Working in Poland May Lead to Loss of Salary: Ukrainians Warned About 10 Schemes
Ukrainians looking for work in Poland are advised to check not only the salary in job postings but also the contract, registration with ZUS, and all possible deductions. The risk is especially relevant given the scale of the market: a record 784,000 Ukrainians are already working in Poland. This is reported by NV Business referencing Gremi Personal.
What 10 Schemes Threaten Ukrainians During Employment
Gremi Personal analyzed candidates' inquiries over the past six months and identified ten common high-risk practices:
- Salary 'in an envelope'. Part of the money is issued officially, while the rest is promised in cash. For example, the documents may state 4806 zlotys, while the employer promises to give another 1500–2000 zlotys unofficially.
- Lack of registration with ZUS. Workers may be convinced that they can work for the first month without paperwork. The problem often becomes apparent only during illness or insurance checks.
- Fake medical documents. Candidates are offered not to undergo a medical examination but to obtain a certificate through other means. This can create problems with legalization and have criminal consequences.
- Manipulations with tax residency. Workers are asked to declare the absence of Polish tax residency, although the actual circumstances indicate otherwise.
- Fictitious student status. A person is registered as a student to reduce social contributions, although they do not have the corresponding status.
- Maximum rate instead of guaranteed. Advertisements promise, for example, 35–36 zlotys per hour, but after hiring, it turns out that the guaranteed rate is lower.
- Bonus instead of part of the salary. Out of the advertised 36 zlotys, only 20 can be guaranteed, with the rest depending on attendance or other conditions.
- Manipulations with working hours. A worker may work for 220 hours, but in the salary calculation, they see only 180.
- Unpaid night and overtime hours. Additional shifts are paid at the regular rate without the required bonuses.
- Hidden deductions. Money for housing, transport, special clothing or other services is unexpectedly deducted from the salary.
Risks become particularly significant against the backdrop of increasing oversight: in 2026, Poland intensified control over the employment of Ukrainians, particularly regarding the content of civil law contracts.
How Ukrainians Can Verify Jobs in Poland
Before signing documents, it is worth clarifying the guaranteed rate, bonus accrual rules, payment for overtime and night hours, and a complete list of possible deductions. It is also important to check the registration with ZUS and to independently keep track of the hours worked.
«Today, a risky job vacancy does not necessarily look like a scam. It may have a good rate, a normal job description, and a standard contract,» said Gremi Personal.
According to company representatives, issues often become noticeable only after work begins, when additional deductions appear, the salary changes, or questions arise regarding the documents.
By the end of 2025, more than 8.2 thousand employment agencies were registered in Poland. High competition forces them to compete for workers, so an attractive salary in a job posting does not always mean the same amount in the contract.
Recall that earlier Inkorr explained how to confirm work through ZUS for counting work periods under umowa zlecenia towards employment experience.
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