So you're studying in Poland, and you're thinking about getting a job. Maybe you need some extra cash, maybe you want work experience, or maybe you're planning to stay after graduation. Great! But here's the thing: working in Poland as an international student isn't always straightforward. There are rules, restrictions, and requirements that depend on where you're from, what kind of student you are, and what kind of work you want to do.

Here's the reality: Some international students can work freely, others need permits, and some have restrictions. The rules depend on whether you're from the EU/EEA, whether you're on a student visa, and what kind of work you're looking for. It's not as simple as "yes, you can work" or "no, you can't" – it's more like "it depends, and here's what you need to know."

This guide will break down everything you need to know about working in Poland as an international student. We'll cover who can work, what restrictions apply, what documents you need, and how to navigate the system. Because understanding the rules is the first step to actually getting a job and staying legal.

The Short Answer: It Depends

Can international students work in Poland? The answer is: it depends on where you're from and what kind of student you are.

EU/EEA students: Can work freely, no restrictions.

Non-EU students with student visa: Can work, but with restrictions and requirements.

Non-EU students without proper visa: Cannot work legally.

The key factors:

  • Your nationality (EU/EEA vs. non-EU)
  • Your visa/residence permit status
  • Whether you're a full-time or part-time student
  • The type of work you want to do

Pro tip: Don't assume you can work just because you're a student. Check your specific situation first, because working illegally can have serious consequences – including deportation and being banned from re-entering Poland.

EU/EEA Students: The Simple Case

Who qualifies: Students from EU countries, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland.

The good news: If you're from the EU/EEA, you can work freely in Poland without any work permit or special authorization. You have the same rights as Polish citizens when it comes to employment.

What this means:

  • No work permit needed
  • No restrictions on hours or type of work
  • Can work full-time or part-time
  • Can work in any sector
  • Same employment rights as Polish workers

What you need:

  • Valid ID or passport from your EU/EEA country
  • Polish tax identification number (PESEL) – you'll get this when you register your stay
  • Sometimes: registration certificate if you're staying longer than 3 months

Tax obligations:

  • You'll need to pay Polish taxes if you earn above the tax-free threshold
  • You may need to register with the tax office
  • Your employer will handle most tax matters, but you should understand your obligations

Pro tip: Even though you can work freely, you still need to register your stay in Poland if you're staying longer than 3 months. This is separate from work authorization, but it's required.

Reality check: Just because you can work doesn't mean you should work full-time while studying. Polish universities expect students to focus on their studies, and working too much can affect your academic performance.

Non-EU Students: The More Complex Case

Who qualifies: Students from outside the EU/EEA who are studying in Poland on a student visa or residence permit.

The situation: Non-EU students can work in Poland, but there are restrictions and requirements. The rules have changed in recent years to make it easier for students to work, but you still need to follow the procedures.

Key restrictions:

  • Usually limited to part-time work during the academic year
  • May need work authorization depending on the type of work
  • Must maintain student status
  • Cannot work in certain sectors without special permits

What you need:

  • Valid student visa or residence permit
  • Student ID card
  • Sometimes: work authorization (depending on the type of work)
  • PESEL number (Polish tax identification number)

Pro tip: The rules for non-EU students have been relaxed in recent years, but they can still be confusing. If you're unsure, check with your university's international office or a legal advisor.

Work Authorization: When Do You Need It?

The general rule: Most non-EU students can work without a work permit if they meet certain conditions. But there are exceptions.

You DON'T need a work permit if:

  • You're working part-time (up to 20 hours per week during the academic year)
  • You're working during holidays (full-time is allowed)
  • You're working for your university or in a student job
  • You're doing an internship that's part of your studies

You DO need a work permit if:

  • You want to work full-time during the academic year
  • You're working in certain regulated professions
  • Your work is not covered by the student work exemption
  • You're working after graduation (different rules apply)

The process: If you need a work permit, your employer usually applies for it. The process can take several weeks, and there are fees involved.

Pro tip: Most students don't need work permits for typical part-time student jobs (restaurants, retail, tutoring, etc.). But if you're unsure, check with your employer or a legal advisor.

Reality check: Even if you don't need a work permit, you still need to follow all other rules – taxes, social security, etc. Working "under the table" is illegal and can have serious consequences.

Types of Work: What Can You Do?

Student-friendly jobs:

  • Restaurant and hospitality – waiters, kitchen staff, baristas
  • Retail – sales assistants, cashiers
  • Tutoring – teaching languages, subjects
  • Delivery – food delivery, courier services
  • Freelancing – online work, remote work
  • University jobs – library, administration, research assistance

Jobs that might require special permits:

  • Healthcare – doctors, nurses (need license recognition)
  • Teaching – in schools (may need qualifications)
  • Legal professions – lawyers, notaries
  • Certain technical jobs – depending on requirements

Jobs you probably can't do:

  • Full-time work during the academic year (for non-EU students)
  • Work that requires Polish citizenship
  • Certain government positions
  • Work in sectors with special restrictions

Pro tip: The easiest jobs to get are usually in hospitality, retail, and tutoring. These sectors are used to hiring students and are less likely to require special permits.

Working Hours: What Are the Limits?

