She came from Belarus to Poland just to be a volunteer and then… stayed here for a little longer. Now she works in the fashion industry.
Newcomers
Meet few people who already relocated
Meet Taisiya
Meet Emilio
He came to Pomerania from Spain, because he wanted to be a volunteer. Now, he’s working for Apple and is a Spanish teacher.
Meet Gaia
Meet Gaia – first, she came here to be a volunteer, but after some time in Italy she decided to return to Pomerania and work here.
Meet Emilie
She came to Pomerania from France and decided to stay here. What does she think about living here, does she prefer Polish food to French and how has this experience changed her? Find out!
Meet Ania
During a visit to Dynatrace we talked with Ania. She told us a little bit about her job as a software engineer and her being a trainer of Non-Violent Communication. Check out!
Where to look for a job and what to pay attention to?
Recruitment often takes place via online platforms such as the Live More Talent Bank. Pomerania. If you are a student, you can also find a job on the portal of your Career Office. It is worth looking through available job offers on portals:
Job offers can also be found at local employment offices. There you will also find a list of free courses and training that will help you improve your competences.
How to spot a good job offer:
Getting the roof over your head.
Let’s start with the fact that you don’t have to be alone when looking for an apartment! You can hire a local rental agency who will help you arrange a meeting with the owner or will see the apartment and inspect its condition, then negotiate the terms and draw up a lease agreement.
If you want to look for an apartment on your own, ask a Polish-speaking friend to accompany you while viewing the apartment – this will help avoid misunderstandings.
Remember that owners expect a deposit to be paid when signing the lease. The amount of the deposit depends on the owner. Most often, it is the same as the monthly apartment fee. A deposit is a means of protecting the owner against possible damage caused by the tenant or against the consequences of his failure to fulfill the contract. The owner should return the deposit in 100% after the end of the contract period if no losses on the part of the landlord were revealed during the acceptance of the apartment. Remember that the deposit amount and the terms of its return are always included in the contract!
Apartment fees are paid monthly in the form agreed by the owner. The fee can be given in total, e.g. PLN 3,500 per month or in the form of PLN 3,000 + utilities. Utilities are understood as costs related to the quantitative use of water, electricity, gas and the Internet. Depending on consumption, the amount may decrease or increase. You can find apartments on popular advertising portals, such as:
Learn the lingo
Do you want to learn Polish, but you don’t know where to start? To start with, try applications such as Duolingo or Babbel, and when you feel it’s time for something more organized, we recommend Polish language courses organized in Pomerania at various levels. The Sopot Center for Integration and Support for Foreigners and the Immigrant Support Center organize regular free courses ending with a certificate of completion.
In the Pomeranian Voivodeship you will also find many language schools, such as the Polish Language Academy, SpeakPolish or the Gdańsk School of the Polish Language. Courses are also organized by university units, i.e. the University of Gdańsk, WSB Merito University or the Gdańsk University of Technology, and are open to newcomers. Their structures also include Foreign Language Centres offering at least one-semester courses. If you are interested in distance learning, check out popular tutoring websites – they are taught by experienced teachers and language enthusiasts.
If you want to obtain an official state certificate in knowledge of the Polish language, be sure to check the deadlines and conditions for registration. The unit conducting the examinations is, among others, the University of Gdansk. The cost of the exam (depending on the level) ranges from PLN 700-900.
Labour law
Labor law in Poland is regulated primarily by the Labor Code. Pursuant to this Act, everyone has the right to voluntarily take up employment, and the employer’s obligation is to provide its employees with work in an atmosphere of respect for their dignity and lack of discrimination. Employees doing the same job must have equal rights. From July 1, 2024, the remuneration for full-time work cannot be lower than PLN 4,300 gross.
If you are a employed in Poland, remember that you have the following rights:
Do you need more info?
With your questions and problems regarding employment, you can always contact the National Labor Inspectorate, a public entity responsible for ensuring compliance with labor law in Poland.
Support Centres
Support centers deal primarily with access to information and communication and animate spaces for people with various needs. Their mission is to create an inclusive environment that equalizes opportunities. Check out our institutions!
Immigrant Support Center
Since 2012, he has been supporting new residents of the Tricity in understanding Polish procedures regarding the legalization of work and stay, advising on how to look for a job, conducting pro bono cases for people experiencing discrimination, teaching Polish, and organizing integration events. Consultations are free.
Sopot Integration Center
The Sopot Center for Integration and Support for Foreigners (SCIiWC) was established as a point where foreigners staying in Sopot could obtain both basic, everyday information and specialist support.