issue is similar when it comes to temporary residence permits, as long as your document specifies that you can begin legal work in Poland. Many of our Eastern neighbors will be relieved to learn that holders of the Pole's Card are also exempt from obtaining work permits. Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine who intend to work in Poland for a limited time must follow the same rules (up to 6 months in a year). Human trafficking victims, refugees, and other individuals protected by the Republic of Poland on specific reasons are among those on the list. If you're still unsure about your legal standing in this issue, contact the relevant voivode's office.

Which one to obtain?

There are five types of work permits:

Type A – if you are employed either on the basis of employment contract or civil law contract by an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most popular work permit.
Type B – if you are performing a board member function and residing in Poland for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
Type C – if you are delegated to Poland by a foreign employer for a period that exceeds 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch.
Type D – if you are delegated by a foreign employer to work in export services in an occasional and temporary manner. It is important that the foreign employer does not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Poland.
Type E – if you are undertaking work-related tasks which do not fall into any of the four categories above. This is, as you presume, the rarest type of a work permit.

How to apply for a work permit?

If you wish to work in Poland, get started on all of the above and keep an eye on your employer, as they are the ones who are in charge of your application. Best of luck!

How to work in Poland on qualification?

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit.Please note that we communicate only with selected candidates. If our recruitment specialist will not reply to you, it’s mean we can’t hire you.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

How to work as a Truck and Truck Tractor Drivers job in Poland on qualification?

Do you want to find a Truck and Truck Tractor Drivers job in Poland under your qualification? Don’t work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon as we have a vacancy corresponding to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself .

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit.

Please note that we communicate only with selected candidates. If our recruitment specialist will not reply to you, it’s mean we can’t hire you.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do work permit.Please note that we communicate only with selected candidates. If our recruitment specialist will not reply to you, it’s mean we can’t hire you.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Complete the questionnaire !

AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

Foreigners from outside the EU

Do I need a visa
Where to obtain a visa
Supporting documents for a visa application
I have a valid “D” visa or a residence permit issued by another Schengen state
Short-term mobility under intra-corporate transfer
Student mobility
Short-term mobility of researchers
Short-term mobility of researcher’s family members

A type A permit is issued to a foreigner working in the territory of Poland, on the basis of an agreement with an entity (employer) whose seat, place of residence or branch, plant or other form of organized activity is located in Poland.

Conditions for obtaining a type A permit

the amount of remuneration, which will be specified in the contract with the foreigner, may not be lower than the remuneration of employees performing work of a comparable type or in a comparable position
the amount of the foreigner's monthly remuneration may not be lower than the amount of the minimum remuneration for work
the employer must have a certificate from the supervisor that it is impossible to meet the employer's staffing needs based on the registers of the unemployed and jobseekers

For how long are type A permits issued

A type A work permit is always issued for a specified period, not longer than three years. Authorizations may be renewed. The employer must submit an Application for the permit extension no earlier than 90 and no later than 30 days before the permit expiry. The voivode may shorten the period for which type A work permits are issued in a given voivodeship. The work permit's validity length may vary depending on where it was issued.

How long does it take for an A permit to receive it

There is no specific application deadline, but the procedure for issuing a work permit may take up to six months. Remember that these deadlines are counted from the date of submitting a complete and formally correct application.

The Application should be submitted to:

Voivode competent for your seat or place of residence
Mazowieckie Voivode, when the specificity of the foreigner's work does not allow for the indication of the principal place of its performance

The costs of applying for a type A work permit

50 PLN – fee for issuing a license for up to 3 months.
100PLN – fee for issuing a permit for more than three months.

The fee should be paid to the account of the voivodeship office to which the Application is submitted.

IMPORTANT! An application for a type A work permit should be submitted when agreeing to employment with a potential employer.

The ABC of employing a foreigner – type A work permit.

When deciding on the employment of foreign employees, it is necessary to know the legal regulations and procedures that allow for the legal employment of foreigners in Poland. It is worth remembering that every foreigner not exempt from the obligation to have a work permit in Poland under the current legislation must have a relevant document if they want to take up employment in Poland. One way of legalizing a foreign employee's work in Poland is the type A work permit.

What is a type A work permit, and what possibilities does it offer?

Type A work permit is a document issued by the Voivode's Office (relevant for the employer's seat) on which a foreigner can apply for a visa or extend legal work in Poland. The Application for a permit is submitted by an employer who intends to employ a foreign employee. The employer is also obliged to pay the fee for the work permit for the foreigner. A type A work permit is issued for not longer than three years and can be extended after that time.

Type A work permit – procedure.

Labour market test

The first step to be taken by an employer who decides to employ a foreigner based on a type A work permit is to obtain information from the starost office (relevant for the foreigner's future place of work) on the lack of possibility to meet the staffing needs based on the registers of unemployed persons and job seekers or the negative result of recruitment organized for the employer. In other words, it is necessary to verify the local labour market and the availability of candidates for the position being offered. The starost's opinion is valid for six months. An exception is when an employee is exempt from such an obligation and already has a relevant document issued by the starost.

Fee for the work permit for a foreigner

Depending on the planned length of employment of a foreigner, before applying, the employer should pay a fee for the work permit for a foreigner onto the bank account indicated by the Voivode's Office. The payment amounts to PLN 50 for permits issued for up to 3 months and PLN 100 for permits issued for longer than three months.

Necessary documents

The employer who already has the opinion of the starost and has made the necessary payment, for which he has proof of payment, has to prepare other documents needed for issuing a work permit for a foreigner in Poland. To avoid formal deficiencies and the resulting prolongation of the procedure of processing the Application, it is advisable also to enclose copies of all non-blank pages in the foreigner's passport, a statement on the employer's clean criminal record, the company's articles of association or notary deeds of incorporation, the original power of attorney or authorization if the employer does not submit the documents in person.

Submission of the Application to the Voivode's Office

The employer must submit the Application for a foreigner's work permit and all attachments to the Voivode's Office. The Application must be signed by the person authorized to represent the company. It is worth remembering that the work permit is issued for a specific employer or foreigner and only for work performed in a particular place and position. A change of employer or employment conditions (primarily the position) requires starting the procedure from the beginning.

When should you apply for a type A work permit?

As a rule, the voivode's office has 30 days to consider the application application decision. However, one should consider the time necessary to deliver the obtained permit to the foreigner (it is often a matter of sending the document abroad) and the time needed by the employee to apply for a visa. Due to the complexity of the procedure, it is often worth using the services of experienced experts from an employment agency. AtoZ Serwis Plus supports businesses with their know-how but also closely follows changes in legislation, ensuring that matters are dealt with promptly, and maintains constant contact with offices and employees awaiting documents.

We look forward to working with you!

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

About AtoZ Serwis Plus

AtoZ Serwis Plus is a reputable and well-known B2C immigration agency that has been providing specialized immigration services since 2009. With company registration offices in Poland, Portugal, Malta, Germany, and Romania and partner offices in various countries worldwide, it offers individualized immigration services to clients globally.

AtoZ Serwis Plus has extensive experience managing international recruitment projects and specializes in providing staffing services. They assist individuals from countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and others to find employment opportunities in Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Poland, Malta, Portugal, Germany, and other European countries.

Their services cater to individuals seeking professional growth and those looking to relocate permanently to Europe. Z Serwis Plus charges reasonable fees for its services and offers flexible payment options.

For the Employer

Do you need new employees? Our Immigration agencies can assist you in finding the best candidates from various countries, including:

CIS: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
Southeast Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam.
Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
Africa: Nigeria, Algeria, Congo, Côte d'Id'Ivoire ,Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, SierrE.U..U., TE.U. Tunisia.
E.U. and EEA: E.U.ria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

We take a personalized approach to each of our clients and ensure that we understand your specific needs and requirements for candidates before deciding on the cost of our services. It's a critical step in the recruitment process, and we ask that you fill in all the fields as thoroughly as possible to help us and the job applicants.

Are you looking to Hire? Let us help you find the perfect candidates!

Step 1: Fill out the employer questionnaire. Please provide us with the necessary details about your job requirements and company. We'll use this information to customize our services for you. Fill in the form.

Step 2: Choose the best offer. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we'll prepare a tailored proposal for recruitment, employee leasing, or outsourcing services.

Step 3: Welcome your new employee. We'll utilize our extensive network and resources to find the ideal candidate for your business. Please don't; we'll have favourable conditions for you and the employee.

Take advantage of exceptional talent for your company. Complete the questionnaire today, and let us handle your hiring needs.

For Job Seeker Registration

If you'd like to find work opportunities in Europe, please complete the application form on our website. Once you have filled out all the necessary details, our team at AtoZ Serwis Plus will review your application and contact you to provide more information. Don't hesitate to fill out the form and take the first step towards your new job. Fill in the form.

Would you like some advice? So that you know, the information I've included is for you to review. You'll always consult with your legal and tax advisor(s) and follow their guidance. AtoZ, Serwis Plus cannot assist with legal or tax matters. The information presented is not specific to any particular company or workforce nor reflects how AtoZ Serwis Plus products are distributed in any jurisdiction. In reading, it is general. AtoZ Serwis Plus makes no representations or warranties regarding this information's completeness or timeliness. It shall not be liable for any losses from using or relying on it. Please be careful when using this information.

