Avoid Job Scams in Poland: How to Check an Agency in KRAZ
Fake job offers in Poland are common. Learn how to check an employment agency in the KRAZ register, spot red flags and why you should never pay for a job.
The safest way to avoid job scams in Poland is simple: check the agency in the official KRAZ register (stor.praca.gov.pl), never pay for a job or a work permit, and never start work without a written contract. Legal agencies do not charge candidates, and only Polish authorities can issue permits or visas.
Key takeaways
- Every employment agency must be in the KRAZ register (Krajowy Rejestr Agencji Zatrudnienia).
- Agencies may not charge candidates for job placement.
- Work permit and declaration fees are paid by the employer, not by you.
- Nobody can guarantee a visa – only the consulate decides.
- Keep your passport with you; an employer has no right to hold it.
How to check an agency in KRAZ – step by step
- Ask the agency for its KRAZ number, full company name and NIP (tax number).
- Open the official register: stor.praca.gov.pl.
- Search by company name, NIP or KRAZ number.
- Check that:
- the agency is active,
- the name and address match what the recruiter told you,
- the register includes the right type of service (for example temporary work or job placement abroad).
- Compare the contact details on the official company website with the person writing to you.
If the agency is not in KRAZ, or the details do not match, do not continue.
Red flags – signs of a scam
| Red flag | Why it is dangerous |
|---|---|
| You must pay for a “job”, “contract” or “visa slot” | Agencies may not charge candidates |
| “Guaranteed visa” or “100% approval” | Only the consulate decides |
| Recruiter only on WhatsApp/Telegram, no company details | Impossible to verify |
| Pay far above normal for a simple job | Bait to collect payments |
| “Come on a tourist visa, we fix papers later” | Tourist visas never allow work |
| No written contract before start | Illegal work, no insurance |
| Employer wants to keep your passport | Illegal and a sign of exploitation |
| Pressure: “Pay today or lose the place” | Classic scam tactic |
| Documents with errors, strange logos or fake stamps | Possible forged permit |
Know the legal basics
Knowing a few facts makes scams easier to spot:
- Work permits are applied for by the employer only online through praca.gov.pl. The fee (200–800 zł) is paid by the employer. Read work permit in Poland 2026.
- Declarations (oświadczenie) are only for citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. If someone sells a declaration to a Georgian, Indian or Nepali citizen, it is not legal.
- Tourist (01) and visit (02) visas and visas from other Schengen countries do not allow work in Poland.
- The minimum wage in 2026 is 4,806 zł gross per month or 31.40 zł per hour.
- The employer must sign a written contract with you before you start, with a translation, and send a copy to the office.
How to verify a work permit
If you receive a work permit or declaration, ask the employer:
- for the case number and the office that issued it,
- to confirm details by phone using a number from the official company website.
You can also contact the voivodeship office or local labour office (PUP) that issued the document. Do not travel or pay anything until you are sure the document is real.
Safe practices before you travel
- Search the company name online together with words like “scam” or “opinion”.
- Ask for the draft contract before travelling and get it translated.
- Ask about accommodation costs and other deductions in writing.
- Never send money via crypto, gift cards or personal transfers to recruiters.
- Share your passport scan only with verified employers.
- Save all messages, emails and receipts.
If something goes wrong
- Stop paying immediately.
- Save evidence – screenshots, bank transfers, phone numbers.
- Report it to the police in Poland or in your country.
- Contact the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP – Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy) if you work in Poland without a contract or are not paid.
- Ask for advice from the government helpline Zielona Linia.
Choose transparent agencies
A trustworthy agency shows its KRAZ number, NIP and office address, explains the contract clearly and does not take money from you. To understand the contract types you may be offered, see employment contracts in Poland. If you are planning your visa, read the Poland work visa guide.
Register safely
JobPartner is free for candidates. Create your profile and let registered agencies contact you. We never ask candidates for payments and we do not promise jobs or visas. See also our legalization overview.
FAQ
How do I check if a Polish employment agency is legal?
Search for it in the official KRAZ register of employment agencies (stor.praca.gov.pl). A legal agency has a KRAZ number, a company tax number (NIP) and a real office address.
Should I pay an agency to get a job in Poland?
No. Employment agencies in Poland may not charge candidates for finding them a job. Fees for work permits and declarations are paid by the employer.
Is a job offer with a guaranteed visa real?
No one except the Polish consulate can decide on a visa. Offers that guarantee a visa in exchange for money are a strong sign of fraud.
What should I do if I was scammed?
Stop paying, keep all messages and payment confirmations, and report the case to the police. You can also contact the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) or the government helpline Zielona Linia.
This article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change – check the current rules on gov.pl or ask our recruiter.