Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party service that legally employs your staff on your behalf while you maintain day-to-day management control. In Poland, EOR services help international companies hire local talent without establishing a legal entity, handling payroll, taxes, and compliance with Polish labor laws.
Poland’s employment landscape requires careful attention to strict labor regulations, mandatory social contributions, and complex tax structures. Foreign companies face challenges with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) contributions, mandatory vacation policies, and termination procedures that differ significantly from other European countries. EOR providers eliminate these barriers by managing all legal obligations while you focus on business operations.
How competitive is the Polish EOR market currently?
The Polish EOR market has grown rapidly, with average employee costs reaching €3,000-5,000 monthly including taxes and contributions.
Polish labor law mandates 26 days of paid vacation, sick leave benefits, and strong employee protection rights that foreign employers must understand completely.
Corporate income tax stands at 19% for most businesses, while personal income tax ranges from 12% to 32%.
Social security contributions add approximately 20% to gross salaries.
These complexities make professional EOR services essential for companies entering the Polish market without local expertise.
What criteria should you use when choosing an EOR company?
How important is legal compliance for EOR selection?
Legal compliance forms the foundation of any reliable EOR partnership. Your chosen provider must maintain full registration with Polish authorities, including ZUS and tax office credentials, plus insurance coverage for employment-related risks.
The best EOR companies provide transparent documentation of their legal status, offer clear contracts outlining responsibilities, and demonstrate proven track records with Polish regulatory bodies. They should also provide regular updates on changing employment laws and ensure your company remains compliant with all local requirements without additional effort from your side.
What should you expect to pay for EOR services?
EOR pricing typically ranges from €150 to €500 per employee monthly, depending on service levels and company size. Most providers charge percentage-based fees (3-8% of gross salary) or fixed monthly rates per employee.
Hidden costs often include setup fees, visa processing charges, equipment provision, and early termination penalties. Premium providers may charge higher rates but offer comprehensive services including HR support, legal consultation, and additional benefits administration. Compare total cost of ownership rather than base fees alone.
How crucial is HR support and team quality?
Strong HR support determines your employee experience and operational efficiency. Top EOR providers assign dedicated account managers who speak both English and Polish fluently, understand local business culture, and respond to queries within 24 hours.
Quality HR teams provide employee onboarding assistance, performance management guidance, conflict resolution support, and local benefits administration. They should also offer training on Polish workplace customs and help international managers understand cultural differences that impact team dynamics.
How fast should EOR onboarding and setup be?
Professional EOR providers complete employee onboarding within 5-10 business days from contract signature. This includes employment contract preparation, tax registration, social insurance setup, and first payroll processing.
Setup speed depends on document completeness, background check requirements, and any necessary work permits. The fastest providers offer digital platforms for document submission, automated compliance checks, and real-time status updates. Delays often occur due to incomplete employee documentation rather than provider inefficiency.
Which additional services matter most?
Essential additional services include work permit processing, IT equipment provision, local bank account setup, and relocation support. Advanced providers offer benefits packages, private healthcare, company car arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
The employer of record in Poland from Easy Start includes comprehensive visa support, making it particularly valuable for international hires requiring work authorization. Some providers also offer co-working spaces, local networking events, and cultural integration programs that enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
Who are the top 5 EOR companies in Poland?
Remote – Global platform with Polish operations
Remote operates as a comprehensive global EOR platform with strong Polish market presence. Their technology-driven approach offers automated payroll processing, compliance monitoring, and employee self-service portals.
Advantages include transparent pricing, extensive global coverage, and user-friendly interfaces. However, Remote’s standardized approach may lack personalized service for complex cases, and their customer support can be slow during peak periods. Their pricing ranges from €300-450 per employee monthly.
Easy Start – Specialized Polish EOR provider
Easy Start focuses exclusively on Central European markets, offering deep local expertise and personalized service approaches. They provide comprehensive support from initial consultation through ongoing employment management.
Their main strengths include rapid setup processes, dedicated Polish-speaking support teams, and competitive pricing starting from €200 per employee. Potential drawbacks include limited global presence and fewer technology integrations compared to larger platforms. They excel in handling complex visa cases and government relations.
Deel – Technology-focused EOR solution
Deel combines EOR services with contractor management through a unified platform. Their automated systems handle most administrative tasks, while human support manages complex situations.
Benefits include excellent user experience, integrated payment systems, and strong compliance tracking. Weaknesses involve higher costs (€400-600 monthly per employee) and occasionally rigid processes that don’t accommodate unique Polish business practices. Their platform works best for tech companies familiar with digital-first approaches.
Bizky – Regional Central European specialist
Bizky specializes in Central and Eastern European markets, providing culturally aware services and local language support. They offer traditional relationship-based service models preferred by many European businesses.
Advantages include strong local connections, flexible service packages, and competitive regional pricing. Disadvantages include limited technology platforms, slower digital processes, and smaller support teams that may create capacity constraints during busy periods.
Papaya Global – Enterprise-focused EOR provider
Papaya Global targets larger organizations with complex international workforce requirements. They provide sophisticated reporting, analytics, and integration capabilities for enterprise clients.
Strengths include powerful data analytics, extensive compliance reporting, and integration with major HR systems. Weaknesses involve high minimum commitments, complex pricing structures, and service approaches better suited for large teams rather than individual hires or small groups.
How do these companies compare across key criteria?
Each provider maintains proper Polish legal registration and compliance standards. Cost differences reflect service levels, technology investments, and target market positioning. HR support quality varies based on team size, language capabilities, and response time commitments.
Which EOR company fits your specific needs?
What works best for startups and small companies?
Startups benefit most from Easy Start or Remote due to their flexible pricing, quick setup processes, and comprehensive support for first-time Polish market entry. These providers offer the guidance needed for companies unfamiliar with Polish employment practices.
Small companies should prioritize cost efficiency and personal attention over advanced features. Easy Start provides excellent value with dedicated support, while Remote offers better technology platforms for companies preferring self-service options.
Which provider suits medium-sized businesses?
Medium businesses should consider Deel or Bizky based on their technology preferences and existing systems. Deel integrates well with modern HR platforms, while Bizky offers more personalized relationship management.
Companies with 10-50 employees in Poland need providers that can scale services efficiently, offer bulk pricing discounts, and provide dedicated account management. Both options deliver these capabilities with different service philosophies.
What should large enterprises choose?
Large enterprises requiring sophisticated reporting, multiple country coordination, and enterprise integrations should evaluate Papaya Global primarily. Their platform handles complex organizational structures and provides the analytics needed for strategic workforce planning.
Enterprise clients should also consider Remote for their global consistency and standardized processes across multiple countries. However, they must evaluate whether standardization outweighs the benefits of localized expertise.
What should you verify before making your final choice?
Always request detailed cost breakdowns including all potential fees, review actual client references from similar company sizes, and test their customer support responsiveness during your evaluation period. Verify their legal credentials directly with Polish authorities and confirm their insurance coverage meets your risk requirements.
Schedule calls with their local teams to assess language capabilities and cultural understanding. Request sample employment contracts and compliance documentation to ensure their standards meet your expectations. Most importantly, clarify their escalation procedures and guarantee response times for urgent situations that may arise during employment relationships.