Knowledge Base for Entrepreneurs – Legal Employment of Ukrainians

Hiring employees from Ukraine has become a common practice in Poland, addressing the growing demand for skilled and motivated workers. However, legally employing foreign workers requires compliance with relevant regulations to avoid legal consequences and ensure smooth business operations. An employee database is available as part of the offer from Daxteam. Let’s take a closer look at this topic.

Legal Basics of Employing Ukrainian Citizens

To legally hire a Ukrainian citizen, an entrepreneur must meet several formal requirements under Polish law. The key step is obtaining the appropriate document authorizing the foreigner to work, such as a declaration on entrusting work performance, which can be registered at the district labor office. This document allows employment for up to 24 months. If the planned work period exceeds this duration, a work permit is required.

Before signing a contract, the employer must ensure that the candidate holds a valid residence permit, such as a visa, temporary residence permit, or refugee status. For individuals staying in Poland under visa-free movement or special regulations related to temporary protection, procedures are simplified but require continuous monitoring of legislative changes.

Types of Contracts and Employer Responsibilities

An entrepreneur employing Ukrainian citizens can choose from different types of employment agreements, such as employment contracts, contracts of mandate, or contracts for specific work. Each of these options comes with specific obligations toward the employee.

In the case of an employment contract, the employer must register the worker with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) and pay contributions for social and health insurance.

The contract must be in writing, and its content should be understandable to both parties – translating documents into Ukrainian is often recommended.
Employers must provide health and safety (BHP) training and familiarize employees with internal regulations.

It is crucial to remember that violating regulations related to the employment of foreigners can result in financial penalties. Therefore, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the law is essential in the recruitment and employment process.