Work Opportunities for Students in Poland
Studying in Poland? You can totally work part-time while you learn if you have a Residence Card! This is a great way to boost your skills and help with living costs. Here’s a breakdown of work options available to you:
While You Study
- Diverse Job Market: Poland offers a wide range of job opportunities for international students. In addition to the booming IT sector in cities like Warsaw and Kraków, you can find roles in hospitality, such as bartenders or baristas, teaching languages, customer service, and retail positions.
- Internships: Many companies actively seek foreign students for internships that provide real-world experience. These positions can be paid or unpaid and are a great way to enhance your resume and make valuable industry connections.
- Language Skills: While some jobs in Poland may not require Polish, others do. Think Poland offers basic Polish courses to help you build your language skills, increasing your chances of landing various roles.
- EURES Network: If you’re from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland, you can access the EURES network for job listings tailored for international students, making job hunting a breeze.
Note: As a full-time student in Poland, you can work legally without needing an additional work permit—your Residence Card covers you!
After Graduation
Once you’ve completed your studies, you’ll find even more opportunities to build your career:
- Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for a residence permit to stay and work in Poland for up to 9 months. This allows you to gain valuable experience in the local job market.
- Growing Job Market: With a rapidly developing economy, Poland attracts numerous international companies in various sectors, including IT, finance, and manufacturing.
Got questions or need guidance? Just reach out to our team. Dive into your studies and start building your future in Poland!
Important information
If you work in Poland, you'll be subject to Personal Income Tax (PIT). Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Contracts
You can sign three main types of contracts:
- Employment Contract
- Contract of Mandate
- Contract for a Piece of Work
Students often receive piece of work or mandate contracts, which generally offer more favorable tax treatment. This means more of your earnings go directly to you rather than to tax authorities.
Tax Rates
- Under 26: If you're 26 or younger, you pay zero tax in a given year.
- First Tax Threshold: Annual earnings up to PLN 120,000 are taxed at 12%.
- Second Tax Threshold: Earnings over PLN 120,000 are taxed at 32%.
Social Insurance
Depending on your contract, you may also be covered by compulsory social insurance, which is deducted by your employer.
Tax Responsibilities
Your employer handles ongoing tax obligations, but you're responsible for submitting an annual tax return (PIT) by April 30 of the following year. You’ll complete this using information from your employer, so no need to track your income continuously.
If you need help filling out your PIT form, Think Poland is here to assist you!
