
International students in Poland have the right to work while studying, as long as they are enrolled in an institution and have a valid residency permit. There are many job opportunities for international students in Poland, including roles in hospitality, teaching, customer service, and retail. Students can also undertake internships, which can be a great way to gain experience and make industry connections. Graduates of Polish higher education institutions can work in Poland without a permit, as long as they have a valid residence permit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours for international students | 20 hours during studies, 3 months of full-time work during holidays |
| Work permit for international students | Not required for full-time students with a student visa or temporary residence permit |
| Work permit after graduation | Not required for graduates of a full-time program at a Polish higher education institution |
| Income tax exemption | Applicable to individuals under 26 years of age with an income of up to PLN 85,528 (about EUR 19,890) per year |
| Types of employment contracts | Probation period contract, preplacement employment contract, specific-task contract, contract of mandate |
| Internship opportunities | Available through university career offices, student organizations, and companies seeking foreign students |
| Residence permit for graduates | Can be obtained to stay and work in Poland for up to 9 months after graduation |
| Full-time work permission for Residence Card holders | Allowed |
| Work permit exemption | Applies to students from third countries with a residence title and those on professional internships |
| Tax residency requirement for income tax exemption | Staying in Poland for more than 183 days per year or having a 'centre of vital interests' in the country |
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What You'll Learn

International students' right to work in Poland
International students can work in Poland, but there are some conditions. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must have a valid residency permit to work in Poland. Students with a student visa or temporary residence permit do not need a work permit. Full-time students with a Residence Card can work up to 20 hours during their studies and up to three months of full-time work during the holidays.
There are no restrictions on the number of hours international students can work part-time in Poland, although their priority should be their studies. International students can also take on internships, which are a great way to gain experience in their chosen career field. Most internships in Poland are paid, and students can find internships through their home country's AIESEC site or through IAESTE for internships in engineering, natural sciences, and other technical fields.
After graduating, international students can stay in Poland and work without a permit, as long as they have completed a full-time program and have the right to stay in Poland (e.g., with a residence permit). Graduates of part-time studies are not exempt from the work permit requirement. Graduates can apply for a residence permit to stay and work in Poland for up to nine months after completing their studies.
International students who are tax residents of Poland or have an employment contract in Poland do not have to pay income tax if they earn up to PLN 85,528 (about EUR 19,890) per year.
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Work permits and visas
International students have the right to work while studying in Poland, as long as they are enrolled in an institution. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must also hold a valid residency permit. There is a limit of 20 hours of work during studies, as well as three months of full-time work during the holidays.
Full-time students who possess a student visa or a temporary residence permit do not need a work permit. This also applies to EU/EEA citizens and holders of the Card of the Pole.
Students from third countries residing in Poland legally, on the basis of a residence title entitling them to work, do not need a work permit if they:
- Carry out work within the framework of professional internships, which are directed by organizations that are members of international student associations
- Perform work within the framework of cooperation between public employment services and their foreign partners, if the need to entrust the foreigner with the performance of work is confirmed by the competent employment authority
- Are students of higher education institutions or vocational schools in EU member states or countries of the European Economic Area not belonging to the EU or the Swiss Confederation, who carry out work in the framework of professional traineeships provided for in the study regulations or curriculum, provided they have obtained a referral for such practice from a higher or vocational school
Graduates of a Polish higher education institution full-time program do not need a permit to work in Poland. They can stay back for another 2-3 years as long as they can prove that they can financially support themselves without seeking government benefits.
There are various types of employment contracts in Poland, including:
- Probation period contract: This enables the employer to check the qualifications of the employee, and this type of contract can be concluded for no longer than three months.
- Preplacement employment contract: This is a type of fixed-term employment contract, signed in the situation of the excused absence of a regular employee.
- Specific-task contract: This type of contract is signed when the employee and the employer do not define the date of work performance; the duration of the employment contract depends on work performance. The employer will pay on a “payment by results” basis.
- Contract of mandate: This type of contract is signed if specific tasks are carried out for an employer. The employee is paid for the act of working itself, rather than the results of the work.
Young people under 26 years of age can earn up to PLN 85,528 (about EUR 19,890) per year and do not have to pay income tax. This applies to foreigners who are tax residents or have an employment contract in Poland.
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Internships
Poland has a well-developed job market, offering a range of employment options for students from various academic backgrounds. The country's thriving industries actively seek part-time employees, making it easier for students to find jobs that fit their study schedules.
