Publication date: 19.09.2025
Why you should check an employer before signing a contract
Signing an employment contract is an important step, so it's worth knowing how to check companies to avoid problems with pay or working conditions.
Checking your employer protects you from unfair practices, bogus job advertisements, and employment fraud. Checking the existence, reliability and solvency of a company is a fundamental component of safe recruitment.
Check entry in CEIDG and KRS — step by step
The first step is to check the company in public registers. How to check if a company is trustworthy ? Where to check a company ? For sole proprietorships and civil partnerships, use the CEIDG database (ceidg.gov.pl) by entering the name or tax identification number (NIP). For commercial companies (limited liability company, joint-stock company, limited liability company) - check the data in the National Court Register (ekrs.ms.gov.pl). This will confirm whether the company is operating legally, who its owner is and what its status is (active or in liquidation).
How to check a company in KRS ? Checking a company in the National Court Register is one of the easiest ways to check its authenticity. Simply visit ekrs.ms.gov.pl, enter the company name or KRS/NIP number and download a free up-to-date extract. It will show you whether the company is operating legally, who is on the board and what its status is – active, in liquidation or bankrupt.
Checking NIP and REGON numbers and checking VAT
The next step is how to check a company by NIP (National Taxpayer Identification Number) – simply enter the NIP in the search engine of the Central Statistical Office (GUS) (regon.stat.gov.pl) or on the website of the Ministry of Finance to confirm the REGON and taxpayer status.
Checking the VAT whitelist allows you to avoid working with a company that is in the so-called "gray zone". For B2B recruitment, it is especially important not to issue invoices to an inactive Taxpayer Identification Number (NIP). Online employee reviews and ratings – how to analyze job portals and social media checklists. It is worth checking employer reviews such as GoWork, Unsurabled, GLassdoor, and industry forums for conversations. However, remember to read reviews critically – isolated negative reviews can be the result of a personal conflict. Look for recurring problems: late payments, negative atmosphere or lack of contracts. Social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook) will help you assess how many employees a company actually employs.
Employee reviews and ratings online — how to analyze job portals and social media
In the job advertisement and contract, pay attention to:
- Type of contract (labor, commission, B2B).
- Salary amount and method of payment.
- Provisions on working hours and overtime.
- Clause on contractual penalties and non-compete obligations.
If the offer lacks basic information about the form of employment and salary, this is a red flag.
Financial employer reliability – simply check payments and history.
Want to know how to check a company for reliability and where to do it? You can:
- Check financial statements in the National Court Register (KRS) (for companies).
- Check the Judicial and Commercial Gazette (Monitor Sądowy i Gospodarczy) for bankruptcy protection.
- Ask for recommendations from other employees or contractors.
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For B2B contractors, it is also important to check whether the company is on the BIG or KRD debtor lists.
Legal and criminal issues related to the employer - where to check court decisions and lawsuits
How to check if a company exists ? You can check the company in court and enforcement registers, for example, on the e-court website or in the National Debt Register. Public databases allow you to check whether the company is involved in bankruptcy or restructuring proceedings.
What to do if you have doubts - steps before signing and after starting work
If you have doubts about the legality or terms of employment:
Ask for a template contract before signing,- Consult a lawyer or career counselor,
- If you are treated unfairly after starting work, report it to the National Labor Inspectorate (PIP) or your union.
It is better to refuse an offer early than to take the risk non-payment or legal problems.
Checking the employer before signing a contract is the basis for safe employment. Checking the data in the CEIDG and KRS (National Court Register), checking the NIP (VAT Identification Number) and VAT status, analyzing employee reviews and contract terms help avoid unfair practices and financial problems. A few minutes spent researching the company and knowing how to check the company can protect against lost wages, poor working conditions or legal problems. disputes.
FAQ
Question
How can I quickly check if a company is registered in Poland?
Answer
The easiest way is to use CEIDG (Central Registration and Business Information) for sole proprietors and civil partnerships or KRS (National Court Register) for commercial law companies. Simply enter the company name, tax identification number (NIP) or National Enterprise Register (REGON) number and check if the business status is "active."
Question
What to do if the company is not registered in the KRS/CEIDG?
Answer
The absence of a record means that the company does not exist legally or operates illegally. In such a situation, do not sign the contract and report it to the National Labor Inspectorate or consider another offer - cooperation can be risky.
Question
Are online reviews reliable?
Answer
It is worth critically analyzing reviews - individual negative comments may stem from personal conflicts. Pay attention to recurring patterns, such as complaints about unpaid wages, overtime work or harassment. Also check the company's social media.
Question
Where can I check if a company has debts to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) or the Tax Service?
Answer
You can apply for a certificate of no debts to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) or the Tax Service (US) if you are a contractor. Much information is available in the National Debt Register and the BIG database. For companies, it is worth reviewing their financial statements in the National Court Register and the Court Monitor.
Question
Can I sign a contract orally?
Answer
A verbal contract is usually valid, but it is difficult to prove. It is best to request a written form – this protects your rights, guarantees clear terms of remuneration and allows you to make claims in the event of a dispute.
Question
What steps should you take if your employer does not pay you your salary?
Answer
First, report it Legally, in writing to your employer. If there is no response, file a complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate or consider filing a claim with the Labour Court. You can also claim statutory interest for late payment.
