In the conditions of the war that Ukraine is going through, many Ukrainians were forced to go abroad in search of safety and stable income. Poland, which has become one of the most hospitable countries for Ukrainian refugees, provides opportunities for employment. However, despite Poland’s hospitality, for many Ukrainians the period of adaptation and integration into new realities can be difficult. One of the important aspects of the life of Ukrainian refugees has become the issue of employment and income maximization, and part-time work has become a real way to increase earnings for many.
The majority of Ukrainians who came to Poland seek to find additional sources of income to cover living expenses and provide for their families. For many, it has become a necessity: the high cost of housing, transportation, food, and other expenses forces people to look for opportunities to earn more. One option is to work two jobs, which allows you to get additional funds. However, such employment is not problem-free. There are certain legal requirements that must be met in order for part-time work to be legal and trouble-free.
Is it possible to work two jobs officially?
In Poland, you can work two jobs, but it is important to prepare all the necessary documents correctly. It is possible to work part-time officially, provided that the person has appropriate employment permits or documents for legal stay in Poland. In some cases, Ukrainians can work in several jobs without additional permits if they have a certain status in Poland.
In particular, this applies to the following categories of persons:
- Holders of permanent residence card or long-term EU resident status. These persons have the right to work in several jobs without additional permits.
- Holders of a temporary residence card with access to the Polish labor market. This allows you to work without being tied to a specific employer.
- Graduates of Polish universities who received a diploma and work in Poland can work in several jobs without additional permits.
- Persons who are in Poland for humanitarian reasons, such as refugees and persons with temporary protection. They also have the right to work without additional permits.
These categories of people can work in several positions, but additional permits will be required for others.
Who cannot work part-time
There are two main cases where part-time work is prohibited or restricted:
- Persons under the age of 16. They cannot work multiple jobs at the same time due to age restrictions.
- Workers in occupations with limited working hours, such as drivers, who are required to adhere to certain rest and work hours. Violation of such regulations may result in fines and other legal consequences.
Basic rules and conditions of part-time work
If you do not qualify for multiple jobs without additional permits, you will need to obtain a second job permit. Each job must be formalized, that is, for each new position, a separate contract must be concluded with the employer, regardless of whether it will be an employment contract (term of employment) or a contract of employment (term of employment).
At the same time, you should know that the choice of contract type is important. For example, a subcontract (contract condition) may be more beneficial from the point of view of tax deductions, as it allows to reduce the costs of contributions to social funds.
What documents are required for part-time work
- Work visa. If you have a visa to work in Poland, a new permit or certificate will be required for the second job. However, if you receive multiple confirmations, you should be careful, as the new confirmation may cancel the previous one.
- The card is beaten. If you have a card with a work permit, you will need to obtain an additional permit for employment at a second job. In this case, it is not necessary to notify the Voivodeship Labor Office about part-time work.
- Entrepreneurial activity. You can also combine work for hire with running your own business. This can help reduce the tax burden, as part of the taxes are covered by the main employer.
Is it possible to work in two positions at one employer?
Yes, it is possible if the responsibilities of different positions are clearly separated. For example, an employee can simultaneously work as a driver and perform administrative functions in the same company. However, if the responsibilities of these positions overlap, regulators may see this as an attempt to avoid paying overtime or night hours, which is a violation of labor law.
Innovations in Polish legislation on working two jobs
Since 2023, new amendments to the legislation have been introduced in Poland, which prohibit employers from restricting employees from being employed by another employer. The only restrictions are non-compete agreements that may prevent employment with a competitor.
Tips for Ukrainians working two jobs
- Compliance with labor discipline. It is important to remember that the employee is obliged to adhere to the schedule, to rest at the stipulated hours and not to violate the requirements of each employer.
- Employee rights. All entitlements such as vacation, sick leave, overtime compensation are retained at each workplace.
- Unfair competition. If you work for a competitor of your primary employer, this may be prohibited under the terms of a non-compete agreement.
- Completion of all documents. Even one illegal job can lead to fines, deportation and a ban on entry to Schengen countries.
So, working two jobs in Poland is a real way for Ukrainian refugees to cover their expenses and provide for themselves. However, this process requires careful attention to legal nuances. Compliance with the requirements of labor legislation, preparation of relevant documents and monitoring of working hours are mandatory to avoid problems. At the same time, this approach allows many Ukrainians to build a new life in Poland, helping their families and communities in difficult times.