Disclaimer: atozserwisplus.Pl is a FREE visa database and marketplace for immigration experts. This page's content does not provide legal advice. If you are applying, kindly consult an expert.

Bricklayers Job description

We have a job, a special offer, we do not require a lot of experience, we provide training. The order consists in bricklaying, also at the height, of internal and external walls. Our client, with whom you sign a direct contract of order, carries out projects throughout Poland, mainly the construction of power plants.

We offer you 8 to 10 hours of work a day and pay for each of them (not piecework).

The ordering party is a company from Warsaw, with which we have been cooperating for 5 years, we have found that it pays great attention to health and safety procedures and employee safety.

Requirements

experience is also small – the employer offers apprenticeships,
willingness to work – will be the most important asset.

We offer

rate PLN 29,12/hour gross (net PLN 22,00/h),
employment based on a contract of mandate,
free accommodation and free travel to work,
the possibility of apprenticeships,
free workwear,
one shift work up to 10 hours a day.

Plasterers Job description

Do you enjoy the kind of job that consists of a variety of tasks instead of repetitive work? If so, our plasterer position might be for you. Working with our team, you’ll take on challenging projects, creating detailed ornamental plaster for new buildings and recreating designs to preserve a building’s historic elements. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your leadership and communication skills, as well as develop a detailed eye for artistic excellence and learn the tricks for producing quality plaster. If you’re looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that values every member, this position is perfect for you.

Key Responsibilities

Understand which materials are best for both new construction and historic buildings and obtain them beforehand
Prepare walls and ceilings for stucco and cement by cleaning, taping and fixing any holes or cracks
Create a mortar mix that is perfect for the particular application, modify it when necessary and ensure the new plaster matches the consistency and texture of the existing plaster
Coat walls with plaster and go over the undercoat to make sure the final coat is flawless and requires few touchups
Design the desired texture and create ornamental plaster, recreating original designs when necessary
Construct scaffolding so plaster can be applied to ceilings and other hard-to-reach places and re-position it as needed
Hang sheets to protect doors and windows from wet plaster and remove light switch covers
Remove all tools and scaffolding from the job site and ensure high cleanliness standards are maintained at the end of every work day

Requirements

Minimum 1-2 years previous Plasterer experience is essential
Qualification level: ITI/Vocational or diploma
Familiarity erecting scaffolding and working with ornamental design tools
High range of mobility to apply plaster in all necessary areas
Excellent teamwork to achieve flawless results
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Fluent English and Polish language level B1+, read about our Polish courses

We offer

rate PLN 29,12/hour gross (net PLN 22,00/h),
employment based on a contract of mandate,
free accommodation and free travel to work,
the possibility of apprenticeships,
free workwear,
one shift work up to 10 hours a day.

What you will get in return?

A workplace that focuses on safety and ethics
Competitive remuneration
Continuous work due to the volume of work that the company have
A great working environment
Days Monday-Friday with overtime and weekend work available
The opportunity to further develop your skills and professional development.

By applying to us you get:

our care while in the process of recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
support of the legally acting agency, registered in KRAZ: 24244.
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Looking for work? Look no further!

When recruiting employees, employers in Poland are expected to abide by a set of regulations, and one of the problems that needs to be solved is Poland's payroll.

The taxes system is advantageous in this regard, which is a benefit while conducting business in the nation. In Poland, there is neither a payroll nor a tax for this reason. Despite the fact that this is an exemption, companies must nevertheless pay their workers in accordance with the terms of the written contract, and even though there is no payroll tax, they must still pay other taxes on time.

Please contact the tax and employment specialists at our law office in Poland for full support after reading the few payroll-related difficulties below.

Payroll in Poland

The total sums that an employer or corporation in Poland must pay to all of its employees during a specific, predetermined period of time constitute payroll. Payroll calculation can be done internally, by a team within the organization, or, more frequently, it can be outsourced to a Polish accounting firm that also offers these kinds of services.

When a company pays its employees a salary in Poland, personal income tax is withheld at the source and managed by the Polish Tax Office. By assessing the benefit's monetary value, the benefits provided to employees in kind are also reflected in the final income amount.

The Polish Social Insurance Institution, which is a division of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, is responsible for collecting and managing social security contributions.

Starting a Polish business requires adhering to accounting standards, and our attorneys in Poland can give you expert guidance and support for abiding by the rules in effect, including those that deal with payroll in Poland.

We recommend businesses to ask for specialist help in order to standardize payroll procedures internally, maintain data, and submit documents in accordance with legal requirements. It is frequently advantageous to work with a partner organization that specializes in these services, especially for foreign businesses operating in Poland.

Poland's contributions to employment

Despite the absence of a distinct payroll tax in Poland, hiring employers are nevertheless liable for a number of taxes in addition to the primary income. Our attorneys have listed these below:

Social security contributions: the total amount is around 35%, out of which approximately 21% is paid by the employer and the remaining amount, 14%, by the employee.
Income tax on salary: the individual income tax rate in Poland varies according to the taxable income and it can have rates of 4%, 17% pr 32%, as listed below by our lawyers in Poland;
Minimum wage: the minimum wage in Poland can change, however, our inform investors that in 2020 this had a value of 610.8 € per month;
Bonuses: these are established by the employer and they are subject to the 19% capital gains tax.

Severance pay in Poland is another issue to consider, and this can vary according to the rates established in the employment agreement.

The national minimum wage is important, as are the rest of the employment conditions in the country. Before hiring employees, entrepreneurs can discuss these aspects with our employment lawyers in Poland.

Foreign employees are subject to tax

Poland uses a residence-based taxes system for both businesses and people. This means that in situations where a Polish company hires a foreign executive or employee, the way in which this person is taxed will be based on the total number of days spent in the country. The international executive will be treated as a non-resident for tax purposes, which will solely affect the taxes on income with Polish origins.

An individual is a Polish resident when at least one of the two conditions are met:

has close personal or economic relations with Poland; or
the person spends more than 183 days in Poland, in a given fiscal year.

The employment agreement taxation rules apply when a foreign person works in Poland as part of an employment contract. The rules for taxation on director's fees generated from Poland will apply where the acts are carried out in accordance with a resolution, for instance when there is no employment contract but a foreign firm has issued a resolution and appointed the person to execute activities there. In some circumstances, double taxation avoidance regulations may be applicable.

All forms of compensation and perks received from Poland are considered for tax purposes for overseas executives and partners. Earnings in kind and cash are both considered. Payments made by a polish employer to an expatriate or international executive in their home country or place of origin will also be taxed. Retirement benefits are one example of these contributions. For additional information on the particular regulations that apply when recruiting expatriates or foreign executives for a Polish company, contact one of our lawyers in Poland. You can get more information from our Polish team that specializes in tax and payroll.

Insurance receipts, daily reimbursements or allowances, money generated overseas, and other incomes covered by bilateral or international agreements are typically exempt from the Polish personal income tax.

Foreign employees in Poland do not benefit from regular, specific tax deductions or reductions.

The employment law in Poland

When hiring employees, employers in Poland need to take into account a number of issues, not only the concerning payroll in Poland. The country is a preferred location to start a business in Europe given its large pool of educated employees, combined at the same time with the low personnel costs, when compared to other Western European countries.

Some of the main issue employers need to be prepared for when starting a business is to observe the legal framework for hiring employees and in this respect, the strict EU laws that extend to Poland (including the strict data protection laws that have entered into force) as well as the local Polish laws are important to keep in mind.

In order to clarify any legal aspects, or the scope of the legal framework that is in place, we invite you to reach out to the team of experts at our law firm in Poland. We can help answer any specific questions and provide details on any notable developments that come in force concerning employees’ protection.

Below, we list some of the key points concerning employment in Poland:

work permits: the rules are different for EU nationals seeking a job in Poland, compared to those in other countries; obtaining a work permit is required;
employment contracts: these can be concludes with a fixed term or remain open-ended; in any case, the specific terms of the employment relationship will be laid out in the agreement; other essential information that will be included sets forth the work conditions, the remuneration, the date of commencement and others;
trial period: this is a separate period for which an agreement can be concluded;
notice period: according to law, a notice period is included for trial period agreements, fixed-term employment contracts and unlimited term contracts;
working hours and overtime: the working time is set at eight hours a day for a five-day work week; overtime is permitted in justifiable circumstances, under the condition that the employer also grants a minimum rest period; the cumulated regular working time and the overtime will not exceed a certain limit;
workplace health and safety: it is the employer’s responsibility to provide safe and hygienic work conditions;
other issues: employers also need to observe the anti-discrimination laws, as well as the employee benefits such as social security coverage, health and insurance, maternity and paternity leave, sickness and disability leave, etc.

Our team of employment lawyers in Poland can give you mode details about these obligations.

Doing business in Poland

The costs related to doing business in Poland are relatively low from an employment-related and payroll perspective, compared to those in other European countries. As mentioned, employers are not subject to a payroll tax, however, there are several other important taxes for a company that need to be added up when calculating the costs.

