Whether you already live in Poland or are considering moving there, you are entering one of the European Union's most dynamic economies, with one of the lowest unemployment rates on the continent (around 3.3%). Labor shortages are strong across many occupations. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Poland?
Because Poland combines sustained growth, very low unemployment, strong labor shortages and a low cost of living. An EU member, it is freely accessible to Europeans and attracts many service centers.
- Very low unemployment, around 3.3%.
- Strong shortages in construction, health and industry.
- Many service centers and a solid IT sector.
- Free access for EU nationals.
How does the Polish labor market work?
The market is very tight, with one of Europe's lowest unemployment rates and marked shortages in many technical and care occupations. Since 2025, certain professions are subject to a restricted list for non-European workers, depending on the local situation.
- A very tight market, unemployment among Europe's lowest.
- Strong shortages in technical and care occupations.
- A restricted-professions list for non-Europeans (2025).
- A protective European legal framework.
Which sectors hire the most in Poland?
- Construction: welders, electricians, bricklayers, roofers.
- Health and care: nurses and care staff.
- Industry and manufacturing.
- Transport and logistics (TSL).
- IT and service centers.
Which cities should you target in Poland?
- Warsaw: the capital, finance, IT and services.
- Krakow: a major IT and service-center hub.
- Wrocław and Poznań: industry and tech.
- Gdańsk: logistics, maritime and tech.
Work permit: the steps for foreigners
EU/EEA nationals work freely. Others need a work permit and a residence permit, or the EU Blue Card for skilled profiles.
- EU/EEA: free access to the labor market.
- Non-EU: work permit and residence permit.
- EU Blue Card for highly qualified profiles.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Salaries are lower than in Western Europe but rising, and the cost of living remains low, preserving purchasing power, especially in IT and service centers.
- Rising salaries, attractive in IT.
- A low cost of living.
- Good purchasing power for skilled profiles.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Poland?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and professional platforms.
- Service centers and international companies.
- Specialized agencies in industry and construction.
The unsolicited application: the key to Poland's hidden job market
In one of Europe's tightest markets, contacting companies directly is very effective. The unsolicited application lets you target employers before any ad and benefit from shortages.
- You reach companies constantly seeking talent.
- You benefit from strong shortages.
- You show your motivation and initiative.
- You get ahead of the competition.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- English is often enough in IT and service centers.
- Leverage your technical skills (construction, industry).
- Target Warsaw and Krakow for services.
- Activate your local network.
Your next steps to work in Poland
Target a city and a sector, prepare a CV in English, then contact companies directly. A very tight market quickly rewards initiative.