Your first salary in Poland: when to expect it and how long to wait

One of the most common disappointments for newcomers: you arrive, start working — and there's no money for quite a while. That's not a scam, it's simply how pay works in Poland. Let's break down when to expect your first paycheck.

When salary is paid

By law, salary is paid monthly, by the 10th of the following month. So work done in September gets paid by October 10th. If you started mid-month, that first payment will also be partial — only for the days actually worked.

Why take-home is less than promised

Друга причина здивування — різниця між брутто і нетто. Роботодавець зазвичай називає брутто, а на картку приходить нетто — на 25–30% менше після ZUS, медичного внеску і податку. Тому «25 zł на годину» — це не те, що ви отримаєте на руки.

How much you need up front

Since your first full paycheck won't arrive for 5–6 weeks, it's critical to have a cash buffer for that period: housing, food, transport. The relocation-cost calculator can help you work out exactly how much.

Overtime pay comes separately

If you've worked overtime, the overtime premium (+50%/+100%) is added to your pay — but also with the next payment, not immediately. Make sure your employer is actually logging your hours.

What to check with your first payslip

• Pasek wynagrodzeń (pay slip) — should show gross, contributions and net. Ask for it.
• Whether the amount matches what was promised, accounting for the partial first month.
• Whether you've been registered with ZUS — without it there's no insurance and no work record.