What to Take with You to Work in Poland in 2026: A Checklist of Documents, Essentials and Important Contacts

The first trip to work abroad is always nerve-wracking: have I packed everything, are my documents correct, what should I do if something goes wrong? We have compiled a practical checklist, current as of July 2026, taking into account the significant changes to Polish legislation that came into force this spring.

Documents: the essentials you cannot do without

• Biometric foreign passport - your primary document. Visa-free travel grants the right to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check the expiry date: the passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Birth and marriage certificates - preferably with a certified translation, if you plan to process documents for family members.
• Diploma, certificates, employment record - for skilled work.
• 4-6 photos 35x45 mm, and copies of all documents (plus scans stored in the cloud - Google Drive or email).

What changed in 2026 - important to know before you leave

• From 5 March 2026, the "special act" on assistance to Ukrainian nationals expired; however, temporary protection (UKR status) was automatically extended until 4 March 2027 - without the need to submit any additional applications.
• Newly arrived individuals are no longer granted protection automatically: an application for PESEL UKR must be submitted within 30 days of entry at the local municipal office (urząd gminy).
• Those holding UKR status may, from 4 May 2026, apply for the new 3-year CUKR residence card - exclusively online via the portal mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl.
• No work permit is required: the employer submits a notification (powiadomienie) at praca.gov.pl within 7 days of the start of employment. Ask for a copy of this document - it is your proof of legal employment.
• The biometric EES system is in operation at the border: upon the first crossing, a photograph and fingerprints are taken.
• The minimum wage in 2026 is PLN 4,806 gross per month (PLN 31.40/hour).

Health: insurance and medicines

From 5 March 2026, free healthcare under the NFZ is guaranteed only to those who are working and paying ZUS contributions (as well as children, pregnant women and emergency cases). Your health insurance will begin from the moment of official employment - both an employment contract (umowa o pracę) and a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie) entitle you to full NFZ cover. For the first few days before signing a contract, we recommend taking out a travel insurance policy. Bring with you: your regular medicines for 1-2 months (but no more than 5 packs of each preparation - this is the customs limit), prescriptions stating the active substance name in Latin, and a basic first-aid kit.

Money: how much to bring for the start

Until your first pay cheque, it is advisable to have around PLN 1,500-2,500 - for food, transport, communication and minor expenses (accommodation is usually arranged by the agency for workers). Exchange part of the sum into zlotys while still in Ukraine, in small denominations. In Poland, exchange currency at a kantor (exchange office) - the rate is better than at banks; avoid exchange points at railway stations and airports. Hryvnias are difficult to exchange in Poland - bring zlotys, euros or US dollars. For salary purposes, open a Polish bank account: PKO BP, Pekao, Santander, Millennium or mBank open accounts on the basis of a foreign passport, and many offer a Ukrainian-language interface.

Apps worth installing before you leave

• Diia - your Ukrainian documents always at hand; a digital driving licence is recognised in the EU for the duration of temporary protection.
• mObywatel - once you receive your PESEL and Profil Zaufany, your "Dokument ochrony czasowej" (the former Diia.pl equivalent) will appear here.
• Jakdojade - urban public transport and tickets; Koleo - intercity rail.
• IKO (PKO BP) or your bank's app + BLIK - instant payments.
• Google Translate with the Polish offline pack, and Google Maps with an offline city map.

Contacts to save in your phone

• 112 - the single emergency number.
• Embassy of Ukraine in Warsaw: +48 22 621 39 79. Consulates General: Kraków +48 12 429 60 66, Wrocław +48 71 712 76 00, Gdańsk +48 58 346 06 90, Lublin +48 81 531 88 89.
• Migrant helpline (IOM): +48 22 490 20 44, migrant.info.pl.
• Gremi Personal: Poland +48 525 275 003, Ukraine +38 (050) 334-93-51.

Essentials: a practical minimum

Season-appropriate clothing, toiletries for the first week, a towel, a power bank, an extension lead. A plug adapter is not needed - Ukrainian plugs are fully compatible with Polish sockets. A Polish SIM card (Orange, Play, T-Mobile, Plus) can be purchased on arrival using your foreign passport - starter packs cost from PLN 5-10.

Checklist at a glance

• Biometric passport (check the expiry date!) + national ID + tax identification number
• Diploma, certificates, 35x45 photos, copies and scans of documents
• Medicines for 1-2 months (up to 5 packs) + prescriptions
• PLN 1,500-2,500 in cash for the start
• Installed apps: Diia, Jakdojade, Google Translate offline
• Saved contacts: 112, consulate, PIP, Gremi Personal coordinator
• Travel insurance policy for the first days before employment

Job vacancies across Poland and Europe, official employment, guidance and support at every stage. To find a vacancy - call: +380503349351 +48525275003