Poland's economy is the 6th largest in the European Union, and the country has experienced consistent economic growth, with a strong industrial base and a vibrant services sector. The services sector is dominated by financial services, IT, and tourism. There has been a notable increase in investment in high-tech industries, with Poland emerging as a regional hub for information technology and business process outsourcing.
The IT industry in Poland is booming, making it one of the best sectors for international students to pursue internships. Poland has become a major tech hub, with cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław attracting both international tech giants and local startups. Many companies specifically offer IT internships in Poland to international students, providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects.
To find internships in Poland, international students can explore online job portals such as Pracuj.pl, Indeed, and LinkedIn. University career centres and notice boards are also excellent resources for internship listings. Additionally, student organizations like AIESEC and IAESTE can help with internship placements in Poland.
When considering an internship in Poland, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements. EU/EEA nationals can work without a separate work permit. However, non-EU citizens must secure a visa or residence permit, especially for internships longer than 90 days. It is also essential to comply with Polish labour laws, which protect workers, including interns, by outlining clear conditions for employment contracts, work hours, and employee rights.
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Job opportunities
International students in Poland have the right to work part-time while studying, as long as they are enrolled in an institution and have a valid residency permit. Students from EU member countries can work without restriction, and there is no limit to the number of hours they can work part-time. However, non-EU/EEA students must demonstrate that they can support themselves financially before arriving in the country, and they may need a work permit.
There are several ways international students can find job opportunities in Poland. Almost every university in Poland has a career office that assists students and graduates in finding jobs or internships. Internships can be a great way to gain experience and build a resume, and most internships in Poland are paid. Students can also look for job listings on various online platforms, such as job boards and the EURES network, which is specifically tailored for international students from the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.
There is a diverse job market in Poland, with a wide range of opportunities for international students in sectors such as IT, hospitality, teaching languages, customer service, and retail. In addition, students can find jobs in the growing finance and manufacturing sectors. While some jobs may not require knowledge of the Polish language, having a basic understanding can increase the number of job opportunities.
There are different types of employment contracts in Poland. For example, a probation period contract allows employers to assess an employee for up to three months, while a specific-task contract is signed when the duration of the employment depends on the performance of specific tasks. It is important to note that taxation regulations differ for tax residents and non-tax residents in Poland. Tax residents, including foreigners who stay in Poland for more than 183 days or have a 'centre of vital interests' in the country, may be eligible for tax exemptions or lower tax rates.
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Taxation
International students in Poland have the right to work while enrolled in an institution, provided they have a valid residency permit. Students from non-EU countries must also obtain a work permit. As an international student in Poland, you are required to pay taxes on your income. The Polish taxation system consists of several types of taxes, and it is important to submit tax declarations and make payments on time to avoid fines for tax evasion.
A tax resident in Poland is defined as someone who stays in the country for more than 183 days in a tax year or has a 'centre of vital interests' in the country. Taxation rates for foreigners are stipulated by bilateral agreements, and only those with a certificate of tax residence in Poland are eligible for lower tax rates or exemptions. As an international student, you may be subject to these regulations, depending on your country of origin.
Personal income tax (PIT) is one of the key taxes in Poland. As an employee, you will typically receive a PIT-37 form, which you will need to submit along with the PIT-2 form to comply with tax requirements. It is important to note that you must submit your annual tax declaration every year.
The taxation rate for personal income in Poland is generally a flat rate of 20% calculated on revenue, without allowing for cost deductions. However, double tax treaties (DTTs) between Poland and other countries may provide alternative arrangements. Certain types of income, such as revenue from copyrights, intellectual property, and independent work in specific fields, are subject to this flat tax rate.
Additionally, as of 2023, private rental income is taxed using lump-sum taxation. This includes an 8.5% rate for revenues below PLN 100,000 per year and 12.5% on amounts exceeding this threshold. Spouses can benefit from a higher limit of PLN 200,000 for the 12.5% rate when settling private rental income together.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Poland as long as they are enrolled in an institution. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must hold a valid residency permit. Students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and up to 3 months of full-time work during holidays.
International students in Poland do not need a work permit as long as they have a valid residency permit or a Residence Card.
Poland offers a wide range of job opportunities for international students. There are roles in the booming IT sector in cities like Warsaw and Kraków, as well as jobs in hospitality, teaching languages, customer service, and retail. Many companies also actively seek foreign students for internships, which can be a great way to gain experience and make connections.











































