Ukrainians searching for work in Poland may face unclear salaries, hidden deductions, and issues with legalization. These risks are particularly relevant against the backdrop of the fact that 73% of Ukrainians in Poland are working. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine referencing Gremi Personal.
What schemes are used for employment in Poland
One of the practices is the salary "in an envelope". For example, an employee is officially employed with a gross salary of 4806 zlotys, while an additional 1500-2000 zlotys are promised in cash. The employer may not pay the unofficial part, and social contributions are not accrued on it.
Another risk is working without registration in ZUS. A person may be convinced that working without registration is permitted for the first month or that the employer will register them later. Consequences may only manifest during illness or insurance checks.
Workers may also be offered fake medical documents or a fake student status. The latter scheme allows the employer under certain conditions not to pay part of the contributions for a person under 26 years old who works under a umowa zlecenia.
Using fake status or fake documents can create problems during checks of work legality and residency legalization.
Control over such practices is intensifying. In 2026, Poland increased checks on Ukrainian contracts, expanding labor inspection's capabilities for civil law contracts.
A high rate in job vacancies is not always guaranteed
Another common problem is the difference between the salary in the advertisement and the guaranteed rate in the contract. Job postings may offer 35-36 zlotys per hour, although the actual basic rate will be lower.
For example, out of the stated 36 zlotys, only 20 zlotys may be guaranteed, while the rest will depend on bonuses, attendance, and other conditions. Due to sick leave or missed shifts, the final salary may be lower.
A previous study by Gremi Personal showed that 69% of foreigners faced unclear payments. Among the problems, workers cited differences between promised netto and actual brutto, bonus conditions, and additional deductions.
Another scheme concerns timekeeping. An employee may actually work 220 hours but see only 180 in calculations. There are also issues with payment for night and overtime hours.
Funds for housing, transportation, work clothing, or other services that were not disclosed during hiring may also be unexpectedly deducted from the salary.
«Today, a risky vacancy does not necessarily look like a scam. It may offer a good rate, a normal job description, and a standard contract,» noted Gremi Personal.
Before employment, Ukrainians are advised to clarify in writing the guaranteed rate, the conditions for receiving bonuses, rules for night and overtime payment, and all possible deductions. It is also advisable to check registration in ZUS and independently record worked hours.
We remind you that Inkorr explained how to confirm work through ZUS under a umowa zlecenia contract.