Poland’s New Law Lets Employers Check Degrees Back 50 Years
From Jan 1, companies can request diploma verification Poland; this affects hires old and new and may carry penalties.
Poland introduced a new law on January 1, 2026 that allows employers to ask universities about qualifications. The change makes diploma verification Poland routine, and it can reach back as far as fifty years.
diploma verification Poland: what employers can do now
The law lets any company contact a university and request confirmation of a degree. Consequently, human resources departments will run deeper checks. Moreover, employers can examine records going back decades. However, universities must balance privacy with transparency. In addition, firms must state reasons for checks in writing. Therefore candidates should expect questions even for senior roles.
Why this matters for expats and long-term residents
Many foreign nationals hold degrees from their home countries. Consequently, employers may seek original documents or official recognition. Moreover, Poland uses nostrification to recognise foreign qualifications. In addition, you might need certified translations and an apostille. Therefore keep your diploma, transcript, and translations ready.
Legal risks and potential penalties
The new rules penalise falsified documents. Consequently, presenting a fake degree could trigger fines and criminal charges. Moreover, the law allows prosecutors to pursue cases that involve fraud. However, authorities still need to prove intent to deceive. In addition, penalties may include jail time in the most serious cases. Therefore honest candidates should cooperate with verifications.
How this will change hiring and HR practices
Recruiters will add verification steps to onboarding. Consequently, hiring may take longer. Moreover, firms will keep audit trails and consents on file. In addition, companies often check education alongside tax and social contributions. Therefore expect checks that relate to ZUS (social insurance) and tax records. However, employers cannot access health details from NFZ (public health fund) without consent.
Universities still hold original records. Consequently, they play a central role in confirming credentials. Moreover, older archives may require staff retrieval and fees. In addition, personal data laws still apply. Therefore employers must obtain candidate consent before contacting schools. However, the law makes contact easier than before.
Practical steps for foreign workers
First, request digital scans of your diploma and transcripts. Moreover, ask your awarding institution for an official statement if possible. In addition, prepare certified translations of documents. Therefore provide consent forms when employers request verification. However, consult a lawyer if you face accusations of fraud.
Finally, this reform aims to improve trust in the labour market. Consequently, honest workers benefit from clearer standards. Moreover, employers gain confidence in candidate credentials. However, the change also raises privacy and administrative questions that you should address early.
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