Most problems with salary and housing start with a contract signed without reading. Go through the checklist with the contract in hand: what must be included — and what should stop you.
This is a self-check guide, not legal advice. Checkmarks are saved only in your browser. If there are clauses in the contract you do not understand — ask for a translation and do not sign until you understand.
Mandatory clauses0 out of 9
Check off what you found in the contract. ·
What must be written
Without this, the contract is incomplete or unfavorable to you
9 clauses
Who the employer is: full name, address, NIP/KRSNot "Pan Marek's company", but a legal entity. This is the exact entity you will look for if you don't get paid.
Your personal details and PESEL are written without errorsOne wrong digit — and ZUS contributions will "not find" you. Verify with a PESEL calculator.
Contract type is clearly specifiedUmowa o pracę, umowa zlecenie or umowa o dzieło — vacation, sick leave, and work history depend on this.
Position and place of workA specific job title and address (or region) — not "as instructed by the employer".
Pay rate: amount, gross/net, per hour or monthThe figure must match what was promised. If the ad stated "net" and the contract says gross — it's a different amount of money.
FTE size (etat) and scheduleFull-time or 3/4 time, shift work or not — the standard working hours and overtime depend on this.
Start date and term of the contractProbationary period — up to 3 months; then a fixed-term or indefinite-term contract.
Housing: whether provided and how much it costsIf "free" — it must be written down. If deducted from salary — the amount and exact reason must be specified.
Terms for return of documents and depositsIf anything is "deducted" from you (workwear, travel, deposit) — the terms of reimbursement must be in writing.
Red flags
If there is even one — stop and ask again
6 points
The contract is given to sign AFTER starting workA written contract must be signed before the first working day. "Work for a week, then we'll register you" is a violation.
Umowa o dzieło for regular manual laborIn a warehouse, production line, or construction site, such a contract is illegal and deprives you of insurance.
Blank fields or "amount by agreement"Anything not written down does not exist for a court. A blank rate field means a zero rate.
Fines for resignation or "working off" travel expensesIt is forbidden to deduct fines from wages without a court decision; "working off a ticket" is a sign of coercion.
Asked to sign a blank form or a document in another language without a translationYou have the right to a translation of the terms into a language you understand. Do not sign what you have not read.
Withholding a passport "until registration"No one has the right to withhold your documents. A copy — yes, the original — never.
Start with the contract in your hands
Check what is in the contract and if there are any red flags — the verdict will appear here.
What umowa o pracę must contain
The Labor Code (Art. 29) requires that an employment contract contains: parties, type of contract, date of conclusion, type of work and place of performance, remuneration with all components, rate amount, and start date. Since 2023, the employer must additionally provide written notice of working time standards, breaks, overtime rules, leave, and notice period. If any of this is missing, ask to add it.
Umowa zlecenie: what to look out for
The Labor Code does not apply here, so anything not in the text does not exist for you: hourly rate (not less than the minimum), time tracking, how and when you are paid, whether there is sick pay insurance, termination conditions. Calculate how much you get net in the gross↔net calculator — both contract types are available there.
FAQ
Contract only in Polish — is this normal?
The employer is obliged to provide a foreigner with a translation of the terms in a language they understand before concluding a contract. Requesting a translation is your right, not a whim.
Can anything be changed after signing?
Yes, by a written amendment (aneks) with the consent of both parties. Verbal promises like "we'll raise the rate later" without an aneks are worthless.
I am asked to sign a trial period contract for 3 months — is this bad?
No, a trial contract of up to 3 months is a legal practice. It is bad if, after it, they offer another trial period for the same position or switch to umowa o dzieło.
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