Observing the conditions for employment and payroll in Poland are not the only ones that need to be taken into consideration by those who open a business. The main taxes for corporations are the following:

Corporate income tax: the general corporate income tax rate in Poland is 19%; this rate also applies to branches;
Lower corporate tax: a lower rate of 9% can apply to income other than capital gains for small companies are those that are just commencing their activities, if they have a revenue lower than 1.2 million EUR in the tax yar (subject to certain exceptions);
Dividend taxation: dividends received by a resident company in Poland from another Polish, EU/EEA or Swiss company can be subject to an exemption from the withholding tax on dividends;
Capital gains: these are taxed separately at a rate of 19% and an exemption can apply to venture capital companies.

Investors who need more details about payroll, general employment conditions and the applicable law as well as any other matters related to doing business can contact the experts at our law firm in Poland.

Warehouseman-Completion-of-branded-clothing-Jobs-in-Jasionka-Poland.jpg

Job description:

picking brand clothes,
work with a scanner,
unloading and loading of goods,
Other small work of a warehouse nature.

Requirements:

Education min. Medium,
readiness to work in a 3-shift system
team work skills

We offer:

Stable employment ,
Employment contract without a trial period,
Attractive salary and bonus system,
Work in a family company with an international reach,
Medical care, sports card and life insurance on preferential terms,
Employee recommendation program,
25% discount on purchases at LPP brand stores - for you and your loved ones
Good atmosphere.

In Portugal, the average monthly salary for a delivery driver is roughly 760 EUR. The lowest pay is 390 euros, while the highest is 1,160 euros (highest).

This is the typical monthly wage, which also includes housing, transportation, and other amenities. Based on factors including geography, gender, experience, and talents, delivery driver earnings might vary greatly. You can find a thorough analysis based on a variety of factors below.

Delivery Driver Salary Distribution in Portugal

The median, the maximum, the minimum, and the range

Salary Range

Delivery Driver salaries in Portugal range from 390 EUR per month (minimum salary) to 1,160 EUR per month (maximum salary).
Median Salary

The median salary is 730 EUR per month, which means that half (50%) of people working as Delivery Driver(s) are earning less than 730 EUR while the other half are earning more than 730 EUR. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
Percentiles

Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of Delivery Driver(s) are earning less than 500 EUR while 75% of them are earning more than 500 EUR. Also from the diagram, 75% of Delivery Driver(s) are earning less than 910 EUR while 25% are earning more than 910 EUR.

Job Description

Company is seeking a friendly and helpful food delivery driver to support our customers. As our newest driver, you’ll help us feed as many hungry people as possible—growing customer loyalty through pleasant interactions and excellent service.

The ideal candidate will be a great communicator who possesses a valid driver’s license. If you enjoy a fast-paced role and are looking for flexibility in your schedule, we welcome you to apply.

Objectives of this Role

Provide excellent customer service and build customer loyalty by delivering food in a timely, cordial manner
Ensure orders are delivered accurately and in good condition
Communicate any issues or delays that arise and resolve problems efficiently
Represent the company with excellence and professionalism by driving safely, exercising good judgment, and treating customers with respect

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

Manage multiple orders, delivery locations, and customers at the same time
Deliver orders within an optimal period of time, ensuring freshness of food and respecting customer preferences
Safely operate a vehicle in all types of weather conditions
Navigate local streets and highways with ease using a GPS
Communicate clearly with customers and food service employees, demonstrating an eagerness to work through any issues or points of confusion
Verify orders before each delivery and maintain a detailed, comprehensive delivery log

Skills and Qualifications

Previous delivery or customer service experience in any industry
Proven track record of succeeding in a time-sensitive setting
Experience handling cash and giving change
Familiarity with the local area, including streets, highways, and buildings

careers-in-poland-for-foreigners-work-in-poland

Cooperating with the recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o you will find a suitable job for your qualifications.

Extensive base. On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

Work in Poland for foreigners is our main job and vector of employment.

We are a professional recruitment agency which many campaigns cooperate with: from building corporations to IT-companies.

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

Important! Due to problems with issuing visas to people from the Asian region, many employers are more inclined to wait for Belarusians and Ukrainians to work in Poland. There is the only option for people from Asia who have not yet been in Poland and do not have documents for legal stay (such as a temporary stay card) It’s Polish employment agencies!
Polish employment agencies have a leasing system, because they have signed contracts with employers for permanent recruitment. We recruit people without stopping. And in this case, we can wait for workers from the region of Asia as employers.

Work in Poland for foreigners. Where to begin?

Work in Poland for foreigners – vacancies

1. A welder (method 136 or 138) to a factory in Szczecin.

We offer:

2. CNC operator job vacancy in Poland

Requirements and responsibilities:
• Lathe support.
• To know technical drawing.
• To know the Polish language on a communicative level.
• To do manual work.

We offer:

3. For a mechanic to work in the Chojnice (Poland)

We offer:

4. IT specialist Frontend Developer

We offer:

Requirements and responsibilities:

• Need a work visa for 4 months. There is the possibility of employment for full biometric.
• It is desirable to have a higher education, but most importantly — the skills and experience.

We offer:

How to work in Poland on qualification?

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees. Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers.

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire.

Are you looking for employees? We will find the best candidates for you

We recruit employees from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

Add a job offer

Fill in the form (employer's questionnaire). We will select the optimal form of cooperation with you. fill in this questionnaire.

Choose an offer

After completing the employer's questionnaire, we will prepare an offer in the field of services: recruitment, employee leasing or outsourcing of (personnel) services.

You have an employee

We will find the right candidate for your business and guarantee good conditions for both parties.

After filling out the form you will receive an offer within the services:

Complete the questionnaire !

Also, for people who cope with their duties, we help to get a residence card in Poland.

production-and-packaging-of-doughnuts-job-in-poland

Recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o provides work in Poland for foreigners from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Bangladesh,Sri Lanka, Philippines, Moldova, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Nepal India and from other countries. Our company has been operating in the labor market since 2009. Thanks to our experience, we can carry out each set of employees efficiently and quickly.

Production and Packaging of Doughnuts Job description :

Packaging of Food Products
Quality Control to be taken care during the Production Process
Preparing the products for shipment

Requirements:

Manual skills;
Motivation for learning;
Diligent fulfillment of obligations;
Availability for work in two shifts;
Age under 45 years old.

Responsibilities:

Packaging of confectionery products, including packaging of doughnuts;
Preparing dough for baking;
Visual quality control of the goods before shipment;
Protection of goods from damage.

We offer:

A permanent contract for a period from 1 month to 3 years;
Work 5 or 6 work days a week with up to 72 hours / week;
Rates: 19,70 PLN gross per hour
Assistance with accommodation; utility bills (electricity and water) – 200 PLN/month
Assistance with passing medical examinations necessary for work in food industry.

Job Location :

Chorzow
Piekary
Silesian

What you will get in return?

A workplace that focuses on safety and ethics
Competitive remuneration
Continuous work due to the volume of work that the company have
A great working environment
Days Monday-Friday with overtime and weekend work available
The opportunity to further develop your skills and professional development.

By applying to us you get:

our care while in the process of recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
support of the legally acting agency, registered in KRAZ: 24244.
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Looking for work? Look no further!

Apply Now

Requirements:

Men under 45 years old, work motivation, motivation for learning, experience 1 year minimum, responsibility.
Experience of working in this profession and knowledge of the Ukrainian, Russian or English language will be a plus.

Responsibilities:

Producing the furniture according to customer standards;
Work on the machines.

We offer:

Employment contract with wage of 15 PLN net/hour + bonus, depend on your work performance
work in two shifts, 6 days a week; free medical examination; work clothes.
Assistance with accommodation; utility bills (electricity and water) - 200 PLN / month
Assistance with passing medical examinations necessary for work in food industry.

Location:

Dobrodzien

What you will get in return?

A workplace that focuses on safety and ethics
Competitive remuneration
Continuous work due to the volume of work that the company have
A great working environment
Days Monday-Friday with overtime and weekend work available
The opportunity to further develop your skills and professional development.

By applying to us you get:

our care while in the process of recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
support of the legally acting agency, registered in KRAZ: 24244.
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Looking for work? Look no further!

Apply Now

Requirements:

Qualification in the profession of a welder
work experience
Certificate, and experience in welding methods: TIG, MIG, MAG or electrode
Knowledges of technical drawing
Manual skills
Teamwork skills
Knowledge of English will be a plus

Responsibilities:

Preparation of material for welding
Welding in accordance with the requirements of the client

We offer:

Employment contract
Work in two shifts, 6 days a week; 19 PLN (START)
Assistance with accommodation
Remuneration depends on achievements in work
Free medical examination;
Work clothes

Job Location:

Wojewodztwa
Slaskie
Dolnoslaskie
Malopolskie

What you will get in return?

A workplace that focuses on safety and ethics
Competitive remuneration
Continuous work due to the volume of work that the company have
A great working environment
Days Monday-Friday with overtime and weekend work available
The opportunity to further develop your skills and professional development.

By applying to us you get:

our care while in the process of recruitment,
opportunity to find constant employment,
support of the legally acting agency, registered in KRAZ: 24244.
obtaining type A work permits for foreigners
preparation of application documents for the consulate
obtaining information on visa processes in various countries
constant contact with the border guard to provide the required information
constant contact with consuls and the Republic of Poland at Polish consulates
solving current problems related to the visa process

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Looking for work? Look no further!

