From what age can you work?
In Poland, you can legally work from the age of 15, provided you have finished primary school and have a medical certificate confirming that the work won’t harm your health. If you are between 15 and 18, you are considered a young employee, which means additional protection but also specific restrictions regarding working hours and duties.
How can you earn money at 16? Children under 16 may only earn money in exceptional situations, mainly in artistic, cultural, sports, or advertising fields, and only after obtaining parental and official approval. Typical jobs in shops, restaurants, or warehouses before your 16th birthday are not allowed.
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What work rules apply to 16-year-olds?
At 16, you can work up to 8 hours a day, but this limit includes time spent at school. During the school year, your weekly working hours are further restricted so as not to interfere with your studies or cause exhaustion.
You cannot work at night or do overtime. Only so-called light work is allowed—jobs that are not dangerous, don’t require heavy physical effort, and don’t hinder your development. The employer must have a list of light jobs and match your duties to it.
Where can you work at 16?
The most job offers for 16-year-olds are in retail, gastronomy, services, and simple seasonal work. These are usually auxiliary positions that you can combine with school and that don’t require experience—perfect for getting started.
These are often part-time jobs: during the holidays, weekends, or for a few hours after classes. This way, you can earn your own money, learn teamwork, and find out if a particular sector suits you.
Example workplaces for 16-year-olds
- Shops and shopping malls – stocking shelves, tidying shelves, helping with inventory.
- Gastronomy – kitchen help, dishwashing, cleaning the dining area, preparing simple meals.
- Seasonal jobs – picking fruit and vegetables, gardening work, tidying up recreational areas.
- Leaflets and events – distributing leaflets, assisting at events, hostessing.
- Neighborhood services – pet care, watering plants, small cleaning jobs for neighbors.
How to earn money at 16 – not just in traditional jobs
More and more teenagers are making money not only through traditional jobs, but also online. If you’re good with a computer, you can look for simple graphic design gigs, edit short videos, create social media content, or help with basic websites.
Tutoring younger students is also a good way to earn – if, for example, you’re good at English, math or chemistry, you can help local kids with their studies. When taking online commissions, it’s a good idea to ask your parents for help with formalities to make sure everything is legal.
Ways for 16-year-olds to earn extra money
- Simple graphic design projects for local businesses.
- Editing reels and short videos for TikTok, YouTube or Instagram.
- Tutoring in subjects you’re good at.
- Running social media for a small business.
Work as a courier with the Stuart app
Working with Stuart through the certified partner Avalon Logistics Group is a smart choice for those who want to focus on driving instead of paperwork. The fleet partner handles the formalities, tax settlements, social insurance (ZUS), and contracts, while you simply make deliveries and receive your pay every week. Additionally, Avalon offers support in several languages, help with registering on the Stuart app, constant contact with the team, and access to a fleet of rental vehicles—from e-bikes, through scooters, to cars—so you can get started even if you don’t have your own means of transport.
From a courier’s perspective, it’s also important that Stuart values flexibility and transparent rules—you pick your own working hours, benefit from weekly payments, and increase your earnings thanks to bonuses, competitions, and higher rates during rush hours. Combining these conditions with Avalon’s resources (Spirit24, technical support, perks like the MultiSport card or fuel discounts) creates a safe working environment, also for young couriers from age 16, who have parental consent and want to enter the job market in a controlled manner. Learn more in the article: Best Stuart Fleet Partner.
Jobs for Youth 16+ – a quick comparison
| Type of job | Where to look? | Best for whom? |
|---|---|---|
| Shop / shopping mall | Retail chains, local stores | For communicative people who like interacting with others |
| Gastronomy | Bars, cafes, restaurants | For energetic people who can handle a fast pace |
| Seasonal work | Employment agencies, local ads | For physically fit people who enjoy working outdoors |
| Leafleting, events, hostessing | Event agencies, classified ad portals | For outgoing and open-minded people |
| Online work (graphics, video) | Job portals, recommendations from friends | For creative people who like working with computers |
Summary – how to start wisely?
At 16, you can legally work, but within certain limits: a maximum of 8 hours a day, no night shifts, no overtime, and only in jobs considered light work. The easiest way to start is with simple tasks in a shop, gastronomy, seasonal work, or small online gigs that will let you figure out what you really enjoy doing.
Before signing any contract, talk with your parents and ask about pay, schedule, breaks, and your duties. This way, your first job will not only be a way to earn your own money but also a safe and smooth entry into professional adult life.
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