When working under an employment contract, you are formally employed as an employee within the meaning of the Labor Code. You are entitled to a wide range of social and legal protections, including, among others, the right to:

• paid annual leave, the amount of which depends on the length of service and typically amounts to 20 or 26 working days per year;
• protection against termination of the employment contract for certain categories of employees (primarily employees on sick leave, on holiday leave, pregnant employees, and employees nearing retirement age);
• employment stability (notice periods depending on length of service);
• minimum wage;
• paid sick leave;
• limits on overtime work and mandatory compensation for such work in the form of time off or additional pay;
• safe working conditions;
• the right to join trade unions.

Additionally, as a foreigner employed under an employment contract, you have additional rights, including the right to:

• receiving a copy of the declaration of entrusting work to a foreigner or a work permit;
• receiving a written contract that forms the basis for performing the work;
• receiving the content of the contract in a language you understand;
• obtaining information about the legality of your employment – you can clarify with the employer on what basis you are performing the work (e.g., declaration, permit, notification).

It is very important that you have the right to equal treatment in employment, on the same terms as Polish citizens. This primarily concerns remuneration for work, working conditions, rest periods, etc. If your rights as an employee have been violated, check the “Violation of Employee Rights” section to find out what you can do.