Apply Now

upholsterer-in-the-furniture-factory-job-in-poland

Job description

Type of work performed: receipt of a production order, completion of materials necessary to perform a production order (personal collection of upholstery covers in a semi-finished warehouse, personal collection of frames from frames storage, personal pick-up of cushion fittings, personal collection of foams, lids, stockings from the warehouse).

Foaming /preparing furniture for upholstering with covers (nailing soffits, felt, springs using a pneumatic stapler, cutting upholstery with foam with an upholstering knife, gluing foams to the frame using a spray gun, cutting and gluing the wadding). Proper upholstery / giving the furniture the right form and appearance using: upholsterer / pneumatic stapler, knife, pneumatic drill, upholsterer’s needle, scissors, flat screwdriver, keys and other necessary tools needed to make furniture. Cleaning, vacuuming, and twisting of the furniture for reception by quality control. Loading the furniture made into a trolley and taking it to the finished product warehouse.

Requirements:

Men under 45 years old, work motivation, motivation for learning, experience 1 year minimum, responsibility
Experience of working in this profession and knowledge of the Ukrainian, Russian or English language will be a plus.

Responsibilities:

Furniture upholstery
Producing the furniture according to customer standards;
Work on machines

We offer:

Employment contract with wage of 15 PLN net/hour + bonus, depend on your work performance
Two-shift schedule (I 6:30-14:30, and II 14:30-22:30).
(Possible work on some Saturdays, and overtime, the average number of hours per month is about 190)
Free accommodation (obligatory payment for utilities 200 PLN/month)

Apply Now

steps-to-apply-for-poland-work-permit-2022

Key Poland Work Permit Features:

Poland is the seventh-largest nation in all of Europe.
Poland has a population of 38.5 million, and in 2022, there will be a 3.9 percent annual growth.
For non-EU citizens, there are five categories of visas available.
40 hours of regular work

Overview:

Non-EU citizens can immigrate to Poland under the category of labour through one of five distinct types of work visas, each of which has a set period. Below is a detailed explanation of the five distinct visa kinds, prerequisites, methods, and advantages of obtaining a work permit for Poland.

About Poland:

Poland, a nation in central Europe, is situated at a geographical juncture where the rich plains of the Eurasian boundary meet the sea lanes of the Atlantic Ocean and the forested regions of northwestern Europe.

Also see...

What is the job outlook for Poland in 2022?

Types of work permit in Poland

You will require a work permit to enter Poland if you are a non-EU national and want to work there. A work permit is effective for three years. You may only use the work permit to carry out the tasks listed in your application form, and it is only good for one job. You must submit a new work permit application if you are changing careers.

Poland offers five work visa types; these include:

Type A – If you find employment based on an employment contract or civil law contract with an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most famous work permit.
Type B – This work permit is valid if you are a board member residing in Poland for a total period exceeding six months within 12 subsequent months.
Type C –You can apply for this work permit if you are sent to Poland by a foreign employer for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch office.
Type D – You are eligible for this visa if a foreign employer temporarily sends you to work in export services. The foreign employer must not have a branch or subsidiary in Poland.
Type E – You can apply for this visa if you take up work-related tasks that do not fall into the above four categories.

Requirements to acquire Poland work permit

The employer must provide the necessary documents to acquire a work permit on behalf of a foreign employee. These documents include:

A completed application form
Proof of the paid application fees
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Proof of applicants health insurance
A deed for the company
Copies with relevant travel information on the applicant’s passport pages
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses sustained by the employer
Confirmation and evidence of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
A copy of a contract following the service being provided in Poland

Steps to apply for Poland work permit:

A work permit must be requested by the employer on your behalf. Let's suppose you have located a company eager to hire you and that your presence is authorised (either on a visa you have obtained or on a residence permit).

To obtain a work visa, your prospective employer must complete an application that includes the name of the business you are recruiting for and information about your planned position there.

Your company must submit a work permit application on your behalf if you are able to secure a job offer in Poland.

Here are a few necessary steps to apply for the work permit:

Step-1: Conducting a Labor Market Test

Before requesting a foreign work visa, an employer is required to complete a labour market analysis. This examination is intended to determine whether any Polish or other EU residents meet the requirements for the position. These persons are given preference over visitors.

In the absence of suitable candidates, the employer may submit a work visa application on your behalf.

Step-2: The Application Process

The employer must include documents confirming that the following conditions are met with the application:

Conditions of employment meet all applicable employment regulations, including articles of the Labor Code.
According to the Voivodeship Office, remuneration should not be 30% lower than the average monthly wage.
Work permits are issued by a local “voivode” (government land head) and are given for the duration of stay needed to perform the work stated in the declaration of your employer. You need to sign an employment contract with the employer that applied for your permit to make the work permit valid.

Step-3: Issuing the Work Permit

Employees should be informed that their work permits are only valid for employment with the company that applied for them. If they decide to change jobs, their new employer will have to file for further permission.

Your employer is legally obliged to:

Give you the employment contract in writing
Provide you with a translation of the employment contract in your preferred language
Check the validity and make a copy of your residence permit or visa
Notify social security and health insurance institutions within seven days after the employment contract is signed, which gives you access to free healthcare, sickness leave, and other social benefits.

Benefits of a work permit

Once you get the work permit for Poland, you can:

Legally work in Poland
Legalize your stay in the country
Do the work defined in the work permit
Sign a work contract with your employer

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Looking for work? Look no further!

What-is-the-job-outlook-for-Poland-in-2022

The sixth-largest economy in the European Union (EU) and one of the continent's fastest-growing economies is Poland, a nation in Central Europe.

The Republic of Poland, a democratic nation, provides a good standard of living. One of its key sources of income is tourism. With sports like skiing, sea bathing, sailing, and mountain climbing, it is recognised for its breathtaking surroundings and draws visitors from around the world.

Poland is conveniently connected to all of Europe's advanced economies thanks to its central location in the continent. It has long-standing business ties with a number of nations, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Poland is cited as a potential location for investment and growth due to its political and economic stability, skilled labour force, and sizable domestic market.

Present scenario

The Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) reports that in March 2022, private sector employment in Poland increased 2.4% over the same time in 2021. For the same time period, employment rose by 0.2% on a monthly basis. In 2022, an increase in paid employment was noticed.

Construction, manufacturing (electricians, tailors, welders, and tool makers), healthcare (physiotherapists, doctors, nursing professionals, and ambulance workers), transportation (bus drivers, truck drivers, and stock clerks), food (cooks and bakers), and education all suffer from a lack of skilled workers, according to a 2021 study by the Polish Minister of Development, Labor, and Technology (vocational training staff). Additionally, there is a scarcity of accountants and auto mechanics.

According to a different study, there would be a lack of qualified personnel in the fields of science, engineering, business, administration, etc. Of them, 15% are for sales and service professionals and 34% are for high-level professionals.

Job outlook by sector

Oil and gas and home goods repair are predicted to experience the highest job increase in Poland, according to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP).

There will be a demand for talented individuals in artificial intelligence and other information technology fields as Poland, like other European countries, struggles with issues including the ageing of working-age populations (IT).

The highest-paid professionals in Poland as of 2021 are doctors/surgeons whose annual pay will range from 14,900 PLN to 42,800 PLN (Poland Zloty), where 1 PLN equals €0.21. Bank managers could expect to be paid 9,540 PLN to 27,400 PLN, and orthodontists can expect an annual income of 8,050 PLN to 23,100 PLN. Payments of professors and marketing directors could range from 7,160 PLN to 20,500 PLN and from 5,370 PLN to 15,400 PLN, respectively.

Work in Poland for foreigners: how to find a good job?

Looking for work? Look no furthe

Job description

How to work in Poland on qualification?

Do you want to find a suitable job in Poland under your qualification? Don't work as an unskilled worker! We advise you to fill out this form. As soon corresponding as we have a vacancy to your requirements and qualifications, we will contact you immediately. Tell me as much as you can about yourself.

On average, every minute on our page about four employers fill out an application to search for employees . Most of them are looking for highly skilled workers .

We provide new vacancies first of all to people who will fill in this questionnaire. Also we do a work permit.

Please note that we communicate only with selected candidates. If our recruitment specialist will not reply to you, it's mean we can't hire you.

Apply Now

6 Jobs Demand in Romania

Livestock farm
Flower greenhouses
Winery
Greenhouses
Creamery
Construction

1. Livestock farm

Animals are raised by livestock farmers for profit. Cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, which are raised for food, their hides, or their hair, are the most significant livestock. As draught animals—animals that pull loads or machinery—a small number of livestock farmers raise horses, mules, or donkeys. Farmers who raise livestock may do so on large tracts of land, including farms, ranches, and rangelands. Numerous technicians or labourers may be employed by large operations. Families tend to run the majority of smaller farms.

2. Flower greenhouses

Nursery and greenhouse workers perform some or all of the following duties: Prepare soil; plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings; graft and bud plants; and transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings. Monitor plants for healthy growth and potential weed, insect, disease, and fertilizer problems in greenhouse crops.

