Employment Contracts in Poland: UoP, UZ, and Temp Contracts from an EOR perspective

Hiring in Poland requires a choice between three primary contract types. Each serves a different business purpose, and choosing the wrong one can lead to legal issues or blocks on work permits. As an EOR, we ensure your team is hired under the framework that best matches the role and the employee’s residency status.

The Three Main Contract Types

1. Employment Contract (Umowa o pracę – UoP)

This is the standard, traditional contract governed by the Polish Labour Code. It is the best choice for permanent staff and long-term hires.

• Control: The employee works under your direct supervision at a set time and place.
• Rights: Full access to paid holiday, sick pay, and maternity leave.
• Immigration: This is the standard contract for non-EU workers. If your hire needs a work or residence permit, a UoP is usually the only safe option.

2. Mandate Contract (Umowa zlecenie – UZ)

Governed by the Civil Code, this contract focuses on a “task” rather than a set schedule. It is more flexible but offers fewer legal protections than a UoP.

• Outcome Based: The contractor manages their own time to complete the work.
• Flexibility: Easier to set up and terminate, but it carries a “misclassification” risk if the person is treated like a standard employee.
• EOR View: Useful for specific projects, but must be managed carefully to stay on the right side of the Labour Inspectorate.

3. Temporary Employment Contract (Triangular Relationship)

This is a specific model used in the EOR industry. It involves three parties: the employee, the legal employer (EasyEOR), and the user-employer (you).

• Time Limits: This contract can only be used for a maximum of 18 months.
• Purpose: Designed for seasonal tasks, covering absences, or short-term project surges.
• Important Note: Unlike a standard UoP, a Temp Contract cannot be used to apply for a residence or work permit in Poland.

“Choosing a contract isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about legality. We match your hiring needs to the correct Polish legal framework.”

Why partner with EasyEOR for Contract Management?

1. Compliance by Design: We assess every role before hiring to ensure the contract type matches the actual working conditions, protecting you from misclassification fines.
2. Immigration Support: We know which contracts work for visas. We ensure your foreign hires have the UoP they need to stay and work in Poland legally.
3. Reduced Liability: As the EOR, we take on the legal responsibility of the employer. Any disputes or inspections are handled by us, keeping your parent company safe.
4. Rapid Onboarding: Our bilingual (English/Polish) contract templates are ready to go, allowing you to sign talent in days.
5. ZUS & Tax Accuracy: We handle the complex social security and tax calculations required for each contract type, ensuring every filing is correct and on time.
6. Full Lifecycle Support: From hiring and mandatory health checks to termination and final settlements, we manage the entire administrative process.

Get your Polish hiring right.

Stop guessing which contract to use. Contact our Kraków team for clear, straightforward advice on building your team in Poland.