Poland has friendly people, a rich history, and many opportunities. There is a significant community of foreigners in most major cities, and a lot of people speak English, though sometimes reluctantly. This article aims to provide you with all the information you need on English-speaking jobs in Poland.
Poland has a thriving economy and its workers enjoy a good work-life balance. It also has one of the lowest costs of living and the second-lowest unemployment rate in Europe
As popular tourist destinations such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw are hotspots for graduate employment, there will be plenty to explore on your days off. As well as the famous Warsaw Old Market Place, you won’t want to miss Poland’s vast selection of forests, lakes, and mountains. For example, you could explore the Crooked Forest in Gryfino.
You’ll also enjoy a lower cost of living than most European countries, have the chance to learn a new language and, thanks to Poland’s central location, experience the mix of Western and Eastern European cultures.
How To Get A Job In Poland
Most workers apply for jobs from their home country, typically through a jobs portal. Alternatively, you could find work through a multinational company with offices in Poland.
You can search the listings on the following job sites:
- Careerjet.pl – in Polish
- Careers In Poland
- Infopraca.pl
- Jobs In Warsaw
- Kariera w Finansach – in Polish
- Praca.pl
- Reed
- Fasthire
As well as private recruitment agencies, those arriving from EU member states, or the European Economic Area (EEA) can make use of the services provided by Polish district labour offices for help with getting a job.
An easy way to job hunt from home is to use social media to search for opportunities – jobs are advertised on GoldenLine, Poland’s LinkedIn equivalent.
Numerous Polish newspapers also contain comprehensive job vacancy sections, including:
The European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) is another place for job seekers to find work in Poland.
Average Salary Range in Poland
The per capita income in Poland ranges between an average minimum salary of 1,910 PLN and an average maximum of 33,800 PLN.
The median base salary in Poland is 6,540 PLN or USD 1,652 per month (according to the latest exchange rates).
Average Salary in Major Polish Regions
Some of the major business centers in Poland include Warsaw, Gdańsk, Kraków, and Katowice.
Here’s the data on the average income in the major Polish regions. Both outsourcing businesses and expats should carefully consider these values before moving to a region.
| City | Average Monthly Salary |
| Warsaw | 8,550 PLN |
| Katowice | 6,310 PLN |
| Kraków | 8,320 PLN |
| Wroclaw | 8,090 PLN |
| Gdańsk | 6,920 PLN |
| Lublin | 6,510 PLN |
Source: salaryexplorer.com
Polish Visas
If you’re a citizen of a country within the European Union (EU), you can move to Poland and begin your hunt for work immediately, without the need for a work permit. However, as you’ll likely be working for more than three months, you’ll need to obtain a temporary residence permit, which lasts for up to three years. This can be arranged at your nearest Voivodeship Office.
EU nationals may also be entitled to have certain types of health and social security coverage transferred to the country in which they go to seek work. For country-specific information, see the European Commission.
To qualify for a work permit, non-EU workers, such as those from the UK, will usually need an official employment offer from a Polish company.
For the most up-to-date visa information relating to UK nationals, see the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London.
Language Requirements
As Polish is the country’s national language and is spoken by most of the population, proficiency is likely to be a prerequisite for many jobs.
However, the country has one of the highest rates of English as a second language in the world, particularly with younger generations. There are plenty of English-speaking opportunities in the business world.
Not understanding Polish can be a barrier to communication, especially with the older generation, so aim to have at least some understanding before you arrive. Polish language courses are held across the UK, while many websites exist to help you learn a language or improve your skills. Pick up basic words and phrases at BBC Languages – Polish and Study in Poland – Polish language.
What It’s Like To Work in Poland
Annual leave in Polish companies typically stands at 20 days per year. Regular office hours are typically 8 am-4 pm or 9 am-5 pm but working time cannot exceed eight hours every 24 hours. You can opt out of this by written request, but it must be included in your employment contract. Overtime also cannot exceed 150 hours in a calendar year.
In some roles, you may also have to work 8 am-2 pm on Saturdays, but you may exchange any days you work outside the five-day week for a day off.
While hierarchal structures in businesses still exist, the authoritarian corporate culture is beginning to give way to a more open dialogue between managers and staff. Poles are usually very open, friendly, and tolerant, but smart business dress is the norm meetings can be formal, direct, and professional, and punctuality is taken very seriously.
In the office, be prepared to address people by their professional title and family name rather than their first name – and avoid shaking hands in a doorway, as locals might consider this to bring bad luck.
According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in Poland is 40% lower than in the UK – rent is also cheaper on average, by around 50% – although wages are typically lower too.
Social media is a great tool for finding like-minded people when moving to a new country – groups such as Krakow Expats and Expats in Warsaw will help you settle in.
English-Speaking Jobs in Poland For Foreigners
Summer Jobs
During the busy summer season, you’ll be able to find casual work in hotels, restaurants, and bars – as well as at large companies. Check the job sites above for vacancies with the latter, apply speculatively or, if you’re already in the country, enquire in person.
Teaching Jobs
Since joining the EU in 2004, the demand for Polish workers to grasp the EU’s international business language is more important than ever. Teaching English as a foreign language is therefore one of the most accessible jobs for native English speakers living in Poland. Teaching positions are available in a range of settings, such as state schools, private language schools, language camps, or private tutors.
You’ll need a good bachelor’s degree and a teaching license to be considered for these roles, which typically last for one year. They’re usually advertised in January and the summer months (June to August).
For more information on teaching English in Poland, see TEFL.org.uk. Look for positions at:
Internships
Securing an internship could give your CV a boost while gaining valuable work experience and allowing you to sample life in another country. With this experience, you’ll be a favorable candidate when looking for graduate jobs.
Several global businesses have a presence in Poland. You can visit individual websites to find opportunities or try the speculative approach and contact companies directly to enquire.
It’s not unheard of for internships in Poland to be offered with paid-for accommodation as compensation, rather than a full salary. Paid positions are likely to offer close to the Polish minimum wage, which is 3,010ZL (£555) per month.
Visit Praktyki.edu.pl and Go Overseas to see what’s currently available.
Companies That Offer Jobs in Poland
There are several multinationals based in Poland as well as major local companies, including:
- Agora SA
- Asseco Group
- Diebold Nixdorf
- FCA Group
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) Poland
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Nordea Group
- Orange Polska
- PKN Orlen
- PKO Bank Polski
- Poznan Volkswagen
- RBS Poland
- T-Mobile Polska
- Toyota Motor Poland.
For a helpful guide to the Polish labour market and multinational companies based in Poland, see the Careers in Poland Guidebook.
In addition to large businesses with a presence in Poland, the country is home to some successful start-ups – for example, LiveChat, Brand24, Estimote, and Brainly.
Conclusion
Being an English speaker in a foreign country like Poland can be quite challenging in terms of getting a job, nevertheless, you need to know that there are available jobs for English speakers, ranging from English tutors to tourist jobs and others alike. Poland provide a conducive working space for expats who wish to work and make a source of living.