3 . Winery

Winemakers oversee the entire winemaking process, from grape harvesting through bottling, and may be responsible for supervising the work of grape growers and laboratory technicians. They must possess a knowledge of grapes, growing regions, and local production and marketing regulations.

4 .Greenhouses

The following tasks are performed by personnel in nurseries and greenhouses: preparing the soil; planting bulbs, seeds, and cuttings; grafting and buding plants; and transplanting seedlings and rooted cuttings. In greenhouse crops, keep an eye out for healthy plant growth as well as any potential weed, pest, disease, and nutrient issues.

5. Creamery

Turnkey duties of the position continue to include taking customer orders, creating ice cream to order, decorating cakes, preparing waffles, and keeping the dining areas and service areas clean.

6 .Construction Worker

We are looking for a competent Construction Worker to work on buildings, roads and other construction projects. You will be the one to help the plans of architects and engineers come to life and become full and solid structures.

Experience in working on relevant projects and using equipment is essential. You must have physical strength, endurance and work well with your hands. Being good in collaboration and following instructions and safety rules, are also important.

Cost of Living in Romania

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 135,991.73? (8,360.34lei) without rent.
A single person estimated monthly costs are 39,041.45? (2,400.14lei) without rent.

Restaurants		Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	35.00 lei	20.00-60.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	150.00 lei	100.00-300.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	25.00 lei	21.00-30.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	8.00 lei	5.00-12.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	10.00 lei	7.00-15.00
Cappuccino (regular)	9.20 lei	4.93-15.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	6.43 lei	4.00-10.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	5.63 lei

Transportation

Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	3.00 lei	2.00-4.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	80.00 lei	60.00-125.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.92 lei	2.20-3.90
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	2.80 lei	2.19-3.50
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	25.90 lei	20.00-35.00
Gasoline (1 liter)	8.06 lei	7.20-9.00
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	87,000.00 lei	78,705.08-109,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	100,363.33 lei	89,540.00-123,500.00

Utilities (Monthly)

Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	575.95 lei	354.17-1,000.00
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.26 lei	0.10-0.42
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Salaries And Financing

Salaries And Financing
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	3,462.01 lei
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	5.98

City in Romania

Rank	City	Cost of Living Index	Rent Index	Cost of Living Plus Rent Index	Groceries Index	Restaurant Price Index	Local Purchasing Power Index
1	Bucharest	38.28	11.26	25.00	31.27	40.40	57.67
2	Cluj-Napoca	36.80	11.03	24.14	31.67	33.24	55.47
3	Constanta	35.77	9.92	23.06	29.09	32.54	43.74
4	Brasov	34.73	9.26	22.22	29.52	31.13	48.60
5	Oradea	33.96	5.94	20.20	31.93	32.33	56.10
6	Iasi	32.93	8.30	20.83	27.26	29.83	50.56
7	Timisoara	32.91	8.58	20.96	27.38	29.64	58.87
8	Craiova	32.23	6.56	19.62	26.40	27.29	50.26
9	Sibiu	31.57	7.28	19.64	26.85	27.82	47.24

Types of Work Visas in Romania

Romania is a member state of the European Union (EU), so the laws regarding work visas and permits are similar to those of other countries in the EU. Citizens of other EU member states do not need a permit to work in Romania, nor do citizens of Switzerland and other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). These countries include Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Any prospective employee who is not from one of these countries will need a work permit. There are several kinds of permits for foreign citizens in Romania, including permits for:

Seasonal workers
Trainees
Athletes
Permanent employees
Cross-border workers
Nominal work

Requirements to Obtain Romania Work Visas

In Romania, foreign citizens cannot apply for a work permit on their own behalf. The employer must apply for them.

A permit will be issued only if there are no Romanian citizens or citizens in other EU or EEA member states who are eligible to fill the position. This is one condition of eligibility for a permit. Other conditions include that the prospective employee must:

Meet all of the employer’s requirements for the position under legal provisions
Have no criminal record that would prevent them from working in Romania
Provide a medical certificate that states their capability to carry out the tasks required for the job
Fall within the yearly quota for foreign citizens who may be granted a work permit

The employee will also need to apply for a long-term visa. Along with the application, the employee should be prepared to provide several documents, including:

The work permit obtained by the employer
Proof of accommodation in Romania
A valid passport
Two recent identifying photos
Proof of medical insurance for the duration of the visit
Police clearance or a background check from the employee’s country of residence
Evidence of sufficient financial means to support the visit
A flight ticket or proof of other accommodations for travel

Application Process

Foreign citizens will need a work permit as well as a long-term visa to live and work in Romania legally. Here are the necessary steps to obtain these documents:

The employer must apply for the work permit on behalf of the prospective employee, submitting all relevant documents to the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) and paying the applicable fees.
The IGI will answer the request within 30 days, either providing a decision or requesting more information for verification. If additional verification is needed, the process may be extended for up to 15 days.
Once the application is approved by the IGI, a work permit will be issued to the prospective employee.
The employee must then obtain a long-term visa by applying through the diplomatic missions and consular offices of Romania. The employee has a window of 60 days to apply after obtaining their work permit.

Helping Professional Work Europe Since 2009

There is a huge demand for skilled professionals across the European Countries . Over the years, Atoz Serwis Plus has built up the knowledge and understanding of global economic trends to help our clients make the right decision about working Europe .

How Can AtoZ Serwis Plus Help You ?

Advise you on the documentation that will be required for the visa
Advise you on how the funds needed for the visa need to be shown
Complete the application process
Review your documents needed for the visa application

top-6-highest-paid-blue-collar-jobs-in-romania-2023.jpg

6 Jobs Demand in Romania

Livestock farm
Flower greenhouses
Winery
Greenhouses
Creamery
Construction

1. Livestock farm

2. Flower greenhouses

3 . Winery

4 .Greenhouses

5. Creamery

Turnkey duties of the position continue to include taking customer orders, creating ice cream to order, decorating cakes, preparing waffles, and keeping the dining areas and service areas clean.

6 .Construction Worker

Helping Porofessional Work Euerop Since 2009

How Can AtoZ Serwis Plus Help You ?

Advise you on the documentation that will be required for the visa
Advise you on how the funds needed for the visa need to be shown
Complete the application process
Review your documents needed for the visa application

Short Description

We offer work in Hungary on very good terms to all interested people looking for a job as a construction worker assistant in Hungary. Our company has been operating on the HR market since 2009. During these several years, thousands of people from all over the world have started working with us in Poland and Europe. We also invite you to take part in the recruitment process.

What will your work be like?

construction worker assistant carries out simple, routine work related to various phases of the construction or demolition of buildings. We are looking for a competent Construction Worker to work on buildings, roads and other construction projects. You will be the one to help the plans of architects and engineers come to life and become full and solid structures.

Our offer

fully legal work in Hungary on the basis of a work permit and a working visa
obtaining a residence card on the territory of Hungary
salary from EURO 4 to 25 per hour
Bonus 100 euros/month
Overtime upto 300 euros/month
in some cases, free accommodation and transport to work
organization of the entire visa process
pickup from the airport in Hungary and accommodation in Employer accommodation facilities
care of an English-speaking coordinator in Hungary
free medical care in Hungary
free workwear

Requirements

We require candidates to have experience in working as a construction worker assistant for a minimum of 2 years
wearing bricks and mortar at the construction site;
performing auxiliary works in the performance of formwork and scaffolding;
mixing, pouring and spreading materials such as: concrete, plaster and mortar;
digging and filling pits and ditches using hand tools;
spreading sand, earth, gravel and similar materials;
loading and unloading of building materials, excavated materials and equipment and transporting them within the work sites with the use of wheelbarrows, cradle for manual transport of bricks and handcarts;
performing simple demolition works, including removing debris and cleaning old bricks obtained from the demolition of the building;
cleaning workplaces and removing various obstacles and blockages according to the instructions received;
using simple hand tools such as a shovel, pickaxe, wheelbarrow etc .;
knowledge of the English language will be an advantage
applicants should have a valid passport for at least 2 years and up to 50 years of age .

Join our team at Amazon as a warehouse worker in one of the modern logistics Centers. The offer below is for the Amazon Logistics Center in Poland , Szczecin, Kolbaskowo , Poznan, Sady , Lodz, Pawlikowice .

Apply Now

Responsibilities at the workplace:

Receiving, checking, sorting and arranging products on shelves,
Taking products from shelves, packing and sending orders,
Taking care of safety. This is our absolute priority!
We do not require experience from you. You can count on the support of Specialized instructors who will teach you how to work at Amazon.

Salary:

PLN 15 / hour Net, taking into account a bonus depending on individual attendance and team performance *
allowance for night work,
Bonus for referring a friend, together you can get up to PLN 4,000 gross *

* The maximum hourly rate calculated as the sum of the base rate and the bonus for achieving goals by the team and individual attendance for 168 hours a month.

** Detailed information on the terms of the bonus payment is available in the Employee Referral Regulations

Our offer:

Competitive salary,
A safe, modern and organized workplace equipped with air conditioning,
Possibility of development in our structures,
Additional benefits: private medical care, life insurance and Multisport card,
Work 4 days a week, 3 days off,
Free hot drinks, meals (with vegetarian options) for PLN 1, designated rest areas.

