Updated: 12 November 2026
Two conditions: residence and the right to work
To work legally in Poland you need legal stay and the right to work. This also applies to umowa zlecenie and app-based work.
Ukrainian citizens
- Legal stay comes from, among others, UKR status (temporary protection) or a residence card such as the CUKR card.
- Work is possible on the basis of a notification (powiadomienie): whoever entrusts the work notifies the county labour office within 7 days of the start of work, via praca.gov.pl.
- CUKR card holders work without a separate permit and can run a business like Polish citizens.
Citizens of other non-EU countries
The rules depend on your citizenship and residence document. The basis is most often a residence card with labour-market access, a work permit or — for citizens of certain countries — a work declaration (oświadczenie o powierzeniu pracy) registered at the labour office. The labour-office formalities are handled by whoever entrusts the work.
EU citizens
They work without permits. For stays longer than 3 months, they register their residence at the voivodeship office.
What else you’ll need
- PESEL — needed for your contract, taxes and e-services.
- A Polish bank account — for payouts.
- A Polish driving licence — for taxi work; see exchanging a foreign licence.
- A criminal record certificate and medical tests — for taxi work.
How Optymist helps
Before you sign, we check the basis on which you can work and tell you what’s missing. Support in Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and English — 24/7.
FAQ
Can a foreigner work for Uber on umowa zlecenie?
Yes, with legal stay and the right to work in Poland.
How does a Ukrainian citizen work legally?
On the basis of a notification filed with the labour office within 7 days by whoever entrusts the work, or with a residence card such as CUKR.
Do EU citizens need a work permit?
No.
Does Optymist help with the residence card?
Yes. We complete annex no. 1 and help you prepare and submit your residence card application.
