Employing a Ukrainian citizen in Poland
The UKR22 special act, the 14-day notification via praca.gov.pl, contract form and employer duties.
Ukrainian citizens benefit in Poland from a special, simplified employment regime introduced by the Act of 12 March 2022 on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine (UKR22 special act). It substantially simplifies the process for both employer and employee, removing the need to obtain a work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) or file a declaration (oświadczenie).
Legal basis and notification
Persons covered by the special act have the right to work legally on Polish territory as long as their stay complies with the act. Within 14 days of entrusting the work, the employer must file an employment notification through praca.gov.pl. Missing this deadline causes the employment to lose its legal status.
The special act is periodically extended by further amendments — check the current status and validity dates at gov.pl before making long-term HR decisions. If the special regime ends, Ukrainian citizens return to the standard paths: a work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) or a declaration (oświadczenie).
Contract form and employer duties
- Employment contract or civil-law contract (zlecenie, o dzieło) — both forms allowed
- Register the employee with ZUS within the standard 7 days
- File the notification via praca.gov.pl within 14 days
- Pay no less than the current minimum wage (or the hourly minimum for zlecenie)
- Update the data on any material change of terms (position, working time, location)
Regulations and rates are updated regularly; consult an HR or accounting specialist before making decisions.
Planning to hire a Ukrainian citizen? We will handle the formalities.