If you live or plan to work in Poland, understanding how social insurance works is essential.
This guide explains everything you need to know about ZUS, KRUS, registration, benefits, and practical steps — so you can stay insured and avoid confusion.

🔹 What Is ZUS?

ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) is Poland’s main social insurance institution.
It collects contributions and provides coverage for:

• Pensions (emerytury) and disability benefits (renty)

• Sickness pay and maternity/paternity leave

• Workplace accident compensation

• Access to public healthcare via the NFZ (National Health Fund)

👉 If you work under an employment contract (umowa o pracę), your employer registers you automatically.
If you are self-employed (sole trader), you must register and pay contributions yourself.

🔹 What Is KRUS?

KRUS (Kasa Rolniczego Ubezpieczenia Społecznego) is the social insurance system for farmers.
It offers lower contributions but also lower benefits and applies only to people who work in agriculture or run farms.

🔹 Who Must Be Insured?

💡 Without ZUS contributions, you may lose access to public healthcare and social benefits.

🔹 Benefits of Being Insured in Poland

• ✅ Free access to public healthcare (NFZ)

• 💊 Sickness benefit (sick pay when off work)

• 👶 Maternity and paternity benefits

• ♿ Disability pension if unable to work

• 🧾 Accident compensation and rehabilitation support

• 💰 Future pension rights

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Register for ZUS (for Expats)

Step 1 — Check if you need to register
If you’re on an employment contract, your employer handles it.
If you’re self-employed, register before issuing your first invoice.

Step 2 — Prepare required documents

• Passport or residence card

• PESEL number (if you have one)

• NIP (tax ID, for entrepreneurs)

• Proof of address

Step 3 — Choose the correct ZUS form

• 🧾 ZUA — full social + health insurance

• 💳 ZZA — health insurance only

(Forms are available at zus.pl)

Step 4 — Submit your forms

• In person at a ZUS branch

• Online via PUE ZUS (requires a Trusted Profile or e-ID)

• Through an accountant or payroll service

Step 5 — Pay contributions monthly
Rates depend on your contract type and employment form. Check deadlines carefully.

Step 6 — Use public healthcare (NFZ)
Once registered, your data appears in the national system.
At a clinic, show your PESEL or passport and they can confirm your coverage.

⚠️ Important Tips for Expats

• ✔ Ask your employer to confirm ZUS registration

• ✔ Get a PESEL number — it speeds up most administrative processes

• ✔ Keep copies of all registration documents and payment proofs

• ✔ Students: confirm whether your contract is exempt from ZUS

• ✔ Consider private insurance for faster access to specialists

💡 Quick Summary