Labour market for foreigners in Warsaw (Q1 2025)

Labour market for foreigners in Warsaw (Q1 2025)

Let's examine trends in Warsaw's labor market with a focus on foreign employment.

1. General Labor Market Situation

   • Employment:

     • Total employed: 1.17 million (March 2025), but a 1.9% decrease compared to 2024.

     • Biggest declines: trade (-5.9%), logistics (-6.1%).

     • Growth: IT (+0.6%), scientific research (+2.9%).

   • Unemployment:

     • Rate: 1.4% (below EU average).

     • Number of unemployed: 19,734 (+5.5% compared to Q4 2024).

     • Competition: 14 applicants per vacancy (in Q4 2024 - 13).

Conclusion: The market remains stable, but job cuts in traditional sectors require retraining.

2. Promising Sectors for Foreigners
   a) IT and Telecommunications

   • Salary: 17,168 PLN (highest among sectors).

   • Trends: 0.6% employment growth, 11.2% wage growth.

   • Vacancies: High demand for programmers, data analysts.

b) Logistics and Warehousing

• Salary: 8,717 PLN (+12.9% compared to 2024).

• Vacancies: Drivers, warehouse operators (especially for Ukrainians and Belarusians).

c) Construction

• Salary: 11,085 PLN (+5.4%).

• Specializations: Engineers (13,726 PLN), general laborers (no qualifications required).

d) Hospitality and Food Service

• Salary: 7,862 PLN (+4.4%).

• Vacancies: Waiters, cooks (low entry barriers for migrant workers).

1. Conditions for Foreigners

   • Legalization:

     • Type D work visa or work permit (for non-EU citizens).

     • Simplified procedure for Ukrainians (under UKR program).

   • Competition:

     • Low in logistics and construction (vacancies not filled by locals).

     • High in IT (qualification verification required).

   • Language:

     • Minimum A2 (for construction, warehouses).

     • B2+ for IT, science.

2. Challenges and Barriers

   • Bureaucracy: Work permit processing takes 2-4 months.

   • Discrimination: 23% of employers prefer Poles (MRPiPS data).

   • Low wages: In retail (7,829 PLN) and administrative sectors (8,195 PLN).

3. Top 5 Recommendations for Migrant Workers

1. Choose in-demand professions: IT, construction, logistics.

2. Learn Polish to B1 level (increases salary by 15-20%).

3. Process documents through employer (speeds up the process).

4. Avoid agencies charging >10% commission from salary.

5. Monitor vacancies on official portals.

Forecast

• Q3 2025 expected to see job growth in IT (+8%) and logistics (+5%) due to EU investments.

• Tighter migrant worker quotas due to trade union pressure.

Conclusion: Warsaw remains attractive for foreigners but requires strategic sector selection and document preparation.