Working for a Foreign Company from Poland — Complete Guide

Working for a Foreign Company from Poland

More Poles are working remotely for companies in the US, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Salaries are often 2-5x higher than the Polish market. But legal and tax matters require attention.

Cooperation Structures

1. B2B (Sole Proprietorship + Invoice) — Most Popular

Register a JDG (sole proprietorship) in Poland, invoice the foreign client.

Pros: Simplest form, full control over taxes and deductions, foreign company doesn't register in Poland.

Key considerations:

• VAT-EU registration if client is in EU (B2B services = reverse charge, 0% VAT)
• Currency accounting — convert to PLN using NBP rate from the day before
• ZUS — you pay yourself (6-month relief, then 2 years preferential ~400 PLN/month)

2. Employment via EOR (Employer of Record)

Companies like Deel, Remote.com, or Oyster employ you formally in Poland on behalf of the foreign company.

Pros: Full employee protection (leave, sick pay, notice period). EOR handles ZUS and PIT.

Cons: Lower net pay (full employer ZUS + PIT). Less flexibility.

3. Direct Employment

Foreign company registers as an employer in Poland. Rare due to bureaucracy.

Tax Pitfalls

Permanent Establishment Risk

If the foreign company has you as their only presence in Poland and you negotiate contracts on their behalf, a permanent establishment may be created — triggering corporate tax obligations for the foreign company in Poland.

Tax Residency When Partially Abroad

Traveling to the foreign office regularly? Watch the 183-day rule and check the relevant double taxation treaty.

Practical Checklist

1. Register JDG (or choose EOR)
2. Register for VAT-EU (if client is in EU)
3. Set up currency and payment terms
4. Open a multi-currency account (Wise, Revolut Business, mBank)
5. Find an accountant experienced with international work
6. Check the double taxation treaty

Multi-Currency Income Tracking

Working for a foreign company means earning in EUR/USD/GBP while spending in PLN. Freenance integrates with Revolut and other platforms, showing everything in PLN — including your Financial Freedom Runway.

FAQ

Do I pay VAT on services for a US company?

No. Services to companies outside the EU are taxed in the recipient's country. Invoice with "not subject to VAT" annotation.

How much ZUS do I pay as B2B for a foreign company?

Same as any JDG in Poland. Startup relief (6 months no social ZUS), then preferential (~400 PLN/month for 2 years), then full (~1,600 PLN/month).

Can the foreign company pay to my Polish bank account?

Yes. Many companies prefer Wise or Payoneer. You can also provide your Polish bank's IBAN for a currency account. Avoid PayPal — high fees.

What if the foreign company wants to pay me off the books?

Don't do it. Poland's tax authority (KAS) exchanges data with 100+ countries via CRS. Foreign income is visible to Polish tax authorities.