Poland Tightens Employment Controls for Foreign Workers in 2026: What Changes for Ukrainians

Poland is changing the rules for controlling the employment of foreigners in 2026, which could significantly affect Ukrainians. Find out what checks are being introduced, what risks arise for workers, and how to protect your labor rights

Legal advice on employment abroad for Ukrainians

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Poland, which has been one of the key employment destinations for Ukrainians for several years, is changing the rules of control on the labor market. From July 8, 2026, new mechanisms for checking employers will come into force in the country, which may significantly affect both Polish business and foreign workers.

This primarily concerns strengthening control over the form of employment. The Polish National Labor Inspectorate will receive broader powers to check whether the terms of cooperation between the employer and the employee correspond to the real nature of the work.

For Ukrainians working in Poland under labor, civil law or B2B contracts, these changes can be both a positive signal and a source of new risks.

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What exactly is changing from July 2026?

The main goal of the reform is to combat the practice of companies registering employees through civil law contracts or B2B contracts instead of a full-fledged employment contract in order to reduce costs.

Now labor inspectors will have the right to analyze not only the contract itself, but also the actual working conditions.

During the inspection, attention will be paid to several key factors:

1. Does the employee perform the work personally;

2. Is he under the supervision of a manager;

3. Does he have a set schedule;

4. Is he tied to a specific place of work.

If it is established that a person actually works as a full-time employee, even under a B2B contract or umowa zlecenia, the contract can be reclassified as umowa o pracę.

This means changing the status of the employee and providing him with a full package of labor guarantees.

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Why is the employment reform in Poland important for Ukrainians?

For many Ukrainians, Poland remains the No. 1 country for working in Europe. This is especially true for the areas of logistics, construction, manufacturing, warehousing, service, IT and digital sectors. In many of these industries, employers actively use civil law contracts or the B2B model of cooperation.

On the one hand, the new rules can improve employee protection. If the contract is reclassified as an employment contract, the employee will receive:

- Paid leave;

- Protection against unjustified dismissal;

- Social guarantees;

- Clear rules on overtime work;

- Greater stability.

This is especially important for Ukrainians, because the issue of legal employment directly affects migration status.

Read also who is entitled to unemployment benefits in Poland and what amounts can be received.

What risks exist for Ukrainians?

Despite the positive goal of the reform, experts warn: the labor market may react ambiguously, as some employers may reduce staff, revise terms of cooperation, transfer employees to contractors, or avoid hiring foreigners due to rising costs.

The most vulnerable remain Ukrainians, whose work permit or legal stay in Poland directly depends on a specific employer.

In the event of dismissal, serious difficulties may arise:

- The need to quickly find a new employer;

- Re-issuance of documents;

- Risk of losing legal status.

That is why in 2026, employees should especially carefully check the terms of contracts before signing.

Where can Ukrainians look for highly qualified work in Poland, read our previous material.

How will the requirements for employment in Poland be checked?

The new mechanism involves several stages.

1. First, the inspectorate will analyze and verify the company. If violations are found, the employer will be issued an order requiring them to eliminate the deficiencies.

2. If the company does not comply, more serious consequences are possible: an administrative decision, a forced change in the type of contract or legal proceedings.

In addition, Poland is actively digitizing the control system. State authorities are integrating tax and social security data to more quickly identify employers who massively use hidden employment schemes. In fact, this means that there will be significantly fewer opportunities to circumvent the law.

What should Ukrainians do now?

In the new conditions, it is important for Ukrainians who work or are just planning to work in Poland to act proactively.

Before signing a contract, you should check:

1. What type of contract is offered by the employer;

2. What rights and guarantees are provided;

3. Do the terms of the contract correspond to the actual work;

4. Does the contract create risks for legalization.

Those who work through employment agencies or intermediaries should be especially careful.

Legal verification of documents before signing can help avoid problems with the employer, labor inspectorate or migration authorities in the future.

Against the background of new checks, it is especially important to understand what type of contract you are offered - umowa o pracę, umowa zlecenia or B2B - and what risks it poses for your legal status.

An employment lawyer will help you check the contract, assess the terms of cooperation with the employer, identify potential risks and protect your rights even before signing the documents. This is especially important for Ukrainians whose work or residence permit directly depends on the employer.

Get legal advice on employment issues and work abroad without legal risks.

Strengthening employment control in Poland is one of the largest labor market reforms in recent years. For Ukrainians, it can mean more job guarantees, but at the same time new challenges.

In 2026, secure employment abroad is no longer just a matter of salary or vacancy. It is primarily a matter of legal security, proper documentation and understanding your rights.

Let us remind you! Poland has extended the language exam for Ukrainian doctors until 2027. We have already told you who the changes apply to, what level of language is required and how this will affect the work of doctors.

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