Part-time work in Poland is a real way to increase your income if you follow all the legal nuances. What are the main rules you need to know, we will tell you in this article

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For many Ukrainians who come to Poland, the main goal is to maximise their earnings. Legal part-time work can be a great way to increase your income. But what do you need to know in order to arrange everything correctly and avoid problems? Let's look at the basic rules and conditions of working two jobs in Poland.

Can I officially work two jobs in Poland?

Yes, it is possible. However, the procedure depends on your status, the type of work permit you have, and the terms of your contract. Some categories of foreigners can hold multiple jobs without additional permits, while others need to apply for additional documents.

Who can work two jobs without additional permits?

The most simplified conditions apply to the following categories of Ukrainians:

🔻 Holders of a permanent residence card or long-term EU resident status.

🔻 Those who have a residence card with access to the labour market (without reference to a specific employer).

🔻 Graduates of Polish universities.

🔻 Persons staying in Poland for humanitarian reasons (refugees, persons under temporary protection).

These categories have the right to hold a second (and subsequent) job without obtaining additional permits.

Who cannot hold two jobs?

There are two cases when part-time work is prohibited:

🔻 Under the age of 16.

🔻 Occupations with a time limit on work.

An example of the latter is drivers, who are required to comply with certain rest standards. Violation of these rules may result in fines and other sanctions.

Basic rules for part-time work

If you do not fall into the category of persons exempted from obtaining permits, you must obtain another permit to work in a second job. Basic rules:

🔻 Each job must be officially authorised by a separate document.

🔻 A separate contract with the employer is signed for each position.

🔻 The type of contract (employment contract, employment agreement, etc.) does not matter, but taxes and deductions depend on it.

For part-time work, it is often more profitable to use the levying condition, as it allows you to reduce the cost of contributions to funds.

Features of working with different types of documents

1. Work on a work visa.

If you already have a work permit, you can apply for a new permit or consecration for a second position. However, it may be difficult to obtain several consecrations, as sometimes a new consecration cancels the previous one.

2. Working with a beatitude card.

If you have a residence card with a work permit, it is enough to apply for an additional permit for a second job. In this case, you do not need to notify the Voivodeship Labour Office of the second job.

3. Work and entrepreneurship.

You can combine employment with running your own business if all the documentation is correct. This can reduce tax costs, as part of the fees are covered by the main employer.

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Can I work in two positions for the same employer?

Yes, it is possible if the responsibilities of different positions are clearly separated. For example, you can work for the same company as a driver and perform administrative functions at the same time. However, if the duties overlap, the regulatory authorities may consider this an attempt to avoid paying overtime or night work.

How do the new amendments to the law work?

Since 2023, Poland has introduced changes that prohibit employers from restricting employees from being employed by another employer. The exception is non-competition agreements.

For example, if an employee works for one company, he or she has the right to take a job with another company without the consent of the first employer, provided that this does not violate the terms of the non-competition agreement.

What is important to consider when working two jobs?

🔻 Compliance with labour discipline. The employee is obliged to adhere to the schedule, rest hours and days off established by each employer.

🔻 Employee rights. All rights (holidays, sick leave, etc.) are preserved at each place of work.

🔻 Unfair competition. Working for a competitor may be prohibited if it is detrimental to the main employer.

🔻 Preparation of all necessary documents. Even one illegal job can lead to fines, deportation and a ban on entry to Schengen countries.

If you need help with employment abroad, we recommend that you contact professionals who specialise in this matter. You can get a legal consultation on employment at Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! New employment rules will come into force in Poland in 2025. We told you how the changes will affect foreigners, including Ukrainians, and what you need to know about the mandatory conclusion of an employment contract.

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