Working schedule:

Full time - 40 hours, 4 days a week
Shift work - day and night

Basic information :

Age restrictions: 55-60 years (it all depends on physical condition)
Full time - 40 hours, 4 days a week
Shift work - day and night

Location and transport:

Szczecin, Kolbaskowo , Poznan, Sady , Lodz, Pawlikowice
To work and from work carries a branded transport, if the distance exceeds 2 km

( Remember our client is the one to choose which location to allocate the candidates depending on where they need more workers)

Accommodation and meals:

Provided by the employer (250 PLN per month is withdrawn from the employee) or we pay 1.5
PLN net to each hour of work worked if you have your own housing!
From 2 to 4 employees per room (private houses/ apartments with all amenities)

Food :

At your own expense

Additional Information:

Working clothes and footwear
Provided by the employer

Requirement:

Applicant must be in Poland
Students

Apply Now

Recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o provides work in Poland,Romania ,Hungary European Countries and Eu Country , for foreigners from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal India and from other countries. Our company has been operating in the labor market since 2009. Thanks to our experience, we can carry out each set of employees efficiently and quickly.

We select the necessary vacancy considering the characteristics of the applicant and provide information to the candidate about the place of new work. Also, we take on our shoulders organizational issues. Our offer is directed to people who want to continue their professional developmentin Poland,Romania ,Hungary European Countries and Eu Country Also, for people who are planning to move to Poland for permanent residence.

Cooperating with the recruitment agency AtoZ Serwis Plus sp. z o you will find a suitable job for your qualifications.

substantial base Four employers submit applications to find employees on our platform on average once every minute. Most of them are on the lookout for highly qualified personnel.

Our experts are paid well for their services. The aforementioned illustration demonstrates our familiarity with Romania's skilled labour market. Employers' financial and financial demands are known to us. As a result, all of our employees get paid well for their work.

Work in Romania for foreigners. Where to begin?

The procedure is very simple and consists of 3 steps:
1. You need to send your CV to the post office info@atozserwisplus.pl and also fill in the form — here is the link.
2. After reviewing your application form and your resume, we offer you current vacancies that match your experience and skills.
3. We call up and agree on the documents, terms of arrival and commencement of work.
And if you want to transfer to Romania with your family, we will show you how to do it correctly.

Work in Romania for foreigners – vacancies

Work in Romania for foreigners is our main job and vector of employment.

Manufacturing workers who are not otherwise classified
People who manage cargo
Store owners
Sales associates in stores
Workers in the construction industry
Metalworkers and preparers of structural components
Operators of large trucks and lorries
Drivers of cars, cabs, and vans
Security personnel
Inventory clerks

Where can I find the workers?

Unskilled agricultural workers, unskilled packers of solid and semi-solid goods, unskilled packers of solid and semi-solid products, unskilled workers for building demolition, wall linings, mosaic, wall and floor tiling, parquetry, unskilled workers for road, highway, bridge, and dam maintenance, locksmiths, loaders/unloaders, freight handlers, retail workers, and unskilled agricultural workers round out the top 10. (Source: September 2016 report from the National Employment Agency, ANOFM).

Brief description of the labour market:

The National Institute of Statistics reports that there are 19.9 million people living in Romania.

As of 1 January 2016, the active civilian population was 8 776 800, or 44.4% of the overall population of the nation, according to the Labour Ledger. 54.1% of the entire active population was male, while 45.9% was female.

In Romania, the unemployment rate is determined using two separate sets of information. The National Institute of Statistics (INS) uses the International Labour Organization's definition to determine the ILO unemployment rate. According to a news statement from the INS from September 2016, this rate was 6.0% in August 2016.

The National Employment Agency's (ANOFM) calculation of the rate of registered unemployment is based on the total number of jobless people who have registered in the ANOFM database. This percentage was 4.08% at the end of May 2016, which translates to 410 500 officially registered unemployed people.

Eight administrative regions make up Romania: West, North-West, Centre, North-East, South-East, South-Muntenia, Bucharest-Ilfov, and South-West Oltenia. Each of these is unique in terms of its economic structure, and as a result, various industries predominate in the growth of each region. A sizable portion of the population works in agriculture in the North-East and South-West regions. In the West and Center regions, as well as in the Centre, West, and Bucharest-Ilfov regions, the civilian population is primarily employed in industry and the construction sector.

The utilisation of this potential has an impact on the economic growth of these places as well. Examples of such areas include Bucovina in the North-East, the Black Sea coast, and the Danube Delta in the South-East.

At the end of May 2016, the South-West area (6.4%) and the South-Muntenia region (5.5%) had the highest registered unemployment rates. The West region (2.9%) and Bucharest (1.6%) had the lowest registered jobless rates.

Companies (limited liability companies (SRL), joint-stock companies (SA), partnerships (SNC), basic partnerships (SCS), joint-stock partnerships (SCA), solo proprietors (PFA), and family associations are the most prevalent business kinds on the labour market.

Multinational corporations, profit/nonprofit state-owned businesses, private companies, and NGOs make up the majority of employers. The largest companies in Romania in terms of turnover are: Automobile Dacia SA, OMV Petrom Marketing SRL, OMV Petrom SA, Rompetrol Rafinare SA, Kaufland România, Rompetrol Downstream SRL, British American Tobacco Trading SRL, Lukoil Romania SRL, Carrefour România SA, EON Energie România SA, and Transgaz SA, according to the 2016 Coface CEE Top 500 Companies study.

The most common forms of employment contracts are those with fixed terms or long-term commitments and full- or part-time work schedules. Certain jobs call for a specific set of skills and/or background. See chapter 3.3 of "Living and Working in Romania" for more information.

National Institute of Statistics, National Employment Agency, and Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Protection, and the Elderly are some of the sources.

Work visas and permits for Romania

One of the most crucial things you'll need for your company's global expansion is a group of qualified personnel. Most nations, including Romania, require visas and work permits for foreign workers, including those from your parent firm and new hires from all around the world.

Work visa categories in Romania

Since Romania is a member of the European Union (EU), its legislation on work permits and visas are comparable to those of other EU nations. Both citizens of Switzerland and other E.E.A. nations, as well as nationals of other EU member states, do not require a permit to work in Romania (EEA). These nations include Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway.

A work permit is required for any potential employee who is not a citizen of one of these nations. In Romania, foreign nationals can get a variety of permissions, including those for:

Seasonal workers
Trainees
Athletes
Permanent employees
Cross-border workers
Nominal work

Conditions for Getting Romania Work Visas

Foreign nationals cannot apply for a work permit on their own behalf in Romania. Employers are required to apply for them.

A permit will only be granted if the position cannot be filled by a citizen of Romania or a citizen of another EU or EEA member state. This is one prerequisite for being eligible for a permit. The potential employee must also meet the following requirements:

Meet all of the employer’s requirements for the position under legal provisions
Have no criminal record that would prevent them from working in Romania
Provide a medical certificate that states their capability to carry out the tasks required for the job
Fall within the yearly quota for foreign citizens who may be granted a work permit

A long-term visa must also be applied for by the employee. The applicant should be ready to submit many documents in addition to the application, such as:

a work permit that the employer has secured
evidence of lodging in Romania
a current passport
Two recent images for identification
Police clearance or a background check from the employee's country of residence Background insurance documentation for the duration of the visit
proof that you have the money to support your trip
a flight reservation or other evidence of travel accommodations

Application Process

Foreign citizens will need a work permit as well as a long-term visa to live and work in Romania legally. Here are the necessary steps to obtain these documents:

The employer must apply for the work permit on behalf of the prospective employee, submitting all relevant documents to the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) and paying the applicable fees.
The IGI will answer the request within 30 days, either providing a decision or requesting more information for verification. If additional verification is needed, the process may be extended for up to 15 days.
Once the application is approved by the IGI, a work permit will be issued to the prospective employee.
The employee must then obtain a long-term visa by applying through the diplomatic missions and consular offices of Romania. The employee has a window of 60 days to apply after obtaining their work permit.

Other Important Considerations

If an employee needs to extend the residence granted by their long-term visa, they can request to do so through the IGI. They’ll need to file the request at least 30 days before their visa is set to expire. Their work permit may be renewed at the same time.

In Romania, most work permits can be extended for up to a year. Highly skilled employees may be qualified for an extension of two years.

It’s likely that some of your employees will be traveling with family members. Each family member will need their own long-term visa as well as their own work permit if they wish to seek employment in Romania.

How Can AtoZ Serwis Plus Help You?

Advise you on the documentation that will be required for the visa
Advise you on how the funds needed for the visa need to be shown
Complete the application process
Review your documents needed for the visa Application

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Key Poland Work Permit Features:

Poland is the seventh-largest nation in all of Europe.
Poland has a population of 38.5 million, and in 2022, there will be a 3.9 percent annual growth.
For non-EU citizens, there are five types of visas available.
40 hours of regular work

Overview:

Non-EU citizens can immigrate to Poland under the category of employment through one of five different types of work visas, each of which has a fixed period. Below is a detailed explanation of the five distinct visa kinds, prerequisites, methods, and advantages of obtaining a work permit for Poland.

About Poland:

Poland is a country in central Europe that is situated at a physical junction between the rich plains of the Eurasian border and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the forested regions of northwestern Europe.

