Poland Labor Law and Employment Policy Overview

Employment Law Overview

• Key Legislation:
  • Polish Labor Code
  • Social Insurance Act
  • Tax Law
• Legal Characteristics:
  • Aims to protect employee rights and promote a fair employment environment.
  • Regulates matters such as minimum wage, working hours, holidays, and social benefits.

Employment Contract Requirements

• Contract Types:
  • Indefinite contracts
  • Fixed-term contracts
  • Probationary contracts
• Contractual Provisions:
  • Must include details on job description, remuneration, working hours, leave, and social benefits.
• Language and Currency:
  • Contracts must be written in Polish, and the currency unit is the Polish Zloty (PLN).

Working Time Regulations

• Standard Working Hours: 40 hours per week, not exceeding 8 hours per day.
• Rest Days and Breaks: At least 24 hours of rest per week and 11 hours of rest per day.

Leave Policy

• Annual Leave:
  • Employees with less than 10 years of service: 20 days
  • Employees with 10 or more years of service: 26 days
• Public Holidays: 13
• Special Leave:
  • Sick leave: 33 days of paid sick leave
  • Maternity leave: 20 weeks of paid maternity leave
  • Paternity leave: 2 weeks of paid paternity leave
  • Parental leave: 32 weeks of paid parental leave

Employee Dismissal and Contract Termination

• Notice Period:
  • Less than 6 months of employment: 2 weeks
  • 6 months to 3 years of employment: 1 month
  • Over 3 years of employment: 3 months
• Severance Pay:
  • Less than 2 years of employment: 1 month's salary
  • 2-8 years of employment: 2 months' salary
  • Over 8 years of employment: 3 months' salary
• Unfair Dismissal Protection: Employees have the right to appeal against unfair dismissal.

Tax Law

• Personal Income Tax:

  • Salary Range (PLN)	Tax Rate
    0 - 120,000	12%
    120,000 and above	32%

• Social Insurance Contributions:

  • Employee: 9.76% - 22.14%
  • Employer: 19.48% - 22.14%

Health Insurance

• Insurance Policy: All employees must participate in the national health insurance scheme.
• Coverage: Basic healthcare services, including medical, dental, and vision care.

Compensation and Benefits

• Minimum Wage: PLN 3,600 per month
• Salary Structure:
  • Base salary
  • Bonuses
  • Allowances

Work Permits and Visas

• Permit Requirement: Non-EU/EEA citizens require a work permit.
• Application Process:
  • Employer applies for a work permit with the Polish Employment Office.
  • Employee applies for a visa at the Polish consulate.

Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses

• Enforceability: Confidentiality and non-compete clauses are enforceable in Poland.
• Common Provisions:
  • Confidentiality clauses: Prohibit employees from disclosing the employer's confidential information.
  • Non-compete clauses: Restrict employees from working for competitors for a specified period.

Training and Development

• Legal Requirement: Employers must provide employees with safety training and professional development opportunities.
• Government Support: Government funds training and development programs.

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

• Legal Requirement: Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability is prohibited.
• Enforcement Measures: Government agencies investigate and resolve discrimination complaints.

Remote Work Policy

• Legal Framework: Remote work is legal in Poland but must comply with the Labor Code.
• Tax and Insurance Implications: Tax and social insurance implications of remote work depend on the specific circumstances.

Authoritative Website Addresses

• Polish Ministry of Labor and Social Policy: https://www.mpips.gov.pl/en/