Trial, Fixed-Term or Indefinite Contract in Poland: Limits
Short answer: Trial contracts last up to 3 months. Fixed-term contracts are capped at 33 months and three contracts, with exceptions. Contracts must be in writing.
If you have a job offer in Poland, the contract on the table is usually one of three kinds of employment contract: for a trial period, for a fixed term or for an indefinite time. Each has its own limits, and some of them are set in the Labour Code to protect employees. This guide explains the three types, how long they can run, what a written contract must contain and what happens if no one signs anything. It uses the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) and the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, as read in October 2026. For the difference between an employment contract and a zlecenie or B2B, see our guide to contract types.
The contract must be in writing
PIP says an employment contract is concluded in writing. If it was not, the employer must confirm in writing, before letting you start, who the parties are, what type of contract it is and its terms. The contract should state the parties, the type of contract, the date it was signed and the conditions of work and pay: the kind of work, the place of work, pay with its components, working time and the start date.
PIP also warns that work without a contract is illegal. The worker has no labour-law protection and builds up no social insurance contributions. If you are asked to start with "we will sort the paperwork later", treat that as a red flag.
The three types
Trial period contract (umowa na okres próbny). It is used to check your skills and whether you can do the job. As a rule it cannot exceed 3 months. It may be shorter if a fixed-term contract follows: no more than 1 month if the next contract will run for less than 6 months, and no more than 2 months if the next one will run for at least 6 months but less than 12. The parties can agree that the trial period is extended by the time of leave or other excused absence. A second trial contract with the same employee is possible only if the job is a different kind of work.
Fixed-term contract (czas określony). The length of one fixed-term contract, and the total length of all fixed-term contracts between the same parties, cannot exceed 33 months, and the total number of contracts cannot exceed three. The trial contract does not count towards this limit. If the limit is passed, or a fourth contract is signed, the employee is treated as employed for an indefinite time from the next day or from the day the fourth contract is signed.
Indefinite contract (czas nieokreślony). No end date. It is ended by agreement, by notice or by one of the other ways listed in the Labour Code.
When the fixed-term limits do not apply
PIP lists exceptions to the 33-month and three-contract limits. They are contracts to replace an employee who is absent for an excused reason, for casual or seasonal work, for the length of a term of office, and contracts where the employer states objective reasons on its side for a real temporary need. In that last case the reasons must be written into the contract and the employer must tell the labour inspector within 5 working days.
Notice during a trial contract
According to the Ministry, notice depends on the length of the trial period: 3 working days if it is up to 2 weeks, 1 week if it is longer than 2 weeks, and 2 weeks if it is 3 months. For longer contracts see our guide to the notice period in Poland.
Ways an employment contract ends
PIP lists four ways: by agreement of the parties, by notice, without notice, and when the fixed term runs out. A contract also expires by law in cases such as the death of the employee or the employer.
What to check before you sign
- Is it in writing, and does it name the kind of work, the place, pay and working time?
- Is it a trial, fixed-term or indefinite contract, and for how long?
- If it is fixed-term, is it your first, second or third contract with this employer?
- If you are a foreigner, does your work permit or residence permit match this job and employer? Check with the office that issued it, as the rules for work permits are separate.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a trial period be in Poland?
As a rule up to 3 months. It is shorter if a short fixed-term contract will follow: 1 month for a contract under 6 months, 2 months for 6 to 12 months.
How many fixed-term contracts can I have with one employer?
Up to three, and no more than 33 months in total, with listed exceptions. The trial contract does not count.
What happens after the fourth fixed-term contract?
You are treated as employed for an indefinite time from the day the fourth contract is signed.
Is an oral agreement valid?
The law requires writing. If it is not, the employer must confirm the terms in writing before you start work.
What is the notice during a trial contract?
3 working days up to 2 weeks of trial, 1 week for longer than 2 weeks, and 2 weeks for a full 3 months.
