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Expanded definitions of words and their significance for foreigners working in Poland

17 July 2025

We have collected 40 expanded definitions for foreigner that are related to legal work in Poland. We have prepared not only their translations but also explanations of what they mean. It doesn’t matter whether you are an unskilled worker or a specialist, you should know them when signing a contract with a Polish employer. Check part 1 article about definitions of words

Definitions for foreigner: documents and formalities (dokumenty i formalności)

Visa (Wiza)

A visa is an official document in the form of a sticker or stamp in a passport that allows a foreigner to enter Poland for a specified time and purpose. It is essential for legal border crossing into Poland. Without a valid visa, a foreigner cannot legally enter and stay in Poland.

Work permit (Pozwolenie na pracę)

A document issued by Polish authorities, allowing a foreigner to undertake legal work in Poland. Without this document, a foreigner cannot legally work in Poland. The work permit also regulates employment conditions and protects the worker’s rights.

Employment contract (Umowa o pracę)

A written agreement between an employer and an employee outlining the terms of employment, such as salary, working hours, and duties. The employment contract protects the rights of both the employer and the employee, ensuring clarity regarding responsibilities and benefits.

Residence permit (Zezwolenie na pobyt)

A document authorizing a foreigner to stay in Poland for a longer period, usually issued for a specified time. It is necessary for those planning to stay in Poland longer than allowed by a visa. It enables legal residence and access to many rights and services in Poland.

Residence card (Karta Pobytu)

A document confirming the legality of a foreigner’s stay in Poland, issued based on a residence permit. The Residence Card serves as proof of legal residence in Poland and is required for many formalities, such as opening a bank account or renting an apartment.

Health insurance (Ubezpieczenie zdrowotne)

A system of health protection that provides access to medical care and covers treatment costs. Health insurance is necessary to access public health services. Without it, treatment costs can be very high.

PESEL number (Numer PESEL)

A unique identification number assigned by Polish authorities to citizens and foreigners. The PESEL number is required for many formalities, such as employment, healthcare access, and registration with authorities.

Tax Identification Number (NIP) (Numer NIP)

A tax identification number assigned to individuals and entities in Poland. The NIP is essential for tax settlements and conducting business activities.

Work certificate (Świadectwo pracy)

A document issued by an employer upon the termination of employment, confirming the employment and scope of duties. The work certificate is important when seeking new employment, as it verifies experience and employment history.

Professional qualifications (Kwalifikacje zawodowe)

Documents confirming education and professional skills, such as diplomas and certificates. Professional qualifications are crucial when seeking employment, as they confirm the worker’s competencies and skills.

 expanded definitions for foreigner

Definitions for foreigner working conditions (warunki pracy)

Working hours (Godziny pracy)

The specified time during which an employee is required to perform their duties. Knowing the working hours allows better planning of the day and personal life and avoids unpaid overtime.

Hourly rate (Stawka godzinowa)

The wage that an employee receives for one hour of work. Knowledge of the hourly rate helps in evaluating the profitability of work and negotiating salary.

Overtime (Nadgodziny)

Working time that exceeds the set working hours, for which additional pay is due. Awareness of overtime rules allows proper management of working time and remuneration.

Leave (Urlop)

Days off work to which an employee is entitled, such as vacation leave, sick leave, or maternity leave. The right to leave provides employees with the opportunity to rest and recover, which is important for health and work efficiency.

Occupational Health and Safety conditions (Warunki BHP)

Rules and regulations concerning workplace safety and hygiene, aimed at protecting workers’ health. Adhering to health and safety rules is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment and avoiding accidents.

Salary (Wynagrodzenie)

The total remuneration for work that an employee receives in monetary form. Knowing the salary amount allows for household budget planning and assessing job profitability.

Bonuses (Premie)

Additional remuneration awarded for achieving specific results or goals. Bonuses motivate employees to perform better and can significantly increase income.

Mandate contract (Umowa zlecenie)

A form of employment where the employee performs specified tasks for the employer. The mandate contract offers flexible working conditions but may have fewer social security benefits compared to an employment contract.

Specific-task contract (Umowa o dzieło)

A form of employment where the employee commits to completing a specific task for remuneration. The specific-task contract is beneficial for jobs with a clearly defined outcome but may not always offer social security benefits.

Sick leave (Zwolnienie lekarskie – L4)

The right of an employee to take days off work due to illness, confirmed by a medical certificate. Sick leave ensures that employees can recover without losing pay.

 expanded definitions for foreigner

Job offers for foreigners

Are you curious about who we are? We are already in a hurry to answer. Time2work is a team of experts in legal employment in Poland. Every day we connect workers with Polish employers who provide decent conditions for legal work. Legal and transparent action on behalf of foreigners is of utmost importance to us.

Thanks to this, anyone who finds a job with us will also find accommodation and help with organizational issues that are not easy to go through on your own. Are you looking for a job and opportunities to live in Poland? Check what we can offer you if you want be hire in Poland by a foreign employer! 94% of our workers extend the work contract with us.

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