Also see...

What are Poland's employment prospects in 2022?

Polish work permit categories

Poland offers five work visa types; these include:

Type A – If you find employment based on an employment contract or civil law contract with an employer with an office registered in Poland. This is the most famous work permit.
Type B – This work permit is valid if you are a board member residing in Poland for a total period exceeding six months within 12 subsequent months.
Type C –You can apply for this work permit if you are sent to Poland by a foreign employer for more than 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch office.
Type D – You are eligible for this visa if a foreign employer temporarily sends you to work in export services. The foreign employer must not have a branch or subsidiary in Poland.
Type E – You can apply for this visa if you take up work-related tasks that do not fall into the above four categories.

Requirements to acquire Poland work permit

The employer must provide the necessary documents to acquire a work permit on behalf of a foreign employee. These documents include:

A completed application form
Proof of the paid application fees
Current records of the employer’s economic activity
Proof of applicants health insurance
A deed for the company
Copies with relevant travel information on the applicant’s passport pages
A copy of a statement regarding profits or losses sustained by the employer
Confirmation and evidence of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register
A copy of a contract following the service being provided in Poland

How to apply for a work permit in Poland:

A work permit must be requested by the employer on your behalf. Let's suppose you have located a company eager to hire you and that your presence is authorized (either on a visa you have obtained or on a residence permit).

To obtain a work permit, your prospective employer must complete an application that includes the name of the business you are recruiting for and information about your future position there.

Your employer must submit a work permit application on your behalf if you are able to secure a job offer in Poland.

The following actions must be taken in order to apply for a work permit:

Step-1: Conducting a Labor Market Test

An employer must conduct a labor market examination before applying for a foreign work visa. This test aims to see if any Polish citizens or other EU citizens are qualified to fill the role. These people take precedence over foreign nationals.

If no qualified job seekers are available, the employer can apply for a work visa on your behalf.

Step-2: The Application Process

The employer must include documents confirming that the following conditions are met with the application:

Conditions of employment meet all applicable employment regulations, including articles of the Labor Code.
According to the Voivodeship Office, remuneration should not be 30% lower than the average monthly wage.
Work permits are issued by a local “voivode” (government land head) and are given for the duration of stay needed to perform the work stated in the declaration of your employer. You need to sign an employment contract with the employer that applied for your permit to make the work permit valid.

Step-3: Issuing the Work Permit

Your employer is legally obliged to:

Give you the employment contract in writing
Provide you with a translation of the employment contract in your preferred language
Check the validity and make a copy of your residence permit or visa
Notify social security and health insurance institutions within seven days after the employment contract is signed, which gives you access to free healthcare, sickness leave, and other social benefits.

The advantages of a work permit

Following receipt of your work permit for Poland, you may:

legal employment in Poland
legalize your presence there
Perform the tasks listed in the work permit.
contract for employment with your employer

The time needed to process the visa should be between 10 and 12 days. You may work legally in Poland after obtaining a work permit to enter the country.

Do you want to work in Poland? Seek the right guidance from AtoZ Serwis Plus, Poland Immigration and Visa Consultancy services, and a registered Recruitment Agency

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what-are-polands-employment-prospects-in-2023

The sixth-largest economy in the European Union (EU) and one of the continent's fastest-growing economies is Poland, a nation in Central Europe.

The Republic of Poland, a democratic nation, provides a good standard of living. One of its key sources of income is tourism. With sports like skiing, sea bathing, sailing, and mountain climbing, it is recognized for its breathtaking surroundings and draws visitors from around the world.

Poland is conveniently connected to all of Europe's advanced economies thanks to its central location in the continent. It has long-standing business ties with a number of nations, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Poland is cited as a potential location for investment and development due to its political and economic stability, skilled labor force, and sizable domestic market.

Current situation

According to a different study, there would be a lack of qualified workers in the fields of science, engineering, business, administration, etc. Of these, 15% are for sales and service professionals and 34% are for high-level professionals.

What are Poland's employment prospects

According to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), the sectors where there is expected to be the largest employment growth in Poland would be oil and gas and repair of household goods.

With Poland, too, like other European countries, facing problems such as the aging of working-age populations, there will be a demand for skilled workers in artificial intelligence and other sectors of information technology (IT).

The minimum salary in 2023 is higher than previously proposed. The government adopted the regulation

As from 1 January 2023, the minimum salary is to increase to PLN 3,490, and as from 1 July – to PLN 3,600. The Council of Ministers adopted a regulation on this matter. This is more than the previous proposal suggested. – As the government responsible for financial security of Poles, we are responding to inflation caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy, Marlena Malag.

The Council of Ministers adopted a regulation on the amount of the minimum salary for work and the minimum hourly rate in 2023.

An increase in the minimum salary will ensure financial security for Poles, we will not allow a situation where the salary is not enough to satisfy basic needs. The increase is our response to the expectations of employees, in this way we respond to inflation caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Mal?g.

As from 1 January 2023, the minimum salary will increase to PLN 3,490, and as from 1 July – to PLN 3,600. Next July, the minimum salary will be by PLN 590 higher than the minimum salary for work this year.

At the same time, the minimum hourly rate in 2023 will increase to PLN 22.80 from 1 January and to PLN 23.50 from 1 July, respectively. Next July, the rate will be by PLN 3.80 higher than that in 2022.

Protection of employees

The minimum salary plays a major role in reducing poverty and income inequality and protects employees from working at lower wages. As the Head of the Ministry of Family points out, such a significant increase in the minimum salary is also required to protect the poorer classes of society from incurring a disproportionately inflated cost of the difficult economic situation in which Poland and Europe found themselves due to the war caused by Russia in neighbouring Ukraine.

Salaries will be higher than originally proposed

The amounts indicated in the regulation of the Council of Ministers are higher than the original proposals. Previously, we proposed that the minimum salary should increase – after two increases – to PLN 3,450, i.e. by PLN 440 when compared to the current year. The situation is similar in the case of the minimum hourly salary, which finally in 2023 was to stand at 22.50 – highlights Minister Marlena Mal?g.

As a result, from January 2023, the minimum salary for work will constitute 50.3% of the predicted average salary in the national economy for 2023, and from July 2023 – 51.9%.

As from July 2023, the minimum salary will be higher by 19.6% when compared to the lowest salary, which is applicable in 2022. In turn, when compared to 2015, the minimum salary will increase by 105.7%. In 2015, it amounted to PLN 1,750 – enumerates the Head of the Ministry of Family.

Minimum salary in 2023 will double

Pursuant to the Act on the minimum salary for work, if the total consumer price index predicted for the next year is at least 105% – two deadlines are set for changing the amount of the minimum salary and the amount of the minimum hourly rate: as from 1 January 1 and as from 1 July.

Do you want to work in Poland? Seek the right guidance from AtoZ Serwis Plus, Poland Immigration and Visa Consultancy services, and a registered Recruitment Agency

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steps-to-apply-for-e8-seasonal-work-purpose

For companies seeking opportunities to expand in the global market, Portugal is one of many enticing options. If your company is planning to extend operations in Portugal, many of your employees will need to obtain visas and work permits.

E8 -Seasonal Work Visa

or a visa application for seasonal work purposes, the following documentation is required:

Formal petition application;
Passport or additional valid travel document, for the duration of the travel;
Passport photograph;
Return ticket;
Valid travel insurance, including necessary medical expenses, medical emergency and medical repatriation;
Certificate of being in a regular situation when the applicant is from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being requested;
Proof of means of subsistence, in compliance with legal requirements set by the competent Government entity;
Work contract or valid work offer for seasonal work purposes, with a temporary work company or an employer established in Portuguese territory, identifying the location, time, type of work, as well as duration, salary and paid vacation;
In the case of regulated professions, compliance with national legal requirements for that profession is mandatory;
Adequate medical protection, in similar terms to national citizens, or medical insurance for the periods that may not be covered by medical protection; as well as work accidents insurance provided for the employer;
Dignified accommodation, through a rental lease or equivalent. Accommodation can also be provided by the employer, in compliance with existing legal requirements.

The work activity must be registered in the list of work sectors for which seasonal work is available, defined by competent authorities. The current sectors, defined by Order n.º 745/2018 of 17 January, are:

Agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry and fishing;
Hospitality, restaurants and similar;
Food industry, liquor and tobacco industries;
Gross and Retail commerce;
Construction;
Land transport.

Short Stay Visa

For applying for a short-stay Schengen visa, the following documentation is required:

Duly filled form and signed (For minors and incapacitated forms should be signed the legal guardian);
Passport Photograph;
Authentic and Valid (over 3 months after the date of exit) Travel Document; a photocopy of prior passport and visas.
Certificate of being in a regular situation when the applicant is from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being requested;
Travel reservation (return ticket);
Travel medical insurance. Shall a multiple visa be granted, applicants shall sign the statement, set out in the application form, declaring that they are aware of the need to be in possession of travel medical insurance for subsequent stays.
Economic and work conditions: work certificate and salary, as well as three last bank transcripts (proof of means of subsistence), covering the entire stay and return to the country of origin.
Travel authorization for minors or court decision (when applicable);
Hotel reservation (if applicable) or statement of responsibility.
If staying with a family member, proof of family relationship is required, and proof of housing conditions may be requested. If the person signing the term of responsibility is not a Portuguese national, proof of being legally in Portugal is required; or,

For business purposes, an invitation clarifying on the purpose of travelling and date of arrival and departure, as well as host organization and person responsible; or,
For participation in political, economic, scientific, cultural, sport or religious events, proof of attendance is required, registration or entry ticket; or,
For journeys undertaken for medical reasons: an official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution and proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment; or,

Entry visa for the destination country (if applicable).

