Jobs in Poland for couples

Jobs in Poland for couples provide a real opportunity to earn a higher income. Rising utility bills and the high cost of food and fuel make it difficult for many Ukrainians to maintain the desired standard of living. In search of better earnings, people often choose European countries. Poland is a popular destination because it is located close to Ukraine. The favourable exchange rate between the Polish zloty and the Ukrainian hryvnia is another important factor.

Couples often travel to Poland to work together. This allows them to increase their combined income while remaining close to one another. However, many families have children. Not every employer is prepared to hire young parents, as childcare responsibilities may affect the availability of one family member. Preparing documents for the entire family may also require more time. For this reason, couples often move to Poland together first and bring their child after they have settled in.

Available jobs for couples in Poland

Men generally have access to a wider range of physically demanding and higher-paid positions. They may work in construction, loading, driving or electrical installation. Vacancies are also available for truck drivers, plumbers, cooks and bakers.  

Women are commonly offered jobs in hotels, hostels, cleaning companies and private households. They may also work as caregivers, nannies, sorters, packers and factory employees.

Farm work is another common option for couples. Vacancies may be available on poultry farms or farms that raise horses, cows, bulls and other livestock. Jobs are also regularly offered by supermarkets and retail chains. Men may work in warehouses and loading positions, while women may arrange products in stores and help maintain cleanliness.

Knowledge of Polish can significantly improve employment opportunities for couples, as many jobs involve communication with customers or colleagues. Applicants who speak Polish may apply for positions such as waiter, bartender, administrator, shop assistant, cashier and other customer service roles.

According to various surveys of migrant workers, the majority of foreign employees are engaged in physical work. A smaller proportion work in customer service, information technology or management positions.

The proportion of men engaged in physical labour is generally higher. Women also frequently work in manufacturing, warehouses and agriculture, although they are more likely than men to choose customer service positions.

It should be noted: applicants with a higher level of education and stronger professional qualifications generally have better opportunities to find specialised or intellectual work.

Couples who search for jobs in Poland independently may avoid additional agency fees. However, they should carefully verify the employer, employment contract, salary, accommodation and legality of the employment arrangement.

Requirements for couples

Before applying for jobs in Poland, couples should review the requirements established by the employer:  

• age requirements depend on the vacancy and employer;
• good physical condition may be required for physically demanding jobs;
• previous experience may not be necessary, although it is an advantage for skilled positions;
• some jobs require a sanitary certificate and a medical examination in Poland;
• applicants must have the documents required for legal residence and employment.

Knowledge of Polish is an advantage, although it is not compulsory for many vacancies. Employees can gradually learn basic Polish after arriving and starting work.

Documents required for employment

For official employment in Poland, couples must provide documents confirming their right to stay and work in the country. The required documents depend on citizenship, residence status, employer and type of vacancy.

Visa-free entry does not always provide the right to work. For legal employment, the employer must prepare the required documents, while the employee must have a valid legal basis for staying and working in Poland.

A separate procedure applies to seasonal employment. Seasonal vacancies are commonly available in agriculture, horticulture, hotels and restaurants. After a longer period of legal residence and subject to the applicable conditions, a foreign worker may apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit.

Working hours and accommodation

When choosing a vacancy, applicants should consider whether accommodation is provided by the employer. If free accommodation is included, the salary or other employment conditions may differ from vacancies without housing. Couples are often offered a private room in a house, dormitory or apartment shared with other employees.

For most vacancies, payment is based on the number of hours worked. Hourly rates are common in factories, warehouses, farms and retail chains. Construction and skilled technical positions may offer higher rates.

The most common schedule is 8–12 hours a day, 5–6 days a week. The possibility of working on weekends and public holidays, as well as overtime rates, should be specified in the employment contract or the employer’s internal rules.

The final income of a couple depends on the hourly rate, the number of hours worked and expenses such as accommodation, food and transport. Since both partners are employed, their combined household income may be significantly higher than when only one partner works.

Benefits of working together as a couple

Working in Poland as a couple offers several important advantages:

• a higher combined household income;
• the opportunity to remain close to your partner;
• mutual support while adapting to another country;
• the ability to handle everyday and organisational matters together.

The most important step is to select suitable vacancies for both partners, verify the accommodation and salary conditions, and officially prepare all required documents.