When looking for work in Poland, candidates most commonly encounter three types of contracts:
- umowa o pracę;
- umowa zlecenie;
- umowa o dzieło.
They provide different rights, obligations, and levels of protection. For that reason, comparing vacancies only by salary is not enough.
Umowa o pracę
Umowa o pracę is an employment contract governed by the Polish Labour Code.
It normally involves personally performing work at a place and time determined by the employer and under the employer’s supervision.
A person employed under an umowa o pracę receives the rights provided by employment law. These include paid annual leave, protection during illness, parental rights, regular salary payments, and social insurance coverage.
This type of contract is usually the most suitable for stable work performed according to a fixed schedule.
Umowa zlecenie
Umowa zlecenie is a civil-law contract governed by the Civil Code rather than the Labour Code.
The contractor undertakes to perform certain activities with due care but does not necessarily guarantee a specific final result. Typical examples may include cleaning, customer service, support work, or regular service provision.
A standard umowa zlecenie does not automatically provide all the rights available under an employment contract. For example, paid leave must be included separately in the contract if the parties want it to apply.
From January 1, 2026, the minimum hourly rate for contracts covered by the relevant rules is PLN 31.40 gross.
The rules for social insurance contributions depend on the person’s individual situation, including other contracts, additional employment, or student status.
Umowa o dzieło
Umowa o dzieło is concluded for the creation of a specific and verifiable result.
Examples may include:
- designing a logo;
- preparing a translation;
- building a website;
- writing an article;
- completing a specific project.
The contract should result in the creation of a defined work or outcome rather than the regular performance of ongoing duties.
Polish law does not set a statutory minimum hourly or monthly rate for an umowa o dzieło. The amount of remuneration is agreed by the parties.
The name of the contract is not the only factor
If a person works every day at a fixed location, follows a set schedule, carries out a manager’s instructions, and performs duties typical of a regular employee, the relationship may have the characteristics of employment even if the document is called an umowa zlecenie.
The National Labour Inspectorate stresses that the actual way the work is performed matters more than the title of the document.
What should you ask before signing?
Clarify the following with the employer:
- which type of contract will be used;
- how much money will remain after taxes and contributions;
- whether paid leave is included;
- how sickness absence is handled;
- how many hours you are expected to work;
- how working time is recorded;
- what notice period applies;
- whether the contract includes any additional penalties or deductions;
- who pays for work clothing, accommodation, or transport.
Do not sign a document you do not understand. Ask for time to review it or request a translation into a language you understand.
