The contract type decides your take-home pay, holiday, sick pay and pension. We break down the three main options in plain language.
There are three main types of contracts in Poland, and a lot depends on which one you sign: how much money you get net, whether you get paid leave and sick leave, and whether it counts towards your work history and pension. Let's break it down in simple terms.
Umowa o pracę — the most secure option. Gives paid leave, sick leave, dismissal restrictions. All ZUS contributions are mandatory, so the net amount is slightly lower — but you get full social protection. The best choice for permanent work.
A more flexible, often hourly contract. Fewer guarantees: sick leave is voluntary, no paid leave by default. But there are pros: for students under 26 years old there are no ZUS contributions at all, and KUP (expenses) is 20%, so the net amount is higher. Suitable for temporary or seasonal work.
A contract for a specific result ("work"), not for a process. No ZUS contributions, so net pay is the highest — but there is no insurance, no length of service, and no sick leave. The tax office checks closely: this contract cannot be used for regular manual work, it is a violation.
Calculate exactly how much you will get "in hand" for each option in the gross-net calculator: both umowa o pracę and umowa zlecenie are available there.
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