If the application is lodged in a country where a harmonized table, with general and specific documentation requirements, the chart should be consulted in order to avoid any missing document when filing the application.

Refer to the harmonized documents table concerning required documents for visa application lodging in specific countries or territories:

Afghanistan	Chile	Israel	Russia	United States of América
Algeria	China	Jordan	Saudi Arabia	Uzbekistan
Angola	Costa Rica	Kazakhstan	Senegal	Vietnam
Argentina	Cuba	Kenya	Singapore	Zambia
Armenia	Ecuador	Kosovo	South Africa
Australia	Egypt	Macao	South Korea
Azerbaijan	Ethiopia	Mexico	Sri Lanka
Bangladesh	Georgia	Moldova	Tanzania
Belarus	Ghana	Morocco	Thailand
Bolivia	Hong Kong	Mozambique	Trinidad and Tobago
Bosnia Herzegovina	India	Nicaragua	Tunisia
Brazil	Indonesia	Nigeria	Turkey
Cameroon	Iran	Pakistan	Ukraine
Canada	Iraq	Palestine	United Arab Emirates
Cape Verde	Ireland	Philippines	United Kingdom

Type of visas in Portugal

The Schengen Visa is an authorization issued by a Member State for the purpose of airport transit or short stays in the territory of one or more Member States, allowing the holder to present himself at the external border.

A short-stay visa does not automatically confer the right to enter the Schengen area, it only entitles its holder to present himself at a border post and apply for entry into the country [Article 30 of the Visa Code, article 5 of the Convention for the Application of the Schengen Agreement and article 6 of the Borders Code].

At the border, you may be required to present documentation related to the conditions of stay, for example, relating to the availability of sufficient means of subsistence to cover your stay and return trip, accommodation conditions and valid travel medical insurance.

The Schengen visa is intended for short stays of up to 90 days in each 180-day period and can be granted for the purposes of tourism, family visit, business, seasonal work, transit, among others.

Short stay visa

Visas issued to allow for transit and short-term stays in the Schengen area. Those visas have a maximum validity of 90 during any 180-days period, allowing one or multiple entries.

Short stay visa

Visas issued to allow for transit and short-term stays in the Schengen area. Those visas have a maximum validity of 90 during any 180-days period, allowing one or multiple entries.

Airport transit visa

Airport Transit Visas are granted to allow a person to transit within the international area of an airport, from one flight to another, without entering the Schengen area.

The applicant shall appear in person at the consular post of the applicant´s area of residency.

The visa request instruction should provide justification regarding the objective and conditions of stay. If necessary, the consular post may schedule an interview, in person, with the applicant, to be held within two weeks of the date of application. All documents are to be produced in their original form, including copies.

Necessary documents being considered admissible as well as the payment of the visa fee for the administrative processing of the visa application does not entail a visa being granted, nor does it entail a refund in case of refusal.

When collecting your passport always check the data on the visa sticker.

Where should you lodge a visa application

According to your nationality and/or country of residency, if your country of residency is different from that of your nationality, refer to the Portuguese consular post below where to lodge a long-term visa application:

Fhlow this link : https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/where-should-you-lodge-a-visa-application

looking-for-polish-workers-well-assist-you-in-locating-the-top-applicants

Based on our 11 years of hiring experience, AtoZ Serwis Plus can identify qualified candidates for any opening swiftly. We have the necessary tools, expertise, and network of websites to find candidates, but most importantly, our relationships with employers and candidates since 2009 have given us a favorable impression of both.

Which nations do we hire personnel from?

Polish employees

We assist foreign firms in finding Polish workers swiftly to fill positions in the EU and other nations.

Employers from Sweden, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Finland, and other nations are among our regular clients.

For them, based on the hiring order, we locate Polish workers for a variety of positions, starting with finding production workers, Polish builders, bartenders, waiters, cooks, confectioners, truck drivers, and concluding with Polish IT professionals (programmers, testers). We are willing to work with you to hire people with any level of education.

What distinguishes Polish workers from other workers?

Over the course of their employment overseas, Polish workers have earned a reputation for being diligent, accountable, trustworthy, and skilled. Polish workers are in high demand because employers abroad are happy with the job they provide.

Particularly the work of Poles in Iceland serves as a wonderful example of the best qualities of a Polish worker. There, Polish nationals make up the largest immigrant population and are still making a substantial economic contribution to the nation. They successfully assimilated into Icelandic society and enhanced the reputation of Polish workers abroad.

Polish employees have an edge over other EU members due to their high level of education, EU membership, lack of work authorization in other EU nations, and high average English proficiency. That is, it only takes a few days to discover a good candidate from the start of the stay procedure to their arrival in a foreign country.

Are you looking to hire someone from Poland? Please complete a brief questionnaire so that we can get in touch with you, inform you of the specifics, and discuss other matters.

Registration Now.

How quickly can I locate a Polish employee?

We assist the company in finding a Polish employee as fast as possible if that is the case. Why do we do it?

How to hire a worker from Poland:

Send us a message or a questionnaire.
Together, we establish the terms of collaboration and the business's requirements (such as specific Polish workers the employer seeks).
The following stage is to finalize a collaboration pact with AtoZ Serwis Plus.
Effortless employment search with robust AtoZ Serwis Plus HR technologies
coordination between the prospective employee and the employer
arrival of a Polish worker seeking employment abroad in the nation of the prospective employer

Employees from Asia

We also hire workers from Asia to work in Poland in addition to Polish personnel.

We have a lot of experience hiring workers from Indonesia and the Philippines to work in Poland.

Eastern European laborers

Since 2009, we have employed people from Eastern Europe in Poland. These workers come from a variety of nations, including the Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

NOTICE!

We only hire workers from Eastern European and Asian countries to work in Poland because hiring workers from these regions abroad requires additional permits, visas, and other documents, takes a lot of time, and is not always resolved favorably by government institutions in different countries.

We assist firms in locating Polish workers for employment in other EU nations.

I have compiled a list of in-demand jobs in Poland in case you want to relocate there or are interested in learning more about the Polish labor market. Knowing the most in-demand jobs is necessary if you want to work in a different nation or location. This will let you know whether Poland is the best country for you or what skills you'll need to find employment there.

Engineers: Many companies are prepared to employ international managers who have an engineering degree, extensive experience, and a solid grasp of Polish. In Poland, there is a good possibility that you will find employment quickly if you are a certified engineer.

Sales personnel : are needed on the Polish labor market in many different fields. Businesses that offer drugs, electrical products, food, cosmetics, building materials, tours, and rental properties require sales agents, salespeople, and brand representatives.

Drivers: In Poland, there is a dearth of truck and bus drivers, and there are numerous openings that need to be filled. If you possess good driving skills, you might think about participating in the Polish employment market and obtaining advantages. To demonstrate that you are an experienced driver, all you need is a license.

Software Developers: Without a doubt, one of the most in-demand professions in Poland is software development. The IT industry is constantly looking for qualified individuals, and there are no signs that this will change in the near future.

Health Care Workers: In Poland, there is a high demand for healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, therapists, and elderly caregivers.

Manual Labor: In Poland, there are many of jobs available in the manual labor industry. You might wish to take advantage of the opportunity if you have a skill like bricklaying, tailoring, farming, electrical engineering, or woodworking. Workers in this industry are well compensated since there is a demand for their services. This is the part that immigrants prefer the most.

Caterers: Chefs, cooks, and bakers are in high demand in Poland, so if you have any culinary or catering experience, you will probably find employment there eventually.

Service Providers: In Poland, demand for nail technicians, masseuses, hairdressers, and cosmeticians is similarly high. You can simply break into the Polish job market if you have a service in any of those areas to offer.

If you possess a high level of expertise in any of the aforementioned sectors, you have a good chance of finding employment in Poland.
If you are skilled in any of the aforementioned areas, you are in a better position. All you need to do is show that you are qualified for the position and possess the required or relevant documentation.

2023 Poland: National Minimum Salary Increase

Key Points?

The government of Poland will increase its national minimum salary beginning in 2023?

Overview

The government of Poland will increase the minimum salary by 12.4 percent beginning in January 2023. This change will increase the minimum salary amount to PLN 3,383. The government plans to increase the minimum salary again in July 2023 to PLN 3,450.? This change will bring the hourly minimum rate to PLN 22.10 in January 2023 and PLN 22.50 in July 2023.

What are the Changes??

The government of Poland announced that it plans to increase the country’s national minimum salary twice beginning in early 2023. Under these changes, the minimum salary will increase to PLN 3,383 in January 2023 and 3,450 in July 2023.?

Documents entitling a foreigner to work in Poland

Detailed information on the temporary residence and work permit is available in the TEMPORARY STAY / RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT tab.

WORK PERMIT