During the academic year:

  • EU/EEA students: No limits (but be realistic about balancing work and studies)
  • Non-EU students: Usually limited to 20 hours per week (or 120 hours per month)
  • Full-time students: Should prioritize studies – working too much can affect performance

During holidays:

  • All students: Can work full-time during official university holidays
  • Summer break: Full-time work is usually allowed
  • Winter break: Full-time work is usually allowed

The reality: The 20-hour limit for non-EU students is often not strictly enforced for typical student jobs, but it's still the official rule. However, if you're caught working more than allowed, you could face problems.

Pro tip: Even if you can work more hours, be careful. Polish universities expect students to focus on their studies, and working too much can hurt your grades and visa status.

Reality check: The 20-hour limit is per week, not per job. If you have multiple part-time jobs, the total hours across all jobs count toward the limit.

Documents You'll Need

Essential documents:

  • Valid passport or ID
  • Student visa or residence permit (for non-EU students)
  • Student ID card
  • PESEL number (Polish tax identification number)
  • Bank account (for receiving salary)

Additional documents (depending on situation):

  • Work authorization (if required)
  • Health insurance (required for residence permit)
  • Registration certificate (for EU/EEA students staying longer than 3 months)

How to get a PESEL number:

  • Apply at your local municipality (Urząd Miasta/Gminy)
  • Bring your passport, visa/residence permit, and proof of address
  • Usually takes a few days to process
  • Free of charge

Pro tip: Get your PESEL number as soon as possible after arriving in Poland. You'll need it for many things, including opening a bank account and working.

Taxes and Social Security

Tax obligations:

  • If you earn above the tax-free threshold (around 30,000 PLN per year), you'll pay income tax
  • Tax rate is usually 12% or 32% depending on income
  • Your employer will usually handle tax deductions
  • You may need to file a tax return at the end of the year

Social security:

  • If you work under an employment contract, you'll pay social security contributions
  • This gives you access to healthcare and other benefits
  • Contributions are usually split between you and your employer

Student tax benefits:

  • Students under 26 often have tax benefits
  • You may be eligible for tax relief
  • Check with a tax advisor or your employer

Pro tip: Keep all your payslips and employment documents. You'll need them for tax purposes, and they can be useful if you have any disputes with your employer.

Reality check: Tax rules can be complex, especially if you're working multiple jobs or have income from other sources. If you're unsure, consult a tax advisor or your university's student services.

Finding Work: Where to Look

Online job portals:

  • Pracuj.pl – largest job portal in Poland
  • OLX – classified ads, including job offers
  • LinkedIn – professional networking and job search
  • Facebook groups – student job groups, city-specific groups
  • University job boards – check your university's website

Direct approaches:

  • Restaurants and cafes – often hire students, apply in person
  • Retail stores – check for "praca" (work) signs
  • Universities – library, administration, research positions
  • Language schools – if you speak English or other languages

Networking:

  • Student organizations – often have job leads
  • International student office – may have job listings
  • Other students – word of mouth is powerful
  • University career services – may offer job placement help

Pro tip: For typical student jobs (restaurants, retail), applying in person can be more effective than online applications. Polish employers often prefer face-to-face contact.

Reality check: Finding work as a non-Polish speaker can be challenging, but it's not impossible. English-speaking jobs are available, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Working illegally:

  • Don't work without proper authorization if you need it
  • Don't work "under the table" – it's illegal and risky
  • Don't work more hours than allowed
  • Consequences: Fines, deportation, ban from re-entering Poland

Not understanding your rights:

  • Know your employment rights
  • Understand your contract
  • Know what you're entitled to (minimum wage, breaks, etc.)
  • Pro tip: Polish labor law protects workers, including students. Know your rights.

Not balancing work and studies:

  • Don't work so much that your studies suffer
  • Remember: you're a student first
  • Working too much can affect your visa status
  • Reality check: Most universities expect students to focus on studies. If your grades drop significantly, you could lose your student status.

Not keeping documents:

  • Keep all employment documents
  • Keep payslips and contracts
  • Keep tax documents
  • Pro tip: Create a folder for all your work-related documents. You'll need them.

Working After Graduation

The situation changes: After you graduate, different rules apply for working in Poland.

EU/EEA graduates: Can continue working freely, no restrictions.

Non-EU graduates:

  • Need to change your residence permit from student to work permit
  • May need a job offer first
  • Different procedures apply
  • Pro tip: Start planning early if you want to stay and work after graduation. The process can take time.

Graduate work permits:

  • Usually easier to get than regular work permits
  • May have different requirements
  • Check current regulations

Reality check: Working after graduation is a separate topic with its own rules and procedures. If you're planning to stay, research the requirements well in advance.

The Bottom Line

Can international students work in Poland? Yes, but the rules depend on where you're from and what kind of student you are.

EU/EEA students: Can work freely, no restrictions. Just make sure you balance work and studies.

Non-EU students: Can work, but with restrictions (usually 20 hours per week during academic year). Most don't need work permits for typical student jobs, but check your specific situation.

What this means for you:

If you're from the EU/EEA, working in Poland is straightforward – just find a job and go for it. If you're from outside the EU/EEA, you can still work, but you need to understand the rules and follow them. Most students don't have major problems, but working illegally can have serious consequences.

But more importantly: Working while studying can be a great experience – you'll earn money, gain experience, improve your Polish, and meet people. Just make sure you do it legally, balance it with your studies, and understand your rights and obligations.

So check your situation, understand the rules, and go find that job. Because working in Poland as a student is definitely possible, and it can be a valuable part of your Polish experience.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) Go out and find that job. Just make sure you do it the right way.