Employment in Warsaw

Local Economy

The home of the majority of Poland’s large firms and more than a few notable international companies, Warsaw has been instrumental in the Polish economic restructuring. The city itself is largely reliant on the service sector, which employs 70% of Warsaw’s population. The banking industry is the largest contributor to this sector, with numerous foreign banks operating branches out of Warsaw. The National Bank of Poland and the Warsaw Stock Exchange are also both based in the city.

Work Permits for Warsaw

Citizens of EU-member states do not need work permits to take up employment in Poland. However, most residents of non EU-member countries will require a work permit. This must be applied for by a Polish employer and will only be issued if that employer can prove there were no suitable Polish candidates to fill the vacancy. There are some groups that are exempt from these restrictions and do not need to apply for a permit to work in Warsaw, most notably the clergy, artists, and students.

Job Hunting in Warsaw

Warsaw has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Poland, a fact the city’s governing body attributes to its ability to attract highly educated, skilled workers.

If you are considering relocating to Warsaw from outside of the EU, you will need to have sponsorship from a company operating there prior to your move. While English is widely spoken, most employers will expect you to at least be conversational in Polish, so don’t expect to land a job without either of these languages.

The ability to teach English is highly sought after in Poland, and teachers are unlikely to struggle to find jobs either through relocation agencies, temping agencies, or directly through school advertisements on job boards. If your strengths lie elsewhere, then you will need to be very deliberate in your search. While a number of large, international companies operate out of Warsaw, they will be unable to obtain a work permit for you if they could have filled a vacancy with a Polish candidate. It is therefore essential that you provide potential employers with an advantage that is unique or specialized enough for them to warrant hiring you. Know your strengths and tailor your job search accordingly.