Are criminal background checks allowed in Poland?
In Poland, background checks are strictly regulated under the Labour Code and national data protection laws. Employers must follow clear legal guidelines on the type of personal information that can be collected during the hiring process.
What Information Can Be Collected
Employers are permitted to request the following personal data from candidates or employees, provided it is relevant to the job:
Full name
Date of birth
Contact information (as provided by the candidate)
Education details
Professional qualifications
Employment history
Any other personal information, including background screening data, can only be collected if:
It is explicitly required by law, or
It is necessary for the position and the candidate has freely given consent
Criminal Record Checks: Not Permitted in Most Cases
Employers cannot request information about a candidate's or employee’s criminal convictions or offenses, unless there is a specific legal basis. This includes:
Certain financial sector roles governed under laws such as the Act of 12 April 2018
Specific regulated professions of public trust, such as:
Teachers
Police and security personnel
Government officials
Other roles defined by statute
For most private-sector roles, including those employed through Horizons as an EOR provider, criminal background checks are not legally allowed. This applies regardless of whether the client requests it or the employee consents.
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article