{"id":3725,"date":"2026-10-21T16:49:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T14:49:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insurancepoland.pl\/?p=3725"},"modified":"2026-10-21T16:49:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T14:49:09","slug":"klc-insurance-in-poland-is-it-the-employers-or-the-foreign-nationals-responsibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insurancepoland.pl\/en\/poradnik\/prawo-i-przepisy\/ubezpieczenie-klc-w-polsce-obowiazek-pracodawcy-czy-cudzoziemca\/","title":{"rendered":"KLC Insurance in Poland \u2013 Is It the Employer\u2019s or the Foreign National\u2019s Responsibility?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The employment of a foreign national and matters related to residence permits are two separate areas of responsibility. An employer or other payer has obligations regarding social security registration if the relevant contract serves as the basis for such registration. In turn, the foreign national is responsible for filing a residence permit application and demonstrating the required proof of coverage for medical expenses. A private KLC policy may be a required document; however, the regulations do not impose an obligation on every employer to purchase such a policy for every foreign national they employ. It is essential to first determine the type of contract, the basis for coverage, and the purpose of the document.<\/strong> Only after these determinations have been made can it be assessed whether the coverage provided through employment will be sufficient or whether it is necessary to provide separate confirmation from the insurer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n

Table of contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Who is responsible for insuring a foreign national?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The Importance of the Type of Contract<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Insurance for Residence Permits<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. When a KLC policy is useful<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. How to Check the Status Step by Step<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Who is responsible for insuring a foreign national?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The question \u201ethe employer or the foreign national?\u201d is too general, because it concerns two separate obligations. The first stems from employment and social security regulations, while the second relates to the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence and work permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With respect to an employee The employer is the entity responsible for paying contributions<\/strong>. If an employee or contractor is subject to mandatory insurance, the payer is responsible for filing the report. As a general rule, the payer has 7 days from the date the insurance obligation arises<\/strong>. However, this does not mean that the mere fact of legally performing work confirms that all formalities have been completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A distinction must be made between the establishment of the right to insurance and the actual filing of a claim. The title to the insurance policy does not in itself constitute proof of a valid filing.<\/strong> Therefore, a foreign national should obtain confirmation that the payer has fulfilled their obligations, especially when the document is to be used in residence proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One should not draw the general conclusion from these rules that the employer always purchases a private KLC policy. The provisions outlined in the documentation distinguish between the payer\u2019s reporting obligation and the obligation to demonstrate financial security in a residence permit case. The guide explains this distinction in more detail The Foreigners Act and Health Insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Importance of the Type of Contract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The type of contract determines whether the work qualifies for mandatory health insurance. The Act covers employees as well as individuals performing work under a contract of mandate or an equivalent service contract, provided they meet the criteria for social insurance coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Employment Contract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In the context of an employment relationship An employment contract constitutes a standard basis for insurance coverage<\/strong>, and the employer acts as the withholding agent. The employer is responsible for filing the required report when the obligation arises. From the foreign national\u2019s perspective, it is important not only to sign the contract but also to verify that the report has been filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Example: A foreign national begins employment under an employment contract, which serves as the basis for his or her residence application. The employer is responsible for the employer\u2019s obligations, while the foreign national is still required to file his or her own application and submit the required documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contract for Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A person performing work under a contract of mandate may also be subject to mandatory insurance if they meet the statutory requirements. Determining the insurance obligation in the case of a contract of mandate requires an analysis of the specific type of insurance coverage, rather than the name of the document itself. A detailed discussion of this situation can be found in the article Contract for Services and Health Insurance for Foreigners<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Example: A contractor submits documents regarding their residence and employment. They should determine whether their contract requires mandatory insurance, who is responsible for paying the premiums, and whether the necessary registration has been completed. They should not assume that simply starting work resolves any of these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before submitting your documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n