Employment of foreigners

Employment Rules

EMPLOYMENT RULES FOR ACADEMIC TEACHERS FROM ABROAD

Academic teachers from abroad are employed under the same conditions as Polish academic teachers, with the exception of specific legal provisions relating to the employment of foreigners from both the European Union (EU) and non-EU countries. These provisions primarily concern the validity of the residence card allowing residence in the Republic of Poland or a visa with the right to work (for residents of countries not part of the visa-free movement).

Foreigners are employed under the following conditions:

  1. The employment process takes place without the need to obtain a work permit, in accordance with Article 325(1) of the Act on Higher Education and Science of July 20, 2018. However, it is stipulated that the academic teacher is allowed to perform only tasks related to teaching and conducting scientific research. Taking on duties outside of these activities requires obtaining appropriate permits.

  2. All academic teachers who are not Polish citizens are subject to social security and health insurance obligations, and they benefit from all rights granted to Polish citizens in employment relationships.

  3. Foreigners from the European Union are employed without the need for an entry visa. An EU citizen who stays in Poland for more than three months is required to register their residence.

  4. Foreigners from non-EU countries or countries not covered by the visa-free regime must possess a valid visa allowing entry and stay in Poland. Information on the types of visas and the procedure for issuing them can be obtained at the Polish embassy or consulate in the respective country. The employment contract with a foreigner from outside the EU is concluded only for the duration of the visa or residence card’s validity. In the case of extending employment, the foreigner must present a valid document allowing them to stay in Poland. A foreigner who has had their residence permit revoked or whose extension has been denied is required to promptly inform the employer.

  5. A foreigner applying for employment at UMCS must provide translations of diplomas or other documents confirming the professional qualifications required for the position (in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of the Act on the Polish Language of October 7, 1999). These documents do not have to be translated by a sworn translator.

  6. The relevant institution for the recognition of foreign diplomas and academic degrees is the National Agency for Academic Exchange. Detailed information and contact details can be found here: 

  7. The rules for establishing an employment relationship with academic teachers from outside the country, including the full description of the procedures and qualifications required for each position, are outlined in the Act on Higher Education and Science of July 20, 2018, as well as the UMCS Statute of May 29, 2019.

LEGAL BASE:

External Regulations:

  • Act on Higher Education and Science of July 20, 2018
  • Act on the Promotion of Employment and Labour Market Institutions of April 20, 2004
  • Act on Foreigners of December 12, 2013
  • Act of June 15, 2012, on the consequences of entrusting work to foreigners staying in Poland in violation of regulations (Journal of Laws 2012, item 769)
  • Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of April 21, 2015, on the cases in which entrusting work to a foreigner in Poland is permissible without the need for a work permit (Journal of Laws 2015, item 588, as amended)
  • Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour, and Social Policy of December 7, 2017, on issuing a work permit for a foreigner and registering a declaration of entrusting work to a foreigner in the declaration registry (Journal of Laws 2017, item 2345)
  • Regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration on visas for foreigners of April 17, 2019

Internal Regulations: