Where Ukrainians Can Find Work in Poland in 2026: Sectors with the Highest Demand

Poland’s job market is changing: demand for office jobs is declining, while employers are actively seeking workers in manual labor sectors. The most job openings are in logistics, construction, and the service sector. Learn more about where you can actually find a job in Poland in 2026 and which professions are currently in high demand

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The Polish labor market in 2025–2026 is undergoing significant structural changes. Employers are increasingly laying off staff in sectors related to skilled and office work, while actively seeking workers for manual professions. This trend is confirmed by data from the quarterly NEI (National Employment Index), which comprehensively assesses the state of employment in the country.

As a result, the very logic of job searching is changing: what was considered a “stable career” just a few years ago may now be losing relevance, while blue-collar professions—on the contrary—are becoming the most in demand.

Earlier, we talked about key changes for employees and employers in Poland in 2026.

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How has Poland’s labor market changed in 2025–2026?

The latest data indicate a general cooling of the labor market. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the NEI index dropped to 49 points, marking a shift into negative territory and signaling a deterioration in key employment indicators.

The decline in the “Labor Availability” sub-index was particularly noticeable, falling to 45 points. This means that finding a job has become more difficult, and businesses are taking a more cautious approach to hiring new employees.

At the same time, these changes are not uniform across all sectors. A clear trend has emerged in the market:

- Demand for skilled specialists and “white-collar” workers is declining

- The need for manual laborers is growing

- Businesses are increasingly optimizing costs and automating processes

In fact, the Polish labor market is entering a new phase where the speed of employment and job stability directly depend on the chosen sector.

We previously discussed who is required to confirm professional activity in Poland.

In which sectors has employment decreased?

Despite a general recovery in certain segments, a number of industries in Poland are showing a steady decline in employment. This has affected sectors dominated by skilled labor and office positions the most. The reasons include rising business costs, process automation, and declining consumer demand.

Industry and Manufacturing

The industrial sector remains one of the most vulnerable. Over the course of the year, employment in mechanical engineering fell by 1.3%—that is, approximately 7,300 workers. Particularly significant losses were recorded in the manufacture of electrical appliances, where the number of employees decreased by 4.7% (about 5,700 people). This signals that even technical professions no longer guarantee stability without additional retraining.

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is also showing negative trends. Over the year, the sector lost about 1,700 workers (–0.83%).

Main reasons:

- Declining demand for products

- Industry transformation (transition to electric vehicles)

- Optimization of production processes

As a result, even large enterprises have begun to reduce staff or freeze new hiring.

Trade and office professions

A significant reduction has also occurred in the trade and business services sector.

Wholesale trade was hit hardest—a loss of 27,000 employees (–5.1%). In retail trade, the decline is less sharp but still noticeable—about 5,000 people (–0.7%). In addition, negative trends are observed in the modern business services sector—where many office positions are concentrated.

The reasons are clear:

- Declining business profitability

- Rising costs

- Automation and digitalization

As a result, the market is gradually moving away from a model where office work was the main driver of employment.

About restrictions on the employment of Ukrainians in Poland — read here.

Where are the most jobs in Poland right now

Against the backdrop of layoffs in “office” sectors, Poland’s labor market is clearly shifting toward manual labor. This is where it is currently easiest to find a job, get hired quickly, and start earning without a long wait. The greatest growth in employment is being recorded in several sectors—and these are the ones driving the main demand for foreign workers in 2026.

Logistics and Warehousing

Logistics is the clear leader in terms of the number of job openings. In the fourth quarter of 2025, employment in this sector grew by 5.6%—that’s approximately 10,000 new workers. The main reason is the development of e-commerce and the warehouse infrastructure of large companies.

Most popular job openings:

- Packers and order pickers

- Warehouse workers

- Forklift drivers

- Goods sorters

This is one of the easiest ways to find a job without experience or language skills.

Food industry

The food industry is also actively hiring. Employment growth stands at nearly 2% (+7,700 workers). This is a stable sector that operates regardless of seasonal fluctuations.

The most common positions sought here are:

- Production line workers

- Food packers

- Equipment operators

The work often does not require high qualifications, but it does require stamina and attention to detail.

HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, cafes)

The HoReCa sector is gradually recovering and showing growth (+1.6%). This is particularly noticeable in major cities and tourist regions.

There is demand for:

- Waitstaff

- Cooks and kitchen assistants

- Hotel housekeepers

This is a good option for those who already have basic skills or want to work in the service industry.

Construction

The construction industry remains stable even during periods of economic volatility. The overall decline is minimal—about 0.2%—and growth was even observed in the second half of the year. This is one of the most promising sectors for long-term employment.

Most in demand:

- General laborers

- Bricklayers, concrete workers

- Electricians and Plumbers

Construction often offers higher salaries but requires physical stamina or experience.

In the previous article, we talked about where Ukrainians most often find work in Poland.

Why does Poland need foreign workers?

The demand for workers in Poland is increasingly being met by foreigners, and this is no longer a temporary phenomenon but a systemic part of the labor market. This applies most to sectors involving physical labor: logistics, manufacturing, construction, and the service sector. It is there that employers face a shortage of local workers.

The reason is simple: Polish workers are increasingly less likely to choose such jobs due to difficult working conditions, irregular schedules, and relatively low pay compared to other opportunities. As a result, businesses are forced to look for an alternative—and that alternative is migrant workers.

Foreign workers give companies the ability to quickly fill vacancies and scale up production without a lengthy recruitment process. For many businesses, this is already critically important: without additional labor, they simply would not be able to maintain their workload.

It is worth noting the role of Ukrainians in the Polish labor market. They account for approximately 67% of all migrant workers in the country, making them a key part of the economy. This concentration is explained by both geographical proximity and simplified employment conditions.

The growing dependence on foreign labor is also confirmed by labor immigration trends, which show a gradual increase in demand for migrants. In 2026, this trend is likely to intensify, especially in sectors where manual labor remains the backbone of business.

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What kind of jobs can Ukrainians realistically find in Poland in 2026

In 2026, it is realistic to find a job in Poland even without experience or in-depth language skills—but only if you choose the right field. The market is currently clearly focused on quickly filling vacancies in manual and service-oriented professions, where willingness to work is more important than qualifications.

The easiest way to find employment is in logistics and warehouses. This is an option for those who want a quick start: the onboarding process takes minimal time, and employers often provide housing and assistance with paperwork. The work typically involves packing, sorting, or order fulfillment and does not require special training.

The situation is similar in the food industry. There is a constant need for workers on production lines, where the work is routine and repetitive. This is one of the most stable options, as demand for food products is not seasonal, meaning jobs are available year-round.

For those ready for physical labor or who have basic skills, construction remains a good choice. In this sector, it’s easier to find long-term employment and higher pay, especially if you have experience or a willingness to learn quickly on the job.

The service sector—hotels, restaurants, and cafes—deserves special mention. 

There are more opportunities here for those with a basic knowledge of Polish or experience working with customers. In major cities and tourist regions, demand for such employees remains consistently high.

At the same time, finding a job in office or highly specialized fields has become more difficult. Such positions require language skills, experience, and often proof of qualifications. Additionally, competition in these sectors is increasing due to a reduction in the number of jobs.

As a result, the job search strategy in Poland for 2026 is quite clear: quick employment is possible in manual labor sectors, while more skilled positions require time, preparation, and adaptation to the market.

When can you be dismissed due to illness in Poland— we explain in the link.

What to consider when looking for a job in Poland?

Even in high-demand sectors, finding a job is just the first step. It’s important to assess the terms right away to avoid common mistakes and not lose money or time after moving.

First and foremost, pay attention to the type of contract. In Poland, employers most often offer an umowa zlecenie or an umowa o pracę, and the difference between them is significant: your level of social protection, sick leave, and income stability depend on this. If you plan to stay longer, it’s better to aim for formal employment with a full benefits package.

Another equally important factor is your take-home pay. Job postings often list the gross rate, so the actual amount after taxes may be lower. It’s worth clarifying all the details right away, including the schedule, number of hours, and the possibility of overtime shifts.

Also pay attention to living conditions. Many employers offer housing, but it can be either free or partially paid. It’s important to find out in advance how many people share a room, what the conditions are, and if there are any additional costs.

You should also consider the seasonality of the work. For example, in the HoReCa or construction sectors, demand can fluctuate depending on the time of year, whereas logistics and manufacturing offer more stable employment throughout the year.

And most importantly—check the employer or agency before signing any documents. In 2026, demand for workers is high, so finding legal and safe work is entirely possible, but only if you pay close attention to the details.

Looking for legal support before working abroad?

To avoid risks and not get into trouble abroad, it is important to check the terms of employment and documents in advance. Lawyers specialising in working abroad from the Visit Ukraine portal will help you understand contracts, evaluate the employer's offer and explain your rights.

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We remind you! Living in Poland requires careful financial planning, as costs vary significantly depending on the city and type of accommodation. How much do you actually need to earn in Poland to live without constantly saving — we